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MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2024
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Happy June to all members! This month celebrates diversity and inclusion across the land. Pride Month allows us to demonstrate our solidarity with family members, friends, and colleagues in all efforts to support the rights of everyone. This work continues throughout the year with our support of the Phoenix Pride Festival. LWVMP has a long history of supporting this event and engaging with participants to highlight the League’s work on supporting democracy. Volunteers are critical for the success of this effort and any interested members should reach out for further information Phoenix Pride Festival Tabling .
June also marks the start of the summer efforts to support free and fair elections during this important election cycle. LWVMP Voter Services team members are engaging with groups across the region to provide information about the importance of participation to make sure that all voices are heard. Our local league will be working with LWVAZ to update the Vote 411 site to provide clear information about candidates and ballot initiatives. We are also encouraging members to serve as Poll Watchers or Poll Workers to support the state and county efforts to provide secure and safe election processing.
New Board for 2024-25
We have had the opportunity to meet with members at our annual business meeting where our new board was elected and all other business activities were completed. We are fortunate that the board is experienced and highly engaged in the core activities of the League.
President: Marcia Barry
President Elect: Kara Pelletier
Secretary: Gretchen Bolerjack
Treasurer: Cricket Mitchell
Membership Chair: Alexis Lane
Nominations Chair: Jean Conway
Forum/Debates Chair: Cindy Walsh
Communications Chair: Connie Cornelius
Advocacy Chair: OPEN
If you are interested in learning more about the important work of these committees or how to join the efforts, please reach out to me for information at infolwvmp@gmail.com
Watch the League in Action!
The LWVUS Convention is being held in Washington DC June 27-30. Quick! There is still the opportunity to participate virtually in this important election year. It is a great opportunity to hear first hand about the League’s efforts across the country to fight for voters’ rights and to protect democracy. If you are interested in learning more about the Convention and how to participate, please go to this LINK. Registration closes June 10.
Plans for the Upcoming Year
This year presents us with challenges and enormous opportunities to stand up for democracy and the rights of all to participate in the electoral process. Voter services will be a linchpin of activities as we move towards election day. Clear and objective education about candidates and ballot initiatives is important ongoing work for the League.
The work does not end on election day - post election challenges are expected and the League will be active whenever appropriate.
In League Service,
Marcia Barry, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
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2024 LWVAZ Council Meeting
Delegates to the LWVAZ Council meeting had the opportunity to collaborate on the framework for VOTE411 and network with League partners from across the state. We enjoyed an informative presentation by Dr. Millicent M.Pepion, Tribal Liaison for the Arizona Secretary of State. In addition to the standard board actions, revisions to the league’s public policy position on Education was adopted and Emily Bridson of LWVGT was elected as President-Elect. | |
Save these dates!
Click on the links to register...
Wednesday, June 12, 10:30 - Noon: Voter Election Information at Manor Village at Desert Ridge, 5560 E Deer Valley Dr, Phoenix 85054. Signup link: Voter Election Information at Manor Village
Friday, June 14, 9:00-11:15 am or 11:00-1:00 pm: Voter Registration at Keys to Change (formerly Human Services Campus), 1214 W Madison ST, Phoenix 85007. Signup Link: Voter Registration at Keys to Change
Saturday, June 15: “Calling all Petitions” Please return all outstanding AAA petitions to your nearest hub by 6/15. Be in touch with lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com with any questions.
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In keeping with our Pride theme this month of June, please save the date and volunteer for the October 19/20 Phoenix Pride Festival Tabling. We still need tabling captains for Saturday, the Saturday afternoon just needs to put things away on site and is a great way to start. This is a very critical event on getting the word out for Election information and VOTE411. Link: Phoenix Pride Festival Tabling
Checkout these Volunteer Opportunities (remember to login to League website)
Voter Election Information at Manor Village at Desert Ridge June 12, 10:30 am - Noon, Join Kara for this fun, relaxing, indoor event providing voter education and registration to senior citizens. (Location: 5560 E Deer Valley Dr, Phoenix 85054) Link: Voter Election Information at Manor Village
Voter Services Meeting - July 16, 4:30 pm. Main topic will be to continue planning for and going over upcoming voter registration and GOTV events. Register here: Voter Services Jul 16 MTG registration link.
No Voter Services meeting in June, but mark your calendar for September 10, 4:30 pm when we will have a quick review of how to do voter registration and confirm events for September and October. Voter Services Sep 10 MTG registration link |  | | | |
Abortion Access Petition Gathering Status
The LWVAZ has collected over 4300 signatures, ranking fourth among nine organizations. Approximately 125 members across the state contributed to this effort! As an all-volunteer organization, this is a remarkable achievement. We thank members who have collected signatures with LWV and with other organizations. All these efforts support our ultimate goal to put AAA on the November ballot and to succeed in passing it as an Arizona constitutional amendment. We are now focused on a final push to collect signatures and then gather and turn in all petitions with signatures by June 15th to coincide with statewide coalition petition round-up events.
Why June 15th?
AAA needs time to log each petition and conduct a QA review before submitting them to the Secretary of State's office by July 3rd. This preparation ensures we are ready if an unusual number of signatures are contested.
Next Steps for LWVAZ members:
Continue Collecting Signatures through June 15!
Check Mobilize for the June 15th Statewide Petition Round-up locations
Be ready for Phase 2: Get out the Vote! |  | | | |
Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming our five New League Members who joined in the month of May: Molly Jisa, Carolyn Pitre Qright, Rei Tedoco, Elizabeth Wilson, and Lynne Swindell.
And, thank you to all our 15 Renewing Members: Eric Ehst, Doreen Feldberg, Jan Felton, Monica & Terry Goddard, Julie & John Gunnigle, Candace Hughes, David Hyson, Janet Kerby, Karen Nally, Eadie Rudder, Brandy Reese, Gitelle Seer, and Kathryn Wilke.
Engagement Highlights
As our League continues to grow, it’s important to remember that our diversity is our strength. Help us increase our representation of people from all different walks of life who share our passion to empower voters and protect democracy. Election Day will be here in no time, and we can all make a BIG difference when we encourage all eligible voters to cast their ballots and make their voices heard. |  | |
Dive into Democracy Truth Podcasts by LWVAZ!
Empower and educate yourself as a voter with the Democracy Truth Podcast series. This engaging series tackles crucial topics in bite-sized, 7-minute episodes, perfect for fitting into your busy schedule.
Here's what you can expect:
Clear and Concise Explanations: Learn about essential voting matters like the importance of primaries, early voting options, understanding ballot measures, and the power of voting in local elections.
Flexible Listening Formats: Choose your preferred way to listen! With Spotify, YouTube, Podbean, and other options, listen to the podcasts on whichever platform works best for you.
Why Listen?
Be an Informed Voter: Gain the knowledge and confidence to educate voters, friends, families, and others.
Advocate for Democracy: Deepen your understanding of key voting issues and share them with your community.
Support LWVAZ: By listening to the podcast, you're supporting the League's mission to empower voters and safeguard democracy.
Start Listening Today! Democracy Truth Podcast by LWVAZ. | | |  |  | |
Defend Democracy and Women’s Rights!
Help Shape Arizona's Future: Ballot Measures Review and Analysis
Arizona's upcoming election cycle presents a crucial opportunity to support causes and positions we care about as the League of Women Voters. Your involvement is essential in reviewing and analyzing over thirty ballot measures that will impact our democracy and the issues we hold dear.
Join our dedicated teams and contribute your expertise to two key priorities:
1️⃣ The Secretary of State Publicity Pamphlet: “Help the League of Women Voters of Arizona Submit Compelling Arguments for the Secretary of State's Publicity Pamphlet”
We need your support to prepare and submit compelling arguments for or against the propositions in the Secretary of State's Publicity Pamphlet. This is a critical part of informing voters and shaping public opinion.
Key Dates:
June 10: All our work must be ready.
June 20: Final submission deadline.
Your involvement is crucial to ensuring our perspectives are well-represented in this important publication: Sign up now
2️⃣ VOTE411 Voter Education
Analyze all ballot measures for VOTE411, providing balanced, neutral, and nonpartisan information to educate voters. Your insights will help voters make informed decisions on Election Day.
How it works and ways in which you can get involved:
We have formed ten Ballot Proposition Analysis Teams, covering various subject areas, including Government, Elections, Women's Rights, Education, and more. Choose your area of interest and join a team to make a meaningful impact on the upcoming election. As a team member, you will:
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Analyze relevant documents
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Prepare drafts for arguments in support of or opposition to propositions
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Craft balanced arguments for and against propositions to be published in both English and Spanish on VOTE411 (VOTE411 is the League’s digital voter guide)
Your contributions will help ensure voters have access to clear, well-reasoned information to make informed decisions on Election Day. Please join us in this critical endeavor to uphold democracy and support the causes we believe in. Sign up now and let's make a difference together!
Questions? Contact the Advocacy at LWVAZAdovacy@gmail.com or email the Activity Coordinator at magiles19@gmail.com. | LWV METRO PHOENIX BOARD OF DIRECTORS | LWV Metro Phoenix Board of Directors
Officers
President: Marcia Barry
President Elect: Kara Pelletier
Secretary: Gretchen Bolerjack
Treasurer, Finance and Development Committee Chair: Barbara Cricket Mitchell
Board of Directors
Advocacy Committee Chair:
Communications Committee Chair: Connie Cornelius
Forums Committee Chair: Cindy Walsh
League Representative to State Board: Gitelle Seer
Membership Committee Chair: Alexis Lane
Nominations Committee Chair: Jean Conway
Voter Services Chair: Gretchen Bolerjack
Contact us at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com | | I hope you have enjoyed reading this issue of Members Matter! Feel free to share your feedback, ask questions, or request additional information about the League. You may email me at the Contact Us email listed above.
In League Service,
Marcia Barry, LWVMP President | | | |
LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved | |