Women In Politics Magazine: 2020 Wrapped Up by Women In Politics

2020 Our democracy survived a pandemic now it is time to turn the page, to unite, to heal.” - President-elect Joe Biden "A Time to heal, A time to Build" -Brookings "We’ve never witnessed a pandemic of a coronavirus before. Now we know it's ki-nd of a super forest fire." -Dr.Osterholm

Momentous Episode in the Story of Democracy" -Bostonia A cliffhanger of an election, with one candidate leading by millions - NYT

"We are missing a remarkable pioneer, a person who never gave up" — Post Industrial

This rage isn't just for George Floyd. It's for every victim of the police like him. -The Washington Post “It’s up to all of us — Black, white, everyone — no matter how well-meaning we think we might

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A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER

A T R I B U T E

I’m writing this editorial on December 31st, 7:08 pm a little under five hours before 2020 is over and two days before the magazine is published. I wouldn’t consider myself a procrastinator, but this editorial has been the hardest one to write. I’ve been mulling over my thoughts the past weeks trying to figure out a way to perfectly capture the essence of 2020, but the more I think about it the problem wasn’t the lack of vocabulary, but the fact that I haven't been able to fully process this year. The suffering it has brought upon the world is unquantifiable, but the more I reflect on this year I realize how needed it was.

2020 showed us how easily our world could come undone. The job crisis left many families scrambling to make ends meet. The murder of George Floyd reminded us that racism is still lodged deep into the roots of our society, and the brutal election further dividing our country leaving Americans across the world wondering where the ideals of the United States went. These are some of the harsh realities of which America was built on, and this year showed us that they still run rampant. But, I believe that in what was considered the darkest year of

T O

human existence we made steps toward fulfilling our creed and finding our light.

For me, Women In Politics, our team, our family, was my light. Founded in April of last year WIP was a place where girls and minorities across the world could come together and find their voice. Together we faced the plague of 2020, but also saw the light and hope it brought us. Alongside the job crisis we have seen people cross racial and social lines to help those in

2 0 2 0

need. In the wake of George Floyd we saw people from different walks of life march in protest. In the election we saw many barriers broken in terms of representation.

In no way do I intend to belittle the damage 2020 has brought upon all of our lives, but that in 2021 if things happen to go awry we keep up the hope. Let us join together regardless if we come from different backgrounds. Let us build bridges where trenches run deep and struggles have been embedded in our lives. Let us come together as a country regardless of our differences because, yes, we have suffered through one of the most unforgettable years in history, but we have also affirmed the nature of our human race:

empathy, and most importantly light.

Rebecca Joseph

a people of love,

TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 1 6 THE

EFFECT

COVID-19

WOMEN

GLOBALLY

Katherine Bronov

LIVING

HISTORY:

THE

HARRIS

WOMEN

BEHIND

THE

TRIBUTE KAMALA

Anna Cernich

REVOLUTION

Andrea Montenegro

THE

SUCCESS OF

THE

SILENT SENTINELS

Anna Cernich

14 REST

ONLINE

SCHOOL AND

STUDENTS

RUTH

Stella Kleinman

BADER GINSBERG

Ella Stillion Southard THE A

USPS:

HIDDEN

INTER-

NATIONAL

POWER:

THE

PART

ELECTION

PROCESS

Sara Keegan

ELECTION TO

REMEMBER

Katherine Bronov

STACEY

ABRAMS:

GEORGIA'S WONDER

CAMPAIGNING ERA

WOMAN

Manya Kodali

THE

COVID

Mary Corey Want instant updates on what's happening in politics?

Follow our Medium and Twitter: Women In Politics and @womeninpolitcs

OUR WAY OUT: THE

COVID VACCINE

Andrea Chow

JAN 2021 ISSUE

ABOUT THE COVER

Our January Magazine Cover resembles a newspaper with all the headlines being monumental parts of this year. Although it is now 2021, in this magazine we wanted to wrap up this year with our headline pieces from the last 8 magazines. Hence, the newspaper cover. Each writers has also included a short letter before the article to help us better understand what we were going through that month. Along with the articles our co-executive directors and co-writing leaders each wrote an editorial in tribute of a major event of 2020. Rebecca Joseph kicked us off with a tribute to 2020, and the other three are scattered throughout the magazine.

JUNE 2020

COVID-19 ON In May, the month of writing our first magazine issue, the news was on a constant loop, repeating the words coronavirus, pandemic, and unprecedented times with no end. While it may have been annoying, the novel COVID-19 was the only thing on our minds. At the time it had cost us 100,000 lives, 36,000,000 people on unemployment, and a booming economy in the US, and much more across the world. Back then we thought that was the worst it could get as our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politicians and more prominent public figures downplayed the virus. But health officials and scientists warned us that this was only the beginning of a long road ahead of us.

Now, as we compare to 7 months ago, we realize the scientists were right. Sitting at a comfortable 19,000,000 reported cases and 336,000 deaths the pandemic has not made any magical turn for the better. But while these numbers are shocking they should not be surprising as many states never enforced strict health protocols and others opened their economies too quickly. Back in May, people were scared to leave their homes but as the months passed people grew more and more comfortable with COVID, now traveling during the holidays, expanding their social circles, and reopening businesses. While at first this seemed inconsequential and a necessary adaptation to this new normal it is now the source of spiking cases.

Looking back, May was just the beginning. So please, even with the current distribution of the vaccine please listen to health officials and keep wearing your mask, social distancing, and eventually get the

vaccine when available to you. Stay safe!

HAPPY READING,

Katherine Bronov

We are currently living through unprecedented times, with the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the globe. Nobody was adequately prepared for such an event; the virus took the world by storm. The spread of COVID-19 was officially called a pandemic in midMarch, and as of right now globally, there are more than 5.5 million confirmed cases and 347,000 deaths. The country with the highest number of cases in the world is the United States, with more than 1.8 million total cases and more than 100,000 deaths.

While in second and third are Brazil and Russia with 550 thousand and 430 thousand cases respectively. The world was certainly not perfect before the virus hit but the pandemic is slowly but surely uncovering and deepening pre-existing inequalities and vulnerabilities in social, political, and economic systems. At the same time, these issues are unfortunately intensifying this already catastrophic event even more. While the impact of the pandemic has been felt by everyone across the globe, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggles have especially been heightened, and females have overall felt the impact of the virus more than their male counterparts.

Although data shows that women and men have equally suffered due to the pandemic, many would consider women lucky based on statistics demonstrating that women have a lower percentage of deaths from COVID-19. While it may seem that the virus is more deadly for men, that does not shelter women from the virus. It has actually been proven that women are more at risk of exposure because women make up the majority of front line workers. Scientists call this the sex-segregation phenomenon and it is especially predominant in the health industry. Women make up 70% of the health workforce around the globe according to U.N. Women. Frontline workers are more likely to be in constant contact with the virus, such as nurses, and health facility service staff like cleaners and caterers.

Women working these jobs are essential to dealing with the crisis but are unfortunately in very high-risk positions due to constant exposure to infected patients and the insufficient amount of personal protective equipment (PPE). Not only are PPE supplies running out quickly, but the issue has been raised that the equipment is usually sized for men and has been found to incorrectly fit women and leave them more susceptible to exposure. Statistics show that in highly infected countries such as Spain and Italy around 70% of infected health workers are female compared to the average 30% of males. This indicates that while fewer women die from the virus, more women work in the medical field and are, therefore, more at risk of infection.

Additionally, it is estimated that a large number of women have lost regular access to modern contraceptives, which are already difficult for some women to obtain. In the US, several states have banned or blocked the availability of abortion services by deeming the service nonessential. The states are justifying the orders by arguing for the conservation of personal protective equipment. Nonetheless, this decision has sparked outrage. Some women consider this an

Besides the virus, there are other

infringement of their rights and

health concerns for women and girls

experts fear that delaying abortions

who have unique health needs. The

may increase the rate of

pandemic has made it more difficult

complications or potentially make

for them to receive crucial health

the service completely inaccessible.

services and treatment, especially

Many leading medical organizations

relating to maternal and

issued statements defining abortion

reproductive health. As attention

as an “essential component of

and resources are almost solely

comprehensive health care” as well

placed on fighting the virus and

as the World Health Organization

away from important women’s health

that also classified abortion

services, experts predict there will be

“essential” to women’s rights and

an increase in rates of maternal

health.

mortality and morbidity, adolescent pregnancies, HIV, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Since the spread of COVID-19, the way humanity functions has been completely transformed and modified for these extreme circumstances. Stay at home orders have been put in place and social distancing enforced in most parts of the world, changing the way we live our day to day lives. Overall, socialization has decreased and many are isolated from in-person contact. While this is crucial for containing the spread of the virus and eventually ending the pandemic, lockdowns and increased isolations have caused other problems. Due to these efforts to stop the virus, domestic violence, and abuse,

Additionally, the virus has complicated the situation for women experiencing violence: exposure to COVID-19 is being used as a threat, abusers are exploiting the inability of women to call for aid or escape, and women risk being thrown out on the street with nowhere to go. Fortunately, some women do contact help but, with the increase in cases, this has led to judicial, police, and health services being overwhelmed. Some services have shifted their priorities and are busy with the virus while others are overwhelmed by the influx of cases and lack the capabilities to assist everyone. Unfortunately, it seems that as long as the pandemic persists, violence and abuse will continue to rise. Relief services remain overloaded, which can potentially lead to a huge mental and social imprint on women.

especially against women have increased globally. This is mostly due to the fact that many women are confined with their abusers. While there aren’t any comprehensive statistics at the moment regarding violence against women during the pandemic, some countries have reported more than a 25% increase in cases, and some have even seen cases double. It is also estimated that the reported numbers are merely the worst cases and that, in reality, the numbers are much higher because women are unable or are afraid to contact help.

One of the biggest impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been on the world economy. The global recession has affected everyone around the world and isn’t expected to end any time soon. The pandemic has resulted in markets and supply chains being disrupted, businesses closing their doors or scaling back, and millions of people around the world losing their jobs and livelihoods. Globally, on average, women make up around 40% of the labor force, and this recession has by far hit them the worst. According to the New York Times, some women are even calling the recession a “Shecession”. In the US, women accounted for 55% of the 20.5 million jobs lost in April overall and raised the unemployment rate for women to about 15% overall, 16.4% for black women, and 20.2%

for Hispanic women.

This is the first time since the end of WW2 that the female unemployment rate has reached the double digits, according to an analysis by the National Women’s Law Center. For many in the US, this is extremely disappointing as in December women held more payroll jobs than men for the first time in about a decade. Female unemployment is currently higher than men’s and this is very unusual considering that during every recession since 1981, men’s unemployment has been higher than women’s. The reason that more job losses fell on women is that the industries hit the hardest by the pandemic, such as leisure, hospitality, and education are female-dominated, while past recessions have hit more male-dominated industries such as manufacturing and construction. It is especially hard for women to swallow the current economic situation due to the past expansion of women’s job markets and the increase of women’s wages. On top of the job losses women have suffered, there are many other factors such as unpaid labor. Women generally take care of children, the elderly, sick family members, and domestic work, and under current conditions demands for these services have increased exponentially. Schools are closed and children are stuck at home, creating more responsibility for women and requiring them to step into yet another role as athome teachers. Additionally, women are not able to access outside help to take care of the children such as grandparents or babysitters because of social distancing measures. It is also commonly reported by women that other adults in the household such as a spouse or partner, hardly help with errands or chores, leaving the burden of the entire household on the woman. This situation for many women has resulted in forced unemployment, or if women are lucky enough to be able to work from home it has caused very demanding home lives. In normal routine life, caring for an entire family and household is already difficult but with these new circumstances women are overwhelmed, stressed, and overworked more than usual. In the long run, this also puts women at high risk of developing depression and other psychological issues. Women have faced plenty of challenges before the pandemic struck, but the crisis has since revealed and amplified every shortcoming of society towards women. Sex inequality has existed since the beginning of time but we have slowly but surely been closing the gap. Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought the fight for women’s equality a few steps backward and has displayed that we still have a long way to go. On the other hand, it does seem that the crisis has opened the eyes of many to how valuable and underappreciated women are. Hopefully, when this crisis comes to a close, people will be more aware and responsive to the issues this crisis has uncovered and be grateful for everything women have done on the front lines, at home, or anywhere else in our

communities during the pandemic.

JULY 2020

LIVING HISTORY:

Juneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political climate was charged with public anger over the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, and many others. Support for the Black Lives Matter movement surged as millions across the country called for the restructing the judicial and police system.

Notable protests included those in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Portland, where -in all three citiesdestruction of public property and the use of police force to subdue protesters took place. The issue reached a global stage with protests taking place in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan. In the midst of this unrest, states began to re-open their economies as COVID-19 cases began to plateau. However, the future would be grim as, near the end of the month, cases rose again. With so much uncertainty, everyone questioned what would be next in the sequence of shocking events that was 2020.

HAPPY READING, Andrea Montenegro

"Is this really happening right now? After the acquittal of Teryvon Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murderer in 2013, Garza, Cullors, and Tometi decided enough was enough. The trend of excessive police force

movement this generation has ever witnessed, but have also helped

normalize the presence

of women in politics and activism. We are starting a new chapter in the story of the United States, but this time women are writing it.

disproportionately affecting AfroAmericans was steadily increasing, and Initially, the

the justice system seemed to ignore it.

death of

Thus, the BLM movement was born.

Martin

Thousands gathered in the streets to

enraged

protest the injustices Black Americans

many,

face as a result of our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long

including

history of systematic racism. But, as

the

some may remember, the inception of

creators of

BLM did not mark the end of racism in

BLM. How

America. In fact, BLM, at its inception,

could it be

did not have the cultural impact it has

that the

now.

man who The resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in response to the recent death of George Floyd is a pivotal moment in American history, one which we get to witness first-hand.This revolution was started by three strong-willed, independent, and passionate African-American

murdered a 17 year-old boy could walk free for days before his arrest? Worse, how could it be that he was acquitted a year later? This news inspired Garza to go on Facebook and express her concern. Her post, which read,

women. Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi have not only put a name to the biggest

BLACK LIVES

“Black people. I love you. I love us. Our lives matter, Black Lives Matter,” was the start of something bigger than herself. Cullors replied to this post with a tweet of her own, choosing to use the hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter. This hashtag resonated with black

American achievers and

communities and allies, and it’s

Influencers, the 2016 Glamour

virality pushed Tometi to create

Women of the Year Award, the 2016

social media platforms, a website,

Marie Claire New Guard Award,

and organized chapters around the

and Community Change Agent at

globe for this new movement.

the 2016 BET’s Black Girls Rock

Suddenly, there were bigger

Awards. Finally, being a queer

conversations about civil rights and

black woman, Garza wishes to push

police brutality which never existed

the idea the

before

Black men are not the only ones affected by police violence, rather, the movement encompasses all genders, orientations, and identities.

But, who were these women before they began the movement? Before BLM, Garza was an activist in her own career as the Special Projects Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, a position she currently holds. As the director, she works to give voices to domestic workers in the U.S. The creation of BLM has given Garza a larger platform than ever before, allowing her to voice her unfiltered opinions on a wide-scale. She has been able to pursue projects as an organizer, public speaker, and writer, receiving awards like: The Roots 2016 List of 100 African

S MATTER

Like Garza, Tometi was an activist before BLM, fighting for human and migrant rights. She worked as the Co-Director and Communication Director at the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). This organization, successful and unprecedented in its own right, has been recognized internationally for their message of racial justice in immigration. Tometi, as the strategist and founder of BLM’s social media sites, has gone on to win many awards, receiving an honorary doctorates degree

(along with her fellow co-founders), recognition as one of the world’s fifty greatest leaders by POLITICO and Fortune magazines, the “New Civil Rights Leader”

in 2015 by the Los Angeles Times Magazine and 2014 by ESSENCE

magazine, and the Social Movement of the Year Award at the Webbys. She will also be featured in the Smithsonian’s

National Museum for African

American History and Culture to honor her contributions.

Cullors has been involved in activism for many years. Before BLM, she was working for criminal justice reforms in prisons. Due to a personal experience with police brutality, Cullors formed the Coalition to End Sheriff Violence in 2011, two years before the start of BLM. She, along with others, worked with inmates to receive a clearer picture of the violence inmates face while incarcerated. This organization would later evolve to be Dignity and Power Now, which works to restore the dignity and power of incarcerated individuals. As an artist, organizer, and freedom fighter, she has become a New York Times bestseller, Sydney Peace Prize recipient, Black Woman of the Year in 2015, ESSENCE magazine’s first ever Woke award recipient, named the Los Angeles Times’ Civil Rights Leader for the 21st Century, and a Fulbright scholar. She is continuing her joint ventures in both BLM and DIgnity and Power Now, using her platform to spread her art to AfroAmerican communities.

These three women, each accomplished and well-versed in activism, sparked the larger movement we know now. When reading their successes, one wonders how young girls, like myself, can lead from their example. For one, Garza, Tomeli, and Cullors never stopped fighting for what they believed in. The fact that they were Black Women in a country where both race and gender can yield an advantage or disadvantage never stopped them. In fact, they used the weaknesses created by racism and misogyny in America to unite subcultures under one common cause. They have redefined what it means to be an activist in the modern era, holding iconic female historical positions nexts to the likes of Hariet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Angela Davis, setting a precedent for the next generation of freedom fighters and proving that female activism is strong activism.

For more information on the creators and

the movement, visit the BLM Website: blacklivesmatter.com.

A WORD FROM OUR WRITING LEADER

A TRIBUTE TO KAMALA HARRIS If there was ever a year that required an entire history class by itself, 2020 would be it. The season finale to the year is among the small list of events with concrete outcomes: the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the respective presidency and vice presidency. A few months ago, in our pre-election issue, I wrote about the diverse background of soon-to-be Madame Vice President. However, I had little knowledge of the impact her election would create for thousands of women in the U.S. and abroad. Videos of little girls attentively watching her acceptance speech and TikTok compilations of women celebrating in city streets captured the awe and inspiration that the monumental victory of the Biden-Harris ticket created. My notifications blew up with texts from members of Women in Politics while we collectively came to understand the magnitude of a female holding the Vice Presidential office. I would point out the improbability that a woman breaks political barriers within six months of the founding of an organization promoting female political representation, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a big believer in coincidence. I firmly believe that the work of WIP is a reflection of the change that has already taken place and an indication of the change that is to come.

As we head into the new year with zealous hearts and ready minds, we continue to work for a world characterized by equality, justice, and compassion. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank you enough for joining us in this mission.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Anna Cernich

AUGUST 2020

THE SUCCESS OF THE SILENT SENTINELS Dickinson would not live to see the effects of the suffrage movement nor the magnitude of the fight for gender equality, but her writing and this statement suggest that the constitutional right to democracy, regardless of gender, had manifested itself in the hearts of A common thread I see as I study history,

brilliant women long before the passing of

especially the suffrage movement, is the

the 19th Amendment. One group of these

innate desire for visibility; the universal

women, the Silent Sentinels, found

wish to be seen, heard, and noticed. WIP

creative ways to demand justice during a

was founded on the idea of equality of

time when women holding positions of

representation, so this particular article

political authority, or even rebelling

hit closer to home. To me, the Silent

against the norm of traditional housewife

Sentinels are a reminder of the

roles, was unheard of. Six days a week,

importance of visibility. As I wrote it, I

the group used nonviolent direct action to

became more and more grateful for the

achieve their dream of gender equality,

work of the women activists before me,

holding silent protests in front of the White

and hopeful that we can continue their

House that would last for several hours in

legacy of being voices for the voiceless in

attempts to raise awareness and put

our own communities.

pressure on President Woodrow Wilson

Happy Reading!

Anna Cernich

who was opposed to the 19th Amendment at the time. The nightly vigils would continue for two and a half years until

Acclaimed poet and early feminist Emily Dickinson once quipped that:

"SAYING NOTHING SOMETIMES SAYS THE MOST."

progress was initiated at the federal level. As America commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment on August 18th, we must also honor the triumphs of the Silent Sentinels, whose inaudible protests and mastery of civil resistance speak to the courage, wisdom, and resilience required to fight injustice to this day.

The Silent Sentinels were a sector of women in the National Woman’s Party, a group formed by feminist icons Alice Paul and Lucy Burns that sought a more radical approach to suffrage than the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). Their ideas to bring about change were focused on garnering media attention, an approach that would be and is being continued today. The suffragettes realized that the best way to get elected leaders to work for change is to use the general public to threaten the positions they are elected to.

The same phenomenon occurs today, with reposts and awareness about social issues being shared among millions using social media. Information, although incredibly simple, is one of the most effective ways to promote change. The National Woman’s Party recognized this, and their work would pave the way for future protests. The signs were intended to pressure President Woodrow Wilson into changing his anti-suffrage mindset, with messages like “Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty” and “Mr. President, what will you do for human suffrage.” Their protest was so simple, and yet so effective. Making the movement even wittier (and more antagonistic), the women would use direct quotes from Wilson’s speeches. The women were promptly arrested for traffic obstruction after waving a banner citing an excerpt from his speech on democracy: "We shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments." The women were able to protest freely, at first, but as their movement became more effective, the Silent Sentinels became a major target for authority figures. Unjustified arrests increased by the day, but on November 14th, 1917, the injustice peaked. Commonly known as the “Night of Terror,” November 14th is notorious for evidencing the bigotry of those in power at the time. As more and more women were-

being arrested, the Washington D.C.

The Silent Sentinels established many

jailhouse had started to overflow, so the

different firsts, paving the way for future

women were sent to the Occoquan

civil rights movements and evidencing

Workhouse. Conditions were terrible at

how “saying nothing sometimes says the

the workhouse; syphilis ran rampant and

most.” They were the first to protest

worms were a common topping with

outside the White House, a tactic that

dinner. The women refused to give in,

would be used by Martin Luther King Jr.

remaining resilient and strong in the face

and different activist groups to put

of hatred. Frustrated and angry, the

pressure on lawmakers and the President.

superintendent of the workhouse ordered

The Sentinels were the first to master the

the guards to brutalize the suffragists on

art of antagonization through civility.

November 14th. Icons Lucy Burns, Dorothy

They essentially made President Woodrow

Day, and Dora Lewis were beaten and

Wilson and his cabinet cave-in to their

chained because they refused to accept

demands for equal representation using

their alleged crime of standing outside

only the silent treatment. Their relentless

the White House fence silently. The

creativity, paired with a passion for

American public noticed, and support for

democratic equality, secured a female

the suffrage movement increased by

voice in America and opened up the door

leaps and bounds. Without voicing any

for women to change the world. The

words, the women had successfully

Silent Sentinels’ contribution to the

garnered support and public outcry for

suffrage movement, and to women’s

the sake of justice.

history as a whole, cannot, should not, and will not be forgotten.

"TO ASK FREEDOM FOR A WOMEN IS NOT A CRIME. SUFFRAGE PRISONERS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS CRIMINALS. " - MARY WINSOR PENN

A WORD FROM OUR WRITING LEADER A TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBERG As I, and many others, reflect on this past year in American politics, the themes of division and adversity come to mind. This nation has been plagued by insensible political attacks on both sides, fear mongering, lies, and uncertainty. Throughout this precarious time, it is the examples set by compassionate, resilient leaders that make the polarization bearable, and well, because we are Women In Politics, I want to discuss one woman in particular who has led the way with a burning torch of hope, for all of us. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg is the first woman that comes to mind when I think of someone who got me through this year. Her passing may seem like old news, but her distinct legacy on the narrative of this nation will outlast every news cycle. A barely five-foot woman, known for her gorgeous jewelry, meaningful lace robe collars, and powerful dissents, has made women all across America feel deserving of respect and honor. Some of the many cases in which RBG fought for women’s rights include: the United States v Virginia case, where RBG wrote the majority opinion striking down Virginia’s Military Institute’s male-only policy, Gonzales v Carhart, where RBG dissents that women are entitled to autonomy over their own bodies, and Ledbetter v Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where RBG dissents by arguing that the pay gap does exist for women and it is Congress’ job to fix it. Not only was RBG an advocate for women’s rights, but she ruled in favor of people with disabilities, voting rights for all, and the principles of federalism (division of power between the state and federal governments). RBG truly showed all of us women, that even in the highest court in all the land, you will have to stick your neck out for what is just, and because of this example, young women like myself and everyone at Women In Politics have the path to fight for a more equal tomorrow. From everyone here at Women In Politics, we want to say thank you for walking this path with us. It is women like RBG who inspire us, and hopefully you as well, to take decisive action and never give up on the principle idea of liberty and justice for all. As we head into the New Year, we will continue to hold gratitude in our hearts for the ability to fight

another day. Thank you again for continuing to support and inspire us here at Women In Politics.

Ella Stillion Southard

SEPTEMBER 2020

ONLINE SCHOOL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The summer of 2020 was full of warm weather, protests for social justice, Covid updates, long days, and international questions. We learned that unfortunately, the pandemic was here to stay. We faced our new reality. Throughout July and August, both current and prospective college students were forced to make tough decisions regarding financial, legal, and health issues. Many international students at American universities struggled with an alarming ICE policy - new visas would not be issued to students pursuing their studies online. In July, international students added deportation to their growing list of risks this year. Hundreds of colleges, led by Harvard and MIT, filed suit aICE in an attempt to protect their international students’ academic ambitions and physical safety.

HAPPY READING, Stella Kleinman The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in millions of American college students’ fall plans. To combat the risk of large groups, universities are pursuing a myriad of approaches to socially distanced learning. Many institutions have stated that they will only allow 40 to 60 percent of their students to live on campus and many of their classes will be taught online. Colleges have already suffered major financial losses from the pandemic and hundreds of smaller liberal arts schools have been forced to close permanently. International students constitute approximately 5.5% of the total US college student body. These young adults undertake the arduous journey to America in search of

quality education, research capabilities, and career opportunities. While the United States university system is renowned, many other countries also offer extraordinary education and career opportunities.

In fact, approximately 11% of American undergraduate students study abroad in another country. Even still, according to the US Department of Commerce, international college students contributed an ample $45 billion to the US economy in 2018, as they typically pay higher tuition than domestic students. There are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M. The standard F-1 student visa allows students to attend an accredited college, university, or English language institute. The J-1 visa is applicable for exchange programs, and the M-1 visa serves foreigners engaged in non-academic or vocational training in the US. On July 6, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that it would not permit international students on F-1 visas to take a full online course load during their fall semester in the United States. ICE claimed that new visas would not be issued to students who transfer to partially in-person schools to stay in the US and the punishments would even apply if an outbreak forced students to shift to online classes mid-semester. In short, if a college abdicates in-person study, its international students must return to their home country or risk deportation.

Two days later, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology jointly filed suit against ICE and the US Department of Homeland Security in the federal court in Massachusetts. The universities claimed that ICE issued the policy without offering any jurisdiction and failed to allow the public to respond. The lawsuit also argued that ICE’s policy would be tremendously problematic for students from countries like “Syria, where civil war and an ongoing

humanitarian

crisis

make

Internet

access

and

study

all

but

impossible.”

The

Massachusetts schools asked the court to declare the new policy unlawful and prevent ICE and DHS from enforcing it. According to MIT’s president, Leo Rafael Reif, “welcoming the world’s brightest, most talented and motivated students is an essential American strength.” By July 13th, more than 200 colleges filed briefs supporting the lawsuit in an attempt to protect their combined total of 213,000 international students from removal.

After a critical hearing the next day, US officials agreed to rescind ICE’s new policy in a settlement with Harvard and MIT. The Wall Street Journal reported that US District Judge Allison Burroughs asserted that the Trump administration would “rescind the policy, withdraw an FAQ detailing the rule and return to the status quo of guidance issued in the spring.” While international students may still struggle with the transition to online learning, many passionate college leaders have successfully protected their right to remain in the United States.

OCTOBER 2020

THE USPS:

A HIDDEN PART OF THE ELECTION PROCESS The month of October seemed to be the calm before the storm,

Americans anxiously awaiting election day. The final 2020 Presidential. Debate occurred October 22, both candidates making their pitch to Americans who were stuck in the middle of a divided nation. During this time, citizens from around the country made it clear the importance of voting, specifically in this election, as it was between two seemingly polar opposite candidates. This call for representation and awareness was followed, as on October 19, various states reported record-breaking numbers regarding early votes ahead of the November 3 election. About 93 million early ballots were cast, almost twice as many pre-election votes as were cast in the 2016 election. Americans were showing up and ready to utilize their rights. However, for many at-risk and senior citizens, voting in person was a risk they did not feel comfortable taking.This is where mail in ballots came to play, providing people a way to stay home and distanced while still exercising their right to vote. About 46% of voters stated that they voted by absentee or mail-in ballot, more than ever seen in past elections. Despite this, President Donald Trump voiced his distrust in the process and expressed his wish to completely rid of the opportunity for voters to vote by mail. Making accusations left and right, he worried the counting and submitting of these ballots would lead to fraud. However, it could be argued he was trying to stop many Biden voters from using their voice, as almost all of those sending mail-in ballots were democrats. One way in which he attempted to disrupt the process was by advocating for the defunding of the USPS. By giving those a part of the corporation less funds and opportunity for spending, it would inhibit the speed of sending and delivering ballots, causing an inability for many voters to exercise their right. The USPS is a vital part of the United States and must not be treated as unimportant. Despite this, many politicians argued against Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposal, thus leading to the USPS remaining properly funded and running. October was a month full of political news and events, leaving America to the hands of voters across the nation.

HAPPY READING, Saea Keegan

How many times do you either send or receive a package monthly? Is it more than 5 times, 10? 15? The postal service is used every minute of every day, with hundreds of thousands of people depending on it for products and income. Established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the United States Postal Service was created in hopes of organizing and constructing an efficient system that would lead to easier communication between the United States and Britain.

By constructing postal facilities, mail wagons, and a faculty, the postal system became considerably more proficient and cut delivery times in half. Today, the postal system has over 40,000 postal offices and delivers an estimated 212 billion pieces of mail to over 144 million homes. It is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest civilian employer and provides any resident with the ability to send and receive mail.

To keep up with the demand, the already financially struggling USPS has requested

As COVID-19 continues to be a prominent issue in the US, many voters feel uncomfortable going to the polls and would rather stay home to prevent the possibility of getting infected. As a result, the percentage of people planning on voting by mail has increased drastically, skyrocketing to numbers never seen before.

25 billion in funding to handle the influx of mail-in ballots coming in for the upcoming Presidential election. However, during a press conference on August 13, 2020, Trump stated that he opposed funding for the USPS, not wanting additional money to be invested in the postal system for mail-in voting: "They want $25 billion for the Post Office. Now they need that money in order to make the Post Office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots."

Many interpret this as an attempt by Trump to manipulate the election for his own benefit, as many of the residents who will send their vote through mail ballots support the democratic candidate, Joe Biden. 48% of American citizens in support of Biden stated that they would be voting by mail, unlike a smaller percentage of 23% who stated that they were voting for Trump by mail. By withholding funds needed by the USPS for vote-by-mail ballots, thousands of voters will be unable to fulfill their responsibility as citizens to vote. President Trump has been attacking the United States Postal Service and mail-in ballots for months now. His claims of “rampant fraud” are unsubstantiated and look brazenly hypocritical, as he has voted by mail numerous times,

including in this election cycle. “Mail-in ballot fraud is extremely rare” according to the Brennan Institute, a nonpartisan policy institute. According to the center, states that hold elections mostly by mail have not had any fraud. The President defends his position stating that this funding will go to waste with the failing service, not impacting the election and its outcome. However, many politicians and coalitions think otherwise. The Declaration for American Democracy Organization believes that refusing to fund the additional costs would be contributing to voter suppression, leading to fewer people voting overall. What made the situation even more alarming is that President Trump appointed Louis DeJoy - a major Republican donor and the president’s supporter - to head the USPS. By July, the postal service banned overtime, causing vast delays in mail delivery. It’s been reported that mail sorting machines were being removed from postal offices, further validating the fear that the President is actively trying to suppress the voices of many who will most likely not vote for him.

Unbeknownst to many Americans, the United States Postal Service has always been an integral part of the election process. However, its role in an election amidst a global pandemic is even more crucial. Considering that the post primaries audit of the already financially strapped USPS revealed that one million mail-in ballots were sent late and that the service has experienced more delays and disruptions since many fear that an election without a functional postal service will be undermined. As a result of the public outcry and the suspicions, Postmaster General DeJoy announced on August 18th that he will pause all budget cuts till after the election.

As the election draws nearer and the partisan talk and distrust increases, we the people of the United States of America must evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the decision on how we will ensure our votes count. If voting in person on Election Day is not possible for you and the crisis around the United States Postal Services makes you apprehensive, check what options are available in the state you live in. Can you vote early in person? Can you use a ballot dropbox? Know your rights and exercise them.

A WORD FROM OUR COEXECUTIVE

A TRIBUTE TO THE ELECTION 2020 felt like a long year but one day, in particular, felt longer than the rest. Tuesday, November 3rd was a day met with an unrivaled amount of anxiousness and tension. It was the pinnacle of an election that had been building up since before the pandemic. An election that pitted the very distant parts of America against each other in the form of 2 candidates, Joe Biden (Democrat) and President Donald Trump (Republican).

For my generation, this was our first real glimpse into an election. But just like everything this year, we were not met by normalcy. Instead, we were thrown into an uneasy political climate and trying to vote in the middle of a global pandemic. These unparalleled circumstances changed the course of the election with more Americans than ever before voting early, through the mail, or following COVID-19 safety precautions at optimized polling booths.

Although the circumstances of 2020 changed the game, it was also the highest turnout election in US history with just less than 160 million ballots being cast. While the turnout beyond any years past, election results could not have come any slower. A Joe Biden victory, although predicted from the beginning, took 4 days to certify, and more than a month of litigation and recounts to officialize. For those first few days, it felt like the world was collectively holding its breath while intently staring down the tv screens waiting for the next news of results (I remember the feeling all too well).

Now almost 2 months since that fateful day it all feels like a fever dream. The electoral college voted on December 14th without a hitch, and hopefully the same will be upheld in Congress on Jan 6th. On the day of this magazine release, we will be 18 days from President-Elect Joe Bidenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and VP-Elect Kamala Harrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; big day.

This was an unprecedented election, a word many like to use, and I am sure that the next president will continue on that legacy. I know I will be watching, and impatiently waiting till the next election when I can finally cast my vote.

HAPPY READING! Katherine Bronov

NOVEMBER 2020

CAMPAIGNING IN THE ERA OF COVID-19 October was a big month for American politics as a nation that continued to grapple with rising Covid numbers got ready to face another feat: the 2020 election. The month started off strong with President Trump and the first lady testing positive for coronavirus, the first two of many cases in a large cluster of positive cases that can be linked to lack of social distancing and masks inside and at events surrounding the White House. As the month went on so did Black Lives Matter protests in many cities. These protests have been going since late May and although they lost some momentum over time, there were many protests continuing in cities across the country. Covid cases continued to rise in most states as the country drew closer to what would soon be a devastating second wave of coronavirus. Simultaneously, Americans across the country were preparing the election. Concerns about voter fraud, election security, and premature declarations of victory were all things on Americans minds as they headed into the 2020 election. To prepare election day during this final stretch, both candidates resumed campaigning for the final leg of their journey in very different ways. The month leading up to the election was one of misinformation, tension, and a whole lot of worry for people all over the political spectrum.

HAPPY READING, Mary Corey

Earlier this year, life as we knew it was upended by the coronavirus pandemic. As businesses, schools, and nearly all aspects of social life shut down, uncertainty about the months ahead began to grow. While the country has begun the tedious process of recovering from COVID-19, another important event has risen to the forefront of the national conversation: the presidential election. Amidst a global pandemic, both candidates have resumed campaigning for this historic election. Though both candidates have diverging approaches to campaigning during this time, they both have the same end goal: to become

the next president of the United States.

The Trump campaign is nearly identical to its first run four years ago. Starting with his first rally in mid-June, Donald Trump has returned to the campaign trail. Though subtle changes have been implemented to his rallies

‒ such as the

distribution of masks that are rarely worn, the outdoor nature of his more recent campaign events, the occasionally conducted temperature checks, and the warning that attendees receive stating the risks they are assuming by attending such an event

‒ many in the medical

community think this may not be enough. Local and state governments in the areas where rallies are being held often have mandates and guidelines meant to discourage such gatherings.

Meanwhile, the Biden campaign strategy has been completely reimagined due to the coronavirus; they have not held a large rally since March. Instead, Biden has been holding small socially distant gatherings masks

‒ always with

‒ and focusing on his online

presence. While he stayed close to home for most of the summer, as time draws closer to the election he has upped his travel. During the vast majority of public appearances, Biden can be seen wearing a mask and staying socially distant from others. The Biden campaign has not resumed faceto-face canvassing, even with pressure

Additionally, numerous scientific experts

from some Democratic leaders.

warn against large gatherings, even outside, and question the effectiveness of temperature checks in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. This defiance of the experts is in line with the other ways the president has responded to the coronavirus pandemic. The limited precautions taken at Trump’s rallies echo the message coming from the White House: the pandemic is over, the Trump administration handled it well, and it’s time for life to get back to normal. As Trump falls further and further behind Biden in nearly every national poll, the Trump campaign is more eager than ever

to get the president in front of voters.

These two very different strategies highlight stark differences between the two candidates and foreshadow how they will handle the COVID-19 pandemic going forward, should they be elected in 2020. As more and more Americans begin to realize the longevity of this pandemic, the 2020 election is becoming more important than ever.

DECEMBER 2020

December began on a bleak note. The first weeks saw the highest daily death tolls since the pandemic began along with all-time high COVID-19 hospitalizations. Amidst the grief and loss felt by all, the FDA approved the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, bringing hope into the hearts of many. On December 14, the country watched with bated breath as a nurse in New York City was the first to receive a vaccination. Just hours later, voters from the Electoral College convened to cast their ballots. At around 5 p.m., Joe Biden had received over 270 electoral votes, officially ending the tumultuous 2020 presidential election and won the official presidential nomination.

In the following weeks, key government officials including president-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci was vaccinated on live television. Then, on December 21, Congress passed a long-awaited $900 billion COVID relief bill. Families are set to receive checks at the height of the holiday season, relieving some of the excess costs and worry that come with added expenses. To close out the year, the world was lucky enough to witness the biggest astrological event of a lifetime. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Great Conjunctionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; took place late at night on the 21st, and the world watched in awe as Saturn and Jupiter aligned in a bright pattern.

2020 has been a long journey in almost every way; December was no different. Our country has withstood every challenge thrown at us and will continue to do so as we move into the new year.

HAPPY READING, Manya Kodali

Stacey Abrams rose to the national spotlight in 2018 during Georgia’s gubernatorial race after narrowly losing to now-Governor Brian Kemp. Abrams was vying to become the first black woman ever elected governor in United States history and had alleged throughout her campaign that Kemp had disenfranchised minority votes through voter suppression. The race was long and bitter with Abrams eventually conceding to Kemp. Though she did not win, her fight made one thing clear to Democrats across the country — demographic shifts in the suburbs could allow Democrats to take control of the historically Republican state by expanding their presence and aiding disenfranchised voters.

Georgia has consistently gained more electoral votes in each of the last 3 census reapportionments, drawing increasing focus from both parties; Georgians have voted for the Republican presidential candidate since 1996 with the majority of votes coming from white voters. In recent years, however, the state’s demographics have shifted to include larger populations of people of color and young, college-aged voters. The 2016 election saw then-candidate Trump win by a relatively small margin of only 5%, highlighting the potential for an increased Democratic presence. Then, two years after Abrams’ defeat, Georgia flipped blue during the highly contentious 2020 presidential election, going against decades of tradition and shocking the nation.

Citizens across the country watched in awe as the state turned blue, appearing to shift as though by magic, but behind the scenes Abrams, arguably the nation’s leading voice on voting rights, has been working relentlessly to ensure a Democratic win.

Georgians have voted for the Republican presidential candidate since 1996 with the majority of votes coming from white voters.

Abrams’ strategy is simple and seemingly obvious: expand Democratic presence in the state by registering more voters. And yet, it was in stark contrast to the prior plan. In 2014, Dubose Porter, the former

Years ago, Abrams wrote,

Georgia Democratic Party chairman and

“Any[thing] less than a full

a member of the state’s legislature from

investment in Georgia would

1982 to 2011, was the first to insist his

amount to strategic malpractice.”

state should be considered a

Democrats listened. The party

battleground; Democrats nominated

campaigned for almost a decade,

centrist candidates to appeal to

creating strongholds in the suburbs

moderate white voters who’d shifted

and engaging previously

right. The approach failed, allowing

disenfranchised demographics. The

Republicans to take control of the state’s

grassroots organizing all paid off in

federal and state offices by wide

2020 with Biden winning the Peach

margins.

State by over 10,000 votes, largely thanks to Abrams’ work engaging

After this debacle, Abrams asserted

college voters.

herself and began to put her plan into place. She expanded the party’s focus from white moderates to potential voters: younger Georgians, infrequent Black voters, growing Latino and AsianAmerican populations, and Black voters moving into Georgia. Her movement, the New Georgia Project, was founded in 2013, but truly took off a few years later when Democrats understood her method

“Any[thing] less than a full investment in Georgia would amount to strategic malpractice."

was necessary. Her methods proved fruitful in 2018 when, even as Abrams herself lost, Democrat Lucy McBath won a once-Republican congressional seat. Years later, after her infamous 2018 loss, Abrams created the Fair Fight Georgia Initiative to expand further into minority and LGBTQ+ demographics.

Abrams hasn’t relaxed just yet. Georgia is readying itself for a tough January runoff election with control of the Senate hanging in the balance. Without winning two seats, president-elect Joe Biden will face an uphill battle to confirm nominees or pass legislation in a Republican-controlled Congress. Though it’s far from guaranteed that Democrats will win even one Georgian runoff seat — runoff elections traditionally have lower voter turnout among Democrats — both candidates, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have a fighting chance. Abrams is drumming up support and keeping the elections in the spotlight in hopes of seeing a Democratic Senate for the next four years.

Abrams has worked relentlessly for much of her career to ensure fair and equal voting practices in her home state. Her framework has driven the Democratic Party into a competitive position in a state once thought to be impossible to turn. An inspiration to all, Stacey Abrams has continued championing minority voices during critical times in this nation, and it doesn't look like she's stopping anytime soon.

JANUARY 2021

OUR WAY OUT:

The Covid Vaccine

By: Andrea Chow

The path to get here was a long one. Many Americans were unsettled due to the Presidential administration's pressure on the FDA to approve a vaccine before the November election. Despite suspicions that this

Around May, I remember watching a

was due to political motivations to

bone-chilling press conference from

boost the President's popularity before

my home county of Los Angeles. At

what was predicted to be a

that point, many people were

contentious election, it did not end up

absorbing messages of "fourteen

tipping the balance in one way or

[days] to flatten the curve," hopeful

another. Another concern was that the

of a speedy return to school and a

White House did, on the record, warn

virus-free summer to follow. What the

the FDA Chief that he had by the end

medical professional on the news

of that same day to approve a

stated was that while many

vaccine or he would lose this job. This

Californians were seeing what they

rush creates concerns that the

thought was the light at the end of

vaccine was not tested or developed

the tunnel, it was actually the light of

as thoroughly, as nine months to

the train coming head-on. We were in

develop a vaccine is nothing

for a brutal summer if we couldn't

compared to the nine+ years that

buckle down and control the COVID

other vaccines have taken. However,

outbreak. Now, in late December,

scientists and top FDA officials

there's another light. But this time, it

confirm that the vaccine is, indeed,

might actually be seeing the light.

safe to receive, with top-ranking

With vaccinations starting to be

officials such as President-elect Joe

distributed, this could be the light of

Biden, Vice President Mike Pence,

Heaven, the sun peeking in through

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi,

the dark forest, which is signifying a

and Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell

coming end to the pandemic.

and Chuck Schumer.

There is still an ongoing dispute about who should receive vaccinations first. Of course, frontline workers and those in healthcare are a clear priority - one of my friends who works in an ER actually just received hers yesterday! Prominent political leaders have also been receiving vaccinations in public, in order to quell concerns that the vaccines were unsafe or would cause adverse negative side effects. After this, teachers, the elderly, restaurant employees, service workers, and even Uber drivers are scrapping for the second spot in line, insisting that they are the essential workers that ought to come next. While vaccination priority is being determined on a state-by-state basis, there is a general nation-wide consensus that essential workers ought to be a priority, and that vaccines should be distributed by merit of the profession as opposed to a pay-to-play system. This shouldn't be a problem, except for it is: an assortment of celebrities and citizens at the top income bracket have already garnered attention through their attempts to pay their way to the front of the vaccination line. You think they would have learned how this works from elementary school lunch cafeteria lines, but I guess not.

And speaking of things that people should have learned by now, is the concept of vaccines. There is a significant concern concerning the quantity of skepticism surrounding the vaccine itself. I tasted the first bit of it when listening to Anderson .Paak's "Lockdown" last summer, where Jay Rock raps about Bill Gates moving from pushing micro-chips to vaccines. (Conspiracy, anyone?) Now, my phone is inundated with NextDoor notifications about how they will refuse to take the vaccine if they experience any adverse effects. Here's the thing about vaccines, though - both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are likely to cause a couple of days of discomfort, as are the flu vaccines, HPV vaccines, and many more. Regardless, public health officials urge Americans to understand that the side effects of COVID are significantly worse than the side effects of the vaccine. However, the government still has a long way to go in building trust among Black and Indigenous communities, many of whom remember the long-standing effects of the government's Tuskegee experiments and smallpox bio-warfare against them. Other major logistical hurdles include distribution, temperature control, and guaranteed second doses.

While the news of a vaccine this December was wonderful (the best Christmas present I could have asked for, in fact), we still have a long way to go. But the light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright.

SROTAERC EHT TEEM

WOMEN IN POLITICS MAGAZINE Founder and Co-Exec. Director

Rebecca Joseph

Walnut Creek, CA | 15 years old

My name is Rebecca Joseph and I am a highschool sophomore from the Bay Area. I got interested in politics during my first year of high school where I joined the Speech and Debate team. From there I fell in love with the world of politics, but soon became aware of the lack of representation women were getting in the field. I wanted to be part of a community of teens who want to support each other and the younger generation to pursue a career in politics; however, I was unable to find anything, so I started Women In Politics. Now, four months later I have been blessed with an amazing team and I cannot wait for all we are going to accomplish.

Co-Exec. Director Katherine Bronov

Philadelphia, PA | 17 years old

My name is Katherine Bronov and I am an online high school senior from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. I have been passionate about politics since the start of high school and I have searched for organizations and clubs that interest me but found nothing until Women In Politics (WIP) caught my eye. WIP is a very special organization and fascinatingly the first of its kind. I am so grateful to be a part of this team and work alongside girls that are just as enthusiastic about politics as I am and recognize the shortage of women in this important field. Please enjoy this issue!

SRETIRW

Please enjoy this issue!

Editor Leader

Lily Sun

San Ramon, CA | 16 years old

Isabella Pang

Long Island, NY | 16 years old

Kashish Singh | Sara Keegan

SROTIDE

Ella Stillion Southard Anna Cernich

SRETIRW

Writing Leaders

SRENGISED

SROTAERC EHT TEEM

WOMEN IN POLITICS MAGAZINE