LWV Manatee Initiates Yard Sign Protest

The National League of Women Voters recognizes that our country is in a constitutional crisis and advocates that steps be taken to defend democracy.  Toward that end, they have launched the Unite and Rise 8.5  campaign. 

In their words, “Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration.”  Where did that number come from?  According to research from the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights, 8.5 million registered voters engaging in nonviolent protests, will bring about meaningful change. 

To launch this campaign locally LWV of Manatee County is initiating a yard sign campaign, calling on our community to display Uphold Our Constitution and the Rule of Law yard signs. The signs are intended for display until our democracy is restored, but their debut is a unison event with everyone placing them on display on the same day - June 14.  Why June 14?  Many other organizations designate that date as a nationwide day of protest and rallies in support of democracy and rejection of authoritarian politics, titled “No Kings”.

Signs will be available until democracy is restored.  For the launch, signs can be picked up at these times and locations:

• Sun, June 8, 12:30-2:00 pm – Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St W, Bradenton
• Mon, June 9, 5- 6 pm – Starbucks, State Road 64 & Lakewood Ranch Blvd – LWVMC Reproductive Rights Action Team Chair Nancy Hughes will be available for chatting and coffee.  
• Tues, June 10, 9:30 -11:30 am – Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St W, Bradenton
• Tues, June 10, 1-2 pm – Panera Bread, 6351 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton. - LWVMC will hold an afternoon coffee gathering with President Ruth Harenchar 
• Wed, June 11, 5:00-7:00 pm – Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St W, Bradenton
• Thurs, June 12, 9 am – 10:30 Starbucks, State Road 64 & Lakewood Ranch Blvd. - LWVMC will hold a coffee gathering with President Ruth Harenchar
• Thurs, June 12, 12:00-2:00 pm – Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St W, Bradenton 

Click here to place an order if you do not make one of the above distribution times. LWVMC will arrange the time and location for drop-off or pick-up.  The yard signs are free, but LWVMC would greatly appreciate a donation to help defray the costs.  

LWV urges our community to speak up and go on record that we want all government officials to uphold our Constitution and the rule of law.  “We must fight back,” says LWV.   Be one of the 8.5 million citizens that unite and rise up demanding that our government Uphold our Constitution and the Rule of Law.