Best practices.

I want to mention the fantastic and creative power WILPF women (and men) manage to bring to bear. Cape Cod always has newsletters filled with poetry, engaging front covers, events, and newsletter presentations. Send them a $10'er to subscribe! They also have a 3-step process for planning--review the previous year, establish a vision, and then plan--all of which seem to involve over-nighting in fun environs. St. Louis engaged their congressional representatives by co-sponsoring breakfasts with Representative Clay and Senator Claire McCaskill, and have called to meet with their new senator, Roy Blunt; they presented a program on "bad bills" likely to be pushed by non-progressives in the state legislature; and they promoted Women's Lobby Day. Santa Cruz created a great character to carry the message regarding Corp. v. Democracy: her name is Miss Democracy and she periodically shows up for TV interviews to give the latest on the status of her "health." Des Moines has her sisters participating in the "I Miss Democracy" Beauty pageant. MN Metro has a water bottle percussion concert band, "Stirring the Waters." Fun events that prompt greater participation, higher profiles, and new members for local WILPFers: Helping women "find their tribe," Strong Feisty Women Awards Banquets, DAWN (Dem. Activist Women's Network), activism through the arts (The Art of Dissent, Women & Water, Chili Suppers, Pot Lucks, Coffee Hours, even "Group Therapy" to help the branch discern answers to questions). Cross-organizational memberships yield great dividends for both groups! Consider joining the NAACP, League of Women Voters, Soroptomists, and PFLAG. With what others do you network?

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