by Amanda Clark, LWVWA Nominating Committee

The League-co-sponsored senatorial and secretary of state debates haven’t been held as I write this, and I’m really looking forward to them. The League-sponsored debates are always among the best—the questions are nonbiased and fair and deal with important issues, not "gotchas."

League candidate forums and debates are at the forefront of our mission to empower voters and defend democracy. The Board member whose portfolio is Voter Services will spearhead these debates, but with lots of help from local Leagues, committee members, and in some cases, like these upcoming debates, local newspapers and other nonpartisan organizations.

The Voter Services portfolio is just one of the many portfolios a Board member could have. The Civics Education portfolio may involve promoting our textbook, The State We’re In, to schools around the state, or possibly help local Leagues develop plans to work with area high schools to register students. Last month Mary Coltrane, Program Chair, discussed the importance of studies in developing League positions,  one part of the League's Program of Work.

The specifics of a particular portfolio may change, depending on the needs of the Board and the League, and it’s possible that a board member can develop a new portfolio.

In last month's In League, Shelley Jones, chair of the Nominating Committee, encouraged League members to apply for the Board, whatever their experience and interests. There will be a portfolio that suits you, whether it’s secretary or fundraising or communications or voter services or even something that you think the Board needs that you can supply. And serving on the Board can give you the opportunity to exercise your talent while helping the League toward its goals.

Don’t be shy. You do have something to offer. You can find more information about the Board and an application in the Members section of the State League website or by going directly to https://www.lwvwa.org/Nominating-Committee.