April 2024 League Lookout - LWVNAZ News/Events Northern Arizona and Greater Verde Valley
| LWVNAZ Members and Supporters:
Our goal with the monthly newsletter is to provide you with a quick snapshot of our monthly events and activities all in one place. Hope you enjoy it!
We are providing information that the League is sponsoring as well as information about events that you might find of interest. Feel free to share this information with anyone you think would benefit from this information!
To get information about other league activities, see our website.
| Message from the President
Hello fellow Leaguers,
Spring is here bringing tourists and soon, our beautiful wildflowers. It is also bringing some hope to the League. The board is working hard to modify our structure so that we can continue our local league and the important roles our volunteers are filling in our communities. WE STILL NEED HELP – but things are looking a bit brighter.
Our activities are moving along as strong as ever. The Voter registration team continues to grow and spread to more locations and events as we head deeper into election season. This is our largest group of volunteers. It is often what attracts people to join the League and brings a strong sense of purpose to those who work our tables and events. If you’re unsure how to get more involved with the League – this is a great place to start.
Candidate forum planning is underway. This will likely be a particularly intense election season and you can expect to see us at forums for our local offices, providing an important service to the community. Planning for VOTE 411 is underway as well. If you haven’t yet used this site, it is a great way to learn more about national, state AND local candidates. You can be part of this effort. Expect to see content build as the general election nears.
The Voter Education program continues to seek out and plan topics of interest in our current democracy. Look for a new program in late May. If you have ideas or want to help – reach out!
We also have plans in place for our annual meeting – Monday, June 10 from 10 am to Noon at the Sedona library. See some details below and expect more next month.
Yes, a time for hope – but also still a time to help.
Yours in league,
Maryann Kenney
President LWVNAZ
| | Join with other league members for an informal get together on May 16th.
Let's get to know each other and have a drink and a snack.
Place: Firecreek Coffee Company
677 East Mingus Avenue
Cottonwood
Time: 9:00 AM - ??
| | |
The Political Book Club meets at 3:00 pm MST on the last Monday of the month.
Books for the next month will be the following:
April 29 - Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson
Cassidy Hutchinson’s desk was mere steps from the most controversial president in recent American history. Now, she provides a riveting account of her extraordinary experiences as an idealistic young woman thrust into the middle of a national crisis, where she risked everything to tell the truth about some of the most powerful people in Washington.
The only requirement to join us is to have read the book. The standard format consists of each person giving a brief (1-2 minute) statement concerning the book’s overall impressions and implications. This segment is followed by group questions and discussions of the material.
We are still meeting via Zoom. If you would like to join the group, contact ann.holland99@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom link for the meeting.
| What is VOTE411?
- Contains personalized voting information on races up
and down the ballot, including candidate and ballot
propositions, general information on elections and voting, and links to register to vote and verify registration
-
Includes detailed descriptions of the elected officials' responsibilities and an explanation of “Why You Should Care”
-
The guide is “live” from early ballot drop until the election
Why should I use VOTE411?
- Every citizen has the right and power to choose
who represents them
- Use your vote wisely; know where each candidate stands on the issues important to you
- Learn about and vote in ALL races up and down the ballot; they all matter
- Remember to vote - and tell a friend!
- Enter your address to see YOUR races, polling places, and drop box locations
- Compare the candidates’ responses side-by-side
- Create a customized ballot of your choices to use as a guide when you vote
- Register to vote
- Verify your registration status
- Find out where, how, and when you can vote
- Use a computer or mobile device
| | Did you miss it?
The two-hour PBS
Election Special
is available to watch online
| | | Watch this informative special co-sponsored by LWV Arizona
| |
Save the Date
Monday June 10
10 am - Noon
Sedona Library
| | | This year we are returning to an annual meeting with in-person voting. We'll begin with light refreshments and time to chat with other members. We'll follow with discussion of the state of our League and voting on the proposed board, budget and changes to the bylaws (we expect this will be needed to change to a more lean and flexible board structure). We'll finish with a presentation by library director Judy Poe and the important role and challenges for today's libraries.
All members will receive an information packet before the meeting with the proposed board, budget and bylaw changes. Member input is encouraged.
Agenda and details will be coming next month.
Please plan to join us!
| |
Candidate Forums
Would you like to help?
| | | The Candidate Forum team is making great progress and a number of important forums are in the works, but supporting helpers are still needed. If you would like to serve as a timekeeper, staff an information table or help as needed please reach out to lwvnaz@gmail.com. We'll put you in touch with the team leaders. | |
Upcoming
Statewide Events
| | |
The 2024 State council is hosted by LWV of Arizona and LWV of Greater Tucson. Conventions promote education, networking, community building, and efficient league business. Amid critical elections, our mission is clear to empower voters, defend democracy, and prioritize equity by focusing on women voters, underrepresented groups, and inclusivity. This year's Council allows for electing a President-Elect for 2025-2026, approving budget adjustments from May 2023, revising LWVAZ Education policy, and amending bylaws for LWVUS compliance.
The attached flyer contains more information on the program and registration. LWVNAZ can send 4 official delegates and the President or alternate. Any member can attend as a non-voting delegate. This is a great time to connect and meet old friends. If you are interested in attending please let the board know at lwvnaz@gmail.com
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MAY 1
| |
Arizona for Abortion Access Campaign and League Involvement | | | LWV Northern Arizona Collecting Signatures for
ARIZONA FOR ABORTION ACCESS CAMPAIGN
UPDATE
About the Campaign
Arizona for Abortion Access is a coalition of reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations working to ensure Arizonans can make the decisions that are best for them and their families — free from government interference.
This initiative will protect abortion access in Arizona and ensure every person can make this deeply personal decision with dignity. The “Arizona Abortion Access Act” would enshrine the fundamental right to abortion in Arizona’s constitution: Arizona for Abortion Access Website
LWV’s Role in the Campaign
The LWV Arizona has a key role as a member of the field committee organized under the auspices of Health Care Rising (HCR). The deadline for submitting signatures to the Arizona Secretary of State is July 3, 2024. Our goal is to submit our petitions to the campaign by June 30, 2024, to allow time for the campaign to quality-check the petitions.
Word is that opponents of this amendment plan to spend $3M to dispute signatures. We need a very large buffer. So Keep on collecting signatures! If you need another petition - I still have some! Contact Robyn at rcpbauer@gmail.com to get one.
| |