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LWVUS 2012
LWVUS_2012
News about the LWVUS organization 2012
Like us on Facebook or Tweet us on Twitter
Upcoming Events.
Convention 2012.
Messages from LWVUS.
Power the Vote.
LWVUS Legislative Alerts.
LWVUS Advocacy.
Task Forces-2012.
LWVUS Guidelines.
LWVUS Budget.
LWVUS Programs.
LWVUS 2011 Studies - Government Privatization.
LWVUS 2011 Studies - Education.
Federal Role in Education.
Reference Materials.
Past Events.
Upcoming Events
*FIRST CALL TO CONVENTION 2012
From LWVUS President Elisabeth G. MacNamara
Join Us for the LWVUS 50th
National Convention in Washington DC!
June 8-12, 2012
Imagine, Commit, Act! "The Power of the Vote!"
Washington Hilton Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue
YES!! We're finally BACK in Washington, DC for the National League Convention!!! Have "the DC Experience" with many other LWV leaders from around the nation!
- Great Speakers
- Interesting Workshops and Training
- Discussing Program and Issues
- Electing Leaders
- Incredible Networking
- Visit DC area sites + the Hill, Smithsonian, the Monuments, and many others!!!
- Friday, June 8 Pre-Convention Training 2-5 pm
- Saturday, June 9 Briefings 10 am-Noon
- Saturday, June 9 Call to Order 1 pm
- Tuesday, June 12 Adjourn Noon
Watch for additional information to assist Leagues in fully participating in the Convention. We'll send information about program planning process, bylaws, awards, the costs, registration, reservations process, and how to sign up for convention list serve and others.
Be part of this exciting opportunity to connect with other League leaders around the country!
Convention 2012
*4/26/12 LWVUS: Convention Workbook Now Available Online
The 2012 Convention Workbook (containing information on the proposed rules, budget, bylaws amendments and Program, in particular) is now available on the LWVUS website. You may read and download the entire publication or individual sections here. This Workbook section will be combined with the Program section (containing daily schedules, caucus and workshop information, etc.) into a printed booklet that will be distributed to delegates at the Convention.
*Nominated Slate for 2012-2014
*Eleanor Clift to Speak at Convention!
LWVUS is very pleased to announce that Eleanor Clift, a regular contributor on the nationally syndicated show The McLaughlin Group, will be a panelist on Monday, June 11, at this year's National Convention! With so many forces that foster division in our democracy, such as the media, money and "winner-take-all politics," this panel will focus on what the League, in partnership with others in our communities, can do to unite people and advance solutions. Eleanor Clift is a political reporter and author, who is currently a contributing editor for Newsweek magazine. Come to National Convention to hear this session and many other exciting guest speakers!
*Trevor Potter to Speak at Convention
If you were at our first LWVUS Convention webinar on February 21st (archived here) you know that Trevor Potter will be one of our speakers. He has become something of a celebrity since he became Stephen Colbert's lawyer and advised Colbert on how to create his own Super PAC. Potter is the founding president of the Campaign Legal Center and helped defend the 2002 McCain-Feingold law, which enacted campaign finance restrictions. Recently, he was a guest on NPR's Fresh Air. You will want to be with other League leaders in DC this June to hear him!
Messages from LWVUS
*4/5/12 LWVUS: PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear League Leader:
Last week, I had the opportunity to talk by conference call with nearly two thirds of our state presidents or their representatives. For me, these calls always reinforce the fact that a league is an alliance of persons or states for a common purpose. Over the last two years, our League has been seeing too many common purposes, such as fighting voter suppression, attacks on environmental protections, underfunding of important social programs and attacks on women's health. That these efforts are well-funded and organized is undeniable. But if there is a silver lining to this legislative cloud, it is that we are organized, too. Based on the visibility and media attention that we get for our efforts, our voice, whether raised against bad bills in the state houses or raised to educate and inform voters, is being heard. And, that voice represents many more voices than just those of our members.
We are in League to promote full participation in our democracy. There couldn't be a better time to promote the value of belonging to League as well. When I joined the League at age 29, I had college loans, a new mortgage and a fulltime job. I couldn't go to the legislature; I couldn't go to Capitol Hill; I couldn't even attend county commission meetings. But, as a member of the League of Women Voters, I was supporting those women who did those things and their voice became my voice. Seeing the League work in all 50 states and in so many communities reinforces the fact that being in League makes us all smarter and more powerful because together we are powering our voices to Power the Vote.
Keep up the good work and don't forget to ask others to join us and to support us.
Always in League,
*4/5/12 LWVUS: Leaders Update
*4/12/12 LWVUS: PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear League Leader:
No matter where I go or who I talk to, the reputation of the League of Women Voters precedes me. Recently, I had an opportunity to talk to a group of high school students in Washington, DC, for the National Civics and Law Academy, sponsored by the American Bar Association. These students came from all over the country and from all backgrounds. When I asked how many of them had heard of the League of Women Voters, I wasn't expecting to get much of a response. But I was wrong. Quite a few of the kids were familiar with the League because they came from states where the League has been highly visible on voting issues. Actually, I should not have been surprised. From Capitol Hill to city hall, the League is held in very high esteem because of the work of dedicated volunteers who serve and educate the public and uphold the finest traditions of citizen activists in educating elected and public officials.
Next week is National Volunteer Week (April 15-21). What better time to celebrate our grassroots volunteers who are the heart, soul and backbone of our very special organization. So let us all take heart and stand tall because our work does matter. We do make a difference every single day!
For all you do, thank you.
*4/12/12 LWVUS: Leaders Update
*4/19/12 LWVUS: PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear League Leader:
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the convention of the League of Women Voters of Texas. League conventions are always a treat. I come away energized and in awe of the work that Leagues are doing in all 50 states. It was particularly poignant to be in Texas, however, because of our recent success in blocking the Texas photo ID law from taking effect. Of course, Texas is not the only success story we have seen recently. While the fight is far from over on voter suppression legislation, the hard work our Leagues have been doing has resulted in more success than failure.
Proponents of voter ID and proof of citizenship are discovering that in League "we are neither reactionary nor radical, that we are advancing firmly, steadily, straight forward along that middle road of which we believe means sane and orderly progress towards the realization of the great ideal of our nation." (Maude Wood Park, 1923) In other words, we won't give up because we know that our course of inclusion and participation is the only way forward.
That idea was reinforced this week with a resounding victory in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which struck down Arizona's Proposition 200 requiring citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering and voting. An almost unanimous court accepted the arguments in the amicus brief filed by the LWVAZ and LWVUS. Coupled with action by the Department of Justice in Texas and South Carolina as well as our successes in state legislatures and governors' offices, this decision shows us that we are on the right road and that slowly, but surely, we will progress toward realizing the great ideal of full and inclusive participation.
In League,
*4/19/12 LWVUS: Leaders Update
*4/26/12 LWVUS: PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear League Leader:
The Daily Show came to Atlanta yesterday! Interestingly, The Show came to Georgia in pursuit of a spoof on Florida's new election law, which makes it prohibitively dangerous for groups like the LWV to register voters. Kudos to Deirdre Macnab (LWVFL) and Elizabeth Poythress (LWVGA) for collaborating to help The Daily Show demonstrate that, while the LWV in Florida has shut down its voter registration efforts after 72 years, in Georgia (a state not noted recently for being friendly to voters) the League can easily, and literally at the drop of a hat, set up a registration table and register voters without fear.
The filming took place at the Georgia State University campus in downtown Atlanta. It featured a diverse group of students registering to vote with assistance from Deirdre, Elizabeth, and wonderful Leaguers from the Atlanta/Fulton County LWV and the LWVGA board. Not only were many students registered, but many were interviewed about their experience. While the piece is a spoof (so the students were asked how many times they just registered to vote), it was also poignant because every interviewed student volunteered that without the League table, they would not have known how to get registered.
The situation in Florida is shameful, and it is even more shameful that other states are following Florida's lead. While it was tremendous fun yesterday seeing the filming and watching the interview that John Oliver conducted with Deirdre McNabb, I was reminded of the key role that humor plays in informing and shaping public opinion. So watch for The Show and share the laughs. The media spotlight on Florida can only help to shine the light on all the fearless Leaguers working tirelessly at the grassroots to protect our democracy.
Proudly in League,
*4/26/12 LWVUS: Leaders Update
- April 2012: LWVUS:
The League e-Voice
April continued at a hectic pace as we made progress on critical issues + voter protection, money in elections, clear air, and health care defense. This month brought us National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to celebrate our grassroots volunteers who are the heart, soul and backbone of our very special organization. League members were hard at work in April on our Power the Vote initiative to make voters the focus of this year's pivotal elections. Voters across the country relied on the League's VOTE411.org, our premier online election resource, as they cast votes in primaries and caucuses. Finally, we celebrated Earth Day and, the League spoke out in support of clean air on our blog, asking our supporters to let their voices be heard on a historic regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Tell us how you celebrated Earth Day on Facebook or Twitter.
Elisabeth MacNamara, President, LWVUS
- 12/28/11 LWVUS: New Years Resolutions from Elisabeth MacNamara, President, League of Women Voters
- 12/15/11 A look back at 2011
- 2/9/12: LWVUS Board Minutes from October 2011
Power the Vote
*2/17/12 LWVUS video: Take Control - Vote PSA
LWVUS Legislative Alerts
*4/23/12 LWVUS: For the first time ever, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could put limits on the industrial carbon pollution that fuels global warming, makes smog worse and threatens the health of children and the elderly -- and you can help make it happen.
Support the EPA's historic standard to limit carbon pollution.
The EPA has taken an important first step by proposing a new standard to limit carbon pollution from new power plants. The agency is now receiving public comments on the proposal and we must add our voice in support.
You can bet that corporate polluters are already doing everything they can to block these important health protections. Members of the environmental and health communities are already voicing their support, and we must add the trusted League voice to theirs.
Add your voice! Tell the EPA that you support strong protections against industrial carbon pollution.
The EPA's proposal sets a performance standard that will ensure new power plants limit their pollution. But this is just a down payment. Existing coal-fired power plants account for the largest chunk of carbon dioxide pollution emitted by stationary sources in the US, which is roughly on a par with the carbon dioxide pollution emitted by the entire transportation sector.
We need to build strong support for the EPA's proposal on new plants to ensure that there will be political support for taking the next step -- controlling carbon pollution from existing power plants!
Send a powerful message to let the EPA know you want them to support people not polluters. Your comment will be delivered with those of thousands of League members and supporters across the country.
Submit a comment to the EPA today!
*2/2/12 LWVUS: LWVUS Legislative Priorities for 2012 (NEW)
The LWVUS Board established the following as Legislative Priorities for 2012: Voter Protection, Campaign Finance Reform, Environmental Defense and Health Care Defense. In addition, these items were included on the LWVUS Watch List for 2012: Fair Taxation, CEDAW (Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), UN Support and Immigration. Items on the Watch List will be acted upon if the opportunity arises for League action, it does not interfere with action on an LWVUS Priority and it appears the LWVUS can make an impact.
The Board considered many issues and the responses from members suggesting Legislative Priorities. The decisions were based on what issues are likely to come before the 112th Congress, the opportunities to make an impact, program decisions made by members at the last Convention, member interest and resources available to manage these priorities effectively. The Board reviews these priorities throughout the year, making changes if necessary.
LWVUS Advocacy
*5/2/12 LWVUS: Money in Elections: What the League Can Do Elisabeth MacNamara
President, LWVUS
We are all aware that the huge amount of special interest money, particularly in federal races, has been a problem for years. We also know that these problems have been magnified by the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case which unleashed corporate spending for supposedly independent campaign expenditures and which has resulted in millions and millions of dollars in secret contributions. And we are also concerned that a great deal of this money is going into highly negative, and often misleading, election-related ads. read more
*2/16/12: League Supports DISCLOSE 2012 in Congress
The LWVUS Lobby Corps is carrying this message to House offices, asking Representatives to cosponsor H.R. 4010, DISCLOSE 2012, introduced by Rep. Chris Van Hollen. The legislation provides essential new disclosure requirements to cover the hundreds of millions of dollars in secret contributions being injected into federal elections by non-profit groups and other entities. The legislation also ensures that there will be timely disclosure by Super PACs. The League and coalition partners also sent this letter to the House in support of H.R. 4010.
*2/16/12 League Opposes Keystone XL Pipeline Legislation
The League joined groups from the environmental community in opposing legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The letter said pending legislation would effectively turn Congress into a permitting authority, bypassing a robust environmental and safety review and approving a project for which a route has not even been determined, and called for the rejection of such actions.
*2/16/12: An Opportunity to Use Your Experience and Expertise!
As the League tackles long-term reform, the new Campaign Finance Reform Task Force is seeking members with experience and expertise in campaign finance and constitutional law. If you have an interest in this issue as well as expertise and background in campaign finance and constitutional law, please submit your application to serve on this Task Force here by March 1, 2012.
LWVUS Task Forces - 2012
*2/2/12 LWVUS: Campaign Finance Reform Task Force (NEW)
As noted in the President's message above, a Campaign Finance Reform Task Force of members with experience and expertise in campaign finance and constitutional law will prove invaluable as the League tackles long-term reform. Members, with an interest in this issue as well as expertise and background in campaign finance and constitutional law, who would like to apply to serve on this Task Force may do so here. Applications are due by March 1, 2012.
LWVUS Guidelines
*2/9/12 LWVUS: League Logo Rules for use on web and in emails
LWVUS Budget
*The LWVUS/EF budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 are available for viewing at 2011-2012 LWVUS budget
Delegates to Council have approved the LWVUS budget. The Board of Trustees has formally approve the LWVEF budget at its meeting immediately following Council.
The proposed budgets support the vital functions of the national office while reducing spending in line with available resources. Projected revenues are somewhat less than in the current year budget due to membership loss and
decreased expectations for both direct marketing and grant revenues. However, the proposed budget continues support for all the LWVUS and EF functions, and
includes needed investments that will provide long-term benefits for the League at all levels.
LWVUS Programs
*1/16/12 LWVUS:LWVUS 2011 Mid-Year Advocacy Report as of June 19, 2011 by Judy Duffy, LWVUS
Advocacy Committee Chair
*11/17/11 LWVUS: Program Planning Guide Is Here!
Every two years state and local Leagues and ILO's participate in the LWVUS Program Planning process by making recommendations concerning program issues + this is one of the ways we remain a grassroots organization. The Program Planning process is an important League tool for identifying issues for study, review and update or concurrence. Here is the guide to assist you in your January/February meetings on Program Planning. The deadline for submitting program planning response forms is March 1, 2012.
LWVUS 2011 Studies - Government Privatization
*12/28/11 LWVUS: Leaders' Guide for the Privatization Study Consensus by Gretchen Knell
Member Resource: Privatization
*11/6/11 LWVUS: The initial Privatization Study Background papers are available from the LWVUS Study team.
*The following additional papers concerning the Government Privatization Study have been received from Toni Larson, PhD., former LWVCO President, who has studied privatization at the state level in higher education and hospital administration.
*2011 Government Privatization Study (received 8-10-11)
- Committee Chair
Janis McMillen, Kansas
- Members
Cathy Lazarus- California,
Diane DiIanni- Tennessee,
Nora Leech- Washington,
Carole Garrison- Virginia,
Muriel Strand- California,
Ann Henkener- Ohio,
Ted Volskay- South Carolina
*9/22/11 LWVUS:
Privatization Study Discussion List Now Available
The Privatization Study list is now available for members to hold discussions on this topic. Papers written by the Study Committee will be posted on the website in the coming weeks. As a reminder, the scope of this study is "to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the private sector. It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good." Consider what is happening in your local community or state with regard to transferring some government services to the private sector. Are you aware of the policy issues associated with such a transfer? The study papers will offer some guidelines for best practices that should be considered in these efforts, whether they affect your public libraries, your public schools or your state's highway system.
We have received questions about the Privatization Study and are sending the following information to let you know the timeline and scope of the study so that you can include the study in your upcoming calendars. In late summer, there will be a Privatization Study List for all interested League members and study materials will begin to be posted. In the interim, please feel free to contact Committee Chair Janis McMillen at jkmcmillen@kc.rr.com with questions.
Scope of the Privatization Study:
The purpose of this study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the private sector. It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good.
Timeline:
LWVUS 2011 Studies - Education
*10/6/11 LWVUS:
November 30, 2011, is the Consensus deadline for the study, "Role of the Federal Government in Public Education."
Each League should input their data once their boards have approved. All materials (papers, power points, and leaders' guide for the study) plus the link to the Consensus form are here or can be found at http://www.lwv.org (click members, click projects and programs, click education study). Specific questions may be directed to Peggy Hill (hillp@uhcl.edu) or Joanne Leavitt (ac997@lafn.org).
*8/4/11 LWVUS: Education Study: New Material Available Online (NEW)
The online Education Study Response form and three Power Point presentations on History, Common Core Standards and Assessments, and Equity and Funding are now online. The Power Points can be used for League study meetings and the Response Form is to be used by each League to submit their consensus report.
*8/21/11 Leaders' Guide for the Education Study GLOSSARY and ACRONYMS
*Study on the Role of the Federal Government in Public Education
*3/24/11: LWVUS: Public Education Study Update (NEW)
The LWVUS study on the Role of the Federal Government in Public Education is well underway. The target schedule is for Leagues to have materials (papers, consensus questions and a Leaders Guide for taking consensus) in May. Local Leagues will have from May through November to conduct their local study and take consensus. The study committee is writing papers; as they are completed, they will be posted on the LWVUS website. In addition, a webinar is scheduled for April 21 (see below). Watch the Leaders' Update and the Public Education List for the availability of the study materials. What can you do right now? Form a study committee, select a chair and put the study on your local League calendars. Also, keep reading the Public Education list and Leaders' Update for continuing information.
LWVLPC-2011 Studies-Federal Role in Education
*The following are papers collected by the LWVLPC Committee concerned with the Federal Role in Education:
LWVLPC members are encourage to read these papers before the upcoming League COnsensus Meeting on Friday, November 4, 2011 from 9-12:30 at Christ the King Fellowship Hall in Durango, Colorado.
Reference Materials
* LWVUS: Electing the President A Guide to the Election Process
*Like the League on Facebook
Donate to the League on our Facebook Causes page.
Past Events
*Friday, March 16, 1:15-3:30 pm ET Sunshine Week Webcast: Updated Information
The LWVEF is co-sponsoring the 7th annual Sunshine Week National Discussion, which will be broadcast on Friday, March 16, 1:15-3:30 pm ET. This year's webcast will be broadcast from the Newseum in Washington, DC, and will feature Dana Priest, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Top Secret America. Leagues can participate in the live webcast by submitting their questions and comments to panelists via email and phone. Find more information here.
*2/21/12 LWVUS Webinar: National Convention Webinar Series:
Register Today to Participate! (NEW)
Ahhh...in February, League minds and hearts turn to thoughts of spring...which means Convention! We mean to Power the Vote throughout this + the League's 50th + National Convention with exciting speakers, energetic workshops and awards. We've added a healthy dose of "fun" activities, too. You can be a part of one of the most exciting conventions to date. Newcomers and experienced attendees, you will want to know more details. Join Convention Chair Marcia Merrins and Cheryl Graeve for the first of two webinars on February 21 at 1:00 pm ET. Register for the webinar here.
*2/14/12 Happy League of Women Voters Day!
February 14, 2012 is our 92nd birthday + so join us on our Facebook page or Twitter feed to leave a birthday wish for the League.
Our birthday wish this year is a special one. 2012 is an important election year and there is a great deal of work to be done to help register, educate and mobilize voters. That is why the League is launching an important campaign + Power the Vote!
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webmaster.
Last revised: May 14, 2012 07:51 PDT.
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