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
Save the Date: Next WDD session. Wednesday, November 18, 5 -6 p.m. on Zoom
Register HERE to receive your unique Zoom link to join.
We'll discuss what the new Congress can or will do to strengthen democracy. Additional details will be shared here as soon as available.
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.
Take Action. Make Your Voice Heard.
Women Defending Democracy is more than a conversation - it’s a call to action. After every session, we share a WDD Action Sheet with clear, actionable steps recommended by our expert speakers to turn knowledge into meaningful action. Contact your legislators, send emails, make phone calls, write letters to the editor, join rallies and protests, talk to your neighbors and stand alongside others working to defend our democracy.
Every voice matters. Every action counts. And together, we are stronger.
Track Your Actions. Show Our Collective Impact.
Every call, letter, email, and public act of solidarity adds to our collective impact. We ask you to take a moment to track you actions in the WDD Tracking Form we provide and record the actions you’ve taken.
Your actions matter. By tracking collective actions, we can see the difference we’re making—one action at a time. Together, we can turn individual efforts into change.
Our Topics
One Nation, One Religion? Christian Nationalism and the Constitution
Young Voters Are the Future. Are We Listening?
The ERA Today: Where Minnesota & the Nation Stand
The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government
Louisiana v. Callais & the Assault on the Voting Rights Act (VRA)
Data Centers and the Billionaires: The Fight for Democracy and the Environment
Women Defending Democracy: Building Power Through Collective Action
Under Threat: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment
Justice for All: The Plague of Sexual Abuse in the Epstein Era
Defending Civil Rights in Minnesota: Legal and Policy Responses to ICE
Local Law Enforcement & Federal Agents: Examining MPD’s Separation Ordinance & Its Practice During Operation Metro Surge
The Building of American Detention Centers: Profit, Power & Civil Rights
Local Action & Rapid Response: Sharing Strategies to Protect Our Communities
ICE, Minnesota Law, and Civil Rights & Local Organizing in Practice
Guns, Governance, and Decency: Combating Political Radicalization in America
A People-Centered Approach to Banning Assault Weapons
The First Amendment: Five Freedoms That Shape Democracy
Maximizing Impact: How Constituents Can Most Effectively Defend Democracy
Incarceration Without Due Process
Women Defending Democracy Advocacy Training
One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1)
SAVE Act (H.R. 22)
Recordings are available upon request via office@lwvmpls.org
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 monthly virtual discussion and action series focused on civic engagement and collective action to defend voting rights, civil rights, and democratic institutions.
Meetings
Via Zoom
The last Wednesday of each month, 5–6 p.m. CT
Registration is required
New participants are always welcome
Each session features
Expert speakers on a timely issue
Q&A with speakers
Clear, actionable steps participants can take
Ways to track progress and measure our collective impact
Recordings available on the LWVMpls YouTube channel
Topics are shaped with participant input, keeping discussions relevant, timely, and grounded in our community priorities. Together, we turn knowledge into action to defend democracy.
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.
