February 14, 2021
This Valentine’s Day, I have been reflecting on why the League won my heart.
On January 6, we watched an armed insurrection at the Capital—one that was thwarted, but whose ramifications ring loudly today and well into the future. I was outraged. Shocked. Sad. Scared. How could this be happening?
Please make a gift today to defend democracy for our future.
In the days that followed, I got more sad. More angry. More scared. Not really for me, but for my kids. I have young twin daughters and a teenage son. As I watched the clips of the attacks on the capital over and over, and saw white supremacy, and a committed belief in misinformation, take up arms and attack our government, I grieved for the future they may face.
And I reflected on my privilege—that it took an attempt to overthrow the government for me to feel a tangible despair for my children’s future. I was reminded that many Black parents wake up in fear each day that their children will be unfairly targeted by racist policing and racism in our criminal justice system and they won’t survive it.
And then I understood why the League won my heart—because my core values include empathy, justice, and service. Our democracy, with all of its imperfections, demands that we nurture it. Kindness demands that we work for justice. And justice demands that we act with empathy and in the service of others.
And that’s what the League does. We work together for...
- improved voter access,
- people powered fair maps to ensure fair representation in redistricting,
- policies that end racial bias in our criminal justice system,
- policies to fight climate change,
- solutions for people who are experiencing housing insecurity,
- access to quality education.
We work to bend the arc toward justice. We work in the service of humanity and a more equitable human experience. Please donate today.
And it gives me hope. For my kids. For your kids. For our grandkids. The League allows me to walk and work with all of you in hope—not fear. To see the events of January 6, and to face fear by doubling down together on our values and work to create a more just world for our kids.
Please make a generous donation today to create a more equitable California.
Take a minute today and think about what you love about the League and the future we are working together to build. And then please dig deep and make a generous gift so that together we can keep creating a better, more just, and more equitable future.
In League,
Stephanie
Stephanie Doute, Executive Director
League of Women Voters of California