Used with permission ~
Suzann Thompson: What to Do in a Democracy; quilting, fabric, crocheted doilies
Every citizen is a voter! NOW is the time to register to vote, if you haven't already, for the 2020 election! You can find everything you need to know about registering and voting requirements in any state, absentee ballots, early voting dates, election dates and deadlines, ballot return options and more at the Us Vote Foundation.
2019: Suzann and friends registering voters at a festival "in the wild" in Texas
Suzann Thompson is a prolific crochet and quilt artist who combines the two in her mixed-media quilts. Until the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she was exhibiting "Celebrate Doilies" throughout her home state of Texas.
Since the 2008 election season, I have become a more involved voter. Now, more than ever, I have been very concerned that every citizen who wants to vote have a chance to do so and exercise their right as a US citizen. Recently I was honored with the opportunity to help the League of Women Voters by translating Election Essentials and VOTE411: Election Information You Need from English to Spanish. With so much time spent in isolation these past months, it felt good to be able to work at home to provide these important guides for hispanic voters.
Founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt, The League of Women Voters has been a "non-partisan, activist, grassroots organization, for 100 years, that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy." Because of the deep divide in which our country finds itself, I have been doing a lot of thinking and studying as to how I can do my small part to bridge that divide.
Suzann Thompson: "Snowflakes Create Avalanches," quilting, crochet snowflakes
I know that introspection is difficult for many, and that I have no power to change others' deep-held beliefs. What I can do is engage in conversation with others whose views oppose mine. I can listen kindly and realize that they are entitled to believe as they wish. We all come to our beliefs mostly due to our own private experiences. I also have a right to speak up and express my beliefs without fear. Who knows, we might learn from each other, or at the least gain empathy for the experiences that brought our opponents to their beliefs!
Tell me your stories and your beliefs. I want to be informed. Please promise me you will be sure to vote. I know I will!
Many thanks to Suzann Thompson for her generosity in sharing the photographs that inspired me to write this blog!
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