anti-racism commitment
The 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 eliminate racism in our own Village, the Chicago area, and beyond.
The League of Women Voters acknowledges the hard truths of our organization's past history of racism. When the League was founded in 1920, we were not welcoming to the women of color, who stood with us on the front lines of the suffrage movement. We recognize our shortcomings and that our organization has more work to do. Read a statement from our CEO, Virginia Kase Solomon, on facing the League's hard truths here.
At its 2020 national convention, the League of Women Voters of the United States passed a resolution reaffirming its stance against systemic racism. For more information on the 2020 Resolutions Committee Report” from the LWV-US click here.
The League of Women Voters acknowledges the hard truths of our organization's past history of racism. When the League was founded in 1920, we were not welcoming to the women of color, who stood with us on the front lines of the suffrage movement. We recognize our shortcomings and that our organization has more work to do. Read a statement from our CEO, Virginia Kase Solomon, on facing the League's hard truths here.
At its 2020 national convention, the League of Women Voters of the United States passed a resolution reaffirming its stance against systemic racism. For more information on the 2020 Resolutions Committee Report” from the LWV-US click here.
action plan
The LWV-Wilmette advocates for racial and social justice in Wilmette and beyond by educating our community and ourselves, advocating for inclusive policy across our local governing bodies, and collaborating with other organizations doing anti-racism and social justice work.
education
The League plans programs to educate our community about a variety of racial and social justice issues, especially our local history of racial discrimination. Some of the events we have hosted include:
RACISM IN WILMETTE: A HISTORY - In partnership with the Wilmette Historical Museum, the League hosted a virtual presentation showcasing the museum’s exhibit on local racist history.
VIRTUAL FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION - More than 100 people attended a free virtual film screening and discussion of The Color Tax: Origins of the Modern Day Racial Wealth Gap, an eye-opening documentary examining how Black communities in Chicago were drained of wealth through homeownership "contracts" in the 1950s and 60s. This 40-minute film was an early release from the Shame of Chicago series produced by Chicago native and Artist in Residence at Duke University Bruce Orenstein. After the screening, the LWV-W hosted a 45-minute panel discussion about the important history examined by the film and the role of Chicago’s suburbs in historical housing discrimination. This article, "Race and Real Estate" from Loyola University Chicago also discusses many of the issues addressed in the film.
advocacy
Our advocacy work applies a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to local government policy. We advocate for action by our local governing bodies that we believe helps our community to be more inclusive of all races, cultures, and identities. Recent issues in our local governing bodies include:
WILMETTE VILLAGE BOARD: In response to the Wilmette Board of Trustees message to the community , we advocated for the demonstration of values through concrete action, including reinstating the Human Relations Commission and Housing Commission to accelerate efforts to create a more diverse and equitable community, including substantial amounts of permanently affordable housing in Wilmette. The Village has reinstated and rechartered the Housing Commission and Human Relations Commission, and announced a diverse set of appointments to those Commissions. We are attending their meetings and following their progress. We encourage the community to attend meetings and listening sessions. As the Village enters into development of its new Comprehensive Plan, we will advocate for plans and policies that promote inclusion. We will be closely following the specifically-chartered DEI component of this plan.
As Wilmette celebrates its Sesquicentennial Anniversary in 2022, LWV-Wilmette has worked with the Wilmette History Museum and representatives of the Sesquicentennial Committee to evolve the narrative told about Wilmette's history, reflecting the forced removal of Native Americans. We will continue to work with the Village and the Park Board to erect a permanent plaque (likely to be placed in Gillson Park) reflecting a more comprehensive and accurate history.
As Wilmette celebrates its Sesquicentennial Anniversary in 2022, LWV-Wilmette has worked with the Wilmette History Museum and representatives of the Sesquicentennial Committee to evolve the narrative told about Wilmette's history, reflecting the forced removal of Native Americans. We will continue to work with the Village and the Park Board to erect a permanent plaque (likely to be placed in Gillson Park) reflecting a more comprehensive and accurate history.
WILMETTE PARK BOARD: The LWV-W encouraged public comment to the Park Board of Commissioners to affirm 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. The Park District has issued a revised statement of inclusion, now posted on their website. The Financial Policy and Planning Committee has stated their goal of reviewing policies and procedures with an eye towards greater inclusivity. We are following the progress of this committee and encourage Wilmette residents to do the same.
WILMETTE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND NEW TRIER HIGH SCHOOL: We also continue to monitor anti-racism and DEI work in our schools, including implementation of the "Culture, Climate and Equity" component of the 2030 New Trier High School Strategic Plan and District 39's "Building School Culture and Community" aspect of their strategic plan. The League of Women Voters believes in creating a more just, equitable , and inclusive democracy. Holding that the teaching of a broad English curriculum and a comprehensive United States history program of study is integral to this effort, the LWV-W continues to advocate for these positions with our local school boards.
collaboration
The League welcomes collaborators to advance racial and social justice in Wilmette and beyond. We actively collaborate with other Leagues to amplify racial justice initiatives that are broader in scope. We welcome collaborations with other nonpartisan organizations committed to this cause. Please email us to discuss the possibilities. Recent examples of collaborations include:
HEALING EVERYDAY RACISM IN OUR SCHOOLS (HEROS) EDUCATION SERIES: The Leagues of Women Voters of Wilmette, Glenview/Glencoe and Winnetka-Northfield-Kenilworth were proud to co-sponsor an educational series presented by the HEROS group. Our Leagues participated in their culminating event on the Winnetka Village Green.
anti-racism resources
MEMBER 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.
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.
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.
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. Please consider joining the League to join our racial justice work.
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. Please consider joining the League to join our racial justice work.
ANTI-RACISM READING LIST
As an initial step in the education process, we offer a few compilations of recommended reading lists, noting that new books are frequently released and this is by no means a comprehensive list. The LWV-Wilmette and Wilmette Public Library host a monthly book discussion that often include racial justice topics. Visit the Wilmette Public Library events page to learn about upcoming book discussions and author events.
As an initial step in the education process, we offer a few compilations of recommended reading lists, noting that new books are frequently released and this is by no means a comprehensive list. The LWV-Wilmette and Wilmette Public Library host a monthly book discussion that often include racial justice topics. Visit the Wilmette Public Library events page to learn about upcoming book discussions and author events.
LWVUS POSITION IN BRIEF |
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