In just two weeks, February 14th, 2025, the League of Women Voters will celebrate its 105th anniversary. With a new administration in place, and much going on at the federal level, I note the times they are a changin’. What doesn't change is League’s commitment to democracy. At every level of League, volunteers are redoubling efforts to empower voters and defend democracy. What does that look like at the League of Women Voters of Washington? Here are highlights of what's going on right now.

Advocacy. Our Lobby Team is working hard to get League positions brought to life via legislation that turns positions into reality. League members and friends can learn about the bills the Lobby Team is following by subscribing to the Legislative Newsletter. If you're a subscriber, you know this is a great way to stay abreast of what's happening in Olympia. You can support League's positions by noting the Action Alerts and following the Legislative Newsletter instructions on how to support or oppose. If you are inspired to contact legislators, please keep in mind you should do so as an individual, not a member of the League. Your voice is important! Legislators want (and need) to hear from you.

Two committees also work to further League positions: The Local News and Democracy Team and the Redistricting Task Force Campaign.

Program of Work. State League has sent two studies to local Leagues for discussion and member consensus: Elder Caregiving and Welcoming Immigrants to Washington State (this study is also available for purchase in paperback and Kindle versions .). These issues were selected for study and action at Convention 2023. The study phase of this process is nearly complete. Local Leagues are holding consensus meetings on the Elder Care study and will soon follow with the Welcoming Immigrant study. Local League Boards of Directors will send their League's consensus in response to the study questions. These reports will come to the state Board via each study committee. The board will adopt new positions sometime this spring. With new positions on the books, state and local Leagues can take action on these issues. They will be ratified at the state Convention.

Program Planning. Local Leagues have received their program planning input forms and directions. This initiates the process that leads to selecting issues for study and action at the state Convention. Local League Boards of Directors have until March 6 to submit topics to the state Board. The Board will review the submittals and make a recommendation for Program of Work to be adopted at Convention 2025.

Voter Services. For those active in Voter Services, it seems the winter is when less work is needed. Not true. After the election, there may be a hiatus, but now is the time to gear up for the summer. This can mean learning about the rules and regulations that affect voting in Washington state. The committee lines up speakers who can educate volunteers for the heavy lifting they do come summer when they are tabling at locations across the state. League sharing is a favorite topic; there is much we can learn from each other!

Civic Education. Civic education touches everything League does. We are always looking for ways to reach out to the voting public and offer information on how to participate in democratic processes. Promoting The State We're In does much to help educate the public on how our government works. There are other opportunities for civic education as well. The Civic Education Committee is on the lookout for these opportunities and brings them to bear on all the work League does.

Administration. Administration matters: MELD (membership, leadership, engagement, development); policies and procedures; the critically important work of our treasurers and secretary and staff—all are essential to how well League functions. Communications, including social media and our webpage, are essential to informing and educating our membership and the public. This ongoing work undergirds all League does.

Convention. Planning for Convention 2025 is underway. It will be in Vancouver, WA from Thursday, June 5th through Sunday, June 8th. In addition to the Program of Work, delegates will adopt a budget, elect officers and directors, propose resolutions for adoption and give direction to the board. The Convention committee is looking into speakers, workshop topics, and more. LWVUS President Dianna Wynn will be a virtual speaker.

Two committees that are especially important to how state League functions are the Budget Committee and the Nominating Committee. Work in these areas is underway. The Nominating Committee sets the direction of the League when it selects a slate of nominees. The Budget Committee works to put together a realistic budget to carry out League's work. The work of these committees will culminate in recommendations for delegates at the Convention.

Development work is also underway; contributions from League friends and members are what make the League go! Thank you.

LWVUS. National League is doubling down on priorities and work that will further our core mission. They've embarked on a campaign: Women Defending Democracy. This is another way we in Washington state can make our voice heard nationally.

Reflecting on League's upcoming birthday, and all that League does, reminds me that League has always been about making change in difficult times and circumstances. Perseverance and willingness to take on the hard challenges have been our ally. Empowering voters and defending democracy has been our calling. Rolling up our sleeves and doing the work has been our answer. Please join this work in whatever way works best for you. All are welcome!

If you would like to be in touch with those shepherding the many facets of League—to learn more and/or to plug in—please let me or staff Amy Peloff know.

Kind regards,

Mary Coltrane, President
president@lwvwa.org