We've established a demographic baseline from our semi-annual survey. As of June 30, 2022 our local boards were composed of :
- 135 members
- People of Color: 33 (24.4%)
- Under Age 50: 17 (12.6%)
With our State Board Composition (13 members or 24.3%); 36 are people of color, and 19 (12.8%) are under age 50.
In this month’s League Update, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner reminds us that Monday, October 10 is Indigenous People’s Day. While the day provides us all with space to honor Native Americans and share an accurate history of our nation, it is critical that we take informed action and amplify not only Native Americans — but Native history — every day.
Whether it is incorporating land acknowledgments into your local League events or learning more about local tribes and tribal resources, I encourage you all to create space for ongoing education and action. Leagues can find helpful resources and recorded webinars around partnering with Native American communities on the League Management Site.
As an example, the LWV of Lansing Area in Michigan was inspired by Michigan State University’s land acknowledgement. They worked to change this acknowledgement to apply to their area.
An acknowledgement could look like any of the following:
- “We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the _________ People.”
- “I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the _______ People, and pay my respect to elders both past and present.”
- “I want to respectfully acknowledge the ________ People, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.”
- “We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the occupied/unceded/ seized territory of the _______ People.”
- “I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are in _____, the ancestral and unceded territory of the ________ People. "
Starting this year, the LWV of Lansing Area in Michigan incorporated their acknowledgement into every presentation they delivered to their community.
As an organization, when we say we want to work on this, then I have to demonstrate it. Then we have to demonstrate it… Whatever you do. it needs to be intentional.
