AAUW aims to get more young women to polls
Submitted by AAUW
A new, nonpartisan “Get Out the Vote” consortium that targets women ages 18-30 will hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road.
The “It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard” initiative, funded by an American Association of University Women grant, aims to get women busy with college, kids and careers to the polls. The targeted demographic is 18 to 30, oftentimes called “The Millennials.”
A group of women representing organizations within three Chicago collar counties met to shape the group on June 22. Committees were formed and tasks assigned.
The next meeting on July 13 is open to representatives of all women’s groups in Cook, DuPage and Kane counties interested in helping get this nonpartisan initiative off the ground.
“We care about restoring our democracy and elected officials remembering the voter when making decisions on our behalf,” said startup co-organizer Laurel Bault. “If you’re a woman between the ages of 18 and 30 and you live in suburban Cook, DuPage or Kane counties, we want you to vote your conscience, pocketbook and aspirations. Toward that end, we intend to do all it takes to increase the turnout of women in November.”
“If you’ve ever helped get out the vote, you know it can be daunting,” said Nicki Skogfeldt, an AAUW member and another of the group’s local organizers. “While registering voters is an important AAUW mission, our focus is on getting young women to the polls in November. Anything else we do in the name of enfranchising voters is gravy. Womens groups outside the tri-county area wishing to affiliate are certainly welcome to join our ranks, too.”
To increase the number of young women voters heading to the polls, members will identify and visit venues frequented by young women, use social media tools to conduct outreach and assist women interested in information on candidate forums and other events so they are well-informed when they vote in November.
The AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been a leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. With a network of 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university partners, AAUW examines and takes positions on fundamental, contemporary educational, social, economic and political issues. AAUW’s commitment to educational equity is reflected in public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships and international connections.
To RSVP, or to ask questions about the coalition, its goals, objectives and mission, contact Laurel Bault at (224) 587-3611 or laurelbault@yahoo.com, or Nicki Skogfeldt at (847) 707-4167 or nskogfeldt@sbcglobal.net.