Women Defending Democracy

Join Women Defending Democracy

Women Defending Democracy (WDD) is an initiative of the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis focused on mobilizing collective action to defend voting rights, civil rights, and democratic institutions.

Launched in June 2025 following the League of Women Voters of the United States’ declaration of a constitutional crisis, this monthly series brings together League members and community participants from across Minnesota to learn, discuss, and take action in response to threats facing democracy.

“We are in a constitutional crisis.” – League of Women Voters of the U.S., April 2025

The League describes a constitutional crisis as: “When the executive, the legislative or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the U.S. Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy with any of the three branches or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the U.S. Constitution”. Check out what League of Women Voters US is doing nationally to defend democracy.

Upcoming Women Defending Democracy sessions

Events
One Nation, One Religion? Christian Nationalism and the Constitution. October 28, 2026
Oct 28
One Nation, One Religion? Christian Nationalism and the Constitution. October 28, 2026

Guest Speaker: Jerry Gale, Founder Christians Against Christian Nationalism Minnesota

What happens when a political ideology seeks to merge Christian identity with American identity? This session will explore Christian nationalism as a political ideology and cultural framework, including ideas about what defines a “true Christian”, dark money networks and support for political violence. Jerry will discuss its overlap with white supremacy, racial injustice and male domination, and the implications for democracy and the Constitution.

On Zoom. Register Here.

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Why Are We Doing This?

  • Threat to Democracy: We acknowledge that our democracy is facing unprecedented, existential threats.

  • Commitment to the U. S. Constitution: We believe in upholding the rule of law, ensuring equal rights for all, and protecting the due process guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

  • Empowering Women as Leaders: As women and leaders within the League of Women Voters (LWV), we are committed to actively defending our democratic values.

  • Community Mobilization: We aim to mobilize our community to encourage active participation through education and grassroots collective action.

  • Building Resilience: We seek to build resilience to strengthen community bonds and safeguard our democratic rights

  • Protecting Our Rights: We are committed to defending our rights and ensuring that they are respected and upheld for all.

Our Topics

July 2026 - The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government

June 2026 - Louisiana v Callais & the Assault on the Voting Rights Act (VRA)

May 2026 - Data Centers and the Billionaires: The Fight for Democracy and the Environment

April 2026 - Women Defending Democracy: Building Power Through Collective Action & Under Threat: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment

March 2026 - Justice for All: The Plague of Sexual Abuse in the Epstein Era & Defending Civil Rights in Minnesota: Legal and Policy Responses to ICE

February 2026 - Ordinance & its Practice during Operation Metro Surge & The Building of American Detention Centers: Profit, Power & Civil Rights

January 2026 - Local Action & Rapid Response: Sharing Strategies to Protect Our Communities & ICE, Minnesota Law, and Civil Rights & Local Organizing in Practice

See more…

Recordings of WDD sessions

Events
Young Voters Are the Future. Are We Listening?
Sep 30
Young Voters Are the Future. Are We Listening?

Nile Blass, Regional LWVUS Organizer & Young Voter Power Initiative; Averie Younge, Co-Executive Director Vote16 MN; Sawyer Lepsch, Voter Engage Fellow at UoM Duluth

What do young people care about? Why doesn’t that always translate into voting? And how can we bridge that gap?

Watch recording HERE.

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Betty Folliard, The ERA Today: Where Minnesota & the Nation Stand
Aug 26
Betty Folliard, The ERA Today: Where Minnesota & the Nation Stand

In honor of Women's Equality Day, Women Defending Democracy welcomes former Minnesota State Representative Betty Folliard, a longtime advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Watch recording HERE.

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Barbara McQuade, her new book, The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government
Jul 8
Barbara McQuade, her new book, The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government

For this special session one year anniversary of WDD, we were thrilled to welcome Barbara McQuade as our guest speaker.

Watch recording HERE.

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Jill Burcum, Under Threat: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment
Apr 3
Jill Burcum, Under Threat: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment

Guest Speaker: Jill Burcum, Strib Editorial Board and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Burcum speaks to the growing threats to the free press, as corporate consolidation increasingly affects both local and national newspapers.

Watch recording HERE.

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Kari Hong, The Building of American Detention Center: Profit, Power and Civil Rights
Feb 6
Kari Hong, The Building of American Detention Center: Profit, Power and Civil Rights

Special guest Kari Hong, Appellate Attorney at Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project.

Professor Hong provided an overview of the rapid expansion of American detention centers and the for-profit detention industry.

Watch recording HERE

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Kitty Westin, Women Defending Democracy Advocacy Training
Jul 23
Kitty Westin, Women Defending Democracy Advocacy Training

Longtime advocate, former President of the LWVMpls, founder of the Eating Disorders Coalition, and a driving force behind the Anna Westin Act (2015),  Kitty Westin gives an advocacy training for WDD.  

Watch recording HERE.

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Past Session Summaries

If needed, contact vote@lwvmpls.org or office@lwvmpls.org for access information on past session recording.

What Is Women Defending Democracy

Women Defending Democracy is a recurring virtual discussion and action series designed to move beyond conversation and into meaningful civic engagement. The group meets:

  • Via Zoom

  • With new participants welcome at any time

Each session focuses on a single issue, offering:

  • A deeper understanding of current democratic challenges

  • Opportunities for guided discussion

  • Clear, actionable steps participants can take

  • Ways to track and measure collective impact

Topics are shaped by participants, ensuring that discussions remain relevant, timely, and grounded in community priorities.

What to Expect from Each Session

Each Women Defending Democracy session is designed to be informative, focused, and action-oriented.

Sessions may include:

  • Expert speakers and guest presenters

  • Issue briefings on topics such as civil rights, public safety, and government policy

  • Guided discussion with fellow participants

  • Action steps participants can take locally, statewide, or nationally

Past sessions have explored topics like public safety policy, civil rights issues, and advocacy strategies, often featuring community leaders and subject-matter experts.

View Past Session Summaries

Get Involved

Women Defending Democracy is open to anyone interested in learning more, participating in discussions, and taking action.

You can:

  • Participate in discussions and action planning

  • Help shape future topics

  • Connect with others committed to civic engagement

No prior experience is required. Whether you are new to civic involvement or have years of experience, your perspective is welcome.

Stay Connected and Access Resources

Participants will receive:

  • WDD session follow up information and recordings

  • Advocacy resources and tracking tools to capture our collective action.

  • Action Items specific to the topic.

Check back regularly for updates or connect with the League to receive information about upcoming sessions.

Join the League

Join the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis

Support initiatives like Women Defending Democracy and help expand civic engagement across Minneapolis and beyond.

As a member, you can:

  • Participate in issue discussions and advocacy efforts

  • Help shape programs like Women Defending Democracy

  • Stay informed on key democratic issues

  • Be part of a network committed to protecting and strengthening democracy

Join today and take an active role in building a more informed and engaged community.

Join Today
A large room filled with audience members seated and facing a woman speaking at a podium. There are multiple screens displaying a presentation about incarceration and deportation. A table with informational materials covered with a blue cloth with white text is in the foreground.
A large room filled with audience members seated and facing a woman speaking at a podium. There are multiple screens displaying a presentation about incarceration and deportation. A table with informational materials covered with a blue cloth with white text is in the foreground.

Common Questions

  • Women Defending Democracy is an information and action series hosted by the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis. WDD is focused on protecting democratic institutions and encouraging civic participation.

  • The group meets monthly, 5:00 PM via Zoom. WDD is open to all but requires registration.

  • Anyone interested in learning about democracy, discussing key issues, and taking action is welcome to participate. You do not need to be a league member to participate. Email office@lwvmpls.org or vote@lwvmpls.org.

  • Topics vary based on participant interest but often include civil rights, public safety, voting rights, and government policy.

  • Yes. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose political candidates or parties.

  • You can become a member of the League, participate in advocacy efforts, and help shape future WDD discussions and initiatives.