Rise up and unite. Like democracy, it’s a rallying cry that has stood the test of time. It goes beyond partisanship and borders. It’s a call that is rooted in decency, equality and inclusion.
In February 1920, at the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) convention in Chicago, a critical turning point occurred when 61-year old Carrie Chapman Catt said to a large and enthusiastic audience of women suffragettes, politicians, the press and the public:
“Everybody counts in applying democracy. And there will never be a true democracy until every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, without regard to race, sex, color or creed has his or her own inalienable and unpurchasable voice in government.”
Armed with the momentum of the soon to be ratified 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, Catt announced the transition of the NAWSA to the League of Women Voters. It was a signal that the efforts of the suffragettes would now shift from fighting for the vote to using it and protecting it.
It’s Catt’s words of full-inclusion that inspire Christine Stenning, President of the League of Women Voters of Newport County. In Stenning’s words, “There is no better time to remind us of the core values of the League than Pride Month.”
“The work of the suffragettes endures today. The League continues to fight to ensure that every vote counts, every voice is heard and every person–regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background–is included in the promise of democracy. It’s a message that resonates deeply during Pride Month, as we’re reminded that equality must be protected and actively upheld today and tomorrow.”
In the two years Christine Stenning has served as President, the League of Women Voters of Newport County has been growing and as they actively seek new members, they’re finding a refreshing surprise: more and more, it’s new members who are seeking them.
“We provide a variety of platforms for people to get involved,” says Stenning. “And while we continue to plan an active role in issues that affect all Americans, we’re also listening. As new members share why they joined, they’re helping us discover new areas to explore and advocate for. Anything someone has a passion for is never a waste of time, energy or effort. We welcome those passions because they often lead us in meaningful new directions.”
“We don’t support or oppose a political party–we oppose actions,” she explains. “We could be described as a dogged ‘watch-ear’ group.”
The idea of a ‘watch-ear’ group is a deliberate term, reflecting vigilance and deep listening with the intention of tuning into the voices and concerns of the community.
“We are a wonderfully creative group where free thinking is encouraged, it’s delightful to hear what matters to people.”
From those conversations a common ground of accountability begins to take shape and this common ground aligns well with the National League of Women’s call for 8.5 million people to ‘Rise and Unite’ in defense of democracy.
The Newport Chapter’s top priorities are Observer Corps, civic engagement and education, and voter registration, and the protection of women’s rights and related issues. These efforts reflect the League’s commitment to transparency, participation and equity–core values that remain as relevant today as they were in 1920.
Earlier this year, The League of Women Voters of Newport County announced it would be a torch-bearer for values again with the announcement of the Observer Corps. Observer Corps stems from founding beliefs that government should be open and transparent and serve the needs of the people.
“The League’s tradition of nonpartisan observation dates back to the formation of the United Nations, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for nonpartisan observers.”
“Protecting our rights is the most integral and healthy thing to be done for our democracy–and Observer Corps is rights protection in action,” says Stenning. It’s an exciting initiative where we watch government in action!”
The Observer Corps program is open, safe, and structured. Members of the Observer Corps wear official badges to ensure they are clearly identified. They are trained to understand the rules of public meetings–what should happen, what can’t happen and how the processes are meant to serve the public.
“We’re invited to attend open public meetings at town and city halls, school boards and other civic venues. We don’t participate, we observe,” Stenning explains. “We monitor whether meetings follow the posted agenda, whether timelines are respected and whether anything occurs that undermines transparency or public trust. We look for violations for anything that isn’t serving democracy. We report to the public in a fair and just way. We stay within guidelines, stick to the facts, and let people of our county know where there is praise to give or areas of concern to watch”
In the past two years the league has grown from 32 members to 144. When asked about the exponential growth, Stenning had this to say:
“I’m not really sure why but something is shifting, part of it is the times we’re living in, and the age and stage many of us are at. The league offers a platform where you can take a small bite or get deeply involved. Regardless of political belief, more people want to engage.”
“Even those who join and don’t actively participate still show their support. And once you join a local chapter, you’re part of the League as a whole. It starts with one question: What do you want to do? We help people find where they fit.”
“So join the League. We offer many ways to get involved. From simply becoming a member, to writing letters or making calls or joining the Observer Corps. There are so many ways you can help–even without leaving your home. There’s something for everyone and people of all ages and all walks of life can join.”
Stenning continues, “We’re not about following a single leader–and like the original suffragettes, we’re about building a lasting movement. We have keepers of the vision and people committed to carrying it forward. We’re efficient, deeply rooted, and well-respected by local and state officials alike.”
And when it comes to inclusion? “Yes,” Christine Stenning adds with a smile, “men are welcome to join too.”
The League of Women Voters of Newport County is an all-volunteer, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. It serves Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Little Compton and Tiverton. To learn more or get involved, contact lwvnewportcounty@gmail.com.
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador. She helps older adults and families across Rhode Island navigate the complex decisions that come with aging–whether that means staying safely at home or transitioning to senior living. With deep expertise and a personal approach, she believes that each person’s values and priorities should shape the path ahead. Helen connects people to trusted resources that support aging well at any stage–helping them take meaningful steps to what matters most. Learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.
