The restoration of reproductive freedom and improved maternal healthcare, sensible safety measures to curb gun violence, full funding for public education, and even the regulations which have long protected clean air and a safe water supply are all subject to change if large corporations and billionaire tech bros succeed with proposed policy changes at the state and national level. Further, proposed tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and larges corporations would increase income disparity and shift the tax burden to the working middle class.
WIN List has compiled an activist alphabet to remind us what is at stake and why it is more important than ever to fight back.
A
Advocacy and action by citizens is absolutely necessary to counter the efforts of an army of highly paid lobbyists who “wine and dine” elected officials and bureaucrats at all levels. The survival of our almost 250-year old Democracy requires active participation by all concerned citizens. Find allies and groups who are advocates for the issues which matter most to you. Make 2025 the year you learn how to become a more effective advocate.
B
Boldly believe in the power of your message! Work to build bridges when you find areas of agreement for moving forward.
C
Courage, creativity, and clarity of purpose are required to successfully challenge the status quo and fend off draconian policy proposals. Change begins when we dig deeply and find the same kind of courage exhibited by civil rights leaders in the 1960’s and the leaders of the women’s suffrage movement more than a century ago.
D
Democracy is well worth protecting against those who dream of installing a dictator or moving towards a more authoritarian form of government in the United States. Collectively and with dogged determination we must protect our increasingly fragile Democracy.
E
Our nation was founded on the premise of equality and the same opportunities for all. We must effectively educate our future citizens and equip them with the tools to become engaged and informed voters. Equal pay for ALL women is necessary to support strong families.
F
Freedom for all is a cornerstone of American Democracy. Citizens flourish when they are free. While “Feminists” have been demonized by conservative media outlets, women are absolutely entitled to the freedom of bodily autonomy for making medical decisions without government interference.
G
Grassroots campaigns and movements guide us towards better government. Never be afraid to participate in what the late Congressman John Lewis called “Good Trouble!”
H
Human Rights are essential. Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare. The full expansion of Medicaid, covering an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 currently uninsured Georgia residents, is an ongoing partisan debate for ours state, one of ten states which has not expanded coverage.
I
There is no shortage of inspirational leaders and role models from Georgia’s history as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. Current battles on behalf of “Dreamers” and other hard-working immigrants seeking citizenship will dominate political discussions in the months to come.
J
The concept of “Justice for All” is a foundational cornerstone of American Democracy demonstrated by the establishment of a strong judicial system as one of three co-equal branches of government. Statues of “Lady Justice” holding a scale often adorn courthouse architecture.
K
Knowledge is power. A well-informed citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy. As an advocate, verify information and statistics before sharing to preserve the credibility of your cause.
L
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are mentioned in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. More recently, legal protections for the LGBTQ community insure all of us may love whomever we choose. An often-quoted adage declares “All politics is local.” Holding office at the city, county or local school board level is often the first step for aspiring activists and political leaders. How might you be more involved at the local level?
M
Georgia has one of the worst records in the nation for maternal mortality. Following news reports at least two women died as a result of Georgia’s currently enforced six-seek abortion ban, the state recently dismissed the committee charged with investigating and reporting on maternal deaths. More than half the state’s 159 counties do not have an OB-GYN, forcing many Georgia women to drive long distances for pre-natal check-ups or to give birth. Further, 65 counties have no pediatrician. What might motivate you to become an active advocate for reducing maternal mortality rates?
N
Never forget the sacrifices made by activists and military leaders in the generations before us who fought to secure the rights we now enjoy. In their memory, say NO to policies which take us backwards as a state and nation!
O
Organizing to promote progressive goals and policies allows citizens to create opportunities for a better life for themselves and their children.
P
Peacefully protest offensive policies with persistence! Protect yourself and those you love from abuses of power!
Q
Never be afraid to question authority!
R
Resist! If at first you do not succeed, move it up to “rabble rouse” as required. Repeat as necessary!
S
Work with allies to develop smart strategies for political action. Finding your personal “sweet spot” in the sisterhood of strong like-minded women makes you a powerful force for good in the world.
T
Speak truth to power and never backdown! Truth can’t be changed, erased, tarnished or whitewashed.
U
Follow the “unbought, unbossed, and undeterred” example of Shirley Chisholm. Support unions in their unwavering efforts to protect worker’s rights.
V
VOTE to make your voice heard! Register others to vote and vigorously work to protect voting rights!
W
When Women Vote, Women WIN. For 25 years, Georgia Women in Numbers have elected Women In record setting Numbers! Georgia WIN List has helped elect more than 100 women during the past 25 years, with 52 of them serving in 2025. Democratic women legislators in Georgia outnumber their Republican colleagues by more than three to one. Support Georgia WIN List efforts to recruit, train and support women candidates.
X
X marks the spot on a paper absentee ballot; the ultimate exercise in self-eXpression.
Y
Y is for you — your body, your choice, your rights, and your future! Yes! Yes! Yes we Can! Make your plan to DO something in 2025!!
Z
Tackle your 2025 resolutions list with ZEAL! Together we will make a difference – creating the world we want our children and grandchildren to inherit!
Happy New Year!