The League of Women Voters of South Carolina (LWVSC) continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all communications and statewide meetings.
Leading up to the 2024 LWVUS Convention, our federated organizations adopted an updated DEI Policy, wherein the League reinforce our commitment to “fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well.”
On a state level, DEI remained central to our agenda, with dedicated Minutes for DEI at all state board meetings and continued to share relevant resources through our website, the DEI Director extended and accepted invitations to present at local league meetings on the importance of being “Woke,” and other platforms.
Thus, our commitment extended beyond discussions to tangible actions throughout the state of South Carolina. Over the past 24 months, LWVSC members organized voter registration events, educational forums, and provided a myriad of voter services in fulfilling our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy through a DEI lens.
From addressing recent state legislative proposals, such as the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act,” to participating on a state, local, and national level, in the "Hands Off!" movement, and defending the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), these efforts took place in diverse virtual and in-person settings—including high schools, colleges, public housing communities, churches, fairs, recreation centers, candidate forums, at county buildings, the state capitol, even our nation’s capital, and other community venues—to ensure broad access and engagement amongst the electorate.
To take a step back, at the 2023 LWVSC Convention, the Board presented an inaugural DEI Award and honored a local league for their commitment to DEI. We look forward to continuing the same in the 2025 LWVSC Convention as we continue our efforts in “Forging the Future” of our democracy.
~Hannah E. Parker
LWVSC 2023-2025 Director, DEI
