September 4, 2008 Environment Focus Group (First Thursdays)
Thursday, June 12: Party and Play
All members and friends of Women's Voices are invited to join us on Thursday, June 12, for a performance of the musical Sarafina at the Black Rep Theater. We'll have a pre-show reception, with cash bar, beginning at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the theater, located at 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. The play, which was nominated for a Tony award, begins at 7 p.m. The story is set in South Africa during the Soweto riots of 1976, and is told through the eyes of Sarafina, an ambitious schoolgirl actress-activist. Following the production, the director, actors and crew will join us for a post-show discussion .
Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased by May 15 if you wish to take advantage of our discounted group rate. Mail check, payable to Women's Voices, to Mary Clemons, treasurer, 412 Greenleaf, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Tickets will be held at the door.
Thursday, June 26:
Watchdogs Take on Elephants
The Media Watchdogs Focus Group will sponsor a book discussion on Thursday, June 26. The book is "Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame The Debate," by George Lakoff. The program will begin with pizza and conversation at 6:30 p.m.; discussion follows at 7 p.m. at the Companion Bakery, 4651 Maryland Ave. in the Central West End.
The elephant in the title of this book does not refer to the symbol of the Republican Party. Instead, Lakoff investigates the ways that politicans can frame debate and influence public opinion with cleverly-crafted metaphors. Informed voters need to be aware of these tactics as we gear up for the 2008 election campaign.
The book discussion is open to all.
Sunday, June 29: Gay Pride Parade
For the 4th year in a row, Women's Voices will be marching proudly in the Gay Pride Parade. We invite ALL of you -- members, friends, spouses, children, grandchildren, even dogs -- to join us. We hope to have a huge turn-out this year, demonstrating our commitment to "a world where diversity can be celebrated and prejudice eliminated." Visit Pride St. Louis for more information.
The parade begins at noon a few blocks south of Tower Grove Park on Grand and finishes up about an hour later in the park, where you're free to linger for music, great food, and fellowship. It's a happy event! We'll be carrying our Women's Voices banner, which always draws cheers from the crowd: "Yea, Women! Thanks for being here!" We'll also be carrying individual signs with quotes from famous people who are gay or lesbian. (One of our favorites is Truman Capote's: "Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act.")
If you'd like to be part of this happy celebration, email Ann Ruger, and she'll add you to the list. As June 29th approaches, you'll get more details, including carpooling options and parking suggestions.
Who We Are
We are a group of ardent, progressive St. Louis area women who finally got fed up.
We became so concerned about the direction of this country and where its priorities seem to be that we decided we must do something. From our frustration and determination, Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice was born.
We are not fund-raisers. We are not envelope-stuffers. We are not a single-issue group. And we do not want to re-invent the wheel. Therefore, we have built an organization that enables us to study many different issues and take action for a variety of causes. We frequently support other progressive organizations in their efforts. But first, we study and learn about the issues.
Our members are curious, creative, competent and caring.
We believe in doing something meaningful in support of our values, and we have great fun and camaraderie in doing so. If you would like to add your voice to ours, we welcome you to join us.
Sign Language
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down Awards
to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which is now offering a three-month supply of certain prescription drugs for $10. In 2006 Wal-Mart launched a program to sell generic drugs for $4.
to the North St. Louis YouthBuild program, which will receive an award from Focus St. Louis in May in the area of "providing quality educational opportunities." Ironically, this program, which provides educational opportunities as well as job training skills, will likely be discontinued next year because government funding has been withdrawn. For information about this innovative program, go to: www.friedensforever.org.
to Jennifer's Pharmacy in Clayton, which is discontinuing the use of plastic bags throughout the store. Alternate bags, which have no environmental impact, are available for a small fee. Customers who insist on a plastic bag will be charged for each bag they use. Women's Voices commends Jennifer's Pharmacy for its leadership on this issue.
to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which is now offering a three-month supply of certain prescription drugs for $10. In 2006 Wal-Mart launched a program to sell generic drugs for $4.