By Beth Pellicciotti, Civic Education Portfolio Chair, LWVWA Board 

Council 2022 offered me a number of firsts, and some happened before I arrived in Everett. I had never been to the Moses Lake Museum, I had never eaten lunch in Cle Elum, and I had never been in commuting traffic north of Seattle to Everett (I was a passenger for this trip, and I sincerely thank the driver, Lunell Haught, for her navigation).  

If getting to Council 2022 was an adventure, being there was a joy. Seeing League members in person after years of viewing them as talking heads on Zoom was a treat. We greeted each other with “You’re so tall!  You’re so short!”   

We were greeted by Snohomish and Skagit League members upon our arrival and were registered without a hitch. Because of these Leagues’ work with the hotel staff, we enjoyed some of the best vegetarian food I have ever eaten during these three days.   

For me, the best part of Council 2022 was meeting League members at their tables. Tabling is a simple yet profound concept. We spread our ideas and League work over long tables on either side of a hallway leading to the hotel’s meeting rooms. We met each other coming and going, taking every opportunity to talk about League work.   

Karen Verrill (Thurston County), project manager for the League’s textbook, The State We’re In: Washington, sold civics textbooks and posters at her table  (see The State We're In: Washington web page to order or read online). The poster, “What Does It Take to Be a Good Citizen in a Democratic Society?” is now in Spanish, thanks to the LWVWA Education Fund and the Snohomish League.  

Bonnie Bless-Boenish (Clallam County) showed League members how to engage children in civics and voting by displaying her homemade civics games—Match the Signatures (mail-in ballot concept), put a chip on pictures of Things Paid for by Taxes (understanding government work), or Vote for Shelter Funding for Dogs or Cats (voting for things important to you).   

Mary Coltrane (Seattle-King County) stood behind large piles of brochures and swag intended for use by local Leagues—5,500 brochures on restoring voting rights for returning citizens, hundreds of Your Vote tabloids, and bags full of “Be A Voter” pins. And all of this was just in my corner of the hallway. 

Many of us left with heads full of new ideas and bags full of handouts for summer voter registration tables. A lucky few won door prizes and silent auction items. I thank the Snohomish and Skagit Leagues for these and for their unwavering hospitality throughout the council. 

A final big thank-you to those working continuously on this event planning: LWVWA Administrative Director Amy Peloff, LWVWA President Lunell Haught, and LWVWA Board members Linda Benson, Jayne Freitag, and Dee Ann Kline. We were hoping for 60 attendees and had over 100. It was an adventure getting to Everett, a joy being there, and like road trips of old, it was fun looking at pictures when returning home.   

This postcard is a rather subtle promotion for Moses Lake, where I really enjoyed the museum and the art show.(All photos by Beth Pellicciotti.) 

 

Tables! Spokane League member Ann Murphy displayed Civics Bowl information. The PBS KSPS Civics Bowl and Mary Coltrane’s Be a Voter Campaign are both finalists for the LWVUS national awards. 

 

Civics games for children. 

 

Bonnie Bless-Boenish (Clallam County) explaining the civics games to League members who are retired teachers. Note Bonnie’s special mask, which allowed those who lip-read to better understand the conversations.   

 

The door prize I won! The door prize was from the Skagit County League, with the plant holder knitted by Harriet Custer, assisted by Debbie Prestmo. 

LWVUS Board Recommended Program for 2022-2024 

The LWVUS board is recommending readopting the Campaign for Making Democracy Work as the LWV program for 2022–2024. More than 300 Leagues participated in the LWVUS program planning process, and the Leagues unanimously voted for the LWVUS to continue prioritizing the Campaign for Making Democracy Work in the next biennium. Leagues also had the opportunity to indicate if there was another position or policy that the LWVUS should work on. Staff will use those recommendations to shape the watchdog issues for the LWVUS to respond to. Leagues proposing "not recommended" or other items need to follow the requirements outlined in LWVUS Bylaw XII Principles and Program Sec. 2(c). The Program Planning Committee will host a webinar to explain the proposed program in more detail. A new platform has been created for the LWVUS and Leagues proposing studies and concurrences to post information on their proposals and for all League members to review and engage in discussion. For questions, email progplan@lwv.org. 

When Candidates Refuse to Participate in Voter Education Opportunities 

Every year, Leagues hold hundreds of candidate debates and forums and produce hundreds of voter guides to help voters learn about the candidates on their ballot. Unfortunately, some candidates refuse to participate in these voter education activities and call into question the League’s reputation. Read the League's guidance to help shape the public narrative and news coverage of these situations. 

Be Safe When You Protest 

These past few weeks have been difficult. A Supreme Court opinion threatening reproductive care and jeopardizing personal civil liberties was leaked. As an organization that believes in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy, we will fight to preserve the individual rights of women to make their own reproductive choices. The League asks you to join us in amplifying the work of trusted organizations with years of advocacy and expertise in the reproductive justice movement. For those of you joining League partners in action, please stay safe and prepare with our protest safety guidance. Additionally, we are already starting to see mis- and disinformation taking hold in conversations around this opinion. The League strongly encourages you to share updates from trusted resources only and lift up the voices of leaders in this space. The League of Women Voters stands with our allies to protect women’s access to care and encourages you to show up in solidarity. Our democracy depends on it. 

Apply to Attend the COP27 UN Climate Conference in Egypt 

Apply now to attend the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7–18, 2022. The deadline to apply is July 1. To request an application form or learn more, please contact Robin Tokmakian at rtokmakian@lwv.org. This is a self-funded opportunity. 

Miscellaneous Resources 

• Legislative Office Hours Landing Page: Everything you need to know about the LWVUS Legislative Office Hours. 

• Evaluation Training Series Page: Contains new materials, including a PDF of answers to chat questions and feedback from the first session. 

• Election Preparation Toolkit: Everything you need to prepare for this year’s election season, including helpful resources on public education, outreach, and action. 

• Structure Transformation Plan: A set of proposals that seek to grow League membership in number and diversity, strengthen our grassroots power, and bolster our ability to empower voters and defend democracy. 

• Blog: Being an Election Worker: 101, presented by Pinny Sheoran (LWV of Arizona), Isabel Longoria (LWV of Houston), and Debra Cronmiller (LWV of Wisconsin). 

• Webinar: Recruiting and Building Strong Boards, including how to apply the DEI lens to the process. 

The following are volunteer roles the LWV of Washington is seeking help with. This is your opportunity to play an important part in your state League! 

Office 365 Support 

Do you know how to use SharePoint and/or Microsoft Teams? Have you ever set up some Power Automate actions? We need someone to help take the LWVWA to the next level in our technology usage. An expert would be great, but a tech-savvy person who is really interested in figuring out how to use these technologies to make the League more efficient and connected (and has the time and energy to do so) would be a big help, too! This work could include experimenting with the technology, providing tech support to members, administering guest access, exploring how to make this technology available to local Leagues, and any other ideas that we come up with. Contact Amy at apeloff@lwvwa.org. 

Social Media Expert 

The LWVWA is seeking a social-media savvy League member to help post to the LWVWA’s social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram). Role would require checking daily alerts and news sources for information about the League as well as posting interesting and educational events in line with League issues. Especially need someone who knows Instagram. Contact Lea at lgalanter@lwvwa.org. 

Newsletter Editor 

The LWV of Washington is seeking someone to work on editing the state newsletters, The Voter and This Month in the League. Each newsletter is published once a month (first and third Fridays). Tasks include collecting articles, reviewing articles for adherence to League style and proper English, making sure graphics are royalty-free or finding graphics for articles, and working with the LWVWA staff to produce the newsletters. The ideal person would have excellent writing and editing skills and be able to follow the LWVWA Style Guide, the Associated Press Stylebook, and LWVUS guidelines. Contact Lea at lgalanter@lwvwa.org. 

MELD Pod Facilitator 

The LWVWA is seeking Membership Engagement Leadership and Development (MELD) program pod facilitators, a position that involves about five hours a month. This includes a monthly 60-minute Zoom meeting with your assigned pod and writing a short report. The facilitators also meet once a month for an hour. The MELD program is a way for all League levels—local, state, and national—to communicate, share their successes and challenges, and receive information about programs and resources. This leadership position requires good listening and communication skills and the ability to facilitate a group discussion. If you’re interesting in being a pod facilitator, contact Linda Benson for more information. 

Spanish-Language Book or Graphic Designer

Do you have graphic design or book design skills to share? If so, you can help the League convert one of its civics textbooks, which has been translated into Spanish. The position pays well. If interested, contact Karen Verrill.

Not Too Late to Register for the LWVWA 2022 Council 

Plans for the LWVWA 2022 Council are moving along quickly, with many people working hard to make it informative and fun. While early-bird registration has ended, there are still a few things you need to do ASAP if you haven’t done them already:   

• Fill out your request form for a display table and/or caucus proposal (links to these forms are also located on the event registration page). 

• Book a hotel room. 

• Find someone to carpool with or investigate public transportation. 

• League Presidents: Confirm who your League’s delegates are and send names to LWVWA President Lunell Haught. 

So don’t forget your mask and vaccination card and get ready to Reconnect, Restore, and Renew with your League sisters and brothers June 10–12. 

The LWVWA Walks Its Talk at the Council 

At the 2019 LWVWA Convention, the following resolution on climate change passed:  

Be it resolved that we as the LWVWA and associated local Leagues shall address climate change when opportunities are available. We shall be cognizant of our carbon footprint, and when practical incorporate plans to minimize it in conducting events such as meetings and forums. Also, we shall consider the effect of the latest forecasts on climate change when analyzing issues and planning actions. 

The League believes that a democracy can do the most good for the most people through cooperation and policy implementation, and that is why we emphasize taking action. We cannot solve the climate crisis by personal virtue alone—although personal action is important, not only to make progress but to focus our attention on what we can do. 

• Analysis shows that reducing our consumption of meat is clearly a way we can reduce our greenhouse gas impact. Many of us consume much of our diet in vegetable-based portions already, so enjoying vegetarian meals here allows us to think about increasing our proportion of plant-based nutrition and how to make that delicious and interesting. (Special dietary considerations can be noted on the registration form.) 

• A printed handout of the workbook and schedule will not be available when you arrive. Instead, a few days before the council, registered attendees will have access to a web page that will contain all the materials for the council. You may print them out and bring them with you or download the information and bring your laptop.  

• We will have a water/coffee/tea station (no single-use bottled water). Feel free to bring your own cups or containers.  

• Consider the available transportation options. 

• The table swag is low impact. 

Civic Education Workshop

The LWVWA Civic Education Committee looks forward to sharing what they’ve learned about League civic education activities across the state in a Saturday workshop, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Part of the workshop will be dedicated to discussing members’ civic education ideas and projects, including: 

• How to use the inventories of civic education activities for youth and adults. 

• Civic education for adults—how one League dedicates part of its meetings to “civics moments” and has prepared “programs in a can” for outreach to community groups. 

• Civic education for youth—developing relationships with schools and libraries, youth organizations, and universities. 

• Marketing the LWVWA Education Fund civics textbooks, The State We’re In: Washington, through contacts with schools at all levels. Learn about Education Service Districts across the state. 

• Applying for the LWVWA Education Fund Civic Education Grant. Get a step-by-step overview of the process. Learn about successful grant applications this year. 

Voter Services Table 

Voter Services will have a table at the LWVWA 2022 Council where you can pick up items for tabling. You will find the Your Vote publication, brochures from the ACLU that explain all the particulars around voter registration for returning voters (formerly incarcerated), buttons, and stickers. There will be a presentation at the council highlighting voter services work in the community. It will include information about the Be a Voter campaign, VOTE411, a summary of the candidate forums and debates workshops, and a model for voter outreach in your community. The Voter Services Committee is also looking into local League sharing time and want to know if that’s something folks would like.

By Alison McCaffree, Census & Redistricting Issue Chair, LWV of Washington 

The LWV of Washington calls for comprehensive reform of the Washington state redistricting process before 2031. The trust in our election systems starts with redistricting. Without comprehensive redistricting reform, Washington’s community needs will continue to be second to other concerns.  

On the table in these reforms is an independent citizen’s redistricting commission. What would this look like for Washington state and what will it take to get us there? Is there something unique about Washington’s political environment that prevents us from a structure that includes ordinary citizens and people who don’t identify with either major party?  

Join your League colleagues on Tuesday May 24 at 5 p.m.as we discuss the successes and challenges of commissions in California, Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and other places. Learn what structures and rules these commissions have used and how well they worked to bring about equitable and legal maps during the 2021 process.  
 
Redistricting reform discussion meetings are held every other Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the following dates and topics: 

• May 24, 2022: Independent citizens commission 

• June 7, 2022: Public input and access 

The registration link is the same for all meetings. If you have any questions, contact Alison McCaffree. 

While redistricting relies on technology and data analysis, ultimately human judgment must balance representation among various communities of interest with many needs that sometimes overlap or conflict. Washington’s redistricting commission needs a larger group of people representing communities around the state. We must create a process that inspires trust, a process that holds commissioners accountable to communities, and ultimately a process that gives voice to the people of Washington state. 

In June, the LWV of the Spokane Area will register new citizens to vote during the first in-person naturalization ceremony to be held in two years. The following is an article published in the This Week in the League newsletter in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit that underscores the importance of these events for both League members and new citizens.  

One of the Reasons I Joined the League of Women Voters… 

By Denise Campitelli, Treasurer, LWV of Spokane Area 

One of the reasons that I joined the League of Women Voters a little more than a year ago was to be involved with voter registration in some way. I went through voter registration training and observed a couple of civics education classes in the high schools and had enjoyed it all. 

And then on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, I volunteered to be part of the voter registration efforts surrounding a naturalization ceremony, and I cannot tell you how moving and rewarding that event turned out to be.  

Standing in the back of the jam-packed, ninth-floor courtroom in the Thomas S. Foley United States Courthouse, I had the honor of watching 34 individuals from 23 different countries take their oath of citizenship. I was mesmerized by the proceedings and not a little emotional with the overall atmosphere of the event. Each new citizen received a certificate of citizenship, shook hands with those officiating, and returned to the seats. Then Judge John Rodgers addressed the new citizens and told them three things: 

• First, he warmly welcomed each person, saying that he did not know their individual paths in arriving at this day, but that he was happy to be part of this life-changing event. 

• Second, he strongly urged—he actually said that he was begging—them to participate in this country’s democracy with whatever activity they choose, with the most important activity their right to vote. 

• And third, he asked them to remain themselves. In other words, do not change who they are but incorporate their culture into their new country’s culture. 

The new citizens (and their family and friends) made their way to where the LWV of Spokane Area and the Spokane County Elections Office personnel were waiting for them, and I am proud to say that 23 new citizens of the United States registered to vote that day. 

It was a most memorable experience and one that I recommend to all. I do have some advice though: 

• Be sure to join the next voter registration training. 

• Volunteer for all events, but do not miss a naturalization ceremony. 

• Bring tissues! 

by Beth Pellicciotti, Civics Education Portfolio Director, LWV or Washington 

In March 2020, Spokane League member Marilyn Darilek and I presented to an American History course in one of the Spokane high schools. Topics included the history of voting, the Centennial of the League of Women Voters, and ratification of the 19th Amendment. Before our presentation, the history teacher reported a current event: all San Francisco Bay Area public schools were closing due to COVID. We gasped—it seemed unbelievable. A few days later, all the Spokane Public Schools moved online.   

Now more than two years later, I was back in a classroom, facing four classes of civics students. It was good to be back! Here is what I presented and what I learned from students. 

Students like stories about people and their history of voting. I showed students a picture of my mother-in-law at age 100. I told them she was born in 1917 and had been disenfranchised at birth. Why? Students remarked that she looked very good at 100 and asked how she kept her face from becoming lined. They added that she had been disenfranchised because of gender. 

I told them to steel themselves because they would see my high school graduation picture from 1968. When I was 18 in 1968, I couldn’t vote in the upcoming presidential election. Why was I disenfranchised?  They responded, “age.” I asked, “What was the contentious war at that time that led to the argument about voting age?” Students knew the argument: young men were being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War but were not old enough to vote.   

The civics teacher then shared a story about his first time voting in 2000; it took weeks to determine who won the presidency. He stressed to the students, “You will always remember the first time you vote for president. Your year will be 2024.” 

Students also like to share stories about their own lived history. When we discussed the importance of voting locally, I showed a picture of my presenting to an 8 a.m. civics class in December 2019.  At that time, I asked students, “What elected body determines that we be in school at 8 a.m.?” That was a tough one to answer, but after a few tries, students answered with the school board. However, everyone in that early morning class was sure that their own class schedules would never change. 

And then I asked this current civics class, “Did your school schedules change in 2020?” A number of students responded, “We were online and then we attended school on alternate days.” I asked, “Who makes these important decisions?” The answer again was the school board. It is in their job description to respond to emergencies. I added, “Vote locally. The decisions that local public officials make are very important—they affect you directly.”    

It was good to be back in civics classes. I shared my stories, the teachers shared theirs, and students had a few of their own.

Alternate LWV Logo Versions 

The LWVUS has added alternate versions of our general League of Women Voters logos! The alternate logos package now includes progress pride flag logos, white and black logos, and more. Download the Alt Logos package from the League Management Site. 

This Spring, Continue to Grow a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive League 

The hustle and bustle of spring brings with it lots of League activity. Here are some resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in your League’s planning and activities. Find more DEI resources on the League Management site. 

• Planning Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive League Events 

• DEI and League Work 

• What to Ask When Examining Your Work Through a DEI Lens 

• What Does the DEI Policy Mean for Your League? 

Growing our organization’s DEI increases our power and ensures that anyone who subscribes to our principles and policies has a place in the League. 

Leadership Training Resources 

As your League's board of directors prepares for elections this year, be sure to check out resources from national for League boards. 

• Training Series: How to Work as a Board of Directors 

• Webinar: Recruiting and Building Strong Boards 

• Handbook: The Membership and Leadership Development Handbook shares strategies for managing conflict and how to channel its energy in a positive way. 

LWVUS 2022 Convention Registration, Training, and More 

Registration is open for the LWVUS 2022 Convention, June 23-June 27 in Denver, Colorado, and online. This is the national League’s first hybrid convention, so be sure to register for the 2022 National Convention today. 

Program Planning forms have been submitted and Leagues may want to review the program planning process as we head into the convention. You can listen to recordings of two program planning webinars: Program Planning 101 and Program Planning 102. Leagues that want to promote related items, including concurrences and studies, can send materials to cdavis@lwv.org and CC progplan@lwv.org. You can also view the concurrences (you do not need to join the group to view the documents, but if you wish to participate in any discussion, join the LWVUS 2022 Convention Program Planning group page). 

2022 Preconvention Training 

Black Voters Matter will be joining the League on Thursday, June 23 to provide training on how to lean into conflict. More details will be available soon. This session will be made available to in-person and virtual attendees. Black Voters Matter's goal is to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities. Effective voting allows a community to determine its own destiny. We agree with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said, “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” Read more about the session. 

Determining Your Convention Delegate Count 

All Leagues are invited to bring delegates to Convention. Delegates are charged with debating and voting on the business items brought to plenary. Every local League is entitled to at least one delegate, and every state League is entitled to at least three delegates. When a League’s membership reaches 50 voting members, the League shall be entitled to one additional delegate. More information can be viewed here. 

Board Recommended Program for FY22-FY24 

The LWVUS board is recommending the re-adoption of the Campaign for Making Democracy Work as the LWV program for 2022-24. More than 300 Leagues participated in the LWVUS program planning process, and all Leagues voted that the LWVUS should continue prioritizing this campaign in the next biennium. Leagues had the opportunity to indicate another position or policy that the LWVUS should work on. Staff will use those recommendations to shape the watchdog issues for the LWVUS to respond to if issues come up related to those topics. The Program Planning Committee will host a webinar on May 5, 1 p.m. PT (registration details to follow) to explain in more detail the proposed program, including recommended concurrences as well as other concurrences and requests for studies being put forward by Leagues. A new platform has been created for the LWVUS and Leagues proposing studies and concurrences to post information on their proposals and for all League members to review and engage in discussion. For questions, email us at progplan@lwv.org.  

Miscellaneous Resources 

• Organizing Resources to Build League Power: This page houses organizing trainings and recordings. 

• Presidents of the League of Women Voters of the United States: A comprehensive list of former LWVUS presidents. 

• Blog: The Woman Who Argued Rucho v. Common Cause Looks Back 

• Blog: Racial Gerrymandering and the 2021-2022 Redistricting Process 

• Blog: Evaluation Training Series: What Data Could My League Collect? 

By Callie Ridolfi, City Climate Action Committee Chair, LWV of Seattle-King County 

We don’t need to step outside to make a huge impact and protect our water, air, and future. LWV of Seattle-King County members and friends residing in King County can take a few easy actions in their home using a new climate action tool that will be rolled out in celebration of Earth Day 2022. We partnered with nonprofit Community Climate Solutions to provide this action tool for our region. 

Climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and our planet. We support climate goals and policies that are consistent with the best available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations. The Seattle-King County League’s City Climate Action Committee is committed to increasing the democratic engagement of King County residents in addressing climate change.  

For climate success, both individual household actions and policy changes are needed. Our cities need to reduce carbon emissions dramatically to meet the targets of 50% reduction by 2030 and 95% by 2050. To meet these goals, the public must be involved and empowered. Through changes big and small we can reduce carbon emissions. Seattle-King County League members and citizens in King County can use the website tool by signing up today.   

This climate action tool has been launched in over 35 cities in 10 states, including Shoreline, Redmond, and Spokane in Washington state. For most cities, residential emissions account for 40-60% of emissions, with smaller communities often having 60-90% of emissions coming from residents. That means mobilizing and engaging residents to take action is a critical component of the climate solutions pathway. If you have input or would like to discuss adding your League group or city to the tool, contact Callie Ridolfi. 

A framework of climate justice and equitable access to resources and public improvements is emerging as key to our success in decreasing carbon emissions. Systemic inequities leave frontline communities with limited opportunities for input and access to fewer resources. With the urgency of the climate crisis, community resilience requires that we promote equity for all, especially the most vulnerable.  

In February, the action committee held a climate justice forum to address the following topics: 

• What is climate justice and how can we implement it in our engagement with cities? 

• What does a fair and transparent process for delivering evidence-based results for all look like? 

• How might we uplift climate actions that promote equity, eliminate barriers, and reduce harm? 

• How might League members interact with local agencies and programs to support pro-equity actions? 

• What actions can we take to support climate equity and build community resilience? 

You can view the recording of the webinar Climate Justice: Down with Carbon Emissions—Up with Community Equity! on YouTube as well as download more resources from the climate justice topic on the City Climate Action Committee website. 

By Alison McCaffree, Census & Redistricting Issue Chair, LWV of Washington 

Join us on Tuesday, April 26 at 5 p.m. to hear Toby Nixon from the Washington Coalition for Open Government (WashCOG) discuss the Open Public Meetings Act and WashCOG’s successful lawsuit against the 2021 Redistricting Commission. Afterwards, Alison McCaffree, the LWVWA’s Redistricting Issue Chair, will facilitate a discussion on the need for more changes to the Redistricting Commission’s process and how we might go about achieving them.  

Transparency is at the heart of our representative democracy. Seeing our elected officials and those they appoint on commissions and committees do their work allows us to understand their reasoning and hold them accountable to our wishes. But transparency doesn't always happen. Last year’s Washington State Redistricting Commission negotiated behind the scenes and held a vote on maps no one had seen.  

While redistricting relies on technology and data analysis, ultimately human judgment must balance representation among various communities of interest with many needs that sometimes overlap or conflict. We must create a process that inspires trust, a process that holds commissioners accountable to communities, and ultimately, a process that gives voice to the people of Washington state. 

Redistricting reform discussion meetings will be held every other Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the following dates and topics: 

• April 26 2022: Transparency and accountability 

• May 10, 2022: Increased staffing and technology support 

• May 24, 2022: Independent citizens commission 

• June 7, 2022: Input and access 

The registration link is the same for all meetings. If you have any questions, contact Alison McCaffree.