Lower Cape Fear DEI Activities and Initiatives

Lower Cape Fear DEI Activities and Initiatives

DEI Updates from LWV of the Lower Cape Fear

June 2020- March 2021

Policy and Publication

  • See what’s new on the website! Adopted LWVUS policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Jan 2021)
  • Adopted tribal land acknowledgment of Waccamaw Siouan and indigenous peoples of the Lower Cape Fear (Feb 2021)
  • League members made acknowledgements of league history, voter equity, women’s issues, and other DEI aspects covered in news and media outlets, including, but not limited to: Star News and Observer, WWAY, WECT, WILMA magazine, BBC

Direct and Indirect Action

  • Good news!!—We made a difference! Hugh McCrae park has now been renamed Long Leaf Park two weeks after the community gathered for peaceful protest. LWVLCF made a speech and registered voters at the event
  • Many League members and the chapter have signed on to various petitions to advocate for positive change in the area of DEI in the Lower Cape Fear 
  • LCF members responded to several calls to action, contacting legislators to make policies fair and equitable

League Operations  

  • Creation of internal DEI taskforce to look at how to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive league
  • Began pilot of DEI Fundamentals series using the LWVUS program guides (due to complete pilot May 2021)
  • Representation from our chapter on the state DEI committee

Community Programs and Collaborations

  • Hosted hot topics with themes and messages consistent with our values and commitment to DEI (Medicaid Expansion, Cultural Reset with Chief Williams, Fighting Crime by Keeping Kids in School - Ben David, Building Resilience, etc)
  • Amplified the messages and programs of community partners, participated in community events (NHC Resiliency Taskforce, NAACP, YWCA, etc). Events include, but were not limited to: Souls to the Polls, voter registrations, YWCA 21 day Challenge, Vote Equality Southern Bus Tour, etc)
  • Invested in youth engagement by offering college internships and increasing younger representation in our membership
  • Held a formal recognition of contributions from local notable women, portrait unveiling ceremony Oct 2020 
Below is the acknowledgment of tribal lands. It was developed by community partners at the YWCA Lower Cape Fear and members of the Waccamaw Siouan tribe, who encouraged other organizations to adopt. 
 

Ancestral Land Acknowledgement:

The LWV of the Lower Cape Fear serves the people located within the Lower Cape Fear region. This land once thrived with life from Indigenous peoples, known today as the Cape Fear Indians and the Waccamaw Siouan Indian People. Living in established settlements along the Cape Fear River and Lake Waccamaw, along with many other established sites in the region. We need to protect and honor the history of these places.  

Indigenous people are not relics of the past, they are still here continuing to demonstrate their talents and gifts amidst a backdrop of ongoing colonialism and oppression.  They are worth celebrating. We hope our land acknowledgement statement will inspire others to stand with us in solidarity with native nations.