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100th Anniversary

Mother’s Day Message – From Suffrage 100MA Executive Director

Dear Friend,

Women are capable of incredible things.

Did you know that Mother’s Day in the United States was created by a daughter, Anna Jarvis (photo on the right), who wanted to honor her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis (photo on the left)? Anna’s mother was a peace activist who cared for soldiers on both sides of the Civil War and created Mother’s Day Work Clubs to address public health issues.

After a nine-year campaign, Jarvis was successful in securing a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson declaring Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May in 1914.

Thanks to the advocacy of other incredible women like Jarvis, President Wilson ultimately supported the 19th Amendment, which was finally added to the U.S. Constitution on August 26th, 1920.

In honor of all of the extraordinary women who came before us and all of the incredible women in your life, please consider supporting Suffrage100MA’s efforts to empower women through voting.

Thanks for all you do and Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank you for being a part of this.

On behalf of the Board of Directors–

Onward, many thanks,

Fredie Kay
Founder & President

 #NewtonTogether…

#NewtonTogether, April 20, 2020On Friday, LWVN sent a message to all members asking us to join the Mayor’s initiative,  #NewtonTogether.  All Newtonians were asked to make handmade signs and display them in their windows on Marathon Day.

Through our creativity, we, as women of Newton, can share the incredible joy, strength, and resiliency of our community while connecting virtually.

The Suffragists and poster, courtesy of Nina McCarty, age 8, Arlington MA, were displayed at Marcia Johnson’s house on Bemis Street in Newton.

Please Stay Safe & Healthy!

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunity – Celebration of the Adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Dear Members,

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

In preparation for this important day this summer, the Board is looking for members who have an interest in history, excitement for this important achievement for women, time and energy to help plan event(s).

If you are interested, please send an email to info@lwvnewton.org and let us know how you would like to be involved.

Sincerely,

Marcia Johnson

League of Women Voters 100th Anniversary Party

On February 14th, the League of Women Voters celebrated it’s 100th anniversary at City Hall.

The League was officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified and women won the vote. Formed by the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the League began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters.

Theresa Fitzpatrick and Ellen Grody  decorated the War Memorial with hearts, league memorabilia, materials to make valentines and wonderful sweet treats.  The approximately 40 people joining the fun,  including Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and City Councilors Jake Auchincloss, Andrea Downs, Andrea Kelley, and Holly Ryan.

Mayor Fuller established, through her proclamation, February 14th 2020 as League of Women Voters day.  Thank you to Ellen and Theresa for all of their work in making this a fantastic birthday for the League of Women Voters.