League of Women Voters marks Bill of Rights Day on Saturday

Norman Mulvenon and Anne Adamson, co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, will mark the 221st anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights on Saturday, Dec. 15, with a call for improved political discourse and greater civic participation in the community.

“For more than 92 years, members of the League of Women Voters of the United States have defended civil liberties and promoted balanced, nonpartisan discussions on issues that are important to our community, and we continue this work today,” Mulvenon said in a press release. “Our mission is to increase public participation—to help empower individuals to exercise the rights that are afforded to them through our democracy.”

“As we reflect back on 2012 and as we witness democratic movements taking hold around the world, there is much to celebrate,” Adamson said. “But we cannot take our liberties for granted. Every day, League members work in our community to protect our liberties by encouraging voting, discussing critical issues, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. In the highly partisan environment throughout our nation, our role in creating a ‘safe’ venue where all sides of the issues can be discussed civilly and thoughtfully is more critical than ever. We encourage all to join us and make their voices and opinions heard; it’s our right!”

Founded in 1946, LWVOR is one of the oldest and largest League chapters in Tennessee and one of the longest continuously running grass roots organizations in Oak Ridge.

The press release said LWVOR has worked to bring about “constructive change by registering voters and defending voting rights, informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities, informing the public through our in-depth issue analyses, sponsoring candidate debates and public issue forums, and taking action through lobbying for change.”

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of public policy through unbiased studies of public issues. Membership is open to both men and women.  To learn more about the LWVOR, visit the website at lwvoakridge.org.