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President's Message
Save the Date
Membership
Voter Services
Advocacy
LWVAZ News
LWVUS News

Thank You for Standing Up for Democracy

As we look back on the year, one thing is abundantly clear: our democracy is stronger because of you. Every conversation you sparked, every event you staffed, every voter you helped empower—your commitment has made a real, measurable difference in communities across Metro Phoenix.

In a time when civic engagement is more important than ever, our League members continue to show what dedication looks like. You show up. You ask the tough questions. You lend your talents, your passion, and your time to ensure elections are fair, voters are informed, and our work reflects the values of truth, transparency, and inclusion.

Whether you volunteered at a voter registration drive, mentored a youth ambassador, joined one of our committees, or supported our programs financially—your contributions fuel the League’s mission. Because of you, we are expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and building the next generation of civic leaders.

Thank you for believing in the power of people-driven democracy.
Thank you for continuing to advocate, educate, and elevate the voices of our community.
Thank you for being the heart of the League.

Here’s to everything we’ve accomplished together—and to the impact we’ll continue to make in the coming year.

With deep appreciation,

League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix

Kara Pelletier

Save the Date
When you click on the calendar link, for the month of December, you will see... 
Calendar
Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.

Virtual All Member Meeting Scheduled for January 25th from 2-4pm

Get ready for a high-impact meeting focused on driving change—strengthening our legislative advocacy, expanding Vote411, and powering up local election work. We’ll also feature inspiring Ambassador presentations and discuss fresh fundraising opportunities to fuel our mission.

Legislative Analysis the League Way: Learn by Doing

Part One: Understanding Power — How the Arizona Legislature Works
Saturday, December 6, 10:00–11:30 AM.   If you missed this session, look for the recording on the Part One: Legislative Analysis the League Way: Learn By Doing. Be sure to view it before attending Part Two. 

Part Two: Turning Insight Into Action — How Legislative Analysis Is Done 
Saturday, December 13, 10:00–11:30 AM Registration Link  

Part Three: Building Confidence and Community — Preparing for the Session Ahead  

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00–11:30 AM Registration Link

Legislative Lobby Week- February 23-27, 2026

Legislative Lobby Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 25, 2026(members only) 

Virtual “Lunch and Learn” programs February 23, 24, 26, and 27 (open to the public)

LWVMP Community Teams

Engaging with Community Teams

Community teams are organized into three broad geographic areas: Phoenix, Northeast Valley (Scottsdale and surrounding areas), and Southeast Valley (Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, etc.), providing convenient opportunities for members to socialize and advocate on local issues. Please look at the calendar to see when and where the community teams are meeting this month!

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out at membershiplwvmp@gmail.com.

Phoenix Community Team:  Saturday, December 13, 12 pm - 1:30 pm: Register now! Phoenix Community Team meeting.  Join us for the LWVMP Phoenix Community Team In-Person Event at Press Coffee Biltmore. Open to all members and friends!     

Northeast Community Team in Action

This photo captures our Northeast Community Team’s warm and engaging October meeting. We hope you’ll join us for future community team gatherings—you’re always welcome!

Our next meeting is Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. 
Please Register so we can select a space that will comfortably accommodate all our members.
The location will be TBD in the Scottsdale area.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and all of us in Voter Services wish you a joyful and restful Holiday Season!

Ready to kick off 2026 with purpose and energy? We are!
Mark your calendars for the 40th Annual Arizona MLK March & Festival on January 19, 2026. The League will be marching together in celebration of justice, service, and community—and we’re also hoping to secure a booth for some engaging tabling at the festival in Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix.

The march steps off at 9:00 AM and concludes at the festival, where music, food, and community partners will gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Stay tuned to the League calendar for updates, sign-ups, and volunteer opportunities. It’s an inspiring way to start the year—and we’ll see you there!

SRP Association Board Election

To have your vote heard in this important April election, you need to request an early ballot by December 28th.  Find out if you are eligible to vote and learn more here.

Observer Corps

Help hold the local government accountable. Volunteer to be a part of LWVMP’s Observer Corps.

Ready to get involved? Email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to learn more and chat with an Observer Corps Team member!

League Advocacy Issue Teams

Issue Teams are a key component of the important work undertaken by members. The League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ) focuses on statewide issues, and we encourage all members to join one or more of these statewide issue teams, which have a broad impact at the State and Local levels - Learn More Here

In addition to statewide work, the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix (LWVMP) addresses issues specific to the counties, municipalities, and school districts we serve. Our local league teams focus on priorities not yet supported at the statewide level or those with particular local significance, helping to promote LWVMP positions and principles. In addition to our support for Statewide issues, our current local policy focus areas include Sustainability, with a focus on Housing.

For more information or to get involved, at the Statewide or Local level, contact us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com

Your Voice Matters! Join the LWVMP Advocacy Team!

Help protect democracy, raise awareness, and promote common-sense, nonpartisan change—all while building connections and friendships with people who care about our community. Participation is flexible, so you can contribute in ways and at times that fit your schedule.

Get Involved! 👉 Register here for next  month’s Advocacy Meeting 

We meet on the third Tuesday of every month in 2026, except this coming meeting.  In January, our next virtual Advocacy Meeting is Tuesday, January 13, from 5:30–7:00 PM. 

Have questions? Email us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to connect with a team member.

Leadership Opportunities for League Members

Call for Applications: LWVMP President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Two Board Director Positions

The LWVMP Nominating Committee invites members to submit their applications for several open leadership positions on the LWVMP Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to empowering voters, protecting our democracy, and shaping the future of our League. Serving on the Board deepens your connection to the League and provides a truly rewarding leadership experience.

If you are interested in applying, please email infolwvmp@gmail.com. Updated details—including deadlines and application instructions—will be shared shortly by Nominating Chair Suzanne Miller.

Democracy needs you – Will You Stand With Us?

Every day, across Metro Phoenix, our members are showing what courage looks like. You’ve staffed tables in the heat, talked voters through confusing processes, mentored young leaders, and stood up for facts in a world overflowing with misinformation. You are the defenders of democracy.

But the truth is:
We can’t keep doing this work without you.

As we head into a pivotal year, the demands on the League are growing—fast. More voters need reliable, nonpartisan information. More young people are reaching out for guidance and leadership opportunities. More communities are looking to us to show up, step in, and help ensure every voice is heard.

And that takes resources.

Your donation—whatever you’re able to give—directly powers the work that protects democracy right here at home:

• Getting accurate voter information into the hands of thousands

• Hosting trusted, nonpartisan candidate forums

• Training and uplifting the youth Ambassador Corps leaders who will inherit this democracy

• Standing strong against misinformation, confusion, and disenfranchisement

If you believe this work matters…
If you want to see a democracy worthy of the people it serves…
If you care about truth, access, and fairness…

Please make your gift today.

Every dollar is a statement: I believe in this. I’m in this. I’m showing up.  

Democracy doesn’t defend itself. People do. And with your support, we will keep doing exactly that.

2025: A High-Level Look Back

Even in a non-election year, LWVAZ Advocacy maintained a strong presence at the Legislature and in the courts. During the 2025 session, we:

• Reviewed approximately 250 bills
• Provided testimony around 50 times
• Issued weekly Calls to Action on 175 bills, helping members determine when to support or oppose legislation and submit informed RTS comments

Our litigation work continued on major cases affecting voting rights and election administration, including:

• Federal Court Blocks “Show Your Papers” Order
• Ninth Circuit Upholds Voting Rights: NVRA Protects Arizonans in All Federal Elections

We also delivered a robust virtual 2025 Legislative Lobby Week featuring five well-attended public Lunch & Learn programs and expanded our advocacy and civic education training statewide.

Through the Arizona Defend Democracy Coalition, LWVAZ—represented by Pinny Sheoran, Gitelle Seer, and Cindy Walsh—actively contributed to a coordinated strategy, briefings, and joint letters focused on election administration, voting rights, and voter protection.

In July 2025, the State League launched a major civic-education initiative using podcasting as its primary platform. Social Contract in Action: Democracy, Dialogue & Civic Duty is a multigenerational project created with students and community partners—exactly the kind of deep, timely civic learning the League is known for. This is not an academic presentation, but a series rooted in the original documents and brought to life through the experiences and insights of Americans today. 

Read more about the project here

• Series One — Breaking Away: The Declaration of Independence is now complete and available for all to listen to, share, and use in your own discussions or community listening sessions. The voices of the next generation are powerful and honest, speaking to the realities of this challenging moment.
• Series Two — Securing Rights: The Bill of Rights, Planning is already underway, and League members are invited to help shape this next phase. We urge members across the state to join this effort—contributing to the conversation, the content, and the production of this new series. 
  

2026: A High-Level Look Ahead

As Arizona enters a critical election year, LWVAZ will mobilize statewide around voter education and engagement. Key priorities include:

• Expanding VOTE411 with candidate questions and ballot proposition analyses
• Preparing for an anticipated wave of legislative referrals and possible citizen initiatives
• Launching GOTV outreach in April—including texting, phone banking, postcards, and community events
• Supporting local Leagues in hosting nonpartisan candidate forums for municipal, county, and school board races

The foundation, built in 2025, prepares LWVAZ  for future challenges and opportunities. Together, we are strengthening democracy across Arizona.

Take Action

League Advocacy Begins at Home — We Need You in 2026!

2026 will be a pivotal year for Arizona, and our legislative advocacy will only be as strong as the members who power it. 

Advocacy Issue Teams are the heart of our work at the Capitol, and we need more members to join us as we prepare for an intense legislative session.  Your voice matters. Your participation is essential. We cannot do this without you.

Take the first step:

👉 Sign up here: LWVAZ Advocacy Volunteer Opportunities 2025–2026
Be sure to indicate your interest in joining an Issue Team—they will be critical to our effectiveness this year. No prior experience is needed. We will train, support, and guide you.

RTS Password

Make your voice heard at the legislature. Sign up for an RTS login

Podcast Series Social Contract: Democracy, Dialogue and Civic Duty Now Available!
Series 1: Social Contract in Action: Breaking Away — A Journey Through the Declaration of Independence
LWVAZ has launched a new multigenerational civic-education podcast series that explores the Declaration of Independence and its 27 grievances through a modern lens. Each episode weaves together readings, historical insight, and contemporary perspectives—showing how the social contract continues to shape our democracy today.

We encourage every community team and League member to host listening or viewing sessions, selecting one or more episodes to spark conversation. These podcasts are powerful tools for engagement, education, and dialogue, and we hope you will use them to deepen civic understanding within your networks.

If you would like to invite one of the podcast presenters to join your discussion, please contact lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com.

Use the QR code or click on the image to link to the Podcasts.

Where to Watch & Listen

🔴▶️ YouTube – Full video episodes
🫘🎧 Podbean – Audio via the Democracy Truth Podcast
🟢🎧 Spotify – Audio on Democracy Truth Podcast

   
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