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MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
April 2025
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As I read through this month’s newsletter, I’m inspired by the powerful ways our community is stepping up — staying informed, taking action, and standing strong in the face of growing threats to the values and institutions we hold dear. Let’s be honest, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So much of what we’re seeing in the news runs counter to our League’s mission of Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy. But these heavy emotions? They can fuel us.
Psychologist Adam Grant says it best:
Outrage is a signal to speak up.
Anxiety is a prompt to prepare.
Disappointment is a cue to persist.
Pain reveals principles — where we hurt is a clue to what we value.
And our members are showing what they value every single day — by raising their voices, showing up, and defending democracy in ways big and small. Together we have the power to transform our community!
This spring, you have a chance to take part in shaping the future of our work. Don’t miss these key events:
Metro Phoenix Annual Meeting – April 27 (on Zoom)
LWVAZ Biennial Convention – May 17–18 (in person)
These gatherings are your opportunity to engage with fellow members, hear plans for the year ahead, vote on policy priorities, and help elect our next leadership team. Your voice matters — and this is where it counts.
If you are looking for ways to take action right now, check out all of the opportunities outlined in the LWVAZ Advocacy in Action. You can also head over to the LWV.org blog and check out “Grassroots Activism: You Can Take Action!” for additional practical tips and inspiration.
And to all our new members — welcome! We’re thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to work alongside you.
In League Service,
Marcia Barry, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
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Wednesday, April 16, 6-7 pm: Voter Services Zoom Meeting. Meeting focus will be "Meet Your New Voter Services Chairs!" Register Here
Saturday, April 19, 2:00-3:30 pm: League Conversation with ACLU Arizona: Legal Pathways and Actions Defending Democracy Join the LWVAZ and ACLU Arizona Executive Director, Victoria López and Policy Strategist, Katelynn Contreras for a dynamic, action-focused discussion on defending democracy. Learn about the ACLU’s strategies and discover concrete steps you can take to support us in this vital work. Register Here
Tuesday, April 22, 6:00-7:30 pm: Questions and Answers in advance of the Annual Business Meeting. This Meeting is intended for any member to raise questions or clarifications on the agenda items to be covered in our Annual Business Meeting, April 27, 2025. Register Here
Sunday, April 27, 1-4 pm: LWVMP 2025 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Please join us for our 2025 Annual Meeting. It is open to all members, via Zoom. Register Here
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18: LWVAZ BIENNIAL CONVENTION- WOMEN RISE UP: Boldly Taking Action to Defend Democracy. Join us for the 2025 LWVAZ Convention, held at the Cambria Hotel, Desert Ridge. During this two-day event, we’ll Rise Up for Democracy with courage, perseverance, and bold action. This is your chance to be part of Our Bold, Courageous Response: A Movement for the Moment, Boldly answering the Call to Defend and Preserve Democracy. Register now, and let’s build a stronger League for the years ahead. |  | Annual Business Meeting Agenda
Voting Items
- Proposed budget for 2025-2026
- Elections of Secretary, and two open elected board of director positions
- LWVMP Public Policy Position on Housing
- Proposed NEW local public policy studies for which there are at least three committed members who will undertake the study. Proposals for studies should be submitted in writing to infolwvmp@gmail.com including the names of the three league members who are willing to conduct the study. The proposals for public policy positions must address local issues, not state or national issues.
Overview of Business Meeting
Member involvement is our priority, so please come prepared to participate fully.
- We will conduct all business in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.
- Marcia Barry, LWVMP President will officiate our annual meeting.
- All comments or questions from the floor will be addressed to the officiant, Marcia Barry
- No new amendments will be permitted.
- Motions to amend cannot change the basic premise of the proposed amendment offered in the original motion. If, after discussion, you do not agree with the proposed change, simply vote against the motion.
Documents to be reviewed in preparation for the meeting
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LWVMP Nominating Committee Report
for April 27, 2025 Annual Meeting
The Nominating Committee included the following participants:
Jean Conway – Chair
Alexis Lane – Board Member
Emra Muslim – Appointed Non-Board Member
Diana Nasban - Elected Non-Board Member
Pinny Sheoran – Appointed Non-Board member
The Nominating Committee first met in January 2025. We were tasked with the goal of filling five open positions: 2 from the Executive Committee including President-Elect (1 year term) & Secretary (2 year term), and 2 non-officer Director Positions (2 year term) and the Nominating Chair (2 year term). Announcements for the open positions with job descriptions were placed in the January, February & March Members Matter Newsletters; Homepage of the LWVMP Website; Correspondence with each LWVMPl member; and, at our All Member Event in February. Board members and Committee Chairs were asked to help publicize the openings.
The Nominating Committee received interest from six LWVMP members and applications from five. The Committee interviewed all applicants
According to our Bylaws, Article IX, Section 2. Nominations Report, the Chair of the Nominating Committee presents a slate of all potential candidates to the Board for all open elected positions.
It is my honor as Chair of the Nominating Committee to place the following names in nomination to fill the open Officer Board positions:
President-Elect: Vacant
Secretary: Gretchen Bolerjack
It is my honor as Chair of the Nominating Committee to place the following names in nomination for the elected non officer Director positions and the Nominating Chair.
Nominating Committee Chair: Suzanne Miller
Director: Mark Giles
Director: Emra Muslim
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Conway
Nominating Committee Chair | |
Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Civic Leaders!
Do you know someone aged 16 to 25? We need their input!
We're building a Youth Ambassador Corps for the League of Women Voters MP, and we want to hear from passionate young individuals who are eager to make a difference. This survey is their chance to help shape the future of civic engagement and advocacy. Please share this Link with youth to complete the survey.
 What is the Youth Ambassador Corps?
The Corps will be a dynamic group of young leaders committed to advancing democratic engagement, voter education, and policy advocacy. As part of the Corps, ambassadors will play a key role in voter registration efforts, educational outreach, and advocacy campaigns—while gaining valuable leadership experience. Over time, we aim for these ambassadors to become the next generation of board members and committee leaders, guiding the future of LWV Metropolitan Phoenix.
Please Support the Cause
Do you believe in empowering youth for civic engagement? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to League Activities and designate it for Unrestricted Use. Your support will directly fund this initiative, giving young people the chance to drive change.
The next Voter Services meeting is Wednesday April 16, at 6:00 pm. Link: Voter Services April MTG. Meet your new Voter Services Chairs: Dawn Reeths and Jackie Giles. | |
Thank you to everyone who participated and took action last month!
Your actions make a difference.
Here are some highlights of how our members took action this month:
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Called their representatives to stop the SAVE Act or for other issues.
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Did you see the opinion article in the Daily Independent? Such a great example of advocacy by Pinny Shearon, MP Member and President of LWVAZ.
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While not everyone can have their opinion published, we can all express our sentiments and share them with friends and family. It’s not too late—you can spur them into action to stop the SAVE Act—talk to them now!
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Completed RTS Actions to make our voice heard in the State Legislative process
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Attended the meetings on “consensus discussion to provide input to the LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study” - they shared their opinions and ideas, which will be part of the consensus process.
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Attended the “HandsOff!” events across the valley on April 5th. The day of mobilization was supported by LWVUS (though not organized by LWV) and allowed many members to join with tens of thousands of others from the community to ensure our voices were heard. Here is a picture of some of our members—advocacy in action!
Upcoming Advocacy in Action :
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Look for opportunities to make your voice heard, on LWVAZ Advocacy in Action for April.
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Register for Zoom on April 19, 2 PM, to hear and discuss “League Conversation with ACLU Arizona: Legal Pathways and Actions Defending Democracy.” Learn about the ACLU’s strategies and discover concrete steps you can take to support us in this vital work.
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Attend our LWV of Metro Phoenix Annual Business Meeting 2025 - Zoom on April 27, 1 PM
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May 17-18, consider joining us in-person in North Scottsdale, at the 2025 LWVAZ Biennial Convention: League Women Rise Up - Boldly Defending Democracy. Find out more and register here.
Any Questions or help needed with LWVMP Advocacy - Contact AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com or text Mark at 707-701-3399 | |
Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming ten New League Members who joined in the month of March: Marie Brown, Ardella Foster, Ellen Gilbert, Liane Kerkman, Jessica Lasky, Gail Moore, Traci Nelson, Erica Sieff, Maddie Tung, and Opal Wagner.
And, thank you to our Renewing Member, Evangeline Song.
Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and democracy allies to Join the League today. | Links to the LWVAZ Convention
| 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: Mark Giles
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 infolwvmp@gmail.com.
In League Service,
Marcia Barry, LWVMP President | | | |
LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018 | 858.220.0655
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