Local activist group makes waves

By Pat Stinson
Sun contributor
Fueled by coffee and a strong desire for change, four area women challenged themselves last summer to stop complaining about the direction our country is headed and start taking action.
“I was inspired by a 90-year-old,” says Celeste Crouch, a Glen Arbor resident and one of the “magic four” who met regularly for coffee and political discourse.
“She asked me, ‘Are you doing anything politically, writing any letters?’ I told her, ‘I’m so down, I’m not doing anything.’”

“Well, I’m just an activist at heart,” Celeste’s friend replied.
“This little group we had, the four of us, we decided to take our discontentment and turn it into positive energy,” Celeste explains. “We created a forum and a way for (women) to get involved and make a difference.”
They formed a non-partisan, progressive, political action group in the summer of 2005 called, Leelanau Independent Women for Democratic Action, (LIWDA). The word “democratic” in the name refers to a system of government that represents the people; it does not describe party affiliation. The group’s brochure states that they “seek to advance democratic values of political, economic, social, cultural and gender justice and equality.”
Word of the group spread quickly among Leelanau County women. One year later, the activist organization boasts 63 members cutting across party lines, from college-aged women to 90-year-olds. Most live in Empire and Glen Arbor, though some reside in Leland, Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay and Northport. Members include retired teachers, an editor, a public relations person, a fundraiser and individuals involved in politics. Another 40 like-minded individuals who are not members stay connected to the group via email.
“The notion of getting involved has met a need,” Celeste says.
Gender lines have become blurred, too, with the first male to join the organization.
“He really likes our philosophy and asked to join,” Celeste continues. “We’re open to all.”
The group picks and chooses the issues it feels are most important, especially those affecting individuals and their environment — quality-of-life issues needing some type of action.
The group also endorses candidates whose values they share.
“A democracy can only be healthy if people are attentive and watch what our elected officials are doing,” she says. “Apathy and cynicism create a vacuum, and other big interests can move in … We think it’s time to clean house in the state and nationally, and get people elected who are not wanting to be answering to the corporate lobbies.”
A workshop was planned for September 12 at The Leelanau School, hosted by Interfaith Partnership for Political Action (IPPA) of Ann Arbor, to address the “moral imperatives underlying specific political policy positions.” IPPA isn’t a religious group, but its principles are informed by religious and other belief systems found in the U.S. The group’s goal is to “shift focus” of political policies based solely on economic gain to those that recognize “the equal worth of all persons and respect for human life.”
As an example of the above, Celeste cites a bill introduced in the Michigan Senate that would have made smoking illegal in the state’s bars and restaurants. The bill was killed in committee. Business was against it because the bars and restaurants could lose income. IPPA, on the other hand, would look at the health implication for individuals working at those bars and restaurants, Celeste said.
“Looking at the ethics behind the issues is really critical,” she explains. “We’re excited about getting values back into political discussions for a number of reasons. What’s good for the economy may not be good for individuals.”
On a county level, LIWDA endorses Farmland Preservation and continues to work on strategies to promote the proposal. The group also endorses the county’s recycling proposal and raises support for a recycling program at The Homestead Resort.
Celeste added that a lot of the credit for the resort’s new recycling program goes to Bob Ihme, Jr., of Glen Arbor Outdoor, who convinced many of The Homestead’s condominium associations to adopt the program.
LIWDA’s other local activities include monitoring solid waste management council meetings and other county meetings which involve quality-of-life issues. They’ve also written letters to newspaper editors and a forum piece for The Traverse City Record-Eagle, stating their position on clean elections and campaign finance reform. They’ve held open house receptions for political candidates and worked the polls on primary election day.
So far, the group has endorsed and held fundraisers for three political candidates: Governor Jennifer Granholm, Mike Huckleberry for 4th U.S. Congressional district, and Dan Scripps for House District 101.
Celeste says that Governor Granholm made a statement that “really subscribes” to her group’s beliefs. Paraphrasing the governor, Celeste remembers these words: “It’s not every man for himself, but all hands on deck. Together, we can do this.”
“If a candidate’s values match ours,” Celeste continues, “we really just jump on board and do whatever we can. They (Huckleberry and Scripps) are very much for education and making sure there’s equal funding for schools in the state.”
In addition, she says, Huckleberry is an environmental attorney who believes in legislation that protects the environment. He is also critical of corporations sending work overseas, which takes jobs from Michigan workers.
“Respecting the individual and the environment will help with our economic success,” Celeste says.
About half of LIWDA members participate in one of three action committees: National Issues and Candidates, State and Local Issues and Candidates, and Communications. Members hoping to raise awareness about their organization marched this summer in parades held in Empire, Glen Arbor and Cedar.
“The important point is that people can choose the kinds of things they’re interested in working on. We offer a variety of ways to get involved. Our members are working people, stay-at-home moms, retirees and people who live in our area part-time. People can find a place to fit in and really know they are making a difference and working on something important.”
Celeste likes this quote by Margaret Mead: “A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
LIWDA meets the second Tuesday of the month. Three action groups meet monthly. Call (231) 334-6535 for more information. The group is currently working toward a website presence.