The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) held its biennial convention June 24, 25, and 26, 2022, at Denver, CO. The Northern Arizona League (LWVNAZ) had three voting delegates: Maryann Kinney, President LWVNAZ; Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer, 40+ year member of LWV; and Jan Anderson, former LWVNAZ Board of Directors. Through the magic of technology, Maryann and Jan were able to attend virtually with approximately 600 other League members via Zoom plus another 300 in-person delegates in Colorado.
These biennial meetings represent a lot of work for both LWV staff, presenters and delegates to determine the focus and priorities for the League. The delegates vote on recommendations, bylaws, and resolutions. One of the first items was to retain the League’s current positions in four areas (there is more information at lwvus.org):
Representative Government
International Relations
Natural Resources
Social Policy
Two concurrence items, meaning the work has already been accomplished by a state and national can adopt the position, were recommended and approved:
California’s Criminal Justice position (LWVAZ adopted last year)
New York’s Healthcare position
Another position was voted by the delegates for adoption:
Connecticut’s Digital Equity supported by the rural caucus
There was approval for Make Democracy Work with five components:
Voting Rights
Improve Elections
Campaign Finance and Money
Redistricting
Direct election of the President by popular vote to include National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) and abolishment of the electoral college by constitutional amendment.
Other items to be elevated were approved by the delegates:
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Immigration
Climate Emergency
D.C. Statehood
Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
Reproductive Choice
There were approximately 60 informational, educational sessions from which to choose five to attend. Some of the titles were:
Monetary Principles to Make Democracy Work,
UN Climate Conference — What it’s all about? (You can sign-up to be an observer.)
Maximizing Election Outreach Through Partnerships
Crisis in Health Care - Quality, Equity, and Affordability: The Search for Solutions
How Do We Move from ‘Us vs. Them’ to “Me and You’?
Combatting Mis- and Disinformation in Your Community: Understanding it and Effective Response Strategies
We thought we were back in school and there would be a test!
LWVUS Bylaws were also amended to change the membership model. In the future members will join/renew via a national portal. Membership will be managed nationally and portions of dues will then be sent to states and locals. This change will occur over the next two years. As changes evolve, we will keep members informed. In the meantime, we ask for your patience as we navigate changing systems.
And, to end on a light note, watch Oh Democracy – very fun and effective video from LWV Snohomish county at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjpU9_wFtr4
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