Quick Links to Articles in this Issue
President's Letter
Save the Date
Membership
    Ambassador Corps
Voter Services
Advocacy
LWVAZ News
LWVUS News

Now Is the Time: Our Democracy Needs Us

We are living through an incredibly volatile time in American history. I’m sure many of you share the same deep concerns I have.
I worry about our democracy. On so many fronts, the guardrails that have held for over 250 years are failing. I worry about my family’s well-being as we face constant attacks on the institutions meant to keep the playing field fair. And I worry most about my children’s future—that they may not enjoy the rights and opportunities I’ve had as an American.

What keeps me from despair is history. Time and again, we’ve faced dark chapters and emerged stronger. The key has always been this: ordinary citizens step up. They fight for justice, decency, and fairness—not because it's easy, but because it's necessary.

Think of the generations before us:

• Americans sacrificed everything during WWII to defeat fascism and genocide.

• Brave citizens demanded equal rights for minorities, for women, for children.

• We fought for voting rights—for all, not just the wealthy or the powerful.

People gave their lives. Many were injured, jailed, and beaten. And yet, they persisted. Their courage saved this country. We all know examples—maybe from history books, maybe from our own families. The truth is: it’s always been ordinary people who have preserved our democracy—from tyrants, from fraud, from abuse, from injustice.
And now, it’s our turn.
We are not a perfect country. Many are left behind, left out, and left to suffer. But by not standing up now—refusing to meet this moment—would be to abandon the very foundation of America. That power belongs to the people. That liberty and justice are for all.  Still, I am hopeful. I believe that everyday Americans, people like you and me, are once again the key to saving our country in this time of great threat.
That’s why the League of Women Voters is so critical. The League provides the framework, tools, and community to help all of us become the kind of engaged citizens our nation needs right now.
Now is the time to increase your participation—through time, energy, and treasure.

• Join a community team.

• Donate to the League.

• Volunteer on a committee that’s fighting for an issue you care about.

• Reach out to LWV Metro Phoenix at infolwvmp@gmail.com to find the most impactful way for you to get involved.

• Read our Newsletter carefully—every month, dedicated volunteers are creating events, policy work, training, and tools to help us succeed in defending Democracy.

Then, share this message. Forward this Newsletter to your friends and family. Invite them to join the League, donate, or contact us.
Right now, we still have the right to assemble. We still have the right to speak our grievances. We must take full advantage of these rights—while we still can.
Let’s rise to meet this moment.
Together.

Kara Pelletier, President

LWV Metro Phoenix

Save the Date
When you click on the calendar link you will see: 
6 events in August
8 events in September
Reserve your space today.
Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.
Event Calendar

Join the LWV Metro Phoenix Youth Ambassador Corps
Mentor the Next Generation of Leaders
You are invited to join the LWV Metro Phoenix Ambassador Corps!
This new program is designed to attract youth to the League of Women Voters by offering them opportunities for civic engagement, leadership development, and meaningful incentives such as internships, and learning credits.
Our youth are deeply concerned about their futures. They want to help shape the policies that affect their lives—and inspire their peers to take action. The League already has the public policy positions, advocacy initiatives, and voter service events to engage them. Now we need experienced members like you to help guide them.
How it works:
As a mentor, you’ll be paired with a Youth Ambassador for a specific event or action—such as writing letters to the editor, using the “Request to Speak” system at the Capitol, or registering voters at community festivals. You’ll share your expertise, walk them through the process, and help them gain confidence as active defenders of democracy.
Time commitment:
Just a couple of hours a month, one-on-one, as opportunities arise.

Why become an Ambassador Corps Mentor?

• Empower the next generation of civic leaders

• Share your knowledge and experience in meaningful ways

• Help ensure our democracy remains strong for decades to come

Sign up for more information and training by emailing: infolwvmp@gmail.com

This is an exciting new program that will lay the foundation for our youth’s civic futures—and your mentorship will make all the difference.

Volunteer Opportunities! 

We have several opportunities for you in the next three months where we need YOU!
LWV MP has been invited to attend a major High School Senior Event on Sept 9 & 10!
Join us at State Farm Stadium for the 2nd Annual Tolleson Union High School District Commitment Day, 9 AM–1 PM with lunch included. This two-day event connects over 4,000 seniors and their parents with colleges, trade schools, the military, and employers.  The League of Women Voters booth will be there promoting our Youth Ambassador Corps Program, offering membership info, providing voter registration & education, and hosting games/prizes for attendees. Sign up HERE to volunteer for a shift at this exciting event.

National Voter Registration Day

On Tuesday, September 16, we will be registering voters at three  venues:

• Scottsdale Public Library, 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale. Two shifts: 10am to 1pm or 1pm to 4pm. Sign up here. 

• Burton Barr Central Library,  1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix. One shift: 10am to 2pm. Sign up here.

• South Mountain Community College Library, 7050 S 24th Street, Phoenix . One shift: 10am to 2pm. Sign up here.

Calling all Deputy Registrars!
LWV Metro Phoenix is providing the Deputy Registrars for the Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, Sept 26, at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse, 401 W Washington St,  Phoenix. If you are a Deputy Registrar, please come! Two shifts are available: 9:15-11:15 am and 12:45-2:45 pm.  Sign up here.

The Phoenix Pride Festival is a huge event for us!  Please sign up now to volunteer on  October 18 & 19.  The festival is held at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix.  It features over 150 entertainment performances on five stages with more than 300 exhibitors.  We need help at our table, informing people about the League's work, Vote411, and voter registration. It's a super fun event! Several shifts available.  Sign up here.

Dia de Los Muertos on November 1 in another fun event with lots of opportunity to interact with the public.  Location is Arizona Center, 455 N 3rd Street Phoenix. Two shifts:  5-7pm and 7-9pm

To sign up for any of these events, go to our website, LWVMetroPhoenix.org and after logging in, go to the Event Calendar to volunteer.

Voter Services Committee Meeting
All members who are interested in helping with Voter Services are invited to attend our next meeting, Wednesday, September 3 at 4:30 pm. We’ll chat about the events described above and other ways to educate voters. Looking forward to seeing you at our zoom meeting!  Register here.

Stay informed, improve your skills, get engaged, and take action! 
Thanks to you for engaging this last month, calling your representatives, attending LWV training and webinars, and including Taking Action on the Good Trouble Lives on!  Keep up the great work!

Have you ever wondered what happens during local city council or county board meetings?
The Observer Corps makes sure our members and the public know. This vital group of volunteers attends local government meetings, acting as our eyes and ears to ensure transparency and accountability.
Why is this so important? The Observer Corps reports on the decisions, discussions, and votes that shape our community. These detailed, nonpartisan reports are then shared with you, our members, and the wider public. This work is essential for a healthy democracy, as it empowers us all to make informed decisions when we vote.
We need your help! By volunteering just a few hours a month, you can help us monitor our local government and keep our community informed. No prior experience is needed; we will provide training, and it's a great way to learn about the issues that directly affect your community.

Make a difference and watch how our local government works
Sign up to learn more - we will be holding two sessions to answer any questions on the Observer Corps and whether volunteering is right for you!
Sign up for “What is the LWV MP Observer Corps?  Is Observer Corps for you?”
Session #1: Thursday, Sept 4, 4:00 pm - Register Here
Session #2: Sunday, Sept 7, 11:00 am - Register Here
Any Questions or help needed with LWVMP Advocacy - Contact AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com 

Unite and Rise 8.5 Action in Arizona

On May 1, the League of Women Voters launched Unite and Rise 8.5, an ambitious initiative to mobilize 8.5 million voters through civic engagement, education, and advocacy. As part of the broader Women Defend Democracy campaign, this initiative highlights the many ways voters can drive real change in their communities.

Unite and Rise 8.5 is a nonpartisan, non-violent initiative to engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters by the 2026 midterms through civic education, public mobilization, legal advocacy, and partnership-building—with opportunities for everyone to get involved, from local outreach to national action.
League Advocacy Begins at Home
2026 will be a pivotal year in Arizona's political landscape, and we must prepare now. Our passion and voice can create real change. Volunteer for advocacy projects and support the League's efforts to promote democracy at every level. Please complete this form, which covers some of our key initiatives.  We can't do it without you! 
Complete this form LWVAZ Advocacy Volunteer Opportunities 2025 - 2026 to get involved in projects that interest you.
No experience? No problem! Whether you're new to advocacy or want to improve your skills, our targeted education and training sessions are designed to support you every step of the way. Learn how to analyze legislation, understand issue-based advocacy, navigate VOTE411, and more. New events are posted monthly at lwvaz.org. Check the site regularly and register for trainings that will prepare you to be a powerful voice for the League's positions at the Capitol and in your community.

Quiz: Test Your Media Literacy!

Help Power the Polls:  National Poll Worker Recruitment Day

August 12, 2025 marks National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a nationwide day of action established by 

the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in 2020. This effort aims to inspire civic engagement and encourage people across the country to step up and serve as poll workers—critical roles that help ensure free, fair, and well-run elections.

There are no "off years" when it comes to defending democracy. At the League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ), we know that election preparation starts now—not just during election week. That includes recruiting and training the thousands of poll workers needed to support Arizona’s local and statewide elections. An adequate number of trained poll workers ensures that every voter has a smooth, accessible, and secure experience at the polls.

Since 2020, the League of Women Voters has partnered with Power the Polls, a nonpartisan initiative that connects individ

uals with poll worker opportunities in their local communities. This partnership allows us to direct potential recruits through a League-specific portal: powerthepolls.org/LWV. We encourage all members and supporters to help promote this link on personal and League social media platforms.

To support this national effort, LWVAZ will host two statewide informational sessions on August 20 and August 22, designed to explain the importance of poll workers and outline how local Leagues can get involved in recruitment and outreach. (See the training and education section at the start of this newsletter for session details and registration links.)

Whether you can sign up to be a poll worker yourself, or simply help spread the word, your engagement helps safeguard our elections and uplift our communities. Let’s power the polls together.

League Urges Passage of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

On July 29, the U.S. Senate introduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA)—critical legislation to protect voters from discrimination and strengthen our democracy. The League of Women Voters proudly supports this bill.

As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act this August, we are reminded of its enduring importance in guaranteeing fair access to the ballot, especially for voters of color. With voting rights under threat in many states, we urge the Senate to pass the JLVRAA without delay and uphold the promise of free and fair elections for all.
The League calls on every member of Congress to support this legislation. Contact your Senator to Support This

Actions for August

Hold Your Federal Legislators Accountable
During congressional recess periods, U.S. Senators and Representatives usually return to the state or district they represent for a state/in-district work period. When your MOCs are in your area, you can speak directly with them or their staff by visiting or calling their district offices or attending scheduled “town halls” or community events. This helps your MOCs understand their constituents’ interests and concerns, shows them that their constituents are paying attention, and compels them to put a face to their decisions, which can be much more effective than just reading stories or statistics.

To find the next congressional state/in-district work period, visit the House schedule (unhighlighted dates) and Senate schedule. Then, contact your MOC’s local office to request a meeting or find out if your MOC is participating in a town hall or other community event. You can find your MOC’s local office information on the LWV Elected Officials Finder and a non-exhaustive list of congressional community events.

Hold Congress Accountable for the One Big Beautiful Bill
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted in early July. As members of Congress head home to connect with their constituents, it’s time for us to let them know how we feel about the bill.

Tell Congress Not to Gut Medicaid Contact Your Representatives

Reject Anti-Voter Policies
The House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require citizenship documentation to register to vote—even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering.

The SAVE Act would create one more barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters do not have easy access to the necessary documents.   Tell Your Senators to Oppose the SAVE Act

LWVUS Approves Adoption of Federal Judiciary Position

June 2025, the League of Women Voters national Board was pleased to announce the adoption of the new League position on the Federal Judiciary. 

The Federal Judiciary position was adopted using the long-standing League practice of grassroots study to arrive at member understanding and agreement. 321 Leagues representing 45 states and the District of Columbia participated in the study.  

This position is now part of the League's official public policy positions and is available as a supplemental PDF document below. This position will be folded into the next edition of Impact on Issues. It will be added to the "Congress and the Presidency" subsection of the "Representative Government" section. Until that time, Leagues may refer to the document below.

Link to document on the website