Date And Time
Tue, February 11, 2020
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST

Location
Crescent Club
6075 Poplar Avenue
Suite 909
Memphis, TN 38119

Emceed by Beverly Robertson, President and CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber, this year’s Soapbox Dinner will be held at The Crescent Club on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020, from 6PM to 8PM.  Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the League and the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.  

Twenty-four local dignitaries will facilitate table discussions about current issues in the Memphis/Shelby County area.  Event net proceeds will go to the 501 (c) 3 TN League of Women Voters Education Fund. This fun event is open to the public.  Some of the table topics include… What can we do to make a positive impact through public education policies? How can we help our elected officials take action to implement smart ballots and Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)?  Are our local Open Records laws enough? Why is the 2020 Census important and how does low response impact us locally? 

“We’re excited about this upcoming event,” said Carol Straughn, President of the League of Women Voters Memphis/Shelby County, “and hope that Memphians will take the opportunity to join us in small group evening conversations.”  Tickets are $40 each for non-league members ($35 for league members) and sponsorships are available (contact info@nitablack.com or call (901)413-1315 for more information).  The Eventbrite registration link to purchase tickets online is https://leaguesoapboxdinnerfeb11th2020.eventbrite.com 

For more information go to the League’s website at www.lwvmemphisshelby.org or email Carol Straughn, President, at President@LWVMemphisShelby.org or call (901)488-1531. 

The Program for the evening includes table discussion on the following topics:

1. What can we do to make a positive impact through public education policies? How are school charters, vouchers, and other programs impacting us locally?

2. How can we help our elected officials take action to implement smart ballots and Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)?

3. Are our local Open Records laws enough? Are they adequate and how do they affect the public’s “need to know”?

4. Why is the 2020 Census important and how does low response impact us locally? How can we help increase participation in the Census?

5. Where are the major blight and food desert areas identified by the City? What steps can we take now to remedy these issues? What recent success stories can we use as examples to do more?

6. Have there been any recent legislative changes related to gun control? How are Moms and other groups impacting gun control changes in Tennessee?

7. How is majority ownership in media driving Fake News and why? How can we help increase awareness of the critical nature of shady journalism?

8. How can Shelby County do a better job of improving “whole life” advocacy for women? How important are women’s education, healthcare, and social services availability to the overall community?

9. Who in Shelby County is responsible for the welfare of immigrants both living in and passing through the community? How can we as citizens be more active in solutions to address human trafficking and other predatory activities?

10. Who are the best voices to bring environmental issues to the forefront so that it matters to the public? What actions are warranted to immediately address local issues including lead in school water coolers, controversial EPA law changes, accumulation of coal ash, etc.?

11. What are the driving forces to offer better public transportation and increased business development opportunities for women and other minorities? What steps are critical in the advancement of these projects?

12. In recognition of the Centennial of the 19th Amendment, how have women’s rights changed over the years and what comes next?