TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from The Centennial Circle of Women on the 2020 Women's Vote Centennial Initiative commemorating the Suffrage Centennial. Direct City Manager to create a fund that would support 100 events citywide to increase civic engagement and to raise awareness about the history of Women's Right to Vote.
DISCUSSION
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and to explore its relevance to the issues of equal rights today. The Women's Vote Centennial Initiative is a national effort to bring celebration and reflection to the 72 years it took to achieve the constitutional right to vote.
Locally on January 14, 2019, Long Beach women convened a working committee; The Centennial Circle of Women to educate, celebrate, facilitate conversation and voter education around women's roles in American Democracy through events such as musicals, movie showings, panels, tea parties.
Women now represent more than 50% of the Long Beach population and continue to contribute to the diversity and fabric of our community. This is an opportunity to engage arts and cultural organizations to use the 2020 Women's Vote Centennial for creative program planning. It also allows to increase voter participation as voters re-connect with the fervent efforts of many past leaders. In creating this opportunity for voters of the future, it creates an appreciation of their right to vote.
Many states and cities across the nation have allocated funding for the purpose of recognizing, educating, and celebrating this monumental time period with their local communities. The state of New York contributed by creating a centennial funding appropriation of $500,000 to help promote, celebrate and advertise. This, among other states such as Washington, Utah and ...
Click here for full text