IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the Women’s Equality Coalition on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary, and recognizing its continued advocacy, education, and leadership in advancing women’s equality throughout Jackson County.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22419, September 28, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Venessa Huskey, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the Jackson County Legislature recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to civic engagement, community empowerment, and the advancement of equality for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, the Women’s Equality Coalition was co-founded by Alice Kitchen of Missouri and Dr. Gail James of Kansas, whose shared vision and commitment to women’s equality established a lasting platform for collaboration, education, and civic participation; and,
WHEREAS, the Coalition is guided by a dedicated Coordinating Council, including Cheryl Barnes of the League of Women Voters serving Kansas City, Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties; Dr. Carol Cowles of the American Association of University Women; Leslie Sullivan of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, Kansas; and Dr. Luna Mukherjee of AAUW, each of whom contributes essential leadership and direction to the Coalition’s mission; and,
WHEREAS, the Coalition launched Women’s Equality Week 2026 with a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Alice Kitchen on her birthday, August 23rd, commemorating both her enduring impact and the Coalition’s 15th Anniversary; and,
WHEREAS, Women’s Equality Week further included a series of community-focused events among them a presentation by Denise Lieberman on Missouri suffragists, a panel of emerging young scientists, and an evening with author and historian Elaine Weiss discussing women’s suffrage and educational origins of the civil rights movement, each reflecting the Coalition’s commitment to civic learning and empowerment; and,
WHEREAS, the Coalition’s longstanding impact is strengthened through partnerships with valued community institutions, including the Kansas City Public Library, AAUW, Operation Breakthrough, and its major partner, the Kansas City Human Rights Commission; and,
WHEREAS, the Women’s Equality Coalition has included global advocacy with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Forum and has brought back to Kansas City the broad-based CEDAW (Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) principles of human rights to local policy; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby honors and congratulates the Women’s Equality Coalition on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature expresses its appreciation to the Coalition for its continued advocacy, educational outreach, and leadership in advancing women’s equality and strengthening democratic participation throughout Jackson County.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22419 of September 28, 2026, was duly passed on _______________________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ___________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature