Letter to Members from LWVFL President, Cecile Scoon

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News

Conversations with Cecile

Dear League Members,

What does it mean when you stop believing in your ability to make a difference in the things that affect your life and the lives of those that you hold most dear? How does that change the way that you engage with the world and the way that you engage in civic matters like daring to think that your vote counts? For many of us in the League, trying to address these questions is the beginning of trying to connect citizens with their government. It is our attempt to build pathways from disbelief in civic power to being brave enough to know each one of us does matter and collectively we can make a difference.

For many citizens, there is a sense that no one hears their voices or that no one in power is working on their problems leading people to forgo their opportunity to vote. Many simply think a long the lines of "why should I care" and "why should I invest the time and energy in this civic arena when there are so many other areas of life that demand my attention."

When League members reach out at tabling events and connect with other grassroots organizations, host forums where different viewpoints are expressed, talk eye to eye with people and share how their votes impact selecting school board members that decide which books their children can read, we are doing that foundational work of creating a belief in a system of participating in our democracy. When we hold forums on difficult topics like the right to choose, or gun safety and try to present a full-sided discussion on the critical issues that impact us individually and as a community, we are starting to build up those pathways to believe in civic engagement.

When we address this skepticism about voting, we are addressing behaviors and beliefs that may have evolved as a sense of protection against the outside world. Our work is an antidote to feeling powerless and hidden away. Our work can be the beginning of a sense of well-being and strength in the world that can help lift isolation and a sense of futility. Our work has the powerful potential to turn Dr. Seuss's “Horton Hears a Who” story into a reality that when we all vote and express ourselves, we can be heard.

We must remind ourselves about the cosmic power of our voter engagement work. We are in the business of rebuilding the trust in our democracy and in renewing citizens’ beliefs in their own power and agency. We are in the business of re-laying the brick and mortar that makes up the foundation of our democracy. Our efforts are critical. Our efforts are life-changing. Our work is challenging and can be daunting, but every bit of it matters! For every party to the poll event, for every educational/voter registration event in a community center, synagogue, or church, we are leveraging our trusted brand to welcome people into the hurly-burly world of our democracy. We are guardians of the flame of civic involvement! I am grateful for each one of you for your commitment and efforts. I thank you for your amazing work! Together, all of us are making a difference.

In League,