Many schedules have changed drastically over the last several weeks, but one thing that is happening -- whether we're ready for it or not -- is the 2020 election season. It's also the 100th anniversary of universal suffrage in the United States, something that isn't lost on us.
Homefront Rising has been leading the charge on political involvement for military spouses for years. Speakers at past events have included high-profile women such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Last year, Homefront Rising attendees heard from U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minnesota; Cheryl Mason, chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals; and Mary Beth Bruggeman, executive director of The Mission Continues. Other topics included media management and a video chat from current Senate candidate Amy McGrath.
In 2018, speakers included Tatiana Matta, who was running for U.S. House of Representatives; businesswoman Meg O'Grady; and politician Kalish Morrow.
This year, in lieu of meeting in person, Homefront Rising has shifted gears and is hosting a Military Spouse Voting Webinar. On Friday, May 8, join military spouses online for a discussion of military spouse voting -- reflecting on the past, talking about the present and looking toward the future.
Several things have changed over the years with PCSing and how military spouses interact with their local communities and their states of residence. Along with changes to absentee ballots and legislative changes in some states, there's quite a bit to catch up on.
There are many military spouses who are at the heart of voting issues, including Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Secure Families Initiative Director Sarah Streyder.
The Secure Families Initiative may be less familiar to military spouses than Homefront Rising and its parent organization, the Military Spouse JD Network. Launched in January 2020 by two Air Force spouses, the initiative's mission is "to elevate military spouses and family members as uniquely qualified advocates and organizers on matters of foreign policy."
It does this in four ways: voting, training spouses to train others in the importance of voting, taking action by making their voices heard and sharing the stories of military spouses to build up the community.
Registration for Homefront Rising 2020 is free and currently open. Register here.
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--Rebecca Alwine can be reached at rebecca.alwine@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebecca_alwine.
