Perryman Addresses Hundreds of Women in Downstate Illinois On The Ongoing Work to Achieve Freedom and Democracy 

Springfield, IL – As election day approaches, Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman addressed an audience of hundreds of women from Springfield, IL and the downstate area, emphasizing the importance of voting, participating in civic life, and combating extreme threats to our foundational freedoms that have emerged in recent years in the United States.   The address was part of a series of talks hosted by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski of Illinois’ 13th Congressional District, featuring remarks from prominent women leaders. 

Perryman discussed both the promise and the peril that American democracy is experiencing in 2024, highlighting the energizing work of people and communities across the nation to build a better future but also the rise in misinformation, disinformation, and harmful proposals such as Project 2025.  “We are at a critical juncture in our country–the future of our freedom and our democracy is at a tipping point,” she told the audience in the heart of what is known as the Land of Lincoln.

“Our democracy – the ability of people to thrive to raise our families and to be in communities where all are valued– affects all of us,” Perryman told the group. “Our ability to make a fair wage, to raise our kids in schools that are safe and with teachers who can teach, to worship the way we choose, to disagree with each other, to obtain quality health care – all of this depends on our democracy. Democracy is the ultimate kitchen-table issue. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it is not.” 

Later in the event, Budzinski encouraged the audience to do what they can to meet this moment, reflecting on the power of women in communities to make change.  

For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org. 

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