League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge will join with chapters across America to mark the 222nd anniversary on Dec. 15 of the adoption of the Bill of Rights with a call for improved political discourse and greater civic participation in our community.
The Bill of Rights—the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution—is generally considered to be the mainstay of our constitutional freedom, a press release said. They are said to guarantee a number of personal freedoms, limit the government’s power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. The League of Women Voters believes the best way to honor this historic document is to protect the freedom it guarantees.
For more than 90 years, the League of Women Voters of the United States has defended civil liberties and promoted balanced civic discourse on important community issues. Its mission is to increase civic participation—to help individuals recognize the critical importance of protecting and honoring our most cherished constitutional rights because they impact our everyday lives.
“Since its beginning in 1946, the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge members have worked in our community to protect our liberties and make the most of them by encouraging voting, discussing critical issues, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions,” said President Anne Adamson. “In this highly partisan political environment, our role in allowing community members a ‘safe’ venue where all sides of an issue can be discussed civilly and thoughtfully is more critical than ever.”
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization for men and women, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League works to bring about constructive change by:
- registering voters and defending voting rights, informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities;
- informing the public through in-depth analysis of issues;
- sponsoring candidate debates and public issues forums; and
- taking action through lobbying for change.
“The Bill of Rights is not only an important part of our nation’s history; it is a living document that will guide us into the future. We encourage all members of the community to join us in making democracy work,” Adamson concluded.
To learn more about the League of Women voters of Oak Ridge, visit lwvoakridge.org.
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