The magnitude of issues facing women today is quite overwhelming.  Inequality, economic injustice, attacks on our reproductive rights, harassment and assault….the list goes on and on.   The old adage “The harder I work, the behinder I get”, often seems to apply to those of us who are committed to doing our part in the battle against all of them.

I am suggesting that for the next year we focus all of our effort primarily against two of these issues: the 2019-2020 primaries and elections and the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).  If we can be successful in these efforts, we will have the real opportunity to be successful in dealing with all the other issues.

Just think about it for a few minutes.

 First, we could elect innumerable feminist women and men to offices in cities, counties, states, Congress, and the White House.  With new power in government we could re-shape our world as we know it today. Envision the possibilities: abortion rights, affordable healthcare, pay equity, $15 minimum wage, environmental protections, gun safety laws, campaign finance legislation.  Dare to dream for these and so many more.

Second, we would finally be guaranteed our equal rights in The Constitution.  That which we do not currently have. The protections this would afford women would be immeasurable. Women could  no longer be denied their rights because of gender.  “Equal” would be the yardstick by which all things would be measured.

We need to do this; if not for ourselves, for our children and generations to come.  We cannot let the likes of Donald Trump continue to control this country.  Like the young environmental marchers have been saying.…”it is time to save the planet”.… and our little part of it.  While they were speaking of the environment, we know that also applies to so much more.

Make yourself a promise.  Promise to get involved whenever and wherever you can.  First, make sure you are registered.  Then make sure you vote in every local, state and national election. If they are needed, give rides to the polls to friends and neighbors. Help to register new voters. Encourage absentee balloting for those who might not be able to go to the polls.  Volunteer for “get out the vote” efforts in your community.  Volunteer for the campaigns of your favorite candidates.  Find out if there are campaigns for ERA ratification in your state; get involved.  Yes, the list is long but, if each of us does whatever she can, we will be successful.  Then think how great you are going to feel next November!

https://www.naacp.org/
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

https://earthcharter.org/discover/

The Earth Charter is an ethical framework for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations. It is a vision of hope and a call to action.

The Earth Charter is centrally concerned with the transition to sustainable ways of living and sustainable human development. Ecological integrity is one major theme. However, the Earth Charter recognizes that the goals of ecological protection, the eradication of poverty, equitable economic development, respect for human rights, democracy, and peace are interdependent and indivisible. It provides, therefore, a new, inclusive, integrated ethical framework to guide the transition to a sustainable future.

https://justassociates.org
JASS is dedicated to a feminist vision of social and political transformation where all people live with freedom, dignity, respect and well-being. This vision calls for the rights of all people – regardless of their identities, location or beliefs – to be recognized, respected and protected, and for the redistribution of resources that ensures their well-being as well as the sustainability of the planet.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/

U.N. Women is the global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential. We are partners for advocates and decision-makers from all walks of life, and a leader in the effort to achieve gender equality. The UN system continues to give particular attention to the issue of violence against women.