The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area agreed at its March 2026 Board meeting to support the “Shine the Light” activity of the Beacon for Democracy.
The second pillar of League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative is “Public Mobilization and Coalition Building.” The initiative calls for Leagues to act locally and raise our voices with other local groups to “Defend Democracy.” Many League members have done just that by participating in “No Kings” rallies, like the one coming up on March 28.
Another choice to raise our voices locally is Beacon for Democracy. Begun in New York City in January, Beacon has more that 1,000 members in New York and throughout the country. The effort was organized to bring together people “of all faiths and secular backgrounds who feel called to stand with those facing injustice." The Beacon responds to the questions, “What can I do now?”
In 2025 the congregation of the Cooperstown Presbyterian Church joined Beacon for Democracy. Since last spring, church members and friends have been gathering each Thursday in front of the Cooperstown Post Office carrying signs as part of Beacon’s “Shine the Light Project.” Currently the group meets at 4 p.m. on Thursdays at the Post Office. The LWV of the Cooperstown Area encourages all members who would like to “do something now” to show up with a sign that expresses their concerns.
Here are a few of the sign topics at Shine the Light on the Beacon for Democracy website:
Democracy Is a Verb—Let’s Act Like It • Dignity For All Asylum Seekers •Diversity Makes Us Stronger • Honk If You Love Democracy • Elections Are Not For Sale • Equal Justice For All • Facts Still Matter • I Believe In The Constitution
Don’t have a sign? No worries—the local “Beacons” have plenty to share.
The message of the Beacons is: “Let’s prevent despair from becoming our dominant emotion and instead find inspiration in small powerful acts of coming together.” If you agree and want a way to express your concern beyond letter-writing, consider joining other Beacons and League members on Thursdays to Shine a Light.
Learn more about Beacon for Democracy on its website. Learn more about the League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 on the LWVUS web site.
