SOUL e-Newsletter
July 18, 2011
Seneca Falls Convention
On July 13, 1848, a small group of women gathered together for a social visit on a summer day in upstate New York. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock, and Jane Hurt, while having tea, began to discuss the injustices women of their time were experiencing. It was during this discussion that they decided to host "a convention to discuss social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of women." So they picked a date, found a location and placed an advertisement in the local paper. Also, in preparation for the convention, Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments by using the Declaration of Independence as her guide, along with a eleven resolutions. The Declaration of Sentiments listed areas in life where women were treated unfairly.
A mere six days later, on July 19, at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, NY, a crowd of 300 (including 40 males) met for the convention. After two days of discussions, the Declaration of Sentiments and twelve resolutions (one added during the convention by Lucretia Mott) were passed. The only resolution that did not pass unanimously was women's right to vote. One hundred people signed the Seneca Falls Declaration, 68 were women and 32 were men.
Although the newspapers ridiculed what went on at the convention and the Declaration of Sentiments, the negative publicity actually helped. Some editors actually printed the Declaration of Sentiments and the Resolutions which got the issues out to the public, women activist became energized and more conventions of this type were held elsewhere. What started as a group of friends gathering together for a social visit, a movement was born, shaping the lives of women even to this day.
As we approach the 163rd anniversary of what is considered the first women's rights convention, Sisters of Union Laborers keep in mind this quote by Margret Mead--"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
If you would like to read the Declaration of Sentiments please click the link below.
SOUL Update
SOUL 177 is off and running having recently held their first official meeting! Check out the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page or the LiUNA! Women's Caucus website for pictures from their charter meeting!
SOUL 1140 (although not charted yet) held its second fundraiser! Plus the ladies got to use their "new" grill! Check out the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page to see pictures! It is awesome!
Anna and I will be attending the Local 231 Family Picnic this Saturday to talk about SOUL and get the women of Local 231 interested in starting a charter there.
If you are on Facebook, remember to join the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page! You'll find interesting articles, photos taken at different events, announcements being made and more!
Remember to spread the word about SOUL! If you know of any women laborers or family members that would be interested be sure to have them fill out a SOUL Interest Flyer and send it in! Feel free to contact me for Interest Flyers!
Sincerely,
Megan Hardy
Researcher
Midwest Region LECET
(402) 305-3305 CELL
(402) 734-0132 FAX
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