Unite and Rise 8.5: Empowering Voters for Change
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending
democracy. One of its key initiatives, Unite and Rise 8.5, is a powerful program aimed at strengthening civic
engagement, increasing voter participation, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the democratic process.
Mission and Purpose
Unite and Rise 8.5 is an advocacy program designed to build coalition support for voting rights and increase voter
education, especially in communities that have historically faced barriers to participation. The "8.5" in the title
symbolizes a goal of reaching 8.5 million voters across the nation, focusing on underrepresented populations such as
communities of color, young voters, and people with disabilities. The program’s mission is to break down systemic barriers that discourage voter participation. This includes addressingissues like voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and voter purges, while also providing resources and support for voter registration and education. Through local partnerships, outreach campaigns, and direct voter assistance, Unite and Rise 8.5 aims to ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in elections with confidence and ease.
Impact and Importance
Since its inception, Unite and Rise 8.5 has played a critical role in fostering a more inclusive democracy. By focusing on
underrepresented communities and providing them with the tools they need to participate in the democratic process,
the program helps to ensure that elections reflect the will of the people, not just the powerful few. Ultimately, the
initiative seeks to create a more equitable and responsive government, where every citizen has an equal opportunity to
shape the future of their country. Unite and Rise 8.5 continues to be a cornerstone of the League of Women Voters' broader mission to make democracy work for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. By empowering voters, the program is not just changing elections—it’s changing lives.
Please consider joining this important effort by visiting this link. http://www.lwv.org/uniteandrise
