League of Women Voters launches ‘Unite & Rise 8.5’ kickoff

Kick-off event in Bloomingdale features North Central College professor William Muck on global democratic decline

The League of Women Voters of the Roselle-Bloomingdale Area will host a free public event, “Unite & Rise 8.5 Kick-Off,” on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Public Library Rooms A&B, 101 Fairfield Way.

The event marks the local launch of “Unite & Rise 8.5,” a nationwide campaign to mobilize 8.5 million Americans — the critical mass needed to drive nonviolent democratic change. The initiative responds to what the League has called a “constitutional crisis,” citing erosion of checks and balances, dismantling of federal agencies, and open defiance of a unanimous Supreme Court ruling as abuses of power.

The keynote speaker will be William Muck, professor of political science at North Central College. Muck will present global data showing that democracy is under attack worldwide, examine the implications of this decline for the United States, and analyze how recent U.S. political trends fit within broader anti-democratic patterns.

Interactive democracy activities

In addition to the keynote, the evening will include interactive activities designed to engage and empower participants:

• Democracy Scavenger Hunt — practical actions attendees can take to defend democracy.

• Democracy Bingo — a lively way to highlight America’s founding democratic values.

• Democracy Potluck — neighbors sharing food and conversation to strengthen Community bonds across differences.

“At a time of deep anxiety about our democracy, Americans are hungry for meaningful ways to come together,” said Donna Limper, Issues and Advocacy Director for the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area. “Unite & Rise 8.5 is about turning that concern into action, building connections, and working toward a vision of a stronger, more inclusive America.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to be League members to participate.

Sign up for the potluck via lwvrb.org. You also can support the campaign with a donation to the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area.

For more information about this event or other League programs, contact Mary Ann Lill Clous, membership director, at lwvrbmembership2@gmail.com or (630) 632-1114.

Formed in 2012, the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government. The Roselle-Bloomingdale chapter offers local resources, including candidate forums, online voter guides, and educational programs, to help residents understand and engage with important issues affecting their communities.

The League influences public policy through education and advocacy and does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. With over 105 years of experience and more than 800 local and state affiliations, the League is one of America’s most trusted grass-roots organizations. Membership is open to anyone age 16 or older.

For more information about the League’s events and monthly meetings, or to become a member of the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area, visit lwvrb.org or call (630) 283-2894. Follow facebook.com/lwvrb or instagram.com/lwvrosellebloomingdale.

For more information on the League of Women Voters of Illinois, visit lwvil.org, and for information on the League of Women Voters of the United States, visit www.lwv.org.