We're proud to announce that we will have some amazing featured speakers at this year's LWVWA Convention—including Washington's Attorney General Nick Brown and LWVUS President Dianna Wynn. (And that's not even all of our speakers—keep reading!)
If you have been waiting for more details on what is planned for this year's event before registering, read on.
If you just want to know the basics, here you go:
- WHEN: June 5-8, 2025
- WHERE: The Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, WA
- REGISTRATION: In-person and virtual options are available—register now!
- LODGING: Reservations at the Heathman Lodge may be made by calling 360-254-3100. Please tell the reservation agent that you will be part of the League of Women Voters of Washington Group and request the group rate when you call.
- SCHEDULE: The fun starts Thursday afternoon, and then we really hit the ground running starting 8 am Friday morning. We are still finalizing the schedule, but we encourage members to arrive Thursday or early Friday morning.
Answers to questions many members have been asking:
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What is the schedule of keynote speakers?
The keynote speakers include:
- Friday, June 6 (Lunch)—"The 14th Amendment"—Susan Martin, President of LWV of San Juan County; LWVWA Immigration Study co-author;
- Friday, June 6 (Dinner)—WA State Attorney General Nick Brown;
- Saturday, June 7 (Lunch)—"Spotlight on Rumors: Shaping Online Conversations"—Kate Starbird, Professor, Center for an Informed Public (University of Washington);
- Saturday, June 7 (Dinner)—"LWVUS and Protecting Democracy"—Dianna Wynn, LWVUS President. President Wynn will also be available for a Q&A session at a plenary session on Friday afternoon.
- What happens on Thursday?
Much happens at Convention long before the first of the plenary sessions, which begin following lunch on Friday. On Thursday afternoon there will be a "Women's Herstory Tour" through downtown Vancouver, and a Thursday evening dine-around featuring a selection of restaurants, and then caucuses and fellowship back at the Heathman Lodge.
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What happens in Plenary Sessions?
Plenary sessions are where the delegates meet in a group and do the official business of the Convention. This includes these decisions:
- Adopt the Current and New Program;
- Adopt a Budget;
- Amend Bylaws;
- Elect Officers;
- Resolutions;
- Direction to the Board.
There will be a webinar offered prior to Convention for delegates to get more information on these items. There will also be sessions where everyone meets to hear an important speaker or workshops for all.
- Are there workshops?
Yes, workshops are planned on a variety of topics. There are still spaces available. To propose a workshop, contact Cynthia Stewart, Convention Planning Chair. Note: Workshops are intended to be educational but not advocacy.
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Are there caucuses?
Yes, a number of caucuses are planned. There are still opportunities available. To propose a caucus, complete this Caucus Request form. Requests received before May 15 will be included in the Convention Workbook. Requests that come in after that date will only be listed on the Convention website. Note: Caucuses can be used to inform about and advocate for Program of Work proposals and other advocacy issues.
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Are there field trips?
Yes, we have several fun excursions planned!
- Thursday afternoon: Take a walking "Women's Herstory Tour" through downtown Vancouver;
- Thursday evening: Grab dinner with other attendees by signing up to participate in our dine-around featuring a selection of restaurants;
- Friday morning: Take a tour of the reconstructed Fort Vancouver National History Site, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year;
- Saturday morning: Attend a lecture at the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site Visitors’ Center, “She Who Watches,” a feminist-focused look at the democratic cultures and societies along the Columbia River since the earliest of time.
Opportunities for Recognition:
Convention is a time when we get to recognize achievements by and contributions of League members and local Leagues to the success of the League as a whole. There are a number of awards given each year. If you have a nomination for any of these awards, use this form to suggest a person or local League who should be considered. Please give the name of the nominee, the name of the proposed award, and a description of why they should receive the award.
The different awards are:
- The Dorothy Roberts Award: Presented at conventions since 1993 (except perhaps in 2023). The description is "to a person who shares a commitment, dedication, and passion for the mission of the League."
- The Evergreen Awards: First awarded at Council in 2016, and include these categories:
- The Cedar Award: Given for actions that reflect generosity and providence. The cedar tree is a symbol of strength and connection, and prosperity.
- The Fir Award: Given for actions that demonstrate pillar of strength, tower of truth. The fir is a symbol of the power of determination and perseverance.
- The Pine Award: Given for actions that represent the longevity and virtue of the League. The pine is a symbol of wisdom, longevity, reaching for the stars and striving to make life better.
- The Evergreen Award: The highest award, given for extraordinary actions that sustain the League and keep it vibrant and growing.
