Dear SBWPC Members,
What a difference a few weeks makes! We now have a brilliant, intelligent, dynamic, and joyful woman of color leading the way to save our democracy by becoming the first woman President of the United States. As a result, we see an electorate energized to make that happen. The recent turn of events on the political landscape has been phenomenal! Kamala Harris’ entry into the race for the White House has motivated so many more voters—especially young voters—to get involved in the political process. Harris’ entry and her choice of Governor Tim Walz as her running mate have sparked the belief that we can have men and women leaders who are decent, kind, and both educated about and dedicated to women’s rights.
What does all this mean for SBWPC?
During the past few weeks, SBWPC has gained new members who are inspired by Harris’ entry into the race and motivated to be a part of the dynamism of this political moment. The SBWPC intends to be a visible force for change and collaborate where we can to ensure we have a public voice; for instance, we participated in a highly successful Dem Social Lab organized by Democratic Women of Santa Barbara, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Women for Democracy. About 150 men and women turned out to this successful event looking for ways to become effective activists. I was honored to represent the SBWPC and to speak at this gathering.
Challenges from the far-right mean that the work of SBWPC is still needed, in order to make women’s issues transparent. It’s no surprise that our members asked the organization to help them understand what the implementation of Project 2025 (a 900-page document) would mean if Trump wins the White House. SBWPC responded immediately by producing an educational event and discussion about the document facilitated by Past President Dr. Beth Schneider. The event sold out immediately and a follow up meeting is planned for the those on the wait .
Perhaps as an effect of COVID, it appears that our members enjoy opportunities to be together. Many have also been diligently writing postcards in small groups to support candidates who are committed to women’s rights or simply as reminders to Get Out The Vote. We organized a theater event to attend the Ensemble Theatre production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” and over 50 members and friends signed up. Future events include a presentation by journalists Starshine Roshell, Lisa Osborn, and Amy Orozco about how to recognize—and stop—misinformation, both before the election and thereafter. And our annual Cosmopolitics event will be sold out quickly! Stay tuned for the Calendar of Events and future invitations.
We must not let up on our efforts to get out the vote and support feminist candidates who will initiate and/or vote for policies and legislation that address women’s needs, including access to high-quality and affordable childcare, affordable housing, support for public education, and reproductive choice. If you’re not already a member of the SBWPC, please take time to join by going to www.SBWPC.org. To support our ability to fund our endorsed candidates’ campaign costs, please consider donating to the SBWPC if you haven’t done so already. Our endorsement process allows the organization to retain our status as a respected source of political power. And encourage friends to join! The larger our membership, the more power we have to shape the future for women.
From its inception in 1988, SBWPC has been ambitious in advocating for social changes and justice that would lift all boats. As candidate Kamala Harris says, “When you lift up women, you lift up families, you lift up communities, you lift up economies – and you lift up America.”