Sedona AZ (January 12, 2017) – The League of Women Voters Greater Verde Valley has declared 2017 “The Year of Civic Engagement” according to Barbara Litrell, President who added, “Since the recent election, more and more people want to learn about issues and get involved, take action, and make a difference. We have not seen this level of engagement in a long time. That’s good news for our democracy.”
Great leaders of our nation, from the beginning, have encouraged citizens to be informed and engaged with their government on the local, state and national levels. Former Presidents have stressed the importance of engaged citizens, including Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education,” and Dwight D. Eisenhower who remarked, “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen.”
At the request of the League of Women Voters, the Cottonwood City Council will issue a proclamation declaring 2017 as “The Year of Civic Engagement” at their January 18 Council meeting and the Sedona City Council will issue a proclamation at their January 24 meeting. Both Councils are encouraging their residents to participate in programs to become informed citizens and to take action to have their voices heard on issues of importance to them, the community, and society as a whole.
The LWVGVV has designed its 2017 programs to enhance civic engagement in a variety of ways. The League has planned monthly Voter Education Programs to inform members and the public about issues, created venues for monthly member meetings focused on “Let’s Talk Politics” roundtable discussions, planned a bi-monthly Politics & Philosophy lecture/discussion series, scheduled a 6-week OLLI Class on “Healing the Heart of Democracy” based on Parker Palmer’s book of the same name, launched the second year of its monthly political book club, and in May will offer “Candidate Boot Camp,” a series of workshops to motivate and inform people about running for public office.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to public service in the field of government. It is a national organization, open to both men and women, and the purpose is to encourage political responsibility through informed and active participation in government. The League influences public policy through education and advocacy and never supports or opposes political parties or candidates for elective offices. For information, contact Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com or www.lwvverdevalley.com.