The Benton-Franklin League was an admirable host to the 2023 LWVWA convention in Pasco. About 100 Leaguers and guests discovered the Tri-Cities trails, wine, science, LIGO (black holes), birds, local judges, and excellent hotel hospitality. The opening began with a welcome from Pasco Mayor Blanche Barajas, followed by the young girl Mastersingers performing and leading a sing-along for us, setting the tone for a challenging, crucial, and collegial convention.

Below are some highlights from this combination business meeting-education-networking event.

The League has been in the process of changing to increase its impact at the local and state level, to increase the network of local Leagues and the state board and connections between volunteers throughout the state, and to increase LWVWA’s capacity to support and serve local Leagues in the pursuit of democracy. The goals of impact, network, and capacity have been supported by the strategies identified in the 2017-2023 strategic plan.

The business of the League was done in an atmosphere of competing issues in the context of sincerity and friendship. There was a current of “we can’t do it all” running through the convention. Many workshops and informal gatherings allowed members to work on important issues, as well as develop rapport that will provide resources and support for years to come. Moving from business—with the inevitable tug of multiple opinions—to information sessions, to enjoyment of the landscape made this a demanding and gratifying convention.

The convention built on LWVWA accomplishments, some of which included:

• Shorelines and Decline of Local News studies and positions. 
• Public Hospital District education program.
• Adoption and sponsorship of software for state and local meetings and programs.
• Clear nonpartisanship rules for state officers with LWVUS guidance.
• Research project engaging and assessing members, voters, and key influencers opinions.
• Retention of board members and staff.
• Analysis and consolidation of technology and data to eliminate waste.
• Expansion of lobby team and integration of advocacy work with the state board of directors; well-attended action workshops and lobby week.
• Increased local League networks through the president’s calls and Membership Engagement and Leader Development (MELD) portfolio.
• Adoption of applications to open positions to all and make participation transparent.
• Development of state-wide affinity and interest groups.
• Publication of civics education texts for students from elementary through high school in English and Spanish.
• Adoption of the second strategic plan with considerable member and research input to help prioritize strategies for action.
• Engaged in important meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, and many coalitions.
• Co-hosted state-wide debates.
• Joined the Washington Coalition for Open Government and participated in decision making advocacy related to transparency.
• Celebrated the first Evergreen Awardee with a tree planting in Olympia public park.
• Partnered and supported organizations for (LWV-identified) underrepresented people by providing civic education, co-hosting meetings and debates, programs, and advocacy.
• Awarded many local League grants for their specific needs.
• Earned 100% philanthropy score.
• Professionalized League work including having a CPA do reviews and tax forms, and professional management of the investment/education fund.
• Building a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, trusting, competent, and attuned to the needs of today’s volunteers.

A more detailed report including financial statements will be available after July 1, 2023.

Awards for Good Citizen(s) were given to Benton-Franklin’s Northwest Public Broadcasting, the City of Richland, the City of Richland, and the Columbia Basin Badger Club. Particularly noteworthy is that there is increasing recognition that it isn’t just one person who makes things happen, but groups of people with a shared vision. Benton Franklin showed how important these collaborations are in presenting candidate forums.

Awards for Local Leagues

Sam Dilday represented committee members Maren Halvorsen and Helle Andersen in awarding the Local League Awards to Benton-Franklin for Making Democracy Work through a number of community activities. Pullman received the Strengthening Democracy award for the “What Does Democracy Look Like?” Art project. The Spokane Area League was given the Community Connections award for the Civics Bowl Project with local high schools and public television. Clark County received the Community Connections Award for their monthly radio program, Citizen 411: Your Information Directory for Democracy. These are collaborative projects, each creative in demonstrating the convergence of member interests and ability and League mission.

Recognition of members included more than 20 people who were held up as Bridge Builders. They are recognized for their ability to welcome new members, create a positive climate where all members feel valued and useful. They work actively to keep their local League together, helping to resolve conflicts and build connections.

Remembrance of members who passed away during the biennium.

Evergreen Awards were given to Susan Fleming (Fir, for being a pillar of strength and truth) and Jean Snider (Cedar, for generosity, strength, support, connection, and prosperity) for their outstanding service for advocacy and research for LWVWA.

Convention Business

The business of the convention resulted in the adoption of the 2023-25 budget. Cindy Piennett did her usual admirable job of making it come together and members will have to work to bring it to reality. It is responsive to what members have advocated: more staff, more programs to share, and no per member payment (PMP) increase. It requires an increase in local membership so local, state, and national will benefit from having more members. Increase in income depends on growth, not rate increases, meaning each member needs to invite people to join. The budget also requires grant writing and sponsorships. This is a stretch for all members.

The slate of Board of Directors and Officers was approved. Mary Coltrane, Beth Pellicciotti, Martin Gibbins, Sherry Appleton, Susan Baird-Joshi, Dee Anne Finken, and Cynthia Stewart. Continuing members will be Dee Ann Kline, Susan Daniel, Miriam Kerzner, and Shelley Kneip. The Nominating Committee will be Jean Alliman, Chair and Linda Benson and Julie Sarkissian. Mike Martin was recommended for the Education Fund (501c3) Board of Directors Treasurer.

Directors and officers moving off the board include Jean Snider, Myra Howrey, Lunell Haught, Liz Bander, Susan Fleming, Roslyn Duffy, Karen Crowley. Each has focused on their own portfolio, creating new and important ways of doing League work. They have also spent hours reading, understanding, and lending guidance in the many decisions that are made for the two corporations (501(c)3, 501(c)4) valued at more than a million dollars. It is no small job, and we are grateful for their service.

The program of work was approved along with LWVWA positions. This included the newest positions on shorelines and local news. The positions will be reviewed for relevancy in the coming year(s).

New programs included two studies: Immigration and Immigrant Integration and Caregiving in Washington State:  What exists and what is needed to support seniors and other vulnerable adults and their caregivers?

A civic education program: Multi-Member Districts was also approved.

Studies and education projects are open to all League members, and don’t require any expertise in the topic. Please volunteer if you are interested.

Two Resolutions were supported by the convention delegates: Protection of Mature Forests in Washington and Washington Deserves Better for 2031 Redistricting.

LWVUS

Kimberly Hamlin, the LWVUS board liaison to Washington was a wonderful addition to convention. Her presentation on suffragists and the complex history of the ratification of the 19^th amendment was enlightening and thought-provoking. She heightened our awareness that Leagues have become targets for nefarious actors, and members and leaders must be increasingly vigilant for those who would undermine League credibility and work. LWVUS and LWVWA are a source of wisdom and recommendations for difficult situations and local Leagues are encouraged to contact either with thorny issues. This past year some of the thorny issues have been copycat organizations, misinformation, and member behavior. The Rights and Responsibilities of members is available on the LWVUS website, with a link going out soon to all members for their understanding and use.

LWV International

Two moving emails were read, giving an insight into the stifled and threatened lives of two US State Department sponsored fellows. In autumn 2019 they were with the LWV Spokane Area League and visited many state offices, schools, and an election to learn about democracy in an attempt to return to their homes and share the information. Their government capitulated in a 2021 coup and their emails reminded us of how vulnerable democracy is.

Check the Convention site for links to more detail and workshop materials. Council (next year) will have delegates also (there will be an election for half the board of directors) and lots of workshops. If you missed Convention, begin to prepare yourself for Council. Local Leagues should have fundraisers so that delegates’ expenses are covered by the League they are representing.