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MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2023
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In this month's issue of Members Matter, we focus on volunteering with the League and draw your attention to the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment with the LWV InEquality Day awareness campaign.
Engaging in volunteerism to support democracy is a meaningful way to contribute to the civic and political well-being of your community. While there might not be a specific "Democracy Volunteerism Month" in August, you can still focus your volunteer efforts on activities that promote democratic values, civic engagement, and voter participation. Democracy relies on the active involvement of citizens, and your volunteer work can have a positive impact on the democratic process.
The League relies on you in our campaign to Make Democracy Work™. I urge you to make a plan to be active in the League and volunteer for one or more of the opportunities presented in this month's newsletter.
- Register voters: Our Voter Services committee is organizing LWVMP volunteers to be part of the September National Voter Registration Day. While one day in the year is designated as National Voter Registration Day, this year we use September to participate in many events to register voters, provide education on issues the League considers its priorities, and encourage registered voters to vote in the 2024 election cycle. Our website has events where you can volunteer.
- Engage Youth: Volunteer with Energizing Youth: Collaborate with schools, youth organizations, and colleges to encourage young people to become politically active and informed citizens.
- Social media campaigns: Join our work to educate the public and provide trusted responses to mis- and disinformation. Donate your time and talent to help create social media posts for events, calls to action to raise awareness about democratic values, voting deadlines, and important political issues.
- Forums on issues: Want to learn to moderate debates, prepare questions for presentation on education issues, willing to help with logistics for in-person and virtual events? The Forums team needs you. Email us at infolwvmp@gmail.com.
- Attend our events, invite friends: Make sure to register for our education series on the housing crisis in Arizona and criminal justice reform. Learn about our grant-funded work to restore voting rights for previously incarcerated citizens.
Update your profile on our website: Our communications team has included instructions to help you navigate the members only sections of our website. Do update your profile, so we can connect your interests and passion to the work ahead of us.
August 26, or Women’s Equality Day, marks the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which granted some women the right to vote in 1920. Notably, then, as now, women of color faced additional barriers to representation in our democracy. Today, we have fewer rights than we have had in decades.
The fight for women’s equality has always been grounded in the right to vote. When some women have fewer rights and access, we cannot call ourselves equal and we cannot celebrate equality. The League launched Women's Inequality Day in 2022, uniting with partners to let Congress know our women’s equality wish list:
Pass voting rights legislation;
Add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution; and
Restore our reproductive rights.
That’s my equality wish list, too. What is yours? Come join the League in working to address Women’s Inequality.
Pinny Sheoran, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
480.540.4934
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Save these dates!
Click on links to register….
Tuesday, Aug 15, 5:30-6:30 pm Voter Services Meeting
Wednesday, Aug 23, 7-8 pm: Scottsdale Community Team Event
Monday, Aug 28, 6:30-7:30 pm Advocacy Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sept 7, 5:30-6:30 pm Voter Services Meeting
Wednesday, Sept 13, 6-7:30 pm Virtual Forum on “Priced Out: Why Housing Is No Longer Affordable in 2023” Organized by the Housing Study Committee. Registration Link
Tuesday, Sept 19: National Voter Registration Day
Wednesday, Sept 27, 7-8 pm: Scottsdale Community Event
Monday-Sunday, Sept 18-24: VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK
Friday-Saturday, Oct 20-21 Phoenix Pride Festival Volunteer At LWVMP booth
| Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming our two new League members who joined in the month of July: Jeanne Casteen and Peggy Coniglio.
And, thank you to all our 23 renewing members:
Leslie Gordon, Rob Gordon, Paula McKey, Beverly Eden, Carrie Wikle, Linda Holman Bentley, Don Bentley, Don Mciver, Faye McIver, Laura Hudson, Betsy Flaten, Cindy Hans, Martha O’Connor, Sandra Erickson, Barbara Kain, Connie Cornelius, Dave Ashby, Barbara Rosenberg, Kat Jutras, Kathleen Hindle, Kathleen L. O'Brien, Bruce Mosby, and Linda Landy.
Engagement Highlights
Looking for ways to get involved? Do you love to dig into data, create reports and help with database support? If so, the Membership Committee could use a helping hand. We’d love to show you around our new system, and call on you for 4-5 hours a month’s worth of work to help with quality assurance and creating periodic reports. Please email alexiscutlerlane@gmail.com with some information about your experience and availability, and we’ll be forever grateful!
League Trivia!
Which of the following issues are part of our League priorities?
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Protect the freedom to vote.
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Work to ensure free, fair and equitable elections.
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Reduce the influence of money in politics.
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Fighting for fair redistricting.
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All of the above.
Answer: You guessed it! e. All of the above
Quiz: How well do you know America’s Female Democracy Icons?
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Hello all from your Voter Services team!
The August Voter Services meeting will be an intro/refresher on voter registration training that is open to all. Join us Tuesday, August 15, 5:30-6:30 pm Zoom Link Aug 15 VS MTG At the end of the presentation, for those wanting to stay on, we will go over some details on September National Voter Registration Week events.
The September Voter Services meeting will be Thursday, Sept 7, 5:30-6:30 pm. Register here: Zoom Link Sep 7 VS MTG. You can also go to the calendar page on the LWVMP website and reach the registration link through the events calendar. lwvmetrophoenix.org.
For National Voter Registration week, September 18-27, the League will participate in 3-4 tabling events. We are still working out some details on event times and dates, so please watch your email or check the website for those upcoming events.
The next big volunteer opportunity will be at the Phoenix Pride Festival, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22. Visit our website to register to volunteer. (Remember, you have to log into the website in order to volunteer. Volunteer Pride Festival Link You can also go to the events calendar on the website and get information on the event.
Thank you everyone for supporting our League’s voter outreach work. | LWVMP to host series of Education Forums on Housing Issues | |
LWVMP Hosts Virtual Forum
“Priced Out: Why Housing Is No Longer Affordable in 2023”
Presenters: Sarah Liguori of the Arizona Community Foundation and
Katie Gentry from the Maricopa Association of Governments
Register Now! Link to Register
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 13
Time: 6-7:30 pm
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At the LWVMP Annual Meeting in April, League members approved a public policy study on housing to develop a local position. The Housing Study Committee is working to determine those areas in which we can best advocate for solutions to this crucial public policy issue. LWVMP members are strongly encouraged to participate in this undertaking.
The work of the committee includes presenting to our members and providing public education about the issue. Mark your calendar and join us for the first in a series of education forums hosted by LWVMP. On Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6-7:30 pm, the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix will host a virtual forum about the affordable housing crisis currently affecting low- and middle-income people in Arizona, especially here in Phoenix and the surrounding cities in the Valley.
For our September 13 forum, two excellent, highly-experienced guest speakers will join us to discuss why this crisis of affordable housing is happening now. Sarah Liguori of the Arizona Community Foundation and Katie Gentry from the Maricopa Association of Governments have dealt with homelessness and affordability issues in their professional lives for years. They will offer us some unique insights into the housing crisis, and some guidance about what can be done to alleviate it.
As more evictions occur daily and our unhoused population grows, this becomes a critical social justice issue, affecting the basic human needs of children and adults throughout our community. Shelter is a basic need, its lack can be the cause of serious physical and emotional health problems, placing more burdens on our health and social service systems.
This forum is an important first step as LWVMP conducts its public policy study on housing to develop a local position. Once this position is approved by consensus of our members, it will be used to advocate about housing issues that impact us all. We urge League members who care about improving the housing condition in our cities to join our study efforts to create the LWVMP public policy position. To join the Study Committee, email housing study chair at katperson@msn.com or text to 218-491-1777.
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The League of Women Voters empowers voters and defends democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state, and national levels. At the local level this work is done by our members volunteering their time, energy, experience, and skills! As an advocacy committee member, you will gain a deeper understanding of local issues, bring unique ideas and diverse perspectives to the table, and get to know other League members! We have three issues teams at the local level: Education, Criminal Justice, and Sustainability (focusing currently on housing). We can, if warranted, advocate on other issues as they arise. Effective advocacy is composed of several steps:
1. Research and understand the issues.
2. Build relationships: Establish connections with key stakeholders in our community in order to educate ourselves and understand their perspectives.
3. Identify goals: Determine what the League will advocate for or against.
4. Decide on course of action: Possible actions may include educating membership, asking members to contact their elected/appointed officials on a specific issue, hosting issue forums, collaboration with community leaders/organizations, League leadership voicing position on an issue via social media or letters to the editor.
If you are interested in learning more about the Advocacy Committee please join us over Zoom for the first meeting of our new year, Monday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 pm Register here! | |
LWVMP Criminal Justice Issues Team Advocates for New Approaches to Community Safety
Communities are exploring new ways to address public safety concerns and promote community well-being. Many have come to believe that law enforcement agencies have been increasingly charged with duties that do not require a police presence, harming the community and the police and destroying trust between the community and the government.
It is important to understand that current policing grew out of early slave patrols and private security hired by company owners to break up budding unions. Although this is “history”, both activities continue to influence how some minority communities - and those committed to making major changes in our society - view police. Traditional police intervention and incarceration are not always the most effective tools for dealing with issues society faces today, such as mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and domestic violence. They come with substantial social and economic costs.
The League of Women Voters believes that our government should share in identifying solutions to economic and social problems that affect the general welfare. The League also advocates for policing practices that promote safety for both law enforcement and the communities they serve. Additionally, we believe evidence-based research should be used in the decision-making process about law enforcement programs and policies.
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Some communities have had great success using research-based alternatives that shift the focus to more community-centered approaches. Some of these approaches are described below:
1. Restorative Justice: Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior rather than solely punishing the offender.
2. Mental Health Crisis Response Teams: Many communities have started implementing specialized crisis response teams that consist of mental health professionals, social workers, and trained volunteers.
3. Violence Interrupters: Neighborhood-based professionals with credibility in the communities where they work use research-based violence prevention methods with individuals at high risk of engaging in violence.
4. Community Mediation: Community mediation programs provide a space for community members to address conflicts and disputes through facilitated dialogues.
5. Youth Outreach and Mentorship Programs: Investing in youth outreach and mentorship programs provides young people with positive role models, guidance, and opportunities.
These are just a few examples of alternatives to police intervention that communities have been exploring. Over the coming months, the Criminal Justice Issues Team will be highlighting these programs that are being successfully implemented here in our communities and throughout the country. | | | |
Observer Corps
Scottsdale Community team urges you to Become a School Board Observer
We can support our School Boards by attending school board meetings as observers. In addition, the knowledge you gain about the issues and challenges helps inform actions we can take. Please consider marking your calendars as follows:
Cave Creek Governing Board meetings are held at 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th
Tuesday of the month, at 33016 N 60th St, Scottsdale. For more information, contact Julia Scotto at jscotto@ccusd93.net
Scottsdale School Board meets at 6 pm twice a month at the Coronado High School,
7501 E Virginia Ave, Scottsdale. See the calendar for dates and contact information.
We urge you to become a part of our Education Issue team or willing to serve as an observer at board meetings. Help us stay informed! If you attend your local school board, town council or other governmental meeting (regularly or occasionally) the Observer Corps would like to hear from you! The information you share can help guide the Advocacy committee in its work. Attend a meeting and report your feedback in a simple form. If you have any questions please email Leslie Hanson at advocacylwvmp@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Now is the Time to Get Connected with LWVMP!
This month we are organizing our teams of volunteers so that we will be ready for the “Countdown to the 2024 Election”!
Our new website at www.LWVMetroPhoenix.org is an easy way to connect with the team you would like to join. You can find the group that best fits your interest by reviewing the Ways to Volunteer page. You will find contact information for each team.
We also encourage all members to complete their membership profile. After you login, just click on Profile in the dropdown under your name. This information is private and only available to the Membership Team, but it enables you to list your interests. That way, when volunteers are needed for specific tasks, you can be contacted.
If you have not already done so, please complete your biography and select the volunteer tasks that best represent your interests under the categories of Advocacy, Services to Voters, or supporting the League in our operations and administration functions. You are sure to find a volunteer topic that resonates with you!
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LWVMP Community Teams
The Scottsdale Community Team has started meetings – some on Zoom and some in person. Other teams continue to connect through digital platforms, email and, when possible, as small groups. The continued presence of COVID can be a cause-for-pause among some League members regarding meeting in person. We are asking team leads to be mindful of member concerns as they plan in-person gatherings of the community teams. If you want to find out more about community teams, contact the team leads or liaisons listed below:
Central Phoenix Team: infolwvmp@gmail.com
East Valley Team - Gitelle Seer: gitelleseer@gmail.com
Scottsdale Team - Team leads are Doris Perlmutter, Mary Beth Tripp, Lezlie Gordon, Beth Ballmann, Jean Conway, Pinny Sheoran. They can be reached at infolwvmp@gmail.com
If you are interested in assembling a community team, please email us at infolwvmp@gmail.com
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Sign-up for Scottsdale Community Team Events
Highlights of the July 30 Meeting on Education
Julie Cieniawski, President of the Scottsdale School Board, and Jeff Fortney, Cave Creek Unified School District Board, gave enlightening presentations filled with valuable information, meaningful stories, and passion. We encourage anyone interested in education issues to read the articles cited below.
Julie Cieniawski is the President of the Scottsdale School Board (SUSD) and has had a long career as a teacher. Julie described the Scottsdale School Board's responsibilities, examples of policies, and the many challenges they face. Here is her article published last month in the Scottsdale Progress “SUSD Board president: Colleagues’ actions harmful” By Julie Cieniawski, Progress Guest Writer Jul 8, 2023 .
Jeff Fortney is a Special Education Coordinator at a Phoenix public charter school and was a Special Education Teacher for 20 years. He is the only educator on the Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board. His experience helps him counter any misconceptions the Board may have because of their lack of teaching experience. He spoke about the importance of common sense, balance, and community member support at the Board meetings.
Become a School Board Observer
We can support our School Boards by attending school board meetings as observers. In addition, the knowledge you gain about the issues and challenges helps inform actions we can take. Please consider marking your calendars as follows:
Cave Creek Governing Board meetings are held at 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th
Tuesday of the month, at 33016 N 60th St, Scottsdale. For more information,
contact Julia Scotto at jscotto@ccusd93.net
Scottsdale School Board meets at 6 pm twice a month at the Coronado High
School, 7501 E Virginia Ave, Scottsdale. See the calendar for dates and
contact information.
Please email advocacylwvmp@gmail.com if you are interested in being part of our Education issue team or willing to serve as an observer at board meetings.
Upcoming Community Team Meetings: Mark Your Calendar
All League members and their guests are welcome to join us at both in-person and Zoom events; however, all must register, so please register below! Your participation expands our League community when you network with other League members and learn more about issues that are important to us.
In-person event registration is facilitated through the LWVMP website. Please read the Communication Team report in this newsletter to learn how to log in as a League member.
Please put these dates on your calendar and invite a friend to join you:
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7 pm, Zoom Registration Understanding Voting Patterns in East Valley Cities: Understanding East Valley voters: Profiles, trends in voting and voter registrations, youth voters, and low propensity voters.
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7 pm, Zoom Registration Gun Safety: How do these city ordinances align with state law?
Sunday, Oct. 22, 11 am Panera at Gainey Village Event Registration link Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights Local challenges: What services are available to women in the East Valley? What kind of antagonism is being faced in the East Valley?
Sunday, Nov 12, 11 am Panera at Gainey Village Event Registration link Social event. Sunday brunch.
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Urgent Call to Action!
Elections Procedures Manual Comment Ends Aug 15
Revision of the Elections Procedures Manual (EPM) is underway, and we urge our members to submit feedback to the Secretary of State’s office. Although public input is not required by law, historically, the SOS has held public hearings and town halls. This time around, the only way to submit comments is through a webform (online), and the comment period is only 14 days, ending August 15. Secretary Fontes has stated that he will not extend the comment period.
Here is What You Should Know
What is the EPM? The EPM provides legal guidance for election administration to election officers across the state. It is the rule book counties follow to run successful elections. The Manual should be updated every election cycle; however, that effort failed in 2021, so the 2019 manual is still in effect.
Why is the revision so critical? Policies and laws governing voting and elections have changed since 2019, as has the pervasiveness of mis and disinformation. Detailed, accurate, and understandable guidance based on our current laws and policies is essential to consistently and successfully running our elections and a tool to counter the deliberate and unintentional spreading of inaccurate information.
What can I do? Submit comments using this webform; see links to explanatory material. Remember that you are submitting these comments on your own behalf; please do not reference the League in the form.
What points should I make? (a) The draft Manual requires a Voter Registration form to include the state or country of birth or the form will be deemed incomplete. The law is now being litigated, and we don’t believe it should be included in the Manual. [Chapter One, Page 19, Topic Voter Registration, Subject Voter Registration Processing Procedure]; (b) Urge Secretary Fontes to extend the public comment period for an additional week and prepare and widely distribute information to the public about the Manual and the public comment opportunity; (c) personal comments based on your reading of the manual.
When should I submit comments? NOW! The deadline is Tuesday, August 15
Where Can I Find Information?
| LWVAZ receives a $10,000 grant from
LWVUS Democracy Truth Project
The League of Women Voters of Arizona is pleased to announce the launch of a series of Podcasts for the 2023 Democracy Truth Project (DTP). The DTP is a grant funded by the LWVUS Education Fund. The Podcasts are intended to help the public better understand Arizona’s democratic and electoral process.
We need volunteers to produce the podcasts! Learn more about the project by listening to this podcast Youtube Link Contact Janet Kerby and Cindy Walsh at lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com if interested.
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LWVUS Calls for Action on August 26
Women's Inequality Day
August 26, otherwise known as Women’s Equality Day, marks the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which granted some women the right to vote in 1920.
In 2022, we declared this day to be Women’s Inequality Day in the aftermath of the Supreme Court rollbacks of reproductive freedom (in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center) and the failure of Congress to pass voting rights legislation or add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.
One year later, we have seen the impact of the Dobbs decision on women and those who can become pregnant. We have seen anti-voter laws passed in states nationwide that could silence voters at the polls in the months ahead. And a century after it was first introduced, we are still calling on Congress to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and make it part of our Constitution!
The fight for women’s equality has always been grounded in the right to vote. When some women have fewer rights and access, we cannot call ourselves equal or celebrate equality.
This August, women are standing together demanding that our rights be restored, our voices be heard, and that we ourselves be seen and treated as equals in our democracy. Together, we have the power to create a more perfect and inclusive nation that celebrates our diversity and welcomes everyone to participate. We can create the change we need and want with the power of our votes.
Our campaign will spread the word about women’s equality on social media while lifting our voices to our legislators. We are sending Congress a petition letting them know about our women’s equality wish list:
Passing voting rights legislation;
Adding the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution; and
Restoring reproductive rights
SIGN OUR PETITION FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY
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