For Immediate Release

Contacts:

Geri Pawelski • geripawelski [at] gmail.com • 574-621-0121
Elizabeth A. Bennion • ebennion [at] iusb.edu  • 574-520-4128

Oletha Jones Selected as Making Democracy Work Award Recipient by League of Women Voters

Oletha Jones of South Bend has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Making Democracy Work Award presented by the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area.

The award will be presented at the League's annual Friend-Raiser event scheduled for October 22 at 6 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of South Bend, 801 E. Washington Street, South Bend.

The event will kick off the South Bend Area League's centennial celebrations and will feature light refreshments, a silent auction, and a short program. Entertainment will be provided by the percussion group Drumananda, featuring Vinnie Carrasco and founder Jaquee Dickey. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

The annual League of Women Voters Making Democracy Work Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to our community through the advancement of democracy and civic engagement. Jones was elected to the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees in 2018. She served as education chair for the South Bend NAACP for 14 years and was a founding member of Community Action for Education (CAFÉ).

Judy Bradford, the local League's Director of Administration says: "Oletha is an example of an officeholder who continues to uphold important democratic principles even after becoming part of 'the system.'  She calls for transparency - and has faith in her community to understand complexities and weigh in on tough decisions, especially when those decisions are related to the education of our youth." 

League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League never endorses a political party or candidates. Membership is open to men and women of all ages. The League will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020 and with over 800 affiliates across the country is one of the nation’s most trusted organizations.

For more information about the League of Women Voters Making Democracy Work Award or the Friend-Raiser event, contact Kathy Platt, 574-276-4688, or visit www.lwvsouthbend.org.

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