LOLA has seen 28 new Chapters around the globe in 2023! Please give a warm welcome to the new Chapters and members in the following countries:

Frankfurt, Germany
Tbilisi, Georgia
Madrid, Spain
North Texas, TX, USA
South Florida, FL, USA
Cusco, Peru
Amazonas, Brazil
Uberlândia, Minas Geiras, Brazil
Joinville, Brazil
Ottowa, Canada
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Lisbon, Portugal
Santa Fe, Argentina
Bolivar, Venezuela
Goiás, Brazil
Espírito Santo, Brazil
Uberaba, Minas Geiras, Brazil
Maranhao, Brazil
Washington, US
Dharan, Nepal
Bangladesh
Dehli, India
Washington D.C., US
Tel Aviv, Israel
Bogota, Columbia

 

 

 

LOLA hosted our annual D.C. Leadership Retreat in Washington D.C. from October 13th to 15th. The retreat was an amazing experience for the 27 LOLAs attending from all over the world. They received training, learned from each other, and built bonds of friendship.

LOLA would like to extend a special thanks to Emma Giovanetti, our intern who was instrumental in coordinating the behind-the-scenes activities that make a retreat successful. We appreciate your hard work, Emma!

We are thrilled with how the retreat turned out and are eager to begin planning next year’s event. Check out the full event recap, including tons of pictures, below.

 

 

 

 

During the D.C. Leadership Retreat, LOLA Communications Manager Jess Gill sat down with Stephanie Edmond, creator of the Teaching Liberty Instagram and YouTube channel, to discuss school choice, educational reform, and the effect teachers’ unions had on the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie is a former NYC school teacher and content creator focusing on education issues.

 

 

 

 

Taina Rak, co-Chapter leader of LOLA Poland and the local coordinator for Students for Liberty in Ukraine, spoke at the Liberty In Our Lifetime conference. She discussed the obstacles the liberty movement faces in attracting women, both internal and external, presenting LOLA as the answer to these challenges.

 

 

In her article for the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), Jess Gill debunks the myth that the underfunding of the NHS results from conservative lawmakers’ push for privatization. She argues that this narrative is untrue and that the push for privatization in the UK does not necessarily entail adopting the American healthcare model. Jess sheds light on the true reasons behind the NHS’s underperformance and sets the record straight on the ongoing debate on healthcare in the UK.

Jess also spoke on this topic during her interview for FEE’s YouTube series Undoctrination, which was filed during FreedomFest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOLA NICARAGUA

LOLA NICARAGUA COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS FOR LIBERTY

In collaboration with Students for Liberty, LOLA Nicaragua held the Liberty Seminar on Economic Freedom from July 3rd – August 9th via Zoom. In total, the seminar consisted of 14 sessions on a broad range of topics related to economics, including:

Economic Theory of Liberalism
Liberalism vs. Neoliberalism
The Role of Private Property
Defending Economic Freedom
Moral Foundations of Capitalism

The seminar held significant importance, considering the prevailing political situation in Nicaragua. The country is governed under an authoritarian rule, leading to restricted freedoms. The primary objective of the seminar was to address these challenges by promoting economic freedom, entrepreneurship, and limited government. It aimed to empower women with knowledge and skills that are particularly valuable in a restricted environment and encouraged them to explore economic opportunities.

LOLA GUATEMALA

MEETING OF LOLA GUATEMALA AND LOLA NICARAGUA

LOLA Guatemala and LOLA Nicaragua held a joint event to discuss the challenges of engaging in libertarian activities during election time and under an authoritarian government. The Chapters identified commonalities between countries and brainstormed new strategies to address the challenges. It allowed them to see the similarities between different governments, develop alternative means to continue the activities, and share tips to improve how we reach women with libertarian ideas.

In Guatemala, this year’s elections were marred by irregularities and a complete disregard for freedom of expression, which has endangered it. In Nicaragua, the political situation is becoming increasingly complicated. Both chapters need to be aware of the situation in their neighboring countries and support each other to continue growing. The aim is to generate better strategies to advance and reach more women with the ideas of freedom in the current hostile context.

LOLA NEPAL

LIBERTY WORKSHOP IN LUMBINI PROVINCE

Butwal is one of Nepal’s rapidly developing cities, where women play a pivotal role in promoting emerging entrepreneurship efforts. Political leaders in the Lumbini Province also advocate for a full-fledged free market economy to boost the nation’s economic growth. However, despite this progress, there are still communities where women are confined to their homes and not allowed to participate in the growth and development of their society.

The Lumbini Province is a mixture of conservative and modern, liberal mindsets, making it an ideal location to understand different perspectives. During the event, attendees discussed how women lag behind in the business and entrepreneurial sectors. They played an “Empathetic Role Playing” game where participants were assigned different roles. One participant played the role of a rural married woman, while another was assigned the role of a married man. To nobody’s surprise, women from slum and rural areas were the most deprived of opportunities as they were confined to their homes. This game helped participants understand why LOLA Nepal advocates for women’s freedom. It also helped identify areas where intervention is needed.

LOLA MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

DEBATE: BARBIE AND FEMINISM

Barbie, the movie, has gained immense popularity worldwide. LOLA Mendoza hosted an event to provide a libertarian perspective on the movie and to debunk the socialist ideas presented in it. The event also touched upon the topic of “gender war” and how it can be linked to the “class war” discussed in socialism. Chapter member Maria Laura Di Milta shared insights on the fourth wave of feminism and emphasized the need to reclaim it for libertarianism.

Leftist feminism is quite prevalent in Argentina, and with this event, LOLA Mendoza aimed to showcase a different perspective on feminism and uphold individual rights. She believes that the movie, Barbie, can often create confusion among people regarding individual rights, and it’s essential to bring clarity on this topic.

LOLA RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

ELAS CONQUISTAM: LIDERANÇA E GESTÃO PARA MULHERES

The primary objective was to encourage personal and professional growth among LOLA Rio de Janerio members, particularly in the areas of leadership and project management. LOLA Rio de Janerio Vice President Letícia Barros delivered a lecture on the critical qualities required to be a successful leader, drawing on her experience. Chapter member Karla also spoke about project management and shared insights from her personal and professional journey.

In Brazil, many women identify themselves as leftists and hold public positions or engage in debates. The Chapter aimed to help its members enhance their performance in the public sector and the job market.

LOLA NORTH TEXAS

COFFEE, TEA, AND LIBERTY

LOLA North Texas organized a small get together intending to increase their chapter membership as they are new to the area. During the event, Chapter Leader Christina Neumann spoke to numerous people with little or no knowledge about LOLA, but they took a keen interest in learning more. Overall, the response to the event was primarily positive.

LOLA SANTA FE, ARGENTINA

PRINCIPLES IN A FREE SOCIETY

The launch event of the LOLA Santa Fe chapter was an amazing occasion for the organization. Attendees had an opportunity to connect with the speaker, organizers, like-minded organizations, and individuals. This event served as a platform to expand the organization’s reach, build new connections, and increase its influence. The conference focused mainly on the importance of individual rights and the impact of the government’s role in people’s lives through taxes. The event aimed to raise awareness about individual rights and demonstrated how the government can influence people’s lives. Overall, the event successfully promoted the cause of individual rights and expanded the organization’s reach.

Diego López Colombo, a Uruguayan mechanical engineer, who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), was the speaker at the event. He is not only a businessman but also an expert in objectivist philosophy, a political and philosophical analyst, and a member of the Objectivist Club of the International Ayn Rand Institute. Furthermore, he is a founding partner and shareholder of the Voxa Group, a Microsoft Partner worldwide, and a consultant and expert in Business Administration.

LOLA CÓRDOBA, BRAZIL

MATEADA

As Brazil is currently in an election season, candidates are expected to be very superficial in their campaigns. LOLA Cordoba recently held an open meeting to discuss the current political situation. During the meeting, members participated in an activity to debunk some common liberal myths and to examine whether patriotism is considered a liberal concept or not. The attendees also debated the advantages and disadvantages of being associated with the “right” political spectrum.

LOLA CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

DEBATE PRESIDENCIAL

Members of LOLA Cordoba came together to watch and analyze the recent Argentinian presidential debate. During the discussion, the members emphasized the crucial role that public presentation and speaking skills play in high-stakes debates. They discussed different strategies used by the candidates, analyzed their body language, and evaluated the effectiveness of their speeches. Overall, it was a productive session that provided valuable insights into the world of politics.

LOLA KANSAS CITY

LOLA BRUNCH

Members of LOLA Kansas City reside in an urban area where governmental corruption and encroachment are rampant. During this month’s gathering, the women discussed their strong desire to lead a life free from government control. Ned Kelley, former chair of the Libertarian party of Kansas, briefed the group about agorism and the Midwest Agorism Society. Several women there showed their belief and enthusiasm for agorism and voluntary interaction.

LOLA LOS ANGELES

ABOUT AI

During the discussion hosted by LOLA Los Angeles, the attendees shared their diverse experiences with Artificial Intelligence, especially with the use of ChatGPT. Each individual had unique perspectives about its usefulness and potential implications for the future. The participants enjoyed interacting with one another, learning more about each other, and exploring the possibilities of this new technology and its impact on our society.

AI is prevalent in various fields, such as entertainment and marketing, and it is essential to comprehend its advantages and potential drawbacks. To remain competitive in a world where AI is already at work, we must understand its potential to enhance and elevate our lives.

LOLA JOINVILLE, BRAZIL

PRIMEIRO CHOPP SEM IMPOSTO JOINVILLE

LOLA Joinville organized an event to raise awareness about the high tax burden in Brazil and the number of days people work just to pay taxes to the government. The speakers discussed the percentage of taxes on consumption, income, most foods, drinks, medicines, and everything related to the heavy Brazilian tax burden. The audience was a diverse group of people who were not politically aligned but were aware of the high taxes they paid on everything. The speakers effectively communicated the message, highlighting day-to-day issues such as taxes, healthcare, education, and security and generating employment and income. Such events are essential in capturing people’s attention and generating connections.

LOLA JOINVILLE, BRAZIL

LIVE EXCLUSIVA COM A VICE-PREFEITA DE JOINVILLE

In a recent interview by LOLA Joinville, the vice-mayor of Joinville, Rejane Gambin, shared her personal and professional journey. She expressed her frustration with the issues in her city, state, and country. Rejane was the first woman to hold an executive position in Joinville, and her experiences of hard work, dedication, and discipline were inspiring to hear. Her accessibility and passion for improving the country made the interview a special moment that captivated everyone.

LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH

SPEAK UP

LOLA Dhaka’s main goal for this event was to get to know each other and speak up about individual and women’s rights in Bangladesh, as it was their first social event. The discussion centered on how women in Bangladesh face various forms of discrimination wherever they go. Women face discrimination even in their own families, where they should feel safe. They also talked about how their rights as individuals are being ignored in Bangladesh society. Through this event, the chapter members got to know each other better. The attendees created a place where every member shared their experiences on how their voices are being ignored and how women face difficulties expressing themselves.

LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH

FEMMES FOR FREE THOUGHT

LOLA Dhaka organized an event to discuss the importance of free thought for women in society. The Chapter highlighted how women’s rights are essential for promoting free expression and economic empowerment. The attendees emphasized the need for a society where women have equal rights, where freedom of expression is protected, and where economic opportunities are available to all. This will foster a more equitable and free Bangladesh.

The event was a transformative experience for the attendees. It inspired and empowered them to become more effective liberty and free thought advocates. The event exposed them to diverse perspectives and ideas, which fostered intellectual growth and critical thinking. It highlighted gender equality, freedom of expression, community harmony, individual empowerment, and political participation. By providing a platform for these discussions, “Femmes for Free Thought” helped create a more informed, engaged, and empowered community dedicated to promoting liberal values and tackling the challenges in the area.

LOLA GUATEMALA

CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN’S DAY IN Q’AXAL

Q’axal is a community center in Guatemala City’s garbage dump area, known for its extreme poverty, organized crime, and lack of education. Due to the dire circumstances, many children have to work informally, with some of them being the sole breadwinners of their families.

Q’axal aims to provide a safe haven for these children, offering them help with their studies, food, and companionship. LOLA Guatemala also contributed by providing fun-filled days packed with games and activities, which help the children stay informed and teach them how to protect their rights in case of any violations.

The activities conducted by LOLA Guatemala with Q’axal significantly helped the children. Unlike random activities, these activities are based on a series of liberal principles taught to the kids. Before teaching them about the importance of private property, the children learn about individual responsibility and the origins of money. This way, the principles are reinforced and become a part of their understanding. When teaching them about private property, the team at Q’axal explains it through a relatable story, where the children can identify themselves and understand the sadness of losing something they cherish. This helps them comprehend the concept of private property and its significance.

LOLA NEPAL

DRAMA DEPICTION OF ‘SHAKUNTALA’ BY LOLA NEPAL LEADERS

Shakuntala, a play depicting the story of Śakuntalā told in the epic Mahābhārata, portrays female characters as strong and capable individuals with agency, intelligence, and independence through a feminist and liberal perspective. This challenges patriarchal norms, leading to discussions on gender roles and power dynamics in modern society. The play emphasizes the importance of consent, individual rights, freedom, and the rule of law, prompting meaningful dialogue and reflection. This is an educational tool for raising awareness about feminism and liberalism in classical literature.

This reinterpretation of Shakuntala is a valuable educational resource for raising awareness about feminism and liberalism in the context of classical literature. It has proven particularly important in educational settings where students can critically analyze and debate the themes presented. Adapting classical works like Shakuntala to reflect modern values ensures these cultural treasures remain relevant and accessible to new generations. In doing so, it helps to preserve cultural heritage while aligning it with contemporary perspectives.

LOLA LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

DERECHOS DE LAS MUJERES, HISTORIA DEL FEMINISMO LIBERAL Y EL IMPACTO EN LA SOCIEDAD BOLIVIANA

The Chapter’s main goal was to demonstrate the effects of liberal feminism in societies such as Bolivia and worldwide. The event sparked an interesting discussion on the progress made towards women’s visibility in society and had a significant impact by attracting a large number of guests in the city of La Paz.

In a society where radical feminism has gained considerable strength, it was essential to highlight an alternative that empowers women without the need for state intervention.

LOLA SOUTH FLORIDA

LOLA POOL PARTY & NETWORKING

During one of LOLA South Florida’s meetings, a member who recently had her second child shared her experience of being discriminated against in the hospital despite knowing her rights. They had an in-depth conversation about this issue and decided to educate other women interested in starting a family while also discussing what we can do locally. Furthermore, the Chapter discussed the differences between socialism and communism and how the food and pharma industries collude with the government. They emphasized that this is not a result of capitalism but cronyism.

LOLA South Florida wants to connect with new women and discuss freedom, liberty, and women’s rights. To achieve this, they decided to host an event in the future that focuses on the rights and liberties of women when starting a family, particularly concerning alternative health, birth, vaccination, and homeschooling. The Chapter will also discuss how to choose the right education and how to get involved.

LOLA GOIÁS, BRAZIL

BOOK CLUB

During the event, the Chapter discussed the fundamental principles of the Democratic State. The event’s primary focus was to explore two books: “Como as Democracias Morrem” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, and “Política é para todos” by Gabriela Prioli. The event was significant for the members as it provided an opportunity to understand better how the state operates and how it can be weakened. It was also an excellent platform for participants to engage in healthy debates and exchange ideas on political literature.

LOLA CHILE

PLANNING AND STRATEGY MEETING

The members of LOLA Chile recently held a meeting to plan their upcoming event in November featuring Rainer Zitelmann. During the meeting, they discussed the need to develop new social media strategies, brainstorm ideas for their leadership retreat, and generate fresh content for their YouTube channel related to contingency. They also talked about conducting new interview cycles with girls from other countries to discuss the situation in Argentina, including the upcoming elections and the state of Latin America.

Unfortunately, Chile is experiencing political decline. The current left-wing government has not contributed to the country’s progress and has demonstrated its inability to govern effectively. As a result, the political sector has been unable to make any significant progress, and the economy is stagnant with high inflation rates. It is now up to the liberal sectors to promote and collaborate to introduce new ideas and drive the country forward.

LOLA PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

SOCIAL NETWORK IN PRAGUE

During the meeting, the primary objective was to attract and engage potential leaders and members for LOLA in the European region. The discussion focused on establishing a new chapter in Prague or Brno, as they are both pivotal cities for the libertarian community in Europe. The attendees delved into various topics, including leadership and education, to ensure that the new members would be well-informed and well-equipped to lead the chapter effectively.

LOLA DELHI, INDIA

HOW DELHI WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ARE EMBRACING INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY THROUGH FREE MARKETS

LOLA Delhi meeting small business women entrepreneurs at Delhi Haat aimed to promote an understanding of free markets, entrepreneurship, individual liberty, and economic freedom. Their objectives included conducting discussions to educate women entrepreneurs about the principles of free markets, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty. This involved discussions on the importance of competition, private property rights, and minimal government intervention.

The Chapter helped facilitate access to resources such as training, mentorship, and financial support to empower these entrepreneurs to thrive in a free-market environment and advocate for policies that support economic freedom and entrepreneurship, including lobbying for reduced regulations, access to credit, and tax incentives. It was a chapter members-only event.

They tracked the growth of businesses run by these women entrepreneurs, including revenue, job creation, and market reach. Improved business performance may indicate the impact of the group’s efforts. Feedback was collected from the women entrepreneurs about their understanding of free markets, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty before and after the meetings. This can help gauge the effectiveness of the educational sessions.

Free markets and capitalism are critical to making people understand the importance of economic independence and individual liberty. Talking to small business women entrepreneurs helped the chapter members understand the issues one must comprehend to work on.