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The U.S. Senate and the League of Women Voters would like to invite everyone to observe National Civic Participation Week, Sept. 1117. This period of time has been designated as a time to honor those citizens who lost their lives in the terrible attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The shock and grief that this event caused has been a long time wearing off. For some people—the family and friends of the victims—it will never cease. For the rest of us, we only need little prompting to remember that awful day.
What we need to do is to remember the feelings that seemed to sweep over us all. In addition to the shock of having our very land invaded, our sensitivity to what our land means to us was raised to the highest level.
Remember the intense love for our country that filled our beings? Remember the thrill of seeing American flags flying from thousands of cars and front yards?
Remember the tears that came to our eyes when "God Bless America" was sung? Wouldn't it be wonderful if this feeling could stay with us from year to year?
We can take this week to think about our country and communities and what we can do to show appreciation for the many services provided to us. We know that the United States—and each community within the United States—is unique, because each one of us is encouraged to have a voice in our own governing.
During National Civic Participation Week, we might ask ourselves the following questions.
* Who are my local leaders? My county's leaders? My state's leaders? My national leaders?
* Do I know how to contact each one of these leaders to impress upon them my heartfelt conviction on issues?
* Have I ever sent a note of commendation to any one of these on what they have accomplished for me?
* Am I registered to vote? Have I moved since I voted last? If I have, I need to reregister. Do I know how to go about this?
* Would I like to see everyone who is eligible in my family and in my office be a registered voter? How can I do this?
* Do I know the people who are candidates in the November election? Not only those who are candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, but also those running for the Los Gatos Town Council? Do I know what their objectives and ideals are? How do I find out?
* The way we vote is changing. We will be voting electronically before many more years go by. Have I seen or used one of the new touch-tone voting machines? Would I like to see one? Would I like to know where these machines will be available in this election?
* Have I ever been a poll worker? Would I like to take a day off work and help out in my polling place? How do I go about doing this?
These are just a few things that can be done for our communities and nation. If any or all of these things appeal to you and you want to know more about how to accomplish them, the League of Women Voters would be happy to assist. Call the league at 408.867.VOTE for answers. Call anytime. Someone will get back to you with the answers you need.
Patricia M. Weber is the president of the Southwest Santa Clara Valley League of Women Voters.
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