On the morning of June 29, League delegates from across the country gathered in Washington DC for the Saturday plenary session at the LWVUS National Convention. They came together in the Hilton’s sprawling International Ballroom, where nationally recognized journalists, Hollywood’s elite, and high-ranking government and elected officials—including the US President—gather every spring for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. It’s a big deal; a gala affair with attendees saluting the courage and tenacity of dedicated news professionals, raising money for scholarships and, of course, roasting the commander in chief.   

Likewise, what happened the last weekend in June in that same room also was a big deal. With overwhelming support, League delegates voted to adopt the LWVWA’s position on Local News and Democracy. This move empowers League members throughout the country—at the local, state, and national levels—to advocate for local news.  

The LWVWA could take its position to the National League Convention on this very special weekend because of you, the members of local Leagues throughout Washington State. Your support in the form of encouragement, last year’s consensus on the position, and financial assistance combined to make the weekend the success it was.    

All the members of the Local News team are grateful for your support—the encouragement and “atta-girls” we received—kept us going, particularly when the going got tough.

The concurrence vote your support made possible gives League members nationwide a tool to rally behind legislation and programs designed to bolster the local news ecosystem, making it possible for voters to be more informed, for the public to know better what’s happening in the halls of government and to expand awareness that might start chipping away at the political divide that threatens our democracy.  

After a break, the Local News team will renew its efforts, including the promotion of media literacy and awareness. If you’d like to participate, please contact Dee Anne Finken, Chair of the Local News and Democracy Committee.