Women In Politics Magazine: 2021 Wrapped Up

202

UP

APPE R W D 1

Jan.

2022

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVES Hi Women In Politics readers, Welcome to the 2021 wrap-up magazine: our annual publication that reviews the year through WIP Magazine articles and editorials.

Now while we hope you enjoy this extensive summary of 2021, we understand it was a year filled with hardships and uncertainties, but it wasn’t unprecedented. Therefore since this magazine is already a comprehensive commentary on the year 2021, we have decided not to dwell on the negatives but instead on a constant that has uplifted our spirits and has been an outlet for us all this year: our lovely organization, Women in Politics.

We as a team and community have grown so much in 2021 and are very excited to keep doing so in 2022. So the both of us (Rebecca and Katherine) would like to start the year off by writing some resolutions and hopefully next year we can look back and see what we accomplished!

1. 2022 EXPANDING OUR HORIZONS In 2021, we continued our current endeavors including publishing another year's worth of magazine articles and posting educational and inspiring content on Instagram and Tik Tok. In 2022, we plan to continue these projects as they are the center of WIP, but we have been thinking throughout this year about new undertakings. We love our online community more than anything but when we (Rebecca and Katherine) met up for the first time this year we realized that being face to face was the most empowered we had ever felt. We want our community to feel like we did getting to know each other more, giving advice, and dreaming of our political futures together. We are hoping, with the promising ease of the pandemic, that we will all be able to meet face to face at a WIP conference, state chapters (wink wink), and any social events. Of course we will put utmost safety into these events, but we really look forward to meeting you. Keep up with Instagram to know when we plan these events!

2. SHOWING UP FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION Throughout 2021, we have on many occasions mentioned our children’s book project. The book has been officially written, edited, and is undergoing the last of illustrations. We are proudly looking forward to a spring release. We not only look forward to holding the book in our hands and seeing it on shelves, but also personally speaking to children and teaching them about politics. Gen Z is the most politically involved generation, but we want the next generation to have a leg up in their endeavors unlike us. We have constantly lacked support by adults and we hope this book and conversations about politics from an early age can turn the tide. Children are our future lawmakers and they should know that is a tangible career path from an earlier age.

3. CONTINUE GROWING IN 2022 In such a bleak year we have been riding on the impact we have been able to make at WIP. We beam when we receive messages from anyone about getting involved or how much they appreciate our work. It is truly surreal we get to do this in our free time and we would like to thank you for your continued support. We plan to keep working towards our goals of a more equitable future for women in politics! Please never hesitate to send us a message about anything!

We wish you a happy and healthy 2022 and look forward to what this year holds for Women in Politics, women, and the world!

Happy Reading!

TABLE OF

Contents 1 5 8 11 14

Kamala Harris: The Woman in the White House BY: CEDAR ROACH

The Storming of the Capital: An Attack on Democracy BY: MANYA KODALI

Vaccinating America BY: ANNA PABST

Sarah Evrard Murder and Violence Against women BY: ISABELLA RINALDI

The Planet is in our Hands - and just Earth Day won't Save it BY: SHREYA RAJAPPA

19 22 26 29 32

The Other Virus: AntiAsian Sentiments Growing in the U.S. BY: HANNA MATSUKAW

Pride 2021: Remembering the Women of Stonewall BY: SUSANNAH MAYALL

The Movement Against Abortion BY: CHRISTINE CORRY

The Heartbeat Law BY: SARA KEEGAN

The Supreme Court Strikes on Voting Rights BY: REGAN MADING

TABLE OF

Contents 35 41 46

Opinion: The Politics of Critical Race Theory BY: ISABELLA RINALDI

The US Involvement in Afghanistan and the Withdrawal of Troops BY: ELLA SOUTHARD

Women In Politics Team: Why are You Thankful?

BY: EVERYONE

49 52 54

How To: Bridge Your Family Politically at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table BY; ANNALESE CAHILL

Put the Ballot on Your To-Do List: Preparing for the 2022 Midterms BY: SHREYA RAJAPPA

Gun Violence in 2021 BY: SAGE LAHMERS

The first magazine cover of the year encapsulates the events of 2021, from the good to the bad. In the snowglobe, President Biden and Vice President Harris are in front, and the capitol building is in the back representing the insurrection. The cowboy boots symbolize the current fight for reproductive rights in Texas. A judge to depict all of the supreme court cases in 2021.

An illustration of the coronavirus representing the ongoing pandemic.

Environmentalists and pro-choicers are protesting—lastly, a plane depicting the harrowing terrorism in Afghanistan.

KAMALA HARRIS:

THE WOMAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE BY: CEDAR ROACH

I vividly remember the morning that the 2020 Presidential Election results were called. Knowing the future of American democracy would be determined through the polls, I had spent many nights anxiously flipping through news channels and refreshing articles waiting for the winner to be announced. Finally, after many days of delays, major media and polling outlets had projected that Joe Biden

To many, my reaction may seem like an

would be the next President of the

overdramatization, but the culture I

United States, with Kamala Harris as

grew up in had spent much of my life

his Vice President. That Saturday

steadfastly telling me that women had

remains fresh in my mind. and on

no place in politics, let alone the White

November 7th we watched in disbelief

House. That morning I cried, not

as the election results finally came in. I

because of some admiration or

don’t cry frequently, but my eyes

idolization of a politician, but because

began to water at the realization that

Kamala Harris achieved what I had

after 240+ years, America would have

spent 18 years being told my gender

its first female Vice President.

was not capable enough to do. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Biden Administration, let’s take a bird's-eye view of what the first female Vice President has accomplished since being sworn in.

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At the time of their swearing-in, the Biden Administration inherited a divided country with a global pandemic, systemic racism, and partisan politics all at the forefront of discussion. Biden and Harris also looked to implement sweeping economic and infrastructure reforms.

Prior to taking office, many saw Harris as either a puppet-master behind an unambitious Biden or a Vice President who would serve solely symbolically, only elected for her identity. With a year of history behind us, it’s clear that neither notion was

From the start, she worked

true. Vice President Haris’s role in the

alongside Biden to craft the $1.9

White House extends far beyond a

trillion COVID-relief package and

mere symbol for the future of women

assisted with the administration’s

and people of color. Harris has taken

vaccine distribution. Though a

an active role in legislation - even

supporter of the administration’s

more so than past VPs - but has also

initiatives, Harris advocates for her

proven to be a team player,

own positions as well, taking credit

supporting Biden as he leads.

for the funds provided to front-line workers through the COVID-relief package. Her experiences in the senate and her personal life helped her push for infrastructure reform that would replace lead water pipes and expand broadband service across America. According to Harris’ chief economic advisor Michael Pyle, “Those were ambitious commitments and commitments that the vice president felt very strongly needed to be at that kind of level of

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ambition, at that level of universality.”

These accomplishments, however, were not as easily won as they may seem.

Harris has faced significant pushback as the first woman and woman of color Vice President. “Overly ambitious”, “angry”, and “controlling” were all descriptors placed on Harris before and since her time as Vice President- and are also common descriptors of most female leaders. Tucker Carlson, prior to the Vice Presidential debates in 2020, claimed that Harris will “bulldoze her elderly, sentimental boss.”

This stereotype of Harris being an overly ambitious bully followed her into the White House as rumors circulated that Harris was positioning to run against Biden in 2024.

Amanda Clayton, a political scientist at Vanderbilt University, points out this clear double standard, saying that “women can either be seen as leaders or they can be seen as feminine, and the two don’t go together.” After being chosen as Biden’s running mate, Rush Limbaugh suggested that Harris “slept her way up” which is frequently echoed in many workplaces as individuals try to discredit the success of women. Though she may be Vice President, Kamala Harris still faces intense scrutiny for her gender and race.

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This has been a historical decade as we observe the glass ceiling break, especially by women in politics. After a decades-long successful political career, Harris cemented her legacy as the first woman and woman of color Vice President. Using her unique experience as a woman of color, Vice President Harris has been able to push for progress in the White House and the Senate, working with the Biden Administration while staying true to her beliefs. Passing policy after policy, Harris has used this last year to make significant changes in America with major infrastructure and economic initiatives. Despite a long list of accomplishments, the Vice President faces unique challenges as a woman, constantly having to put up with misogyny and continuously needing to validate her own identity. The often thinly veiled sexism Harris deals with is a common double standard for women all across the globe in a multitude of positions. While we have made progress towards minimizing the impact of this double standard, the only way to make true change is by putting more women in positions of leadership.

With the midterms in 2022, it is imperative that the voices of women across the nation are heard. As we enter a brand new year, let us keep this in mind and hopefully one day soon you will be reading a one-year recap on the first woman president.

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THE STORMING OF THE CAPITAL: FEBRUARY 2021

BY MANYA KODALI

After a contentious election marred by declarations of fraud and a myriad of legal battles, the nation awaited 2021, hoping for peace and a calmer political climate. Just six days into the new year however, those hopes were dashed as thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, where a joint session of Congress had just begun the Electoral College vote count.

the president directly called on people to “stop the steal.” As the event ended, thousands began to make their way over to the Capitol —just as lawmakers gathered to count Electoral College votes.

The day started with President Trump holding a “Save America” rally to garner support for his claims of election fraud and demand that Vice President Mike Pence and Congress reject President-elect Biden’s victory.

Speakers included Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Rudy Giuliani. President Trump himself spoke for over an hour, making heated comments, such as “Our country has had enough.” Amidst baseless claims of false voters and calls to overturn the election results,

Demonstrators broke through police barriers, yelling “push forward, push forward” as an insufficient police force appeared to fire flash-bang grenades into the air. The group managed to break into the building, waving “Trump 2020” flags, chanting, and playing Trump’s speeches through speakers. They swarmed through the halls, breaking into various offices, stealing personal effects, and smashing furniture.

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The country watched in horror as news sites across the nation filmed rioters scaling the walls and desecrating our nation’s center of democracy. All the while, President Trump did nothing more than tweet, asking crowds to remain peaceful.

Lawmakers were forced to barricade themselves in the House chamber, fearing for their lives and preparing to don gas masks. Representatives took to Twitter, calling for an end to the violence. Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee yelled to Republicans, “Call Trump, tell him to call off his revolutionary guards.”

After hours of looting and violence, Pentagon officials deployed the National Guard to D.C. 1,100 troops of the D.C. National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers were sent to various points around Washington to quell the violence, wearing protective gear but initially unarmed. President-elect Biden made statements to the public, calling on President Trump to strongly denounce the violence and stating that, “our democracy is under an

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unprecedented assault, unlike anything we’ve seen in modern times.

An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself.” Shortly after, President Trump posted a video to Twitter. Rather than focusing on the siege of the Capitol, he urged his supporters to respect law enforcement and reiterated claims of fraudulence. Towards the end, he said, “So go home. We love you. You’re very special,” finally adding a request for the rioters to leave. The video drew immediate backlash across the country, with lawmakers and citizens decrying President Trump’s refusal to truly decry the violence. The language used

in his video was especially striking when compared to his past harsh criticism of largely peaceful protests on racial equality, drawing national disapproval.

Hours later, troops managed to clear rioters from the grounds. In a move that was interpreted by many as an attempt to raise tensions of the mob, President Trump tweeted again, telling his followers to “Go home with love & in peace.

Remember this day forever!” The tweet was later removed for violating company rules.

Just hours after the jarring events, Congress readjourned to complete the vote count. Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed that the attack would not deter lawmakers from doing their duty and validating the election of Joe Biden. During the vote, many representatives made remarks of their own, unequivocally condemning the actions of the mob.

Senator Mitt Romney stated that “What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the president of the United States.” He was amongst the first lawmakers to directly name the President as a cause for the attack.

The following days saw a flurry of activity: President Trump was banned from, or locked out of various social media platforms, the Department of Justice arrested a number of rioters, senators and house representatives took to social media to speak of the terrors they’d faced, many called for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

As the country processed the events, it became increasingly clear that the attack was not just a protest. It was an act of domestic terrorism. The crowd came prepared with riot gear, guns, bombs, and a chilling thirst for revenge—revenge on an election they baselessly deemed unfair, revenge on innocent lawmakers gathered to perform their civic duty, revenge on behalf of a president who has forsaken his duty to provide peace in times of unrest for personal gain.

Our country was forced to watch as the very center of democracy, liberty, and our Constitutional freedoms was debased.

The response from the Pentagon, our Commander in Chief, and the head of the police wasn’t just lacking. It was nonexistent for hours.

7

MARCH 2021 BY: ANNA PABST

It has now been over a year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the United States. During the span of the pandemic, the United States has seen a change in administration, from Trump to Biden. Over the leadership of two different administrations, there have been various methods and programs instilled to help America recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. These two administrations have had different approaches at combating the crisis, which has led us to the present day where vaccine rollout has begun.

involved the promise that the US would buy their vaccine if proven successful and safe. Part of the accelerated process outlined by Operation Warpspeed was that vaccines would be manufactured while still in trial phases, so that if they succeed, there would be a supply already building to administer to the public. So far, two companies have announced positive results and have been approved in the US: Moderna and Pfizer.

One large part of the Trump administration’s plan to combat COVID was known as Operation Warpspeed. Operation Warpspeed aimed to accelerate the vaccine testing and manufacturing process in order to administer vaccines in a shorter span of time. Under Operation Warpspeed, varying deals with different vaccine companies were made. Some of the deals included funding for clinical trials, while some

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During Biden’s campaign, he promised 100 million people would receive vaccines within his first 100 days in office. For this to be accomplished, an average of 1 million vaccines must be administered to new people every day. As of March 2nd, 1.94 million vaccines were being distributed daily (according to a seven day average). This average shows quite a lot of growth from the initial average of 277,000 thousand during the first week of distribution.

In order to ramp up vaccination, the American Rescue Plan, Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief bill, allocates $20 billion to develop a national vaccination program. Parts of this program would involve working with different region’s local governments to open community vaccination centers across the country as well as sending mobile vaccination sites to access rural communities. One other obstacle that the Biden administration addresses is the cost of vaccination: in order to make vaccination an option for everyone, regardless of income and immigration status, the administration aims to make the vaccine free of charge. One way this will be accomplished is by coordinating with Congress to expand Medicaid coverage to cover the whole cost of vaccination.

As Biden’s 100th day nears, and national vaccination progresses on course, comes the issue of maintaining this pace. Along with the actions needed to be taken to establish vaccination sites accessible to all people, especially people residing in harder to reach communities, are actions necessary to build confidence in the vaccines.

With over a quarter of urban residents (26%) and over a third of rural residents (35%) saying that they’ll either definitely not get vaccinated or they will likely not get vaccinated, a challenge in vaccination we are yet to face head on is ourselves. The goal of vaccination is eventual “herd immunity,” where a large enough portion of the population has developed the ability to be protected against the illness through developing antibodies..

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The herd immunity threshold for COVID-19 is not yet known, but researchers have estimated a vague 10-70 percent. The herd immunity threshold for the SARS epidemic of 2002/3 was just above 70 percent, which could loosely indicate the threshold for the COVID-19 virus as they are both coronaviruses. One contributing factor to the difference in attitude towards the vaccine might be the extent of COVID-19’s impact on different communities. Urban areas see higher infection rates, while the lower population density of more rural areas causes these regions to see lower rates of transmission, and with that, a lower amount of severe cases

After almost a year of intermittent stay-at-home orders, business and school closures, social distancing, and masks, we are beginning to see the end of the tunnel. The final stages in the transition to normalcy will be slow. The vaccines take a few weeks to be fully active, and it will take even longer for us to reach the herd immunity threshold for vaccinations. On an individual level, social distancing and masks are still advised even if you are vaccinated, in order to protect the welfare of others who have not yet been

vaccinated.

The

past

year

has

been

trying:

emotionally,

economically

and

physically for those who have contracted the virus. Vaccine rollout brings hope that we will be able to return to a new post-covid version of normal.

10

SARAH EVRARD MURDER AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN BY: ISABELLA RINALDI

When I was around ten years old, I had a rude and bitter awakening to the reality of every woman’s life. I became aware of the fear that comes from walking alone at night, uncomfortable stares of both old and young men, being catcalled right in front of school, and being filmed and photographed when walking with friends. I eventually learned the practice of pretending to call someone out of fear that you are in danger, the mental preparation to defend yourself if anyone hurts you, and living with the perpetual and unbroken fear and anxiety that anyone, at any moment, could sexually harass you. From the ages of eight to ten, my

When I was younger, I remember staying up at night out of pure distress thinking about the likelihood of being sexually assaulted. I now find myself so painfully accustomed to it that I forget about the prospect of living without sexual harassment.

And that is the utterly saddening truth: for women, sexual harassment has become normalized and accepted.

parents taught my sisters and me tricks to prevent us from getting sexually assaulted and how to fight back.

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Back in March 2021, 33-year-old Sarah Everard was kidnapped while walking home from a friend's house in Clapham, London. Sadly, she never made it back to her home in Brixton and was murdered by a police officer, Wayne Couzens. Sarah’s tragic death exposed the public to an increasingly prevalent issue: police using their authority power to sexually assault (in this case rape) women. Sarah Everard’s story not only initiated a global conversation regarding the frequent and unacceptable sexual harassment of girls and women, but it sparked the questioning of policing in the UK and the misogynistic nature embedded in our systems today. Everard’s case not only sparked many protests and movements against sexual assault, but the policing and justice systems were specifically critiqued as well. If a young girl was murder by a police officersomeone who is supposed to protect and not hurt her- then the system is clearly lacking and needs to address misogynistic nature in its ranks.

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When the event first made new headlines, social media posts were made and eventually sparked the movement ‘97%’, which refers to the study by UN Women UK that found that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced a form of sexual harassment (catcalling, inappropriate touching, rape, sexually explicit comments, nonconsensual staring, etc). This social media movement has raised awareness about the daily struggles of women and the fear they live with every day. On TikTok, the ‘97%’ trend consisted of videos that encourage women to speak about their experience with sexual harassment to demonstate how prevalent this issue is and how the justice system has failed so many.

This trend has spread to a myriad of other social media platforms with real women talking about their experience with sexual harassment and voicing safety concerns. However, just proving the misogynistic nature in our society today and the urgency of this issue sparked the response, ‘Not All Men’ which claimed that speaking ambiguously about men sexually harassing women is unfair because “not all men'' are harassers. The ‘97%’ movement has since criticized the ignorance of this argument, claiming that obviously not all men are harassers but, because sexual harassment is so prevalent in our world today, women have to be cautious of everyone.

If anything, Everard’s case shows that even the people or men you would least expect can be the perpetrators. The truth is that this trend is a result of men feeling a personal attack from the movement, and, to defend themselves, they claim it is “not all men.” When a woman shares concerns over her safety or is making herself vulnerable by sharing a traumatic story, the response is not typically comfort. Instead, men tend to become defensive, posing as antagonists to women. The goal of sexual harassment awareness movements is not to attack men, but to show the prevalance of this issue and push for social change. Not only does the ‘Not All Men’ trend diminish and silence women who voice their concerns and share their stories, but it also shows how little concern this is to so many people. You may not be a perpetrator of sexual harassment, but if you feel the need to silence a woman or defend yourself by saying it is not all men, then you are part of the problem.

As women, we live every day aware and conscious of the fact that men do not see our bodies as our own, but as objects to play with. We know it is not all men, but we do not know which men, so we are always fearful.

We live every day understanding when to call for help, when to blow the whistle, when to fake a call, when to cover up, and when to leave the area. We live every day hearing stories of traumatic experiences, wondering if that will ever happen to us. Sexual harassment is no longer an issue that we need to fix; it is an issue that needs to be abolished.

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THE PLANET IS IN OUR HANDSAND JUST EARTH DAY WON’T SAVE IT APRIL 2021 BY: SHREYA RAJAPPA

Bright orange numbers light up on

black on a silver, sleek, paneled skyscraper in New York City, looming over the city, a reminder of what’s to come. The rightmost numbers flash, switching, transforming, decreasing in value as the seconds tick down. These numbers symbolize the time we have left down to the seconds, 7 years if you round up, before we cross the tipping point of CO2 emissions, the moment climate change will most likely be irreversible, making NYC’s Climate Clock a tremendous engineering feat and meaningful, powerful artistic movement.

It’s the plight of Gen Z to be forced to watch us run out of time to save the planet for ourselves and our progeny as our country continues to celebrate Earth Day every year. The question is: what’s the point of Earth Day when that one day hasn’t translated into meaningful change to save our Earth in terms of our day to day lives?

Seeping into the dark water, ebbing and flowing with the waves, 3 million gallons of slick crude oil coated 35 miles of ocean surface in Santa Barbara in January 1969 -- oil that should not have been there in the first place. Devastating the marine ecosystem of the coast and murdering thousands or aquatic animals, this oil spill was the result of Unocal, an oil company, causing an explosion when constructing a structure around their drilling hole that already didn’t meet federal safety requirements, being 61 feet less than the minimum height for drilling holes. For the next month after this explosion ruptured the sea floor, 1,000 gallons of oil per hour flowed out of the crack near this drilling site.

Since it was the biggest oil spill in America at that time, it brought tears

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to people’s eyes and hands to mouths as they watched the news coverage on their screens.

Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, in response to this disastrous event,

worked with other environmentalists to pick April 22nd to ignite activism on college campuses and then expanded their reach to all Americans, finally choosing Earth Day as their moniker which caused massive protests with about 20 million American participants to cover the nation’s ground. The next year, Earth Day protests demonstrated bipartisan engagement and became a national day to remember that we only have one Earth and we need to protect it. Twenty years later, Earth Day became an international holiday.

You might think that the world can’t get much done on just one day; Earth Day would surprise you. Those massive protests on Earth Day 1970, in addition to causing Earth Day to gain momentum and become official, caused the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act and the establishment of the Endangered Species Agency. Earth Day 2016 was chosen by the United Nations to be the day they officially signed the Paris Climate Agreement. Moreover, Earth Day hasn’t just been a day for signing documents. In fact, Earth Day has transformed from a national day of environmentalism to a year round organization that seeks to protect the environment and do environmental-education outreach. For example, Earth Day Organization (EDO) started the Climate Literacy initiative and has earned the signatures of 400 organizations representing 100 nations and more than 300 million people, the National Civic Education Program was started by the EDO, the EDO launched Earth Schools in 2020, and the EDO assisted passing laws that gave $7 billion in grants to green low-income schools. Those grants have translated into actual action already: Cincinnati used those grants to become the #1 city in the US leading green school construction efforts.

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Earth Day even has more personal, yet

However, the issue is that most people

nonetheless vital, impacts. As a result of all

-- and companies -- won’t take the

the noise roaring about Earth Day, people

time to implement these practices after

become inspired to be more

the clock strikes midnight on Earth Day.

environmentally friendly. Earth Day is at

Due to this major flaw in the existence

least one day a year when people realize

of this day, Earth Day presents more

what they could be doing to protect the

like that “popular” classmate in high

environment -- and then proceed to do

school who was always fake nice to the

just that. On Earth Day, people take

people around them, but would insult

shorter, colder showers; planting trees;

them behind their backs, constantly

participate in beach cleanups; weed

backstabbing them. The formal

community gardens; and eat consciously

terminology for this practice in the

(vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian) without

business world in relation to Earth Day

wasting food among other activities. The

is greenwashing: the branding, social

first Earth Day’s climate protests

media posts, and meaningless

demonstrate how this day also inspires

initiatives/statements from companies

people to use their voices and advocate

calling for people to save their planet

for action regarding climate change.

by being conscious about their actions

Consider Greta Thunberg and the climate

and their environmentally-destructive

protests that swarmed Washington DC a

practices and products behind that

few years back; these were a product of

facade that they’ve been notably “hush

the modern environmental movement,

hush” about. Sweetgreen, Volkswagen,

which are in turn products of Earth Day

the Malaysia Palm Oil Council, Kauai

since the creation of this day is credited

Coffee, Fiji Water, and Charmin

with jumpstarting today’s call for change.

Freshmates, to name a few, are all

If people use Earth Day to behave in more

companies that have greenwashed or

respectful ways towards Mother Earth and

still mislead their customers today.

to advocate for her protection, they might find that they’re actually able to do these actions on a more regular basis, forming people who lead environmentallybeneficial lives.

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Up until 2016, Sweetgreen had proclaimed that “Nothing from inside Sweetgreen

goes to the landfill,” only for some stores in the chain to turn around and dump their organic, green waste into those very same landfills they swore off using. However, since 2018, they have acknowledged their wrongdoing and have been figuring out how to completely stop practicing this environmentally destructive action. In 2015, Volkswagen would advertise “clean diesel,” but their cars were actually rigged to circumvent emissions tests, releasing 40 times the US limit on pollutants into the atmosphere. The Malaysia Palm Oil Council attempted to come off as eco-friendly in a 2007 advertisement, only to be called out by the Advertising Standards Authority for outright lying to consumers since their palm oil plantations likely cause the extinction of rainforest species, the loss of habitat, and pollution. While Kauai Coffee claims their coffee pods are “certified 100% compostable,” these pods are only certified to decompose at industrial faculties, places that are out of reach for the public. Associating themselves with nature and the environment, Fiji Water is indeed linked to the environment -- but in a negative way considering their water is bottled up in plastic that takes 450 years to break down and that gets transported around the world in polluting vehicles. Finally, Charmin Freshmates promotes the flushability of their wipes, but wastewater officials and consumers reject this notion as it is causing blockages in their sewer and septic systems. There are many more businesses guilty of greenwashing and performative activism on Earth Day -- this is just the tip of the melting iceberg.

While the real culprit of global warming is companies that engage in horribly environmentally-damaging practices with little regard for anything other than making bank since they do the most harm to the planet, individual people still aren’t carrying their own lesser load, instead engaging in performative activism on Earth Day and then ignoring the planet’s pleas and cries for help for the other 364 days every year. In this social media age, people tend to repost what they see on their timelines, explore pages, and feeds to their own pages and stories, falsely believing that showing their own basic support for a cause does enough. Yes, spreading awareness on social media is a good start -- don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic tool to use to get people talking about important topics and to let people know what’s going on in the world. However, it can’t be the end of what people do.

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Unfortunately, Earth Day has lulled

people into a false sense of security where they are surrounded by all of these happy-go-lucky social media posts about different ways to be environmentallyfriendly that trick them into thinking that all of these people sharing the posts must be doing what the post instructs. On the other hand, many people will repost something based on the first slide alone, not taking the time to read further and educate themselves and instead just wanting to show their friends and

followers that they support the cause. So,

is rising. The coral reefs are bleaching

in truth, most people will post Earth Day

and dying, a fatal catastrophe for the

activities, initiatives, and events on their

marine life in its ecosystems. The Earth is

social media without taking part in these

warming. There’s even more

activities, initiatives, and events

consequences of climate change and our

themselves, benefiting no one. Even if

inaction in fighting it ranging from

people do something environmentally-

choking pollution and destructive storms,

friendly on that day, chances are that it’s

fires, and other natural disasters. Earth

a one day occurrence and they’ll return to

Day has brought about revolutionary

their unsustainable behaviors the very

change — but in recent years, it’s become

next day. Just one day of employing

a reason for people to sit back and relax,

environmentally-conscious acts isn’t

not realizing that we no longer have time

enough -- it’s not enough to make a dent

to waste. In order to make Earth Day

in slowing down global warming,

impactful once again and have a better

decreasing CO2 emissions, or making it a

chance of saving our planet, we must flip

personal habit to protect the

back the pages, turning back time to

environment.

when Earth Day meant protests,

The glaciers are melting. The sea level

legislation backed by changes to infrastructure, international resolve in the fight against global warming. We can do this. We must if we want a fighting chance at living to see the centuries to come.

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THE OTHER VIRUS: ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENTS IN THE US BY: HANNA MATSUKAWA

MAY 2021

“China virus,” “China plague,” and “Kung flu” are all harmful anti-Asian phrases that were

frequently used by former President Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2019, the first COVID-19 cases were found in Wuhan, China, and within months the virus spread around the world. As COVID-19 cases grew exponentially, people began to panic as the world seemed to come to a near-dystopic halt. The United States first went on lockdown in March 2020. Along with the increasing frustrations and fear surrounding the coronavirus, stemmed a growing anti-Asian sentiment.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans are not

novel, but, according to NBC News, anti-Asian

young sons were attacked in a grocery

hate crimes have increased by 150% in 2020

store in Texas. All three, and an employee

from 2019. Xenophobic rhetoric spread by

who tried to help them, were violently

influential figures, such as former President

assaulted with a knife. The attacker had

Trump, fanned the flames of racism and only

targeted the Malaysian family because he

incentivized anti-Asian actions. Some people

thought they were Chinese and carriers of

blamed Asians for the pandemic and felt free

COVID-19, which they were not. All victims

to express racism and anger through hateful

recovered, but they carry both physical and

actions. Coronavirus-related acts of racism

psychological scars. Receiving minimal

began as early as February 2020. Over the

media coverage, the attack on Cung and

last year, incidents ranging from name-calling,

his family occurred over a year ago, and

spitting, shoving, to gun violence have

violent incidents against Asian Americans

battered the Asian American community.

have only increased since.

In March 2020, Bawi Cung and his two

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Many hate crimes have targeted the

Thousands of hate crimes against Asians

elderly of the Asian American community,

have occurred this past year, and in

likely due to their vulnerability. In January

response, people have begun to stand

2021, Vicha Ratanapakdee was shoved

together and demand to be heard above

violently to the ground when he was on a

the silent media and unaware nation. While

morning stroll in San Francisco. The 84-

recent hate crimes have been

year-old Thai man suffered a brain

acknowledged, much of the media has

hemorrhage and passed away days later.

tried to downplay the obvious racial

His death sparked outrage, grief, and

motives. In a society already uncomfortable

motivated activism. Awareness posts

with conversations on race, Asian American

spread on social media, tagged under

voices have historically gone unnoticed.

the hashtag #JusticeforVicha.

The Asian American community has long been regarded as that of the model

As violence against Asians increased,

minority. Asians are marginalized and rarely

many activists and celebrities have begun

acknowledged, but held up as a minority

to speak up. Actors such as Daniel Dae

ideal by white society to minimize Black

Kim, Olivia Munn, and Gemma Chan have

voices. As the pandemic increased anti-

all used their platforms to raise

Asian racism and hate, the media has

awareness and bring aid to the struggling

failed to properly cover the voices and

community. Entrepreneur and activist

struggles of the hurting community.

Amanda Nguyen and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez have also

Only recently has mainstream media

spoken up. Celebrities, activists, and

begun to provide coverage and create

concerned citizens alike have called out

space for Asian American voices.

the lack of media attention such hate-

Celebrities and activists have spoken on

crimes have received.

major TV networks, and news stations have started to recognize the racial motivations

of hate crimes against Asians. Through social media, people have been able to help raise awareness on their own. On February 20, 2021, hundreds of protestors stood in Foley Square in New York City demanding justice and peace for the Asian American community. They stood with signs bearing “Stop Asian Hate” and “Asian is not a virus, racism is”.

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Such awareness has brought the struggles of the Asian American community to the

attention of politicians. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who attended the February protest, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have now spoken up against the rise of anti-Asian violence. Congress has met to discuss the increase of anti-Asian crimes and proposed legislation on measures of safety. President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris (the first Asian-American in her office) have also spoken to AAPI leaders and are working to aid the Asian American community.

Just as the discourse surrounding anti-Asian hate crimes began to grow, the most violent

of such targeted crimes to date shook the Asian American community. On March 16, 2021, eight people were killed in three shootings in Atlanta spas. Six of the people killed were Asian women. The gunman said there was no racial motive but talked about using violence to overcome sexual addiction. The fetishization and minimization of Asian women combined with the increasing xenophobia in the U.S. culminated in such violence. The shootings underscored the fears of the Asian American community.

Once again, many news media sites and officials have tried to downplay the racial

factors of the shooting, prompting backlash and concern. Activists have worked to emphasize the racist and sexist core of the crime and much of the nation has come together to support the Asian American community. Awareness posts have spread quickly across social media as people expressed their grief, anger, and condolences.

With the use of social media and technology, racism against Asian Americans has been

better acknowledged and the community more supported. Racist actions captured on film and spread through American society have been necessary for the validation of Asian American struggles. Many incidents against Asians are only recognized because of the power of technology and social media. The Stop AAPI Hate initiative, created to help combat the rise of COVID-19 related anti-Asian crimes, is an online platform where people have been able to report incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes. Every day, new stories of targeted hate crimes emerge, but every day, awareness and activism is built through communication and acknowledgment. Such conversations are necessary to heal and advance a community hurt by racism. Only through activism and solidarity has the Asian American and wider community been able to come together and fight for peace.

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REMEMBERING THE WOMEN OF STONEWALL JUNE 2021

BY: SUSANNAH MAYALL

This June marks 52 years since the Stonewall Uprising, a monumental event in LGBTQ+ history. The uprising was fuelled by a plain clothed police raid on the LGBTQ+ friendly Stonewall Inn, and is often marked the start of the modern, American gay rights movement.

Although the face of Pride in the 21st century is oftentimes the cis, white man, the movement was pioneered by courageous Black women in the late 20th centrury.

Some of the unsung female Stonewallers who played vital roles in the Stonewall Uprising include:

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MARSHA P. JOHNSON Born transgender in a Christian household, Marsha P. Johnson had a difficult upbringing, resulting in her moving to New York at 18 and turning to prostitution to support herself. It was in New York that she discovered a love for drag, and grew herself up as an influential drag queen, using her success to help LGBTQ youth in similar situations to hers.

On the night of June 28th 1969, Marsha P. Johnson was at the Stonewall Inn when the unjust arrest of several LGBTQ people occured, inciting an emotional response in Marsha; she allegedly threw a cocktail and a brick. Eyewitnesses have widely credited her as one of the main instigators of the Stonewall Riots.

However, in a later interview, Johnson denied this claim, saying she did not arrive until the riot had been going for quite a while.

Regardless of whether Marsha P. Johnson was an instigator or just a participant, she nevertheless mobilized the crowd.She was particularly active on the second night, when she climbed up a lamppost and dropped bricks on a police car.

Unfortunately, Martha joins many other trans women, specifically Black trans women, who are deliberately forgotten by history because of her identity.

Marsha P. Johnson sadly passed away on June 6th 1992. Her body was found on the Hudson River and was deemed a suicide, despite her showing no evidence of suicidal tendencies.

Johnson was just 46 at the time.Her legacy in regard to Pride has prevailed for longer than her lifetime.

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SYLVIA RIVERA Slyvia Rivera is often recognized as the second instigator of the Stonewall Uprising. Following her mother’s suicide when she was a toddler, Rivera lived with her grandmother. However, at 11 years old, she ran away from home after suffering abuse for being transgender. On the streets of New York City, Rivera resorted to child prostitution until she was taken in by the drag community of Times Square (including Marsha P. Johnson).

Sylvia Rivera played an active role during the Stonewall Uprising, saying in a 2001 interview that she threw the second cocktail. She stayed for all six nights of the rebellion, and led many of the protests.

After Stonewall, Rivera continued to fight for transgender rights and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community. At a 1973 Pride Parade, she grabbed the microphone and said “if it wasn’t for the drag queen, there would be no gay liberation movement”, in response to the discouragement of transgender participation in Pride.

Sylvia Rivera died in 2002, however her legacy was continued by the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which works on ending

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harassment over race and gender identity.

STORMÉ DELARVERIE

Stormé Delarverie is hailed for motivating the crowd into fighting back against the police. She was born to a white father and a black mother, in the 1920s South.

She was in the Stonewall Inn that night, when she was arrested for wearing “gender inappropriate” clothing and roughly ushered out of the building.

When Delarverie started complaining that her handcuffs were too tight, a police officer hit her head with a baton.

In response to her arrest, Stormé Delarverie shouted to the crowd “why don’t you do something”, whilst being forced into a police van. Do something, the crowd certainly did; they formed a mob, and ultimately propelled the rebellion.

52 years on, Pride continues to be a joyous celebration across the world.

It’s a month to not only celebrate the

Delarverie went on to accumulate the role of “guardian of lesbians in the Village”. She got a state gun license, and would roam around lesbian bars in Manhattan, on the lookout for any harassment.

progress our world has made towards recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community, and the equality, love, and respect they deserve, but also remembering the selfless people, including Johnson, Rivera and Delarverie, who’s activism got us to where we are today.

In 2014, Stormé Delarverie died peacefully in her sleep.

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THE MOVEMENT AGAINST *trigger warning

BY: CHRISTINE CORRY

I don’t have a specific memory of learning about the right to abortion. Similarly, I don’t remember discovering that my free speech was protected by the government. These facts were always assumed for me.

My right as a woman to have an abortion was an everpresent foundation to my understanding of the freedoms I was afforded. I did not realize what I thought to be a steady and promised basis of rights was turbulent and far from guaranteed. Even before I was politically cognizant, my rights as a woman have been threatened by the government.

The issue of abortion exists in an uneasy balance.

Though it is a matter of healthcare and the personal right to choose, abortion has become another cog in the polarized political machine. The stability of this right depends entirely on the political leaning of the government. To politicians, this is a benefit. It acts as fuel to the fire during elections and campaigns; a sure-fire way to rally your base when it is time to gain votes. For citizens, though, constant anxiety is evoked as rights are debated and argued. Since Trump’s presidency, in which he appointed three conservative leaning Supreme Court Justices, the balance seems to

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have tipped away from the right to an abortion.

At its core, abortion is a complex decision and deeply personal experience. The journey of parenthood is immensely influential.

More so than marriage, education, or career, becoming a parent will drastically alter one’s future.

Abortion itself is the single political issue that permeates most aspects of my life as a woman. An unexpected pregnancy could upset every life plan and dream I’ve created, yet there is a significant feeling that the threat to abortion is not real. As a California citizen, even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, my right to abortion will still be protected by my Democratic state government. Despite my comparative ability to maintain this right, it is still incomprehensible that the government would attempt to steal away this freedom. I feel naïve for the trust I held in the picture of American politics which was painted by my education.

At 8 years old, I learned that the United States left British rule because we wanted to ensure rights and freedoms for all citizens. At 14, in addition to complexities and contradictions to the idea of freedom, the same principles throughout my high school history classes repeated.

This simple and blissful idea has been continually muddied as I explored the political world outside of history classes and discovered that parties are more concerned with power than the protection of rights. Witnessing states like Texas and Mississippi pass legislation which restricts access to abortion symbolizes, to me, a step away from the democratic values I was taught to believe this country held. I feel cheated. How can a government that claims to want progress so easily pull these freedoms away? How do I trust a system which promises me a fundamental right and promptly attempts to steal it back?

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My denial stems from the constant dismissal of abortion outside of politics.

The topic itself is barred from my family’s dinner table, having been dubbed a ‘political topic.’ Outside of the news and my government class, I hear nothing of the topic. I no longer begin conversations or ask opinions about abortion for fear of an argument. Regarding abortion as a taboo political idea makes progress and understanding virtually impossible.

Abortion cannot be ignored or pushed aside. It must be witnessed beyond political discourse, with its complex emotions and complicated nature included. Without a holistic view, we restrict the nuanced truth to a political talking point, and make it all the more easy to move along feeling that the looming threat to women’s rights is not real.

On top of a government attempting to restrict the access and rights of a woman to choose, women face a culture of shame in response to a decision about their own lives. I believe hope for the future of this issue, in terms of both government and culture, can be found in the encouragement of open conversation which invites nuance and understanding. Refocusing on the emotional truth of the matter would transition the culture around abortion away from judgement and towards empathy.

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THE HEARTBEAT LAW BY: SARA KEEGAN

JULY 2021

For decades, the topic of abortion has been widely disputed. There is a significant divide in this country on whether or not abortion should be a legal practice. This discussion all began after the monumental Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade. In this case, the justices concluded that under the Due Process Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment, pregnant women have the right to privacy and choice of whether or not to have an abortion. Though this may seem like it completely legalizes abortions, there were slight differences in the case’s conclusion that provides states with leeway in determining its legality.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, no state may regulate the abortion decision. However, in the second trimester, the state may impose regulations on abortion related to maternal health. Lastly, in the third trimester, once the fetus reaches the point of “viability,” a state may regulate abortions or prohibit them entirely, as long as exceptions are made for when abortion is necessary for the health of the mother or infant. This means that states do have a large amount of power in their hands, and on May 19, 2021, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott used such power.

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Governor Abbott signed legislation that sets a ban on abortion the moment a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks. There are exceptions for medical emergencies, but none made for victims of sexual assault.

This signed law would be entitled the “Heartbeat Law,” becoming a disputed name in current news. Many argue that at the time of six weeks, a large number of women do not even know they are pregnant, leaving them no freedom to choose whether they would like an abortion or not. In addition, this law allows any private citizen to file a civil lawsuit against abortion providers.

There has been a wide range of reactions to this bill, a majority being immense anger and frustration. Yet again, a woman’s body and her choices are being determined by a white man in a position of power. Even in the state of Texas, a majority Republican and pro-life state, arguments against this bill have grown. In a study conducted by the University of Texas, 69% of Texan voters believed that abortions should be legal, especially in circumstances where a woman has been sexually assaulted.

Americans from around the nation have expressed their frustration, believing the law to be a direct violation of Roe v.

Wade and the right to privacy.

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One notable expression of anger against this bill has been Paxton Smith, a valedictorian at her high school who utilized her speech in order to make a stance against the law. She bravely stated, “I have dreams and hopes and ambitions. Every girl graduating today does...we have spent our entire lives working towards our future and — without our input and without our consent — our control over that future has been stripped away from us.” Smith received countless notes of support, many praising her for taking a stance and showing her disappointment in the Texas government.

For women across the nation, the Heartbeat Law has been yet another attempt to take away their freedom of choice, leaving women in a place of anger and distrust in their own government. The Heartbeat Law shows Americans the vast discrepancies and divides in beliefs between states and government leaders, further quieting the voices of women amidst the chaos of legislation and government policy.

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THE SUPREME COURT STRIKES ON VOTING RIGHTS AUGUST 2021

BY: REGAN MADING

Voting is a founding principle of our nation, the founding fathers fought for our freedom from a monarchy and aimed to assemble a representative government. So why is our government turning its back on the right to vote? Why are we seeing some direct contrasts to the reasons this country was founded, such as taxation without representation? What is even happening in the three branches in regards to voting?

Starting on a state-by-state basis, according to The New York Times, Texas Republicans are attempting to ban drive-through voting and Montana deemed the student IDs are no longer valid forms of identification. These are methods often used by Black and Latinx voters along with young voters, who usually lean left, which is why these red states are targeting them.

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Now, to the more long-lasting and impacting ruling of the supreme court: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee. The court upheld Arizona restrictions that restricted voting. These laws were, according to NPR “one banned the collection of absentee ballots by anyone other than a relative or caregiver, and the other threw out any ballots cast in the wrong precinct.” The direct statement of the court's holding was: “Arizona’s out-ofprecinct policy and H.B. 2023 do not violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, and H.B. 2023 was not enacted with a racially discriminatory purpose.”

Essentially the court deemed that Arizona's laws did not violate the voting rights act, which ensures the right to vote and outlaws discriminatory voting practices. The Republican majority court agreed that the Arizona restrictions aligned with efforts to protect voter fraud.

On voter fraud: the claims that Democrats are largely perpetrators of voter fraud are false, as in most of the rare voter fraud cases the issue is Republicans voting twice. So based on the facts, these laws that target democratic voters do not directly work to fight the voter fraud that the U.S. does face.

What this law does, beyond protecting from voter fraud, is allow states to take advantage of voter disparities that are already in place. For example, say a ballot collector goes to collect and then drop off ballots in an Indigenous nation because there is no ballot box on the reserve, that is now no longer legal. So although the ruling does not allow new disparities to be put into place, it does enforce those already there.

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This ruling calls to mind the voter ID laws. According to ProPublica, Voter ID laws are “...measures intended to ensure that a registered voter is who he says he is and not an impersonator trying to cast a ballot in someone else’s name.” On a stateby-state basis, however, these laws can become restrictive and begin to target low-income and young people that do not have a state-issued ID. According to the ACLU, cases of in person fraud are extremely rare and the cost to put these laws into place is in the millions. These more restrictive voter-ID laws often do nothing for fraud and everything for red candidates.

These new laws put voter fraud, rather than things like gerrymandering, at the forefront of the voting conversation when there are other and bigger issues at play.

This ruling gives congress the power to do what it is doing right now and make rulings that prohibit certain groups from voting. The United States was founded on free and fair

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elections, let's not let that core belief fall away. We are bigger than this, it’s time we show it.

OPINION:THE POLITICS OF CRITICAL RACE THEORY: Why We Need to Implement CRT in US School Curriculum

SEPTEMBER 2021

The recent rise in the nation’s reflection of

By: Isabella Rinaldi

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an

racism following the murder of George

intellectual movement founded in the

Floyd has brought the Critical Race

1970s by legal scholars as a framework for

Theory, 40 year old framework for systemic

legal analysis; it’s now a method of

racism, back into the spotlight. Many

examination that helps us understand

activists, politicians, and scholars have

systemic racism in US society today. Its

sought to implement Critical Race Theory

premise suggests that, considering there is

into US school curricula, which would only

objectively no biological difference

help to better educate students about the

between races, race is a social construct.

country’s racist past, but also help them

When we understand race as a social

better identify and understand the

construct, we can determine that racism is

systemic racism that is woven in our

not only a product of individual bigotry,

institutions and policies today. However,

but is also embedded in our legal systems,

the debate on Critical Race Theories'

institutions, and policies: hence, systemic

potential role in US school curricula has

racism. CRT not only identifies these

prompted major disputes between

issues, but offers tools and strategies, such

legislators, parents, and school districts

as to curtail and uproot racism itself.

nationwide.

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CRT is vital to the growth of the nation

The issue is, their argument against

in order to surpass its bigoted past

implementing CRT in the US curriculum

toward a more equitable society.

is merely presenting itself as an

Implementing CRT in K-12 classes to

argument about power; ironically

address our history of racism, our

proving the ideology of CRT as well.

current systemic racism, and create a

On January 12, 2021, Keith Ammon, a

united future. Nevertheless, Republican

Republican member of the New

states and their parents and school

Hampshire House of Representatives,

districts beg to differ. As of June 26,

introduced a bill that was constructed

eight states and their legislators have

to forbid “race or sex scapegoating”.

abolished some or all parts of Critical

According to Ammon, “using taxpayer

Race Theory teachings in K-12,

funds to promote ideas such as ‘one

enacting laws to penalize schools or

race is inherently superior to another

teachers teaching CRT. Kimberlé

race or sex’ … only exacerbates our

Crenshaw, a founding critical race

differences.” Clearly, this argument

theorist and Columbia Law School

exhibits a lack of knowledge on what

professor, says that CRT is a discipline

exactly CRT is and its purpose in an

that seeks to understand how racism

educational setting and we can see

has shaped U.S. laws, and how those

that anti-CRT advocates only wish to

laws have continued to impact the

conceal our racist past out of fear of a

lives of non-white people. Today,

falling white supremacy.

schools are primarily funded through property tax, which consequently results in poorer students to have worse education; this, in turn, creates a ripple effect, hindering students of color from succeeding and moving forth in their careers and education as opposed to their white peers. This structural racism is evidently embedded in our policies, creating generations and generations of people of color inherently poor.

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Since the country’s founding, America has been notoriously avoiding our past of racism by teaching kids around America a sanitized version and racial illusion of history. In many textbooks today, slaves are referred to as “immigrants”'. Our history curriculum is flawed and depicts a false narrative of our racist past. Many Republican Legislators have also persistently claimed that CRT’s framework shames only white children, therefore creating more segregation. This failed rhetoric is only showing once again how CRT is misrepresented and used as a political tool rather than approached as a framework for education. Implementing CRT is not about making kids feel bad, but teaching them our unsanitized history, and helping them reckon with how to overcome these issues caused by those living in the aforementioned sanitized history.

Vida A. Robertson, director of the Center for Critical Race Studies expresses the importance of implementing CRT in US school curricula by conforming, “The goal of CRT is to equip students with the ability to change the systems, structures and institutions that maintain racial inequities,”. Passing bills that abolish CRT only confirms the ideology that racism is embedded in laws and policy in the US today. CRT is our first step toward leading and creating a more united and equal future.

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VACCINES NOW BY: ELLA SOUTHARD

On November 25th 2021, the world

There is still much to learn about the

received news from South Africa that

unique qualities of Omicron, but

would yet again alter the nature of the

scientists have observed that it is more

COVID-19 pandemic. Botswana scientist

easily transmitted than the original

Dr. Moyo and his team detected an

Covid-19 virus, and thus causes breakout

unfamiliar sequence of DNA on some

cases amongst people who are

Covid positive PCR tests from foreign

vaccinated. That being acknowledged,

diplomats, on November 19th. This

the vaccine and the booster continue to

mutation would soon be known as the

be the most adequate combatants

Omicron variant - not to be mistaken with

against hospitalization and severe illness

the Delta variant, which made its

with Covid-19, according to the CDC. It is

appearance in India at the end of 2020.

now more important than ever that we

Despite its discovery in a Botswana lab,

protect ourselves, and each other, with

the Netherland’s National Institute for

the Covid-19 vaccination and booster.

Public Health and the Environment confirmed traces of Omicron before South Africa’s announcement. Even preceding the Netherlands, Nigeria’s Center for Disease Control announced its findings of the variant in samples from October. Despite several appearances, Omicron’s true origin is unclear; but one thing is definite: Omicron is the

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dominating variant (59% of all cases) in the U.S and poses a great threat to the progress of defeating the virus.

I feel great fatigue from living in a constant state of public health concerns. I think I speak for a lot of young people when I state that it would be enjoyable to live in a time characterized by precedent, rather than once-in-a-century occurrences. The frustration is no longer exclusive to anxiety surrounding physical illness or anti-maskers, it’s the illusion that the passage of time, from March 2020 to 2022, validates people’s persistence to pretend everything is fixed. Despite New York City’s transmission rate rising 10 times from the start of the month, with a 19.97% Covid-19 positive seven-day average, the CDC, the federal agency designed to wisely guide the nation through tumultuous crises of public health, recently cut its suggested time of quarantine in half from 10 days to 5, if you have tested positive for Covid and are asymptomatic.

Better yet, if you are exposed, and have received your booster shot, you don’t have to isolate at all. This all appears to be wonderful progress and is backed by the scientific observation that transmission is more likely to occur early on in the illness. However, in a letter from Delta Airlines CEO to the CDC Director, the CEO argues for a decrease in isolation time for the sake of preventing labor shortages. It's all confusing - who is pulling the strings, and when will it be enough to defeat Covid? When will policy decisions be made based on a nation’s humanity, rather than the potential capital?

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The positive news on having a new variant in January of 2022 is that it’s not March 2020. As President Biden has emphasized, the virus may continue to be equal in severity as it was 2 years ago, but the increase in vaccinations and our knowledge on the capabilities of this virus better equip us to take on our reality. If you are at all frustrated with Omicron or feel exhaustion from constantly being cautious, the best remedy is to get vaccinated. It is the only way the world can make 2022, not 2020.

If you share any of the sentiments I have expressed above, you are not alone. Let the protection from the vaccine fuel your hopes of a Covid eradication and united world, but do not allow the vaccine to give you a false sense of reality. Continue to be vigilant in protecting yourself, family, friends, and neighbors. It’s one of the only factors we as individuals can control. I hope you are able to find peace and love in the chaos, there is always some to be discovered.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 BY: ELLA SOUTHARD

“Since March, we reached out 19 times to Americans in Afghanistan…,” “our Operation Allies Refuge ended up getting more than 5,500 Americans out…,” “we were ready when they and

However, it is at the fault of all U.S political leaders for failing to equally emphasize the incredible losses --

the people of Afghanistan watched

which have been largely perpetuated

their government collapse...and

by the U.S -- in other lands, like most

significantly increasing the risk to U.S personnel and our Allies.”

recently with Afghanistan. While many Americans have heard President Biden speak on the success of the

Oftentimes with U.S public messaging, the American lives lost are spoken on firstly, or the current issues are

recent extraction of troops, and the historic evacuation of 120,000 people after the Taliban takeover, have they

undercutting U.S interests. There’s no

heard the staggering number

mystery as to why; the media’s target

(47,000) of Afghan civilian lives lost in

audience are Americans who care

the last 20 years?

about their nation and its citizens, and the governments’ job is to communicate the state of U.S affairs. It is not President Joe Biden’s fault, or any U.S President’s fault, for consistently emphasizing America’s military interests or losts, it is their duty.

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American exceptionalism continues to

In the case of Afghanistan, the answer is

seep through the cracks of the nation’s

complex. The situation that President Joe

foreign affairs discourse. Most recently

Biden was presented with in April of 2021

the President said in a press

was quite binary, or so the President has

conference, “...no nation — no nation

communicated. In February 2020, Former

has ever done anything like it in all of

President Donald Trump signed a deal

history. Only the United States had the

with the Taliban stating that in 14 months

capacity and the will and the ability to

U.S troops in Afghanistan (which have

do it, and we did it today.”

been stationed there for 20 years) would

While pride should not be diminished for a job well done, this language is loaded with political victory laps. Did the Taliban takeover and US troop withdrawal have to be like this?

leave if the Taliban would promise to stop targeting U.S troops, killing innocent civilians, and conflicting with the Afghanistan government. This deal was criticized as a big ask.

The original intent of stationing troops in Afghanistan was to dissolve the location as a breeding ground for terrorism, so who’s to say that the Taliban will just all of sudden...agree to such a notion? When 14 months passed, Biden was faced with a choice -- either continue involvement and send more troops, or pull out the remaining troops per the agreement and end “America’s Longest War.”

Essentially, it came down to either losing more lives(on both sides) and possibly provoking more adversaries, or risk the collapse of the Afghan government’s integrity, but discontinue the two decade American invigoration. Neither were the ideal, but as a political leader is forced to do, a decision was made. The events leading up to April of 2021, were not so black and white. It didn’t have to be like this.

When American soil came under attack on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush shortly thereafter declared a “War On Terror,” ensuring that no terrorist attack on American soil was made possible again. He said, “our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global

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reach has been found, stopped and defeated.” At this point in 2001, 85-90% of the American public largely agreed the intervention in Afghanistan was justified.

Number one: The withdrawal of 90% of U.S troops out of Afghanistan in 2014 was too quick. Not too quick in terms of timing, the combat had largely subsided, however too quick in scale. The sharp decrease in troop The approval continued while American troops captured Taliban strongholds, created a more democratic government within the state, and executed terrorist leaders.

Between 2001 and 2011, one could argue, based on the sheer magnitude and frequency of terrorist

presence did not allow for the adequate training of the Afghan forces, so the leadership with the Afghan forces was lacking. As a result, the Taliban gained momentum with sieges, like in September of 2015 with Kunduz City.

attacks, that U.S involvement was necessary in combating international

To exert some control over the

security threats.

situation in Afghanistan after many boots were off the ground,

Then in 2011, Former President

air power was increasingly

Obama announced that the U.S

invested in, hence the sharp

would decrease the troop presence

increase in bomb droppings in

by 90% and shift the mission from

2019.

“combat to support.” The war was then officially declared over in 2014, but according to investigative journalist Azmat Khan, the U.S dropped the most bombs on Afghanistan in the entirety of the war in 2019. Between 2014 and 2019, two things happened that allowed for President Donald Trump to make the deal with the Taliban in 2020, and for the Taliban to take over again in August 2021.

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Number Two: failed democratization attempts. Time and time again, the U.S vows to invest in the structure of previously corrupt, decentralized, and failed governments -- Afghanistan was no different. The U.S did indeed work with the Afghan government to rebuild and stabilize with the formation of a National Unity government, producing their first peaceful transfer of democratic power in 2015 after an election. However, what President Obama called defying “the threats of the Taliban” and “bravely casting their votes” in 2015, eventually transformed into “13,000 official complaints of irregularities in the electoral process,” in Afghanistan in 2018, according to TRT World.

The lack of stability in the government also draws from the continued sporadic conflict in the nation, as well as higher poverty rates because of displacement and destruction from the war. As President Obama said in his joint remarks with President Ghani of Afghanistan in 2015, “the only real way to achieve the full drawdown of U.S. and foreign troops from Afghanistan is through a lasting political settlement with the Afghan government.” This did not happen. In fact, five years later, a U.S President would do the exact opposite -negotiate with the terrorists.

It didn’t have to be like this. A near full circle from pre-9/11, but with more knowledge and losses. As a result of the nation’s historical actions, and in light of President Biden’s actions, Afghanistan is posed with a reality that looks somewhat familiar to the early late 1990s Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban. Now, let's cut the US politics: What is life like right now for the Afghan people?

Uncertain. Apprehensive. Desperation. The Taliban has demanded the Afghan people to go back to work, but don’t have money to pay them.

Funds are not easily accessible, only $200 is

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allowed to be withdrawn every week, according to NPR.

Armed resistance has largely died down after the shooting of the brother of the former Vice President of Afghanistan was killed in the midst of fighting in the Panjshir Valley.

Younger women specifically have been initiating civil protests without the support of many of the Afghan men. The higher education minister recently announced that women will still be able to pursue their degrees at universities.

However in Herat, a Taliban gunman guarded a university and didn’t let the women students pass through. According to The New York Times, women journalists and broadcasters have been indefinitely suspended.

In Kandahar, women healthcare clinics have been shut down. Kabul University students were told not to leave their dorm without a male student accompanying them. All of this to say, life in Afghanistan is inching closer to what it was two decades ago, rather than a few months ago. The Taliban officials have vowed they have changed their ways and will not punish women outside the Islamic law, like they did in the 1990s. Many, of course, have been skeptical of such a pledge because of the history, and given the discrete and low reported actions already taken by the Taliban in 2021, every Afghan person has the right to feel uncertain and apprehensive about their future.

August of 2021 in Afghanistan was no surprise, in fact the U.S President Joe Biden had intelligence that a government collapse and Taliban takeover was probable months after U.S troops pulled out by the September 11th deadline. However, it wasn’t just this one intelligence reporting that gave us a heads up. It was years of unnecessary and failed American intervention after the initial mission was complete. Although we as a global community cannot undo history, we must continue to talk about the looming dark reality that stations itself around Afghanistan. Americans specifically need to speak out about the repercussions of our actions in order to attempt to rid of the American centric language, and be a good neighbor.

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Editorial WOmen In Politics Team: Why are you thankful?

NOVEMBER 2021

BY: EVERYONE!

Karla Vazquez, Ambassador I am thankful for my family, their support, and all the opportunities I’ve received this year.

Laura Malone, Ambassador

Ella O’Connor, Social Media

I’m thankful for the lifelong friendships

I am thankful for the support

I’ve made through youth organizations

that my family and friends give

like Women in Politics.

me! I’m so lucky to have them!

Christine Corry, Magazine Manager

I am thankful for the inspirational women I have the honor of working with

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at Women in Politics!

Hanna Matsukawa, Magazine Writer I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to live abroad this year, and as a result, to grow and learn more about the world.

Delfina Cerdán, Ambassador I am thankful for the support I’ve received this year and for the opportunity to connect with people with similar interests to me.

Michela Rossettini, Researcher I am thankful for the opportunity to study what I love and what brings me joy, in a city I love, surrounded by empowered women.

Lior Cooper, Editor I am thankful for all that has turned out well this year, despite the pandemic

Hazel Smith-Foley, Tik-Tok/ Instagram Reels I am thankful for the opportunity to advocate for what I believe in through

Ninoshka Chaver, Ambassador

Women in Politics!

I am thankful for being a part of this organization and being able to have a support system around me!

Cedar Roach, Editing Leader I am thankful for the women in my family who came before me and shaped who I am today!

Sage Lahmers, Writer I am thankful for the people in my life who have supported my hopes and dreams.

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Ella Stillion Southard, Magazine Writing Leader I am thankful for the opportunity to work towards my dreams, with the

Monica Salinas, Ambassador

support of people I love!

I am thankful for the academic opportunities I have been given through this year.

Veronica Rohlfing, Magazine Writer I’m thankful for all of my family’s support in my decision to move far away from home.

Jessica Yao, WIP Slack Moderator I am so thankful for my family and all the new friends that I have made this past year. Most of all, I am grateful for the memories I have made and the love that I have received.

Salonee Raheja, Graphic Designer, Board of Directors I am thankful for the support of

Emma Pham-Tran, Ambassador I am thankful for the connections I

my family and close friends in an unusual yet exciting year.

have made through various leadership opportunities this year.

Isabella Rinaldi, Magazine Writing Leader I am thankful for my supportive and loving family who have made me

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who I am today.

W T O O: H By: Annalese Cahill

The Thanksgiving dinner table often becomes a forum for political deliberation in debate. Last year, the presidential election had just passed. Political tensions were high, and far too many Thanksgiving dinners were tainted by disagreement and tension.

This year, tensions are still high, but now in different ways. New Texas abortion laws have dominated national conversations. Shootings have increased in many cities around the country. Abortion and gun control are known as the two most divisive issues in the United States, and these current events have just added fuel to the fire. Controversies about the Biden Administration and pulling out of Afghanistan are also on the mind of many. To be blunt, we have all been on the other side of a, “Get that orange Cheeto out of office” or, “Did you all see Sleepy Joe on the TV the other day?” comment. These comments are hateful, ignorant, and unproductive.

Current events are the fuel for uncomfortable conversations that have been happening for years, but all adults would agree that the past administration complicated the dialogue for everyone. With these circumstances at hand, families must

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work to find ways to open dialogue with each other.

The most important step to moderating at the dinner table is to remember the implications of Thanksgiving. Of course, we must acknowledge America’s oppressive past with Native Americans.

Many Americans are aware of the sugarcoated and pacifist image painted over the true history of Thanksgiving.

However, there is a reason that families still choose to gather together; it is not to honor the oppression and violence against Native Americans in the country’s past. The reason that Americans still gather for Thanksgiving is to reflect on our lives and learn to become more grateful family and friends. For the purpose of this conversation, it is important to remember the ‘thanks’ part of the holiday. Acceptance that your

The first solution to inappropriate comments is to change the subject. It is likely that most people at the table are going to be sick of talking about politics.

People love talking about themselves. If someone starts to stir the pot, the biggest form of rebellion can be to take the high road and ask someone else how their job is going or any other detail about their life. Do not enable or empower ignorant statements. Remind your family that you are there to spend time together and catch up, not talk about gun control. Conversation starters could relate to pets, school, work, relationships, and hobbies. Time with family is small, and it should not be spent in a resentful rage.

family might disagree with you is extremely difficult. More often than not, there are the people that we love

Another solution can be pointing them

unconditionally, and it can be hurtful and

to the facts. If someone says something

confusing when we disagree on

that you know to be false, you can say

important values. But try to remember

something like, “I’m not sure about that, I

that you are together to celebrate each

read on BBC that this is actually what

other, even when these differences arise.

happened” or, “I would love to send you this really interesting link about this topic

However, this does not mean you must

that I was reading the other day.” This

dismiss a comment from your aunt or

can diffuse a conversation by placing

uncle about your “young and

the responsibility on another source. It

impressionable mind being corrupted by

can be intimidating to correct your

politics in the media.” No matter your

grandparent or older relative, but it is

age, your opinions still hold value and

never wrong to share information. That

should not be dismissed because of your

way, you don’t have to be the one to

age or political affiliation.

correct them.

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A third alternative is to destigmatize politics by sharing your personal experience. For women in politics, there are often a lot of assumptions about the work we do or the way we think. However, sharing your experiences on political work can be enlightening to those who do not understand the ins and outs of life in politics. Share your experiences with your Model UN club at school and how you were encouraged to research a policy issue and collaborate with others. Share your experience door-knocking on a local campaign and talking to voters. Adults are often impressed and interested when young people choose to get involved. This is a way to get them to gain respect for your actions and opinions without using a polarizing topic.

The fourth (and riskiest) option would be to pull aside your relative and ask them to explain their side. In a private setting, talk to your loved one and ask them to expand on their opinion. If they are truly starting a productive conversation, they might share personal experiences, statistics, or extensions on their statements. You may even gain understanding that you didn’t hold before. But if they are not trying to be productive, they will probably shrug you off. This is the way to identify and shut down irresponsible deliberation with family.

Overall, your challenge is to avoid a boisterous and chaotic debate among the whole table this Thanksgiving. America is at a crucial time where we are becoming increasingly divided by the day. This is happening primarily through social media forums, but this anger creeps into real interactions among people as well. By engaging in angry debates, your family is letting division win. On a holiday focused on thanks, this is not productive.

You have the power to be a leader in your family that encourages adults to lead with love and understanding for each other. You have the power to inspire others to be more mature in their interactions with others outside of the family. Do it! Ensure that your Thanksgiving table is one of true ‘thanks’ this year.

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PUT THE BALLOT ON YOUR TO-DO LIST: Preparing For The 2022 Midterms DECEMBER 2021 By: Shreya Rajappa

A year goes by fast. In less than a year -- on November 8, 2022 -- the United States Congressional election will be held, a facet of a typical midterm year. All 435 House of Representatives seats and 34 Senate seats will be up for grabs. Before you know it, it’ll be time to cast your ballot and pick the people who will make decisions for you for the next two years. You can prepare with the to-do list outlined below:

RESEARCH: Figure out what issues matter to you; what your lines in the sand are. Use non-biased news sources, such as Politico, to educate yourself on current events and their impacts on groups of people, especially marginalized communities. A few topics to get you started are climate change legislation (e.g. the Green New Deal), the criminal justice system and prison industrial complex, systemic discrimination (e.g. police brutality, bias in healthcare, housing patterns and gentrification), and immigration and the US government’s current treatment of undocumented individuals. When Studying broader topics, narrow the ones that pique passion for you. For example, start with women’s rights and focus on the Violence Against Women Act abortion rights. Forming opinions from research before hearing the arguments of candidates will help to better analyze the candidates’ platforms.

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Look up how many House seats you can vote for (they’re allocated by district) and if you have a Senate election (only 34 out of 100 seats have elections in the upcoming midterm). Determine your statewide and local election schedules for the exact primary dates. Read up on the candidate’s platform in your district, listen to their speeches, and take note of what others ( from political experts to your own neighbors) have to say about them. Have conversations with your loved ones and local strangers about candidates you support or oppose, bringing up specific details from their campaigns and possible impacts in your attempts at persuasion. If you discover candidates outside of your state and/or district who you want to support, there are many ways to boost their campaigns without voting: phone bank, donate, or volunteering, for instance. Teen Vogue highlights Charles Booker (Kentucky), Jessica Cisneros (Texas), Rana Abdelhamid (NY), Morgan Harper (Ohio), Maxwell Frost (Florida), Brittany Ramos DeBarros (NY), Imani Oakley (NJ), Malcolm Kenyatta and John Fetterman (Pennsylvania), and Mandela Barnes (Wisconsin) as candidates to take note of and follow closely until the election.

According to 270 To Win, experts project that California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maryland, Hawaii, and Connecticut will likely vote blue; Alaska, Indiana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Idaho, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina will likely vote red; and Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia will be toss-ups. US News calls Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin the states to keep an eye on during the midterms while CNN claims Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Florida, Ohio, and Missouri are the states most likely to have party flips. You could play a role in this. Every vote counts. Your vote counts. Use it.

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*trigger warning

BY: SAGE LAHMERS

Gun violence is constantly in the news, but many of us have had some sort of personal experience with it. Whether it's active shooter drills at school or other parts of our everyday lives, our generation is highly aware of gun violence.

Unfortunately, 2021 was another year where we saw an increase in gun violence. Everyone has their own opinions surrounding guns and feelings about who should be able to own or carry them.

But regardless of your beliefs, this is a uniquely American issue that kills thousands of people each year. As we move into 2022, I hope we can work together to resolve this problem that causes hurt to so many.

I live in a community affected by gun violence and have had personal experiences with the effects of it. On April 16, 2007 an undergraduate student killed 32 people and wounded 17 others at Virginia Tech. This was the largest mass shootings at the time and still remains one of the largest. My community is still mourning a decade and a half later. As a high school student, I am still fearful walking into school each day. I have the messages I would send to my loved ones in an active

54

shooter situation. That is not something anyone should have to think about.

During my time as a student I have experienced multiple false alerts of gun violence and gone into lockdown multiple times. In early December after the highly publicized school shooting in Michigan as I was walking into the school building in the morning, I

Gun violence is not just an issue for

received an email telling me that a

me or my community. It is part of a

student had threatened to bring a

broader issue facing the American

gun to school and shoot students. I

people. Gun violence did not take a

heard rumors swirling through the

break during the pandemic. In fact,

school that morning as students

it rose by 30%. In 2021 there were

tried to figure out what was going

about 20,350 gun deaths, excluding

on and if it was safe to be at school.

suicides. This is the highest number

There were police roaming the halls,

recorded by the Gun Violence

but other than that, there were no

Archive since its founding in

added security measures such as

2014.There were 681 mass shooting

bag checks or metal detectors. I

incidents in the US during 2021.

was fearful because I didn’t have

These shootings claimed 684 lives

enough information to know that I

and injured 2,000 people. 22

was safe. After my second period

people died from school shooting

class,, I asked my parents to check

incidents, resulting in the most

me out of school because I was so

school shooting casualties since

worried I could not focus at all on

2018. One of the most publicized

my work. Nothing happened that

school shootings was the one at

day, but I, and many of my peers,

Oxford High School in Michigan that

remain on alert from the experience.

left four students dead. The most

School should be a safe space and

shocking part about that incident to

not a place of fear.

me was the clear warning signs that morning. The school was informed about the student’s troubling behavior and still sent him back to class. Had the situation been handled differently, they could have saved the lives of four innocent students.

55

Mrs. Smith's Government Class

Shooter Drill @4th period Another troubling discovery was

Many people feel strongly about the

that the student’s parents bought

second amendment right to bear

him the gun despite multiple

arms, but more and more we see

warning signs that he was not mentally stable and did not address other warning signs. It was estimated that about 17 million guns were sold in the US

guns used to kill people in absolutely disgusting situations. The second amendment and public safety shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

People can own guns and not hurt

during 2021. Most of the mass

each other. Our priority should be

shootings that occurred during

keeping guns out of the hands of

2021 disproportionately affected black and brown communities and received very little coverage.

Women in the US are 21 times more likely to be killed by guns than women in other high income countries. These numbers should send a shiver down your spine.

people who can not do that. We also have to accept that this kind of gun violence is a uniquely American problem and a new one. Our parents and grandparents never would have imagined school shootings. Other developed nations do not have issues with gun violence

Gun violence took far too many

at the same scale as America. This

lives this year, but even one life

issue particularly impacts women

should have been too many.

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and minorities.

We are conditioned to believe that gun violence is normal. That it is something we can’t do anything about. That is completely false. We need laws and regulations to make sure those who own guns can handle them responsibly. We need more background checks and regulations.

We need standard mechanisms in

Regardless of political party, I hope we all can agree that gun violence is

schools to prevent shootings, instead

a very pressing problem facing our

of just having plans in place for when

nation. 2021 has once again shown us

they eventually happen. We need to

the worrisome continued increase in

regulate ghost guns, self made, fully

gun violence. I hope this past year

functioning, and untraceable guns

has shown us that the time to act is

that can be assembled without so

now, because every second we waste

much as a background check. We

leads to more loss of life. Our

need to eliminate right-to-carry laws.

acceptance of gun violence as a

Research has found links between

normal part of life is unacceptable

these laws and spikes in firearm

and needs to change. As we move

crimes. We need to educate people about how to properly store a gun to reduce accidental discharges. We need to invest in gun violence

into 2022, please think about what you can do to create change in your community. We are lucky enough to have freedom of speech. We need to

research, which will teach us more

use it to speak up for the things we

about how to effectively prevent gun

care about. If you can’t accept the

violence while still respecting the right to bear arms.

normalization of gun violence any more, then you need to do something about it. I will be writing letters and speaking with the people whose job is to represent me. I will be attending protests and supporting the causes I care about. I will speak up when I see something unjust. I hope you will fight for the things you believe in 2022 as well and I hope we can work together to eliminate gun violence in America.

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Founder and Co-Exec. Director

Rebecca Joseph

Walnut Creek, CA | 16 years old My name is Rebecca Joseph and I am a high school 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, over a year later I have been blessed with an amazing team and I cannot wait for all we are going to accomplish.

Please enjoy this issue!

Co-Exec. Director Katherine Bronov

Philadelphia, PA | 18 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!

Christine Corry

Sacramento, CA | 17 years old

Writing Leaders

Manya Kodali | Anna Pabst | Shreya Rajappa | Hanna Matsukawa | Sacannah Mayall | Reagan Mading | Annalese Cahill | Sage Lahmers

Editor Leader

Cedar Roach

EDITORS

Isabella Rinaldi & Ella Stillion Southard

WRITERS

Magazine Manager

Dallas, TX | 18 years old

Magazine Design Leader

Sara Keegan

New York, NY | 17 years old

Rachel Baumann | Katherine B

DESIGNERS

Maci DemMott | Oliva Massey | Ella Grady | Kaylyn Allingham | Lior Cooper | Lila Rowland | Lily Sun | Bella Jasper

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