Murray State University to Host Screening of Documentary Highlighting Female Activists’ Fight for Change

Murray State University, in collaboration with West Kentucky NOW, will present screenings of the documentary Can You Hear Us Now? as part of Women’s History Month.The film, released in 2020, follows four female activists in Wisconsin as they navigate the complexities of social justice advocacy in a politically charged surroundings. The screenings are scheduled for Thursday, March 6th, and Saturday, March 8th, at 7:30 p.m. in Faculty Hall 208 on the university’s main campus. The event is free and open to the public, offering a valuable possibility to engage with themes of civic engagement and social change.

The documentary delves into the activists’ efforts to involve everyday citizens in addressing critical issues such as gerrymandering and hyperpartisanship. These challenges resonate far beyond the borders of Wisconsin, impacting communities across the nation, including those in Kentucky. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots activism and sustained engagement in the political process.

The Enduring Importance of Persistence in Advocacy

Jennifer Young, chair of West Kentucky NOW’s committee for Women’s History Month, emphasized the global relevance of the issues explored in the film. She noted that the activists’ struggles are not confined to Wisconsin, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

It hits on things that affect all states, not just where this is based – in Wisconsin. we certainly have these issues all over, but the women in this film are fighting battles that they almost know that they may not win the election, but they’re still fighting anyway.
Jennifer Young, west Kentucky NOW

Young underscored the necessity of continued engagement, even when faced with discouraging results, adding, I think that’s crucial – to not give up. This sentiment reflects the core message of the documentary: that sustained effort is essential for achieving meaningful social change.

Kentucky’s Parallel Struggles and the Fight for Change

Christine Lindner, president of West Kentucky NOW, drew parallels between the activists’ work in Wisconsin and her organization’s efforts in Kentucky. She highlighted their shared focus on engaging with legislators and raising awareness about key issues affecting the community.

We regularly have actions to write letters to legislators and make phone calls and to call we’re going to be doing one this month on bodily autonomy. We also have a number of community events to kind of bring people together about the issues.
Christine Lindner, West kentucky NOW

Lindner cited past initiatives, including voter registration drives and advocacy related to Amendment two, a statewide constitutional amendment concerning the allocation of public funds to private schools. In 2024, West Kentucky NOW actively campaigned against Amendment Two, which kentucky voters ultimately rejected on Election Day.

This past year, we did a lot of voter registration, making sure that people are registered to vote [and that] they know their voter status. We’re also advocates for voter restoration, which encourages people who’ve had their rights to vote withdrawn because they’ve been convicted for a crime, so making sure that they get those rights back. We were realy active with Amendment two over the summer,making sure that people knew what they were voting for when it came to public money going to public schools.
Christine Lindner, West Kentucky NOW

Young acknowledged the potential for discouragement when advocacy efforts don’t yield immediate results. However, she stressed the necessity of continued engagement, stating:

It’s a discouraging statistic, but all the phone calls and postcards that people write and call in often don’t change the voters or the legislators’ minds at all. They still vote the opposite way, and that’s highlighted in several examples in this movie. Again, it’s discouraging, but it’s another reason why we all need to continue the fight and continue to make those calls and postcards, and at some point they’ve got to start listening to us and pay attention.
Jennifer Young, West Kentucky NOW

Wisconsin as a Microcosm of National Issues

Ben Post, co-director of MSU Cinema International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with West Kentucky NOW and highlighted the film’s relevance to Kentucky audiences. He pointed out Wisconsin’s importance as a swing state in recent presidential elections, suggesting it serves as a microcosm of national political dynamics.

We really love having the chance to work with community partners like West Kentucky NOW to bring more people in to see our films,to help expand the web of people who are involved with cinema International.Wisconsin is also an interesting state.There’s lots of very culturally specific stuff in it, but it’s also a state that has had a lot of implications for the nation as a whole. The last three presidential elections, the vote in Wisconsin has been decided by less than one percentage point and has changed hands twice. So it is indeed indeed a very swingy, swing state. It’s a state that’s a microcosm of the nation as a whole. it’s the home of the progressive movement, and it’s the home of joe McCarthy, and so it’s got that duality to it.
Ben Post, MSU Cinema International

Post also noted the film’s timely resonance, given the current political climate in the United States, adding, A lot that will feel prophetic, a lot that will feel like it’s happening right now, and just lots of interesting things happening in it. Also really great portrayals of the female candidates as they go about the actual day to day work of running for office.

Lindner emphasized the relatability of the women featured in the film, noting that they are regular, everyday people, who did not come from wealth or abundance, but lived normal lives. she added, One of the things that we really like to highlight in West Kentucky NOW is these women who step up, this average woman, in your community who sees a need for change and then takes the next step.

Panel discussion on Inspiring Action and Community Engagement

Along with the film screenings,West Kentucky NOW is hosting a panel discussion on monday,March 31st,from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.The discussion, moderated by Constance Alexander,

Unwavering Voices: A Deep Dive into the Power of Grassroots Female Activism

did you know that the fight for social justice often hinges on the tireless efforts of everyday women? Their persistent dedication, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, can reshape political landscapes and inspire lasting change.

Interview with dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Political Science and expert on Grassroots Activism

World-Today-News: Dr. Vance, the documentary “Can You Hear Us Now?” highlights the struggles of female activists navigating challenges like gerrymandering and hyperpartisanship. How can we understand the significance of their work within the broader context of American political engagement?

Dr. Vance: The film’s power lies in its depiction of ordinary women engaging in extraordinary acts of political participation. These women, facing systemic obstacles such as gerrymandering—the manipulation of electoral district boundaries—and the effects of hyperpartisanship—excessive political polarization—demonstrate the enduring importance of grassroots activism in advancing social justice. Their struggle isn’t unique to Wisconsin; it resonates with communities across the nation battling similar issues—from voting rights to fair portrayal.Understanding their experiences provides crucial insights into effective civic engagement and the power of coalition building.

World-Today-News: Gerrymandering and hyperpartisanship have become meaningful barriers to effective political action. How do these factors impede progress, and what strategies can women and other activists employ to overcome these challenges?

Dr. Vance: Gerrymandering creates unequal political representation, effectively silencing the voices of certain communities. Hyperpartisanship fosters an environment where compromise is difficult, and meaningful dialog is often replaced by entrenched ideological positions. To counteract these effects, activists need to focus on multi-pronged strategies. This includes:

Voter registration and education: Ensuring that eligible citizens are registered and informed about candidates and critical issues.

Campaign finance reform: Advocating for policies that reduce the influence of big money in politics.

Building broad coalitions: uniting diverse groups under shared goals to amplify their collective voice and influence.

Utilizing digital tools: Employing social media and other technologies to communicate messages, mobilize supporters, and counteract misinformation.

* Legal challenges: When necessary, pursuing legal action to address gerrymandering and other forms of political manipulation.

These combined strategies can help improve representation and encourage more productive political discourse.

World-Today-News: The documentary emphasizes the importance of persistence in advocacy, even when faced with setbacks. Can you elaborate on the psychology of sustained activism and how it contributes to achieving meaningful change?

Dr. Vance: Sustained activism is fueled by deep-seated beliefs and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself. The women in “Can You Hear Us Now?” exemplify this. They understand that change rarely happens overnight, and that setbacks are unavoidable. however, their understanding of the systemic nature of the issues at hand and their determination to challenge these deep-seated problems serve as a strong motivator. The psychology involves a blend of resilience, determination, and a long-term outlook, recognizing that small victories add up over time. This concept of incremental change is crucial to understanding sustained activism and its impact.

World-Today-News: The film’s setting in Wisconsin—a swing state—highlights the national implications of local struggles. How can local activism translate to broader national impact?

Dr. vance: Even seemingly hyper-local activism can have national implications. A swing state is just one example of this. By focusing on issues of national significance even at a local level, activists can create a ripple effect that impacts political discourse and policy nationwide.The strategies mentioned earlier—building broad coalitions and effectively leveraging digital media—are critical in expanding local activism to the national stage.Grassroots movements can influence national policy shifts by applying pressure on legislators and raising widespread awareness among the public.

World-Today-News: What are the key takeaways from “Can You Hear Us Now?” for aspiring activists, especially women who want to make a difference in their communities?

Dr. Vance: The key message is simple yet profound: Your voice matters, and your persistence can make a difference. The film serves as a powerful reminder that activism isn’t just for professional politicians or well-funded organizations.“Can You Hear Us Now?” showcases how everyday women, armed with a strong belief in their cause and willingness to overcome obstacles, can become agents of substantial change. this dedication to fighting for what is right, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, provides a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. Don’t be intimidated by the scope of the problems; just start, get involved and persevere!

World-Today-News: Thank you, Dr. Vance, for sharing your valuable insights.This discussion highlights the critical role of grassroots activism, particularly the unwavering efforts of women, in shaping our political landscape.Readers, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation!