This weekend, a terrorist with a violent and racist agenda brought tragedy to the Black community in Buffalo. We mourn the victims of this horrific shooting, and we stand in solidarity with the Black community in Buffalo. We must call this attack what it is: white supremacist terrorism. Read our statement with the League of Women Voters of New York State and the League of Women Voters of Buffalo-Niagara.
One of our greatest tools in fighting white supremacy in our country is lifting up, standing with, and acknowledging the accomplishments of people of color who exemplify the value of democracy. Therefore, we are celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (AANHPI) Heritage Month! Throughout May, we have been honoring and highlighting the contributions of AANHPI trailblazers who have been an integral part of the voting rights movement. Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and learn more at our latest blog, ‘5 Must-Know AANHPI Women Who Shaped Democracy’.
Our League
I cannot believe that our 2022 Convention is just over a month away! I am “pumped,” as my children would say, to come together with League members both in-person in Denver and virtually in June. The deadline to register for Convention is June 6, 2022. Register today at lwv.org/convention.
Finally, I want to thank you. From empowering voters this election season to standing in solidarity with our reproductive justice partners, League leaders and members from across the nation continue to show up as educators, allies, and advocates for a better democracy. Your dedication to the League, your communities, and one another is unwavering and I am honored to serve with you all. Thank you for all that you do!
Stay safe! I encourage you all to continue exercising caution to protect yourself and others.
May 25, 6pm ET | Part Two: Implementing Relational Organizing Online and Offline This webinar will outline how to build and implement a relational organizing program, provide an overview of the digital tool, and how to take action using Outreach Circle.
June 8, 3pm ET | Reproductive Rights: Overview and Advocacy This webinar will look at what is happening around reproductive rights at both the national and state level. We will discuss opportunities for advocacy going forward.
Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers' Moral March
On June 18, LWV will march on Washington, DC, and take action with our partners at Poor People’s Campaign (PPC) and the Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly. Register here and spread the word! PPC is offering bus rideshare options for those interested in joining us in DC. Learn more about the rideshare and rally logistics on PPC’s community calls linked below.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about the Moral March on Washington and to the Polls on PPC's website.
Build energy and promote the march with PPC’s digital toolkit.
Register for a PPC community call to learn more about bus rideshare and rally logistics.
Apply Now to Attend COP27 UN Climate Conference in Egypt!
Apply now to attend the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7 –18, 2022. The deadline to apply is July 1. To request an application form or learn more, please contact Robin Tokmakian at rtokmakian@lwv.org. This is a self-funded opportunity.
The abortion talking points and messaging guidance for Leagues has been updated on the League Management Site. Use this guidance to speak with one voice on issues of reproductive justice.
Legislative Office Hours Landing Page
This page houses everything you need to know about LWVUS Legislative Office Hours. Access the office hours schedule and learn more about what you can do to prepare for future sessions.
Evaluation Training Series Resources
Additional materials from the second training session have been added to the Evaluation Training Series page on the League Management Site. This includes the DEI survey sample and summary of results led by the LWV of Wisconsin. If you have any questions or comments, please email mschmalstig@lwv.org.
Election Preparation Toolkit
Election season is here! Find everything you need to prepare with our Election Preparation Toolkit. This guide provides Leagues with helpful resources on public education, outreach, and action.
Structure Transformation Plan: Build Power Together
The League Structure Transformation Plan is a set of proposals that seek to grow League membership in number and diversity, strengthen our grassroots power, and bolster our ability to empower voters and defend democracy. Check out the plan page at lwv.org/structure to learn about the proposals and submit questions! Informational sessions and office hours are offered in the webinars section above.
LWV BUSINESS
Information Requested: Financial Operations
Leagues are asked to please complete a quick survey on their League’s current membership and financial operations to help inform the League Structure Transformation Plan. Please look for an email with the subject line “League Operations Survey” containing a unique link for your League to share this important information. Only one response is needed from each League, and all responses are requested by Friday, June 3.
2022 Convention Updates
Registration is open for the 2022 Convention. We are now offering all in-person attendees breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with additional refreshments throughout Convention. Virtual attendees will be receiving information on how to order a swag box. Additionally, a delegate resources section has also been added to the convention website. Continue to check lwv.org/convention for more updates on the agenda.
2022 Resolutions Committee and Process is OPEN!
Resolutions are due by Thursday, May 26! Leagues seeking to submit resolutions at the 2022 Convention may now see an overview of the resolutions process on the Convention website. Leagues wishing to submit resolutions must do so via an online form. The Resolutions Committee for the 2022 Convention has been appointed and includes: Chair Vivian Latimer Tanniehill (MN), Melissa Breach (LWVUS), Kimberley Fraser (LWVUS), Terrie Griffin (PA), and Hannah Burling (NM). For questions about resolutions at the 2022 Convention, please email resolutions@lwv.org.
LWVUS Board and Nominating Committee Nominations
The nominations for 2022 – 2024 LWVUS Board and Nominating Committee are now posted. Check out the nomination slate here.
Recommended Program for FY22 – FY24
The LWVUS board is recommending the readoption of the Campaign for Making Democracy Work® as LWV Program for 2022 – 2024. The proposed program is posted on the Convention site. More than 300 Leagues participated in the LWVUS program planning process, and 100% of Leagues voted that LWVUS should continue prioritizing the Campaign for Making Democracy Work® in the next biennium. Leagues had the opportunity to indicate if there was another position or policy that LWVUS should work on. Staff will use those recommendations to shape the watchdog issues for LWVUS action.
Proposed Bylaws Amendments for FY22 – FY24
The proposed amendments to the LWVUS bylaws for consideration at Convention 2022 are available for review on the Convention website. Convention delegates will have the opportunity to vote on these amendments. Per the bylaws, amendments require a two-thirds vote to pass.
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