The League Update

October 2, 2014

Dear Friend,

Voter registration deadlines are fast approaching in many states, and we are thrilled to see so many Leagues working right up until those deadlines to hold registration drives and getting voters the good information they need to prepare for Election Day. At LWVUS we are working hard to provide tools your League can use to promote your good work through every means possible, including social media. Last month, we shared with you sample social media content around voter registration efforts. We have updated that social media messaging for your League to use for the election season to include get out the vote messaging and general information about voting options for your state as well as key hashtags and images to use. We will be updating the material throughout the season, so bookmark the link for future reference.

In some states, early voting has started. For several years, Leagues have been focused on working with voters in underrepresented communities to get registered, get informed and vote. League voters’ guides and VOTE411.org are invaluable resources for voters, especially in these communities. Reminding voters that the League is available with up-to-date election information is a key means to ensure that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot this November.

Every election is an important opportunity to shape the future of our democracy, but with so much at stake this November, from Congress to state houses to governors' offices, ensuring that every eligible voter, regardless of age, ethnicity, or national origin has free, fair and equal access to the polls is the most important mission for the League of Women Voters. It is a mission that we have carried out for nearly 100 years. Let’s keep reminding our communities that they have a trusted, nonpartisan resource to assist them again this year, as every year.

In League,

back to the top

League Leaders:
To help keep your members informed, please consider forwarding this weekly message. Please note that this is an internal communication that provides both announcements and opportunities meant only for your members and League, as well as updates on important news and events. This message should not be posted in its entirety on League social media channels or websites. Instead consider sharing the external (e.g. public interest/action) pieces such as blog posts, letters to Congress and press statements.

EDUCATION FUND - ELECTIONS

Time Running Out: Promote Voter Registration Before your State’s Deadline (NEW)
Be sure to let your community know where and when you will be registering voters in the weeks that remain before Election Day! Use our press release template to send out custom messages to media in your area alerting them to your voter registration deadline and any upcoming election-related League events.

Sample Elections Social Media Content for Leagues (NEW)
Last month, we shared with you sample social media content around voter registration efforts. We’re back with sample social media messaging for your League to use for the elections season! Our LWV Election 2014 Sample Social Media document includes GOTV messaging and general information about voting options for your state, as well as key hashtags and images to use. Please feel free to tailor these messages to fit the elections in your community. We will be updating the materials throughout the season-bookmark the link to check back! Also, feel free to take a moment to update your League’s Facebook cover to match ours!

back to the top

ADVOCACY

EPA Clean Power Plan Comment Deadline Extended! (NEW)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the deadline for public comment on the proposed regulation to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. The new deadline is December 1. League members wishing to comment on the proposal can send comments using the LWVUS action alert!

back to the top

MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP

Webinar Opportunity from the YPBA: Membership Opportunities during Election Season (REMINDER)
Join the Young People’s Board Advisors for a webinar on October 8, 2014 at 8pm ET (7pm CT, 6pm MT and 5pm PT) discussing how barriers to voting that are facing young people are inspiring youth advocacy and the ways in which Leagues can be encouraging these advocates to join the fight to protect our democracy. Registration for this webinar is now open.

Watch “Storytelling for Recruitment and Engagement” Webinar (NEW)
The Membership and Leadership Development (MLD) program webinar, “Storytelling for Recruitment and Engagement” is now available on the Nikki Harris Webinar Library. This webinar focuses on how stories can be used to communicate the League’s mission and work to connect with current and prospective members and donors. It also looks at the theory behind why stories are an effective engagement tool and possible action steps.

Success Story: LWV of Jo Daviess County (NEW)
Read about how the LWV of Jo Daviess crossed county, state, and partisan lines “to get involved in contentious issues, but identify common ground and to get things done." This story was relayed at a Membership & Leadership Development (MLD) training that the LWV of Illinois hosted earlier this year.  To learn more about the MLD program, click here.

2012-2014 Impact on Issues Available for a Reduced Price (REMINDER)
We are having a sale on the remaining copies of 2012-2014 Impact on Issues. The price is now only $4 per copy (plus S&H)! It will have inserts with our updated/new positions (approved in 2014): Federal Agriculture Policies and Human Trafficking. Please visit our online League Store to purchase your copy today! Supplies are limited. The 2014-2016 edition of Impact will be available in 2015.

back to the top

Ghosts? Goblins? Witches? Trolls? Other scary creatures? Not on the League Clearinghouse--just League studies in more than 50 subject areas that provide scope and focus of a topic, research methodology, sources consulted, information about positions and consensus questions. Note: the Clearinghouse accepts positions without studies, even as multi-position documents, if they are accompanied by a single submission form. The description section could have "Resulting Position:" and the position statement or a link to the position. Complete studies are preferred, and Leagues may add study documents at a later date. Share your studies! Share our strength! Just a click away: http://clearinghouse.lwv.org

Donate to the League and support our work.