Mark your Calendars: February 11, 2021
Leader of Democracy 2021 to be a Free, Virtual Celebration
By Barb Mattison, Chair, Leader of Democracy 2021
Leader of Democracy 2021, the League of Women Voters of Colorado’s premier fundraising event, will be a free, virtual celebration Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 5 PM. Viewers across Colorado will click a link and watch a celebrative hour featuring three barrier-breaking women honored as Leaders of Democracy, celebrating the League’s 101st birthday and highlighting LWVCO’s critical work.
The event theme is For the Love of Democracy, For the Love of the League. Anne Trujillo, News Anchor, Denver’s Channel 7, will emcee the event. This free, virtual online event, developed due to COVID-19, provides the opportunity for people across Colorado to attend the celebration and to give a voluntary donation using an on-screen button.
Honorees are Sen. Polly Baca, the first Latina elected to the Colorado Senate and a continuing advocate for Latinx and gender equality; Lauren Casteel, CEO, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, advocate for the rights of women and girls, and the first woman of color to lead three major Colorado foundations; and Elizabeth Piper Ensley (posthumous), Treasurer of the Colorado Equal Suffrage Association and advocate for African American and gender equity and suffrage. Ms. Ensley was instrumental in gaining the vote for Colorado women in 1893.
The event will also honor Jackson Moody, LWVCO’s 2020 Student Winner in Colorado’s National History Day competition. Mr. Moody produced a documentary about barrier-breaking physician Dr. Justina Ford, the first African American woman physician in Colorado.
Viewership is critical to the success of Leader of Democracy 2021 and LWVCO is seeking Event Ambassadors – League members across the state who will invite friends and family (Leaguers and non-Leaguers) to view the event.
Underwriting is also important to event success and LWVCO is gathering both corporations and individuals. DaVita is the primary sponsor, and individuals - Leaguers and non-Leaguers - are coming forward to underwrite this event.
This free, virtual online event is being professionally produced by Open Media, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to providing technical assistance to Colorado’s nonprofit community.
Plan to view Leader of Democracy 2021 on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 5 PM. There is no registration. LWVCO will simply send the viewing link to all on the mailing list before the event.
To volunteer as an Event Ambassador, please contact Pam Hovik at 303-377-2661 or phovik@msn.com.
To help underwrite the event, contact Barb Mattison at 303-322-4878 or mattisonleague@gmail.com.