Take action to defend democracy!
Actions for the week of 7.14.2025
Please share this with your friends.
Send your ideas for action items to: cherie.walker.lwv [at] gmail.com
We rely on your input for these items!
These are just suggestions of actions you could take as an individual. If you are a League member, always remember to express your personal views, and not to speak on behalf of the League.Only League Presidents or designees can speak on behalf of the League.
Local-Level Actions
ACTION 1: July 17, John Lewis National Day of Action
Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
— Congressman John Lewis
Whether you're outraged by attacks on civil rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to organize, we invite you to join us in making good trouble.
This will be a nationwide day of nonviolent action and organizing, rooted in the tradition of the civil rights movement—but built for today’s fight. On July 17, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.
LWVUS has signed on as a partner if Leagues are interested in planning actions that day.
“This is not a day of quiet reflection—it is a day of courage and collective action, just as John Lewis modeled throughout his life.”
Learn more: Good Trouble Lives On Messaging Guide: March in Peace. Act in Power. - Google Docs
Attend an event near you. More information is available at goodtroubleliveson.org
- Seneca: Thursday, Jul 17 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM Seneca City Hall
- Clemson: Thursday, Jul 17 8:30 PM — 9:30 PM
ACTION 2: ATTEND meetings of your local government and stay informed on local issues.
LWVOP.org maintains an extensive calendar of local public meetings.
- Monday, July 14: Pickens City Council meeting in City Hall, 219 Pendleton St, Pickens, SC 29671 at 6 pm. For more information, choose from the following: Schedule of Meetings, City Council Agendas, City Council Minutes.
- Monday, July 14: Oconee County School Board Meeting* at the District Office at 6 pm. If you cannot attend, there is a livestream option. Find the 2025 agendas and minutes from past meetings.
- Tuesday, July 15: Oconee County Council Meeting in the County Council Chambers located at 415 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC at 6 pm. Here are links to the Calendar, Agenda and Minutes and Videos of past county council meetings. IMPORTANT NOTE: Oconee County Council will be where the final vote will take place on the amendment to the Conservation Bank Ordinance. There will be a public comment period and a hearing before the vote. Learn more about this issue and read the online petition.
- Thursday, July 17: Pickens County Library System Board of Trustees meeting at 6 pm at Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Rd, Easley, SC 29640. Calendar Year 2025 meetings and locations. List of book titles that have been challenged.
ACTION 3: Stay INFORMED about immigration actions in our area.
Courtesy of the ACLU: “Community members are raising serious concerns regarding the June 18 enforcement operation conducted at Puerto Nuevo, a well-established and beloved Mexican restaurant in Oconee County. This operation resulted in the arrest and detention of at least 10 individuals, some of them now held in Folkston, Georgia. This operation has left our community with more questions than answers.” Read the community letter here.
NOTE: The League of Women Voters US position on Immigration (Impact on Issues, 2024-2026) supports the rights of all to protection and due process.
State-Level Actions
Find your SC Legislators
ACTION 4: ADVOCATE: Championing Issues That Matter Most to You
July 23, 11 am
Upcoming Unite and Rise Training: LWVUS Democracy in Your Hands Series
This virtual training series will include five key topics, outlining how Leagues can activate and mobilize their communities in this rapidly changing political environment and make a lasting impact. Members are welcome to attend any of the following sessions, occurring through the summer and early fall. Find the upcoming agenda and more information on each session.
- Jul. 23, 11am ET | Championing Issues That Matter Most to You
- Aug. 20, 12:30pm ET | Understand the Three Branches of Government
- Sept. 17, 11am ET | Working With Local Election Officials to Anchor Change
National Level Actions
ACTION 5: If you would like to speak out on issues including:
- Use of National Guard and Military Against Americans
- The Trump Administration Defiance of the Courts and Constitution
- Defending Reproductive Rights
These topics and many more are available for action on fivecalls.org
ACTION 6: Save the Date: August 12
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day
ACTION 7: Take CARE of yourself (and others!)
With so much going on in the world, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Take some time to do something you enjoy. Here’s a little cartoon to remind us to smile and be kind to others. Courtesy of FunnyTimes.com
ACTION 8: Join the League (if you are not already a member!
Help support the League in their mission of educating and informing voters.
ACTION 9: Sign up for the mailing list.
If someone forwarded this email to you, sign up to get it directly!
We would love to hear from you about this initiative. Feel free to forward this email to others who wish to find ways to participate. Whether it’s how this made you feel, results you saw, or suggestions for future topics, please let cherie.walker.lwv [at] gmail.com (subject: Defending%20Democracy, body: ) (Cherie Walker) know.
