The Newsletter of Charlotte Women's March
Volume 4 Number 3
October 2019
“The greatest threats to democracy
are comfort and apathy”
T. Rafael Ciminino
In terms of elections, this is considered an “off year” as there are no state-wide elections and the big 2020 campaigns are just beginning to roar. Therefore and unfortunately, the majority of folks tend to overlook this phase of the election cycle.
Our quote reminds us that while we’re surrounded by an abundance of comfort, too many folks – unfortunately – have helped create an abundance of apathy. Comfort and apathy: two huge threats to our democratic way of life. Just look at international news and you can see how fragile democracies can become. It’s more important than ever to protect our own government, right now and right here and – quite literally – in our own back yards.Voting can allow us to do so.
Early voting has begun. You know what to do between now and November 5!
In this brief edition, you’ll find wise words from Co-President Laura Meier; a photo and short piece about the enthusiastic September kick-off of the 2020 Women United March’s planning committee; one last shout out for the logo design contest for CWM’s new name to be unveiled January 1; and a notice about the “2019 Women Elected to Office” event scheduled for December 12. Such good stuff!
Co-Presidents’ Message
Why Local Elections Are So Important
Since the 2016 election, we have seen a surge of women as candidates and as elected officials. Now that we’re in the midst of our local election season, it’s never been more important to support local candidates, and especially women candidates. And by support, we at CWM are asking you to become involved with Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts: making phone calls, canvassing, writing letters to non-registered voters, and working the polls on election day. Posting on social media is also a wonderful way to help spread the word as is donating to your favorite candidates. Please know your actions are going to help get the candidates elected. A low turn-out is predicted, which means a very small percentage of our population will be deciding on who sits on Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board.
Why are local elections so important?
City Council is the policy-making body of the city. City-provided services include police and fire protection, garbage and sanitation, among other key public services. City Council members also have a hand in selecting candidates for boards and commissions within the city, including planning and zoning, airport and redevelopment.
Our school board is trusted with the education of thousands of Charlotte children – enough said! YOU can make a difference by getting more people out to vote and by contacting your favorite local candidates by visiting their websites.
Remember, you can register AND vote at the same time during early voting. Early voting locations in Mecklenburg county can be found HERE . Early voting started October 16 at Hal Marshall Center, and starts at regional locations on October 21. You can check your voter registration in Mecklenburg County HERE .
And at 6:30 p.m. on December 12th at the Levine Museum of the New South, please join us as we celebrate those women who get elected to office. We’re co-sponsoring with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Queen City Metropolitan Chapter, League of Women Voters of Charlotte Mecklenburg and the newly formed Queens of Charlotte Mecklenburg. Event details to follow.
Don’t forget: Every vote counts! Elections can be won by only one vote! Vote and get everyone else you can to do so, too!
Laura Meier, Co-President, Charlotte Women’s
Save the Date
Women United March
January 25, 2020
Enthusiastic planning begins: Thirty-five womenand men gathered at the home of CWM Co-President Laura Meier on September 19 to work through the planning of the 2020 March. The 2020 Women United March (WUM) co-chairs Atreece Bailey of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Queen City Metropolitan Chapter, and our own Becca Bernstein, former Communications support for the CWM welcomed the passionate volunteers and discussed upcoming plans.
Mark your calendars: From 11am – 3pm on January 25, 2020, please join thousands of others who will march with passion to highlight pressing issues affecting women in our region. The march begins at First Ward Park where you’ll be inspired by our knowledgeable speakers and meet representatives at the booths of organizations supporting our causes. It’s an uplifting, community-building experience you won’t want to miss. And a visual reminder to our community of issues not to be ignored!
More opportunities will be available: First, mark your 2020 calendars with this date, time and location for this powerful experience, and look for upcoming volunteer details and featured speakers at the Women United March website HERE . As Mary Shelley penned in 19th C. England, “Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
Enthusiastic planning begins: Thirty-five women and men gathered at the home of CWM Co-President Laura Meier on September 19 to work through the planning of the 2020 March. The 2020 Women United March (WUM) co-chairs Atreece Bailey of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Queen City Metropolitan Chapter, and our own Becca Bernstein, former Communications support for the CWM, welcomed the passionate volunteers and discussed upcoming plans.
Last Call for Logo Contest
Submissions Accepted Through October 31
As we march toward 2020, we’re changing our name and logo to better reflect who we are. CWM seeks to raise awareness and galvanize action on equity for ALL women with a focus on our local community. For more details on the logo contest, go HERE , and please forward this information to your activist and artistic friends and colleagues!
“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it!”
Susan B. Anthony
Mary Tunstall Staton, editor, gratefully acknowledges the strategic assistance of
Beth Davis and graphic talents of Rachel Hewitt.