Quick Links to Articles in this Issue
President's Message
Save The Date
Voter Services
Advocacy
Fundraising
Membership
LWVUS News
LWVAZ News

Dear~~first_name~~,
Congratulations to our Metropolitan Phoenix League for launching the Youth Ambassador Corps last month! We have already enrolled our first youth member, and we are thrilled to see this program take off. A special thank-you to our Corps Team of volunteer members who built this program: Marica, Maddie, Cindy, Mary Beth, Mihika, Molly, Jean, and Kara.

The Ambassador Corps is a certificate-based experience where League members mentor young people in democracy—from understanding legislation and voter registration to policy advocacy and leadership. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, email us at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com.

For the past four years, your League has steadily built momentum around youth engagement—and it’s paying off. We’ve been invited to major youth events across the Valley, including Tolleson Career Days, where we connected with hundreds of students, registered dozens of new voters, and promoted both the Ambassador Corps and the League. New partners such as Ombudsman High School and Lush Cosmetics, to name just a few, are now inviting us to educate and register young voters. With more youth-focused events scheduled for fall and spring, our reach will continue to expand.

Here’s the challenge: Our League runs entirely on volunteers, but engaging young people effectively takes funding—recruitment materials, event fees, TikTok and Instagram videos, and the swag and games that draw students to our tables. These tools are not extras; they’re essential to inspiring the next generation.

That’s why we need you. Please consider donating today. Whether it’s $10 a month or a one-time gift, your support goes directly to youth programs that are preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we’re ensuring that the League remains a powerful force for democracy—today and for the future.
In League Spirit,
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
Donate now. Invest in youth. Invest in democracy.  Please Donate

Save the Date

When you click on the calendar link, for the month of October, you will see... 
 [25 events]

Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.


Event Calendar

Your Voice, Your Action, Your Democracy

First of all, a big THANK YOU to all the members who helped with the Tolleson High School event, the Naturalization Ceremony & Voter Registration day events in September.  We could not do all that we do without you!!

Volunteer Opportunities! 

We have several tabling volunteer opportunities over the next few weeks. All involve interacting with members of the public, informing them about the League’s work, Vote411, and assisting them with voter registration. We welcome your help at these busy events! 

PHXPride on October 18 & 19 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix.

We will be tabling at this family fun event on both days and need help interacting with event attendees. This event is always popular, and we consistently attract enthusiastic attendees who stop by our booth. The vibe is fun! Several different shifts are available on each day, so please sign up. Volunteer here

Most Urgent Need for Volunteers

ASU Sun Devil Advocacy Fair on Oct 29 at 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale. We will be chatting with students, inviting them to register to vote, and informing them about the League. Tabling volunteers needed to help between 10 am - 1 pm.   Volunteer here

Día de los Muertos on Nov 1 at Arizona Center, 455 N 3rd St, Phoenix. This is a lively and fun event with numerous opportunities for interaction with the public. Two shifts: 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm and 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.   Volunteer here

Sunnyslope College & Career Fair on Nov 7 at 35 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix. An opportunity to meet many potential youth voters. Tabling help needed between 9:30 and 11:45 am. Volunteer here

ELECTIONS 2025

Be Ready for November 4,  Maricopa County  Elections!

Visit the League’s Vote411.org site to learn about the elections and candidates on your ballot. The site provides personalized, nonpartisan information tailored to your voting location.

Here are the key dates to remember:

• Oct 6, 2025 — Last Day to register to vote for this election 

• Oct 8, 2025 — Early voting begins; ballots mailed out

• Oct 24, 2025 — Last day to request a ballot by mail 

• Oct 28, 2025 — Mail-back ballot deadline (i.e., ballots must be mailed by this date)

• Nov 4, 2025 — Election Day (ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m)

Important Propositions:

All Maricopa County voters will be asked to vote on Proposition 409, which would authorize $898 million in bonds to expand Valleywise Health's inpatient capacity, thereby strengthening the emergency and trauma services that care for individuals with life-threatening injuries and burns. The bonds will be repaid with secondary property taxes. VOTE411 includes an analysis of this proposition. Many of our school districts will also have bond and/or override measures on the ballot. Because these affect operational funding or capital improvements, they are important local decisions. You can find election details for your school district at 2025 Bond and Override Elections.

Maricopa County Elections has helpful tools and information for all voters. Visit BeBallotReady.Vote to verify your registration status and ensure your information is correct. Visit their FAQ Page for more info. 

Please help spread the word! 

We need your help: Be the Eyes and Ears of Your Community!

Well done to everyone who took action last month! We are making a difference, and we need your help more than ever - see below for opportunities, including joining the Advocacy Committee itself.

Challenge: Attend a  Local Government Meeting for the League and See your Government in Action!

Try it once as a learning experience. If you like it, consider volunteering just a few hours a month.  You can make a real difference by attending local government meetings and reporting back to the League. The Observer Corps promotes transparency and accountability, helping everyone make informed voting decisions.

Ready to get involved? No experience needed—we provide all the observer training needed. Just a few hours a month can have a huge impact. Email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com  to learn more and chat with a team member.

Where we need Observer Corps:

We've already covered Mesa City Council and Maricopa County Board of Supervisor meetings.
We need more volunteers to cover these and other local government boards across Maricopa County - Consider volunteering today.

You can Make a Difference - Your Voice Matters!
Take action now and join the LWVMP Advocacy Committee.  Register Here, We help keep our democracy safe, share common causes, and make new friends - all while working locally. We take positions on matters of public policy, promoting awareness and common-sense change in a nonpartisan fashion. As part of the advocacy team, your contributions will make a difference in our Metro Phoenix area.

• Make your voice heard!  Participate in monthly committee meetings and discussions.

• Assist in the development and execution of advocacy work – every little helps, the more help we get the more work can be done!

The time commitment is up to you. We aim to make participation flexible, including options for virtual and in-person attendance. Learn more at our next virtual Advocacy Meeting on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30-7:00pm. Register Here,  If you cannot join us this time, we have more meetings on the calendar for Nov 18 and Jan 13. Email us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com 

Volunteers are needed!

Invest in Democracy: Support the League

Power Our League — Join the Fundraising Team!
The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix is on the move—defending democracy, shaping policy, and empowering voters. But every action we take needs fuel, and that’s where you come in.

If you checked “Fundraising” as an area of interest when you joined, now’s your moment! We’re gearing up for exciting fall campaigns and need creative, motivated members to help make this happen.  Email infolwvmp@gmail.com to join the Fundraising Team!

🔹Stay Connected: If you haven’t already, be sure to join both LWVMP and LWVAZ Outreach Circle as a supporter. This helps us stay better connected and keep you informed on events, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
🔹 Name Badges: Do you have a League name badge? You can request one here. Wearing your badge at events makes it easier for community members and fellow League members to connect with you.
🔹 Community Teams:  With the cooler weather approaching, our Community Teams will be starting soon! Keep watch for more updates on opportunities to engage in grassroots democracy and connect with your community.

NorthEast Valley Community team event Saturday, November 15, 2025, 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Register now.

Youth Ambassador Corps Launching in September
LWV Metro Phoenix is thrilled to announce that application are now open for the Ambassador Corps!
This new program gives young people a real voice in shaping their communities and democracy—while building leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience, and making real change.
If you know someone 16–29 who’s interested in government, political science, or passionate about issues like college costs, health care, criminal justice, the environment, or voting rights - connect them to us. The Ambassador Corps at LWVMP will channel their energy into an effective program with tangible results.
We’ll provide the structure, mentorship, community service opportunities, and leadership training. They’ll bring the passion. Together, we’ll prepare the next generation to lead—and protect our democracy.

LWVUS is joining No Kings 2 as a national partner on Saturday, October 18.  LWV stands in solidarity with partners against hate and authoritarianism. 
Mark your calendar, turn up in person, be proud in your LWV gear!  Many other leaguers will be going too … reach out to your friends to coordinate which location you will attend - find events here.  

Before you go, read LWV’s Protest Safety Guidance - Stay Safe while we make our voice heard.

What is No Kings National Day of Action?

NO KINGS is a peaceful national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration. 

“LWVUS has decided to become an official partner for this day of mobilization to stand in solidarity with partners and stand up against hate and authoritarianism. The League has consistently and boldly spoken up in the face of rising authoritarianism. This is an opportunity to put words into action and show up in defense of democracy and as an effective ally. "We encourage Leagues to lean in locally and participate in activities with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner. We understand that we cannot control how other partners show up, and participating in any event comes with some risk.“ Dianna Wynn, President, League of Women Voters (US)

Guidance from LWVUS: “If representing the League or wearing LWV shirts (which we encourage), please use good judgment when creating signs and participating in nonpartisan chants.”

Calling for Public Comments.  Deadline October 20.  

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is considering a rule that would significantly increase the difficulty for Americans to register to vote in Federal elections. Much like the SAVE Act, this proposal would require Americans to present specific, costly, and hard-to-access documents, such as passports, before registering to vote. An estimated 21 million Americans could be shut out from the ballot box, particularly rural voters, students, women, communities of color, and members of the military.

Over 200,000 comments have already been submitted in support of this change. The majority of Americans oppose it — add your voice and join them in speaking out!

Click here to read more and submit your comment. https://donate.lwv.org/s/4083086/LZSaryWXClick. Submit your comment by Oct.20, 2025.

Apply to join the LWVUS Leadership

Applications for the 2026-2028 LWVUS Board and Nominating Committee are now open through 12/1: The LWVUS Nominating Committee is accepting applications for the following positions: 

• LWVUS Board of Directors (see position description and application) 

• LWVUS Officers (see position descriptions and application) 

• LWVUS Nominating Committee (see position description and application) 

• LWVUS Nominating Committee Chair (see position description and application) 

• For more information, visit LWVUS Nominating Committee FAQs or email NominatingCommittee@lwv.org 

League Advocacy Begins at Home 

2026 will be a pivotal year in Arizona's political landscape, and we must prepare now. Your passion, your voice, and your dedication can create real change. Volunteer for advocacy projects and support the League's efforts to protect democracy!  

Complete this form, LWVAZ Advocacy Volunteer Opportunities 2025-2026 to get involved in projects that interest you. We can't do it without you!
No experience? No problem! Whether you're new to advocacy or want to enhance 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 each month at lwvaz.org. Visit the site regularly and sign up for training that will prepare you to be a strong voice for the League's positions at the Capitol and in your community.

Defend Democracy.  Every action counts. When we all step up, we make a difference.

Fight Against Voter Suppression of Long Term Arizona Voters!

Thousands of Arizona citizens (83,000 in Maricopa County alone) are currently at risk of losing their ability to fully exercise their voting rights in future elections due to legal issues at the state level, where they have been assigned a Documented Proof of Citizenship (DPOC) status – limiting them to receiving Federal only ballots.
LWVAZ has partnered with One Arizona to take action on this issue by notifying Arizona voters on the DPOC list about their current status and urging them to check their registration status prior to the next election. 

Take action with us to ensure every voice is heard.  ✨ Two ways to take action 

Experienced Phone Bankers — Call on Your Own Schedule Use your skills to help protect Arizona voters. Make calls anytime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., from wherever is convenient for you.
Registration link to receive instructions and information  Your confirmation email will provide instructions and link to make phone calls.

New or hesitant volunteers -  Community Phone Banks (via Zoom):
Join one of our Community Phone Banks. You’ll get step-by-step support from experienced members, and we’ll be on Zoom together as a team. 
Tues, Oct 14 – 6:30 PM - Register now!
Fri, Oct 24 – 11:00 AM - Register now!
Sat, Nov 1 – 1:00 PM - Register now!

Together, we can build community, empower voters, and protect every Arizona voter’s right to be heard. Thank you for stepping up to defend democracy!

Join a LWV AZ Public Policy Positions Study Team

At the 2025 LWVAZ Biennial Convention, members reviewed our Public Policy Positions and set priorities for the years ahead. The work ahead now requires your participation.
Approved Studies & Reviews:
New Study on Housing – developing a state position on housing.
Medical Aid in Dying – study launched in 2023, still in progress.
Ongoing Reviews – Election Systems (last updated 2017), Legislative & Congressional Redistricting (2005), and Initiative & Referendum (1970s).
Study teams are how we develop or update League positions. Each team (minimum three members and a chair) conducts research, ensures statewide representation, and brings recommendations forward for adoption by members. Teams may recommend revised or new positions for adoption through concurrence (verbatim adoption of another League’s position), consensus (member agreement after study and discussion).
This is the work that defines our advocacy and allows us to Speak with One Voice on the issues we care about most.
👉Click here to volunteer:  Public Policy Study Volunteer Sign Up
Your voice and participation will shape the League’s ability to advocate effectively across Arizona. 

  Democracy needs more than believers—it needs doers.  You are already a valued member of the League; now, take the next step. Stand up. Speak out. Take action. Let’s “make good trouble” together and keep our democracy strong.
Share your thoughts with us—this is how change happens. You may email me at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com
In League Service,
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix

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