History

Women's Voices was formally organized in May, 2005, when 25 St. Louis-area women gathered at the University City Library to discuss their concerns about social justice issues. Within six months more than 150 women had added their names to the mailing list. Progressive women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join the organization.

In July, 2005, the first general meeting was held. In November, 2005, the group moved to the Alberici Group headquarters, one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world. Alberici hosted our meetings until we grew too large for that space. We now meet at the St. Louis Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road.

What We Do

As members identify issues of social justice that are of particular concern to them, focus groups are created to work on these issues. Focus groups thoroughly research the issues, gathering facts, identifying key players, and contacting existing organizations that are already working in the area. The group then creates a list of possible actions through which members of the entire group can be pro-active. Some of these actions include writing letters or commentaries, attending meetings, disseminating information, public speaking, marching, witnessing and lobbying. Women's Voices almost always works with existing social justice organizations to support and enhance their efforts. Check out our Recent Activities.

We meet in general session on the second Thursday of each month. Check out our Recent Programs.

Leadership

Following are the elected and appointed leaders for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
See below for individual bios.

Judy Arnold is a freelance communications consultant who has been an editor of a health journal and a teacher. She serves on the board of the Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library.

Jeanne Bubb retired from St. Louis Children's Hospital as the Director of Social Work. Jeanne also counseled families dealing with childhood diabetes and was involved in many diabetes research projects during her 17 years at the hospital. Following retirement, she taught a health class at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. Jeanne, along with all of us, hopes for the day when all Americans have access to quality health care.

Mary Clemons is a retired church administrator. She managed the church finances and oversaw fundraising activities.

Judy Evans is a former director of Sylvan Learning Center.She works with her husband as a realtor for Prudential Advantage and volunteers at the Missouri Botannical Garden as a master gardner.

Chery Green is a retired information systems consultant who volunteers her services in software consulting and web development to organizations with which she is involved.

Shelly Lemons is an associate professor of history at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. She works to promote diversity and everyday activism both in and out of the college classroom.

Barbara Richter recently sold a manufacturing company which she ran with her husband for 25 years. She teaches management/supervision at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, is involved with several not-for-profits and has served on several Boards of Directors.

Alice Serrano holds masters degrees in education and biology and teaches environmental science courses at Webster University. She volunteers for Stream Team of Missouri, collecting data and monitoring the health of Missouri streams.

Mary Ann Tipton recently returned to St. Louis from nearly twenty years on the East Coast. After a career in retirement planning, Mary Ann is volunteering with several charitable organizations while considering other career options.

Beth von Behren has a background in nonprofit communications, freelance writing for the Post-Dispatch and other publications, and freelance grant writing for small, local nonprofits. In addition to keeping an eye on the media, her interests include advocating for children, abolishing the death penalty, and protecting the environment.

Bev White is a retired health care professional who found Women's Voices during a quest for active progressive women. She serves on the board of The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary, ran for State Representative in 2006, and serves on the EMPAC board of the National Women's Political Caucus, St Louis.