The Warren County and National League of Women Voters programming in 2026 includes “Unite and Rise 8.5.” The program aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up against the anti-democratic actions of this administration. The estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through nonviolent protest is 8.5 million! It was launched in May and is running until the 2026 midterm elections.

On April 17, League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart and President Dianna Wynn released the following statement: “From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders … one thing is abundantly clear: our country is in a constitutional crisis. We the people must fight back. That is why the League of Women Voters is launching a powerful new initiative; “Unite and Rise 8.5.”

As the League believes, our country is heading into a Constitution Crisis. The League defines a Constitutional Crisis as this: “When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.”

Since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, the League notes increased attacks on our democratic systems and a failure by Congress to intervene.

“Unite and Rise 8.5” will fight for our democracy on multiple fronts, from the courts to the streets. Here are a few actions you can take:

— Commit to action: Sign our commitment to Unite and Rise for democracy (for access to this commitment form go online to act.lwv.org)

— Protect equal voting rights: Tell your representatives to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act!

— Contact your elected officials about the issues that matter like gerrymandering and redistricting.

— Oppose federal interference in DC: Tell Congress to fully investigate the legality of President Trump’s actions in DC and oppose the misuse of federal authority.

— Raise your voice about illegal deportations. Get your feet in the streets!

— Become active with local organizations like the LWV Warren County PA, Indivisible Warren PA and other organizations protecting our democracy. Act on the issues that matter in our community.

For more information about the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, plan to attend a board meeting held on the first Monday of the month at 3 p.m., at the Warren Public Library. You can follow our Facebook page LWVWC, or contact League VP for Program chairwomen, Marge Himber, marge.himber@outlook.com or Phyllis Wright, vice president of communications at PhyWright8@gmail.com