"Patriots and Petticoats" September 10, 2008

Minutes of United Women’s Forum General Meeting

September 10, 2008 at the Bountiful City Library

Diane Prince welcomed those in attendance; the prayer was given by April Hatch. Dalane England led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Paulette Bierwolf taught us “A Principle of Freedom” with today’s topic as The Importance of an Educated Electorate. She told us a personal experience she had as a child of thinking the world was flat and the difficulty she had of being educated otherwise. After finally accepting that it opened up a whole new way of thinking about things! She then told us how our Founding Fathers knew that if the populace was educated, they would choose better leaders. She continued by pointing out that one way a dictator retains power is by controlling what people read and are taught. Therefore we must always remember that education is vital to the preservation of freedom. She urged us to be educated in everything possible.

Debra Poulsen referred to the handout given to all the women of internet sites which will help us be knowledgeable and informed and that are important tools for us in our fight for what we believe in. She told how she has become familiar with them and urged us to do the same; each of us should be able to find some way to participate.

Dalane England reminded us of September 17^th being the day that our Constitution was signed. She said that it is essential that as citizens that we know and understand it so that we make sure our leaders are held accountable. It is even more of a concern that it is taught to our children. The schools are mandated to teach it between Sept. 17 & 23. She made a plea for help in making sure this is happening in the schools—asking for volunteers for this year and next.

Linda Hess updated us on Proposition 8 in California (the marriage amendment). She said it is vital that we do everything to make sure this passes there as it will impact every other state. She cited many implications of things that could happen if this fails to pass. Handouts were given to the women to fill out and return to the ‘marriage protection’ groups in California.

Finally we were treated to vignettes from “Patriots in Petticoats” by Jaynann M. Payne and her daughter Nancy Herrera. This play was written by Mrs. Payne, who has many credentials of family-related service throughout the years, as well as being the mother of 12. This play was performed at the Colonial Days Celebration on July 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2008 at the Crandall Historical Museum in Provo, Utah. It brings to life the exciting experiences of women who played vital roles in the American Revolution. We enjoyed the presentation of these women who are so passionate about the role we have in this time that we are alive. They thanked us for attending today and being part of this forum and urged us to contribute now just as these colonial women who left such a valuable legacy from the past.