Unite and Rise 8.5: A Campaign to Defend Democracy
What is the Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign?
Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration. Launching in May 2025 and running until the 2026 midterm elections, this initiative is part of our Women Defend Democracy campaign.
Why is the Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign necessary?
On April 17, LWV CEO Celina Stewart and President Dianna Wynn released the following statement:
“It has now been 87 days since the start of the Trump administration. From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back home, one thing is abundantly clear: our country is in a constitutional crisis.
"We the people must fight back. That is why the League of Women Voters is launching a powerful new initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5.”
The League defines a Constitutional Crisis as:
When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.
How Can You Make Change?
Unite and Rise 8.5 will fight for our democracy on multiple fronts, from the courts to the streets. More actions will be outlined in the future, but as of today, here are a few you can take:
- Sign the pledge to Commit to Unite & Rise 8.5
- Protect democracy: Tell your Senators to oppose the anti-voter SAVE Act;
- Tell Congress not to gut crucial programs like Medicaid;
- Raise your voice about illegal deportations: join mobilizations around immigrant rights and due process with organizations like the National Partnership for New Americans, United We Dream, and others;
- “Turn Up the Heat” on elected officials: Connect directly with your representatives on the issues that matter via Town Halls and other opportunities
- Act locally: Join local organizations like your state or local League to act on the issues that matter in your community.
The Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign is part of the "Women Defend Democracy" initiative.
Through the “Women Defend Democracy” campaign, the League will work to:
- Provide Democracy Education & Election Administration Support
- Restore and Defend Voting Rights Protections
- Abolish the Electoral College
- Protect Democracy Organizations & Institutions
- Fight for Reproductive Freedoms
League of Women Voters is well-positioned to defend attacks on democracy in the coming months and years. Together, we believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
