By Candy Birch and Gwynne Lee, League of Women Voters

Wednesday, Aug. 26 marks the 89th anniversary of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters-founded the same year women achieved this right-celebrates Women's Equality Day by remembering this historic achievement and looks forward to greater civic participation and healthy debate on the issues that matter most to our communities. The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy thorough education and advocacy.

"On this Women's Equality Day, we take time to recognize not only the historic 19th Amendment but the tremendous progress we've made over the last 89 years in expanding and protecting voting rights," said national League president Mary G. Wilson. "Generation after generation, the work of League of Women Voter members across the country is a testament to the incredible legacy of the 19th Amendment.

But our work is not done. As we face new and even greater challenges as a nation, the League will continue to support smart, active, local leaders who are dedicated to safeguarding democracy. These leaders are in your communities, engaging elected officials as we work together to find viable solutions. The 100-plus members of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County think that the hands-on work of an engaged citizenry can and does lead to civic improvement at all levels of government.

Women's Equality Day is a celebration of such a basic part of our democratic process-the right to vote - and the opportunities to channel that power into real, lasting change, starting at the grassroots level.

The League of Women Voters, Johnson County has worked for 57 years to safeguard democracy through expanded civic engagement. League members have the opportunity to have a profound, direct and positive impact on the issues that matter most to our community. On the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we encourage others to get involved in the governmental process.

Candy Birch and Gwynne Lee are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, Kan.