Civic Projects

Civic Education Project

Here are a few examples of how local Leagues are using Civic Education Project funds:

Engaging the Community in Civil Discourse
Three local Leagues received funding during the 2017-2019 Biennium to carry out projects to mitigate what has been an increasing lack of civil discourse in policy debates.

• Skagit County
  
• Tacoma/Pierce County
  
• Seattle/King County
  

Redistricting Forums—Tacoma/Pierce County
Building on the interest expressed at the 2015 LWVWA Convention about redistricting, the project will provide up to eight local forums that will educate the community on the deep importance redistricting has on our representative government and will result in better opportunities for diverse communities to influence local, state and national decisions.

The success of America’s unique form of democracy depends on fair, equal, and trusted representation. It is important that the people we elect represent the rights, needs and desires of all residents. Every ten years Washington must redraw lines for its Legislative and Congressional districts. However, few people understand the process, its history and the impact to our communities. In partnership with Politics of the Possible in Action (POTP), The League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County (LWVT-PC) is presenting several Redistricting Forums throughout Pierce County between January and June 2018. The goal is to increase public understanding and increase authentic citizen input into the redistricting process.

Because of these forums, participants will understand how redistricting impacts representation and social policy in Washington State. Community members will be inspired to become involved in redistricting efforts from now through 2021. Through our outreach, we will identify communities of interest—groups of people with common racial, ethnic, social, cultural or historic interests and encourage dialogue. Only when districts are created in a way that honors these communities will the districts fully meet the needs of our people. We anticipate the creation of at least four committees that will testify in front of the Washington State Redistricting Commission. Those testifying will understand the impact of district lines to their residents and testify as to why the lines should be drawn a certain way. Ultimately, when citizen leaders understand the processes that govern our elections and know how to influence the drawing of districts, then the officials who are elected will better represent the people in their districts.

Youth Voter Registration Events-Make Your Voice Heard!—LWVWA
During the 2018 General Election push to “Get Out The Vote,” LWVWA used a Civic Education grant to further that effort in a unique, fun way. They helped fund a concert tour by Gypsy Temple, a multi-racial, youth alt rock band! Local Leagues were encouraged to participate in the concerts held at visited high schools and colleges throughout the state. Besides getting young eligible voters registered and encouraging those student to vote, this project provided a fresh look at how we work and what music we can listen to.

LWV-Thurston County President, Sandra Herndon, and attended a concert in Olympia and was positively impressed. Herndon said, "The Gypsy Temple Band performed at SPSCC to encourage students to vote. They have, with the help of LWVWA, provided a fun time and gotten over 3,000 students at various high school and college campuses registered to vote."

Just click here to hear Gypsy Temple's song, Make Your Voice Heard Loud and Vote, which was shared widely on social media.