One wonders what it must have been like back in 1920 when women gained the vote. I can only guess at the excitement, the strong sense of camaraderie, the pure joy felt by those ‘pioneering’ suffragists! Some nine decades later, Aug. 25, 2013 at Mill Creek Park on the Plaza, like-minded women gathered to again celebrate that historic date. The kick-off Rally was titled “Women’s Equality:  Pushing Back/Marching Forward”. Despite the hot weather, all were inspired by speakers, music, the Wall of Women’s Achievements, and the Call to Action.

AAUW-KC held a tabling event promoting the 3-State Strategy:  ERA, the Equal Pay Day Rally to be April 8, 2014, and a membership drive.

Sponsoring WEW were 20 organizations including AAUW, League of Women Voters, Greater KC Women’s Political Caucus, KC Public Library, KKFI Community Radio and many others. Additional events were scheduled throughout the week.

On Aug. 27, AAUW-KC and LWV, KCJCP partnering with the National Archives, hosted a panel discussion on “3-State Strategy:  Understanding Equal Rights Amendment Ratification”. Our distinguished panelists (pictured above) responded to such questions as:  Why is the ERA not ratified yet, and what is the 3-State Strategy? Why do women need it more than ever now and what can we do to enable ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment? The evening concluded with a Q & A session and engrossing, lively discussion.