LWVUS POSITION IN BRIEF |
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LWV-W anti-racism COMMITMENTThe League of Women Voters of Wilmette is committed to listening, to educating ourselves, and to taking action to become anti-racist, in order to help fight racism in our own Village, surrounding suburbs, and the City of Chicago.
news AND latest developmentsVillage Board Considers Future of Commissions
At its July 30 meeting, the Village Board Administration Committee indicated their intention to recommend to the full Village Board the reinstatement of the Housing and Human Relations Commissions. The Committee will also recommend what the charters and composition of each commission should be. A video recording of the meeting is available here. As outlined in our letter to the committee, the League supports reinstating both commissions and seeing them appropriately chartered to tackle the pressing issues of affordable housing and make Wilmette a more welcoming and inclusive community. Additional comment from community members can be found in the July 30th meeting packet. Our Message to the Wilmette Park Board
On July 12, LWV-W made a public comment to the Park Board of Commissioners encouraging them to make a public statement affirming their commitment to the diversity and inclusion values of Wilmette as well as reviewing their mission statement, expanding it to include people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Further we suggested they review their policies to ensure they support an expanded mission. Working In Our Village: Village Board
In response to the Wilmette Board of Trustees message to the community , we are advocating for the demonstration of values through concrete action, including reinstating the Housing Commission to accelerate efforts in creating substantial amounts of permanently affordable housing in Wilmette. Walking for Justice, Registering Voters
LWV-W members registered voters and joined with community members to stand in solidarity against racism at the Wake Up Wilmette March Against Racism on June 13th and at rallies in Winnetka and Evanston on June 6th and 7th. We plan to attend future events to help ensure every eligible citizen is able to exercise their right to vote. Contact Jen Manning to learn how you can help. |
anti-racism resourcesMember Resources: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The LWV-US is beginning to shift the culture of the League by developing and implementing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy. To educate League members, they have made myriad trainings and webinars available working with diverse partnerships and striving to become more thoughtful allies. How To Be A Good Ally At Protests
Good allies follow the lead of impacted people and use their privilege to help support impacted people’s goals and protect those who are vulnerable. Good allies do not take it personally or get offended when told that their help is not needed or wanted. Good allies show up and make themselves available to help where it's needed. Read more advice from the League of Women Voters of the United States. "White Fragility" Presentation
On June 12, Family Action Network presented a virtual discussion with Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility: Why Is It So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism." Dr. DiAngelo was interviewed by Dr. Marcus Campbell, Assistant Superintendent and Principal at Evanston Township High School. Thank you to FAN for making this valuable presentation available. How Can You Work for Racial Justice In Our Community?
In a recent letter, LWV Illinois and former LWV Wilmette President Allyson Haut, outlined suggestions for working for racial justice in our own community. Read Allyson's letter here. Anti-racism Reading List
As an initial step in the education process, we offer a few compilations of recommended reading lists: |
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Presentation Available
Know Your Local GovernmentThe LWVW has put together a short presentation to test our knowledge of our local government and answer some commonly asked questions. We presented this information to our membership on January 29th and want to make it available to members who were not able to attend and to the public. Members of the Community Engagement and Education action focus team are available to give this interactive presentation to community groups who might be interested. Please contact Kate Gjaja if you would like to discuss having the LWVW come to inform your group and answer questions about our local government.
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