LWVUS Releases Unite and Rise 8.5 Power Playbook 2

LWVUS Releases Unite and Rise 8.5 Power Playbook 2

Unite and Rise 8.5
Type: 
Blog Post

In May 2025, LWVUS launched the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. Unite and Rise 8.5 showcases the many ways voters can drive change, including through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement. The initiative is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign.

On July 29th, 2025, League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart shared LWV's second power playbook, a comprehensive activation guide that outlines the different calls to action and activities Leagues can participate in over the next few months. League members can access the second power playbook now on the League Management website.

Playbook 2 actions are summarized in the last section of this blog article.

Unite and Rise 8.5

The initiative takes a multifaceted approach:

    • Legal & Policy Advocacy - Challenge unconstitutional actions through litigation, advocate for electoral integrity reforms at state and federal levels, fight voter suppression, and protect due process.
    • Public Mobilization & Coalition Building - Turn out millions for quick activations and longer-planned activist campaigns, uplift local voices, and partner with grassroots, national, and international organizations.
    • Civic Education & Engagement - Launch large-scale public awareness campaigns, expand voter registration and turnout efforts, host educational forums, connect policy to real-life impact, and equip people with tools to act.
    • Democracy Resilience - Build lasting infrastructure to protect democratic values and institutions for the long haul.

Commitment Form

In late June, 2025, LWV launched the Unite and Rise Commitment Form to identify who’s ready to stand with the League of Women Voters — in person or virtually — as we prepare for future mobilizations. By signing, individuals commit to supporting the movement and will receive focused updates every 90 days. No spam, no unrelated emails — just the information they need to take action when it matters most. 

This form is open to everyone who believes in our mission — not just League members — but we hope every League member will be among the first to sign and share. Here’s how you can help: 

    • Sign the form yourself if you haven’t already. 
    • Share it widely — with your networks, on social media, in newsletters, and in conversations. 
    • Encourage others to do the same. 

Together, we can build a movement that’s ready to rise when the moment calls. Let’s make sure no one is left out. 

Power Playbook 2 - Actions for August through October, 2025

Advocacy

      • Medicaid - Take action in your community to protect Medicaid funding.
      • ICE Funding - Push back against the increase of funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
      • Voting Rights Act - Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by taking action to protect voting rights.
      • Budget Process - Share LWV's blog that outlines the budget process and how it impacts communities nationwide.

Action Opportunities

      • Fall for Democracy - Sign and share LWV's updated Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) action alert.
      • Congressional Outreach - Engage your members of Congress during recess with LWV's updated guide.
      • Celebrate Constitution Day - share Constitution Day graphics online. Pledge to yourself to read (or re-read) the US Constitution that day. It isn't that long! The original document consists of four pages. The full Consitution is approximately 7,500 words including the amendments.

Democracy Resilience

      • Fight for the wellness of our democracy! Check out LWV's daily democracy practice toolkit for small ways people can engage in resistance and protect our democracy.

Civic Education & Engagement

      • Check our local "Unite & Rise" web page (under the "GET INVOLVED" menu item) for local Delaware protest opportunities and events.
      • Elevate LWV's Unite & Rise 8.5 initiative during civic holidays.
      • Follow LWVDE and LWVUS on social media...
        • LWVDE social media handles: 
            • @lwvde.bsky.social on Bluesky. @lwvde on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.
        • LWVUS handles:
            • Bluesky: @lwvus.bsky.social
            • Facebook: League of Women Voters
            • Instagram: @leagueofwomenvoters
            • LinkedIn: League of Women Voters
            • Threads: @leagueofwomenvoters
            • TikTok: @LWVUS

Join the League!

There's never been a better time to join the League of Women Voters. Get more information and click the JOIN link under one of our Delaware local Leagues, or simply go to the LWV Membership Portal to get started.

 

League to which this content belongs: 
Delaware