|
MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
July 2025
|
|
| Quick Links to Articles in this Issue
| Dear~~first_name~~,
“Democracy needs Defenders, not Cheerleaders” Celina Stewart, CEO LWV US, July 2025
We are very good at cheering for our democracy and freedom. “Land of the free.” “Let freedom ring.” We all have the flags, t-shirts, fireworks, parades and bbqs with our families. It was great fun and we were full of pride. We all love our country.
We are being challenged though, as we find ourselves in a constitutional crisis. What we’ve known as freedom is coming to an end. Our three branches of government are all working together to remake what Americans believe is freedom. Freedom is based on the rule of law being legislated, interpreted, and executed as framed in the Constitution. We are now at a tipping point as we celebrate 250 years of freedom. Many want to take the country toward a place with freedom for a few, but not for you. This is antithetical to what we’ve always known as freedom in America. We’ve always strived to ensure freedom is for all.
We can no longer cheer from the sidelines for our democracy and freedom - and hope everything will be okay.
We must actively participate in defending the Constitution by showing up in the streets for nonviolent, peaceful protests. We must constantly contact our elected officials at every level to express our disagreement and disgust with what they are doing – or not doing – to our freedom. We must protect those being targeted by our government for persecution and the elimination of due process, the ultimate protector of freedom.
The good news is you already belong to a powerful organization that has been defending democracy and freedom for over a century. Lean into the League. Join a community team, attend a committee meeting, participate in protests and events to protect democracy. Get your family and friends to join the League, donate money to help the League reach more people and have an even greater impact. 
This month’s newsletter is full of ways for all of us to get off the sidelines and get into the fundamental work it takes to defend our democracy. Lean into the League.
In League Service,
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix
| Defining Constitutional Crisis
The League of Women Voters defines Constitutional Crisis as:
“When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.”
Click on the image to see the video.
| |
Save these dates!
Click on the links to register
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 -9:30 am: Good Trouble Lives On! This is a national day of nonviolent action to honor John Lewis and carry forward his legacy of Good Trouble. Meet at 2000 E Carson Drive, Tempe. Organizers will be on the Tempe Bridge starting at 5:30 am. Register here.
Monday, July 21, 6:00-7:30 pm: Hitchhiker's Guide to the LWV Galaxy of Websites Learn how to confidently navigate the League's national, state and local websites. Training provided by LWVAZ Register here
Tuesday, July 22, 6:-7:30 pm: Advanced Google Drive & Docs Take your knowledge up a notch on navigating Google.Training provided by LWVAZ. Register here
Wednesday, July 23, 12:00-1:30 pm: Hitchhiker's Guide to the LWV Galaxy of Websites Learn how to confidently navigate the League's national, state and local websites. Training provided by LWVAZ. Register here
Thursday, July 24, 12:00-1:30 pm: Advanced Google Drive & Docs Take your knowledge up a notch on navigating Google. Training provided by LWVAZ Register here
Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 -10:30 am: Championing Issues That Matter Most to You Hear a roundtable discussion by seven national League Leaders focus on which issues speak to voters and compel them to take action vs apathy. This training is provided by LWVUS. Register here
Sunday, July 27, 2:30-4:00 pm: League Foundations - How to Maximize League Impact Whether you are new to the League or a longtime member, this training will give you the knowledge to make your League be more effective. Training provided by LWVAZ
Register here
Monday, July 28, 6:00-7:30 pm: League Foundations - How to Maximize League Impact Whether you are new to the League or a longtime member, this training will give you the knowledge to make your League be more effective. Training provided by LWVAZ
Register here
Wednesday, July 30, 6:00-7:30 pm: Leading with Purpose: Building successful, impactful committees Learn how to manage meetings, inspire productive committee members. Training provided by LWVAZ Register here
Tuesday, August 19, 10:30-11:30 am: Understanding the Three Branches of Government Learn why it’s important that voters understand the purview of the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch of government. This training is provided by LWVUS Register here
| |
Update Your Voter Registration Knowledge
Please Sign-up
The team that manages the Deputy Registrar Program at Maricopa County Recorder's Office (MCRO) have offered to provide LWVMP members a non-partisan, exclusive online Refresher Course this summer for anyone wanting to brush up or better understand "The Legislation and Best Practices for Voter Registration". The training will last approximately one hour via Zoom. It is perfect for those that would like to register people to vote, but haven't done so since the changes in the legislation and new voter registration form went into effect. You do not need to be a Deputy Registrar to attend. If you're interested, email us at voterslwvmp@gmail.com and if we get enough members to attend, we will coordinate a date with the folks at MCRO. So sign-up today and get ready for the Fall Voter Registration drive and the Mid Terms!
Mark your Calendars
Plan now to attend the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade on October 18 & 19. We will be tabling at this family fun event on both days & need help interacting with event attendees. This event is popular and we always get enthusiastic attendees stopping by. The vibe is fun and the time flies by! We’ll be there to inform people about the League’s work, Vote411 & registering people to vote. Keep a look out for the calendar entry soon & sign up for a slot or two! Thanks in advance.
And finally, many thanks to the Metro Phoenix League members and especially the supporters who attended the ASA Stand Up for Students Rally at the Arizona State Capitol on June 2nd. We had a small but vocal group of attendees! | |
Advocacy Action in July
Thanks to everyone who participated and took action over the last month. It was great to see so many of you respond, whether by contacting your representatives, attending training sessions, or standing up in person at one of the recent rallies to defend democracy and make your voice heard! THANK YOU!
As our League President said in her opening message, and others throughout the league have reiterated, now is the time to Lean into the League.
Ways to Lean into the League
Review and update yourself on the League’s positions on recent events, including remarks on Supreme Court decisions and bills recently passed.
“Unnecessary and Disastrous: LWV Responds to Signing of Budget Reconciliation Package”
“Shameful & Dangerous: LWV Responds to Supreme Court Allowing Trump Deportations Without Due Process”
Press Releases on LWV.org for the latest news
Attend Member Training from LWVUS and LWVAZ
Continue to attend LWVUS Democracy in Your Hands Series. This webinar series highlights five topics that are key to building an essential knowledge base on how to navigate a changing political environment.
July 23, 8:00 -9:30 am (MST): Championing Issues that Matter Most to You. Our very own Pinny Sheoran will be participating in the roundtable! REGISTER HERE
Check our website for new training events being offered throughout the summer, which will include Advocacy and Action training. For questions or help needed with LWVMP Advocacy, please email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com.
| |
Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming two New League Members who joined in the month of June:
Sarah Pedrini, Paula Pedene
And, thank you to all 15 Renewing Members: Lauren Sheoran-Spenceley, Rei Tedoco, Kat Jutras, Betsy Tatlock, Julie Gunnigle, Mary Westheimer, Cathy Arroyo, Diana Nashban, Suzanne Miller, Carol Poole, Connie Cornelius, Alice Stambaugh, Gretchen Bolerjack,
Cheryl Stafford, and Mary Tripp.
Engagement Highlights
Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and democracy allies to
Join the League today | Have you updated your LWVMP Profile?
Go to LWVMP website and click on Member Login at the upper right corner of the home page. Enter your User Name and Password. Now go back to the upper right corner and click on the arrow next to your name. Click on Profile and update your information under Standard Member Directory (including your Biography) as well as record your interests in volunteering under Your Website Functions. | |
Good Trouble Lives On!
The John Lewis Day of Action is a national effort led by the Transformative Justice Coalition, Black Voters Matter, Indivisible, Declaration for American Democracy, and Public Citizen. LWVUS is an official partner for the July 17th Day of Actions taking place across the country.
We encourage all members to join LWVAZ for:
Good Trouble Lives On: Pedestrian Bridge March in Tempe
Tempe Pedestrian Bridge, Cole Park, 2000 E Carson Dr
Thursday, July 17, 6:30–9:00 am MST
Organizers will be on site at 5:30 am; Starts early so people can attend before work and before the heat of the day.
Wear your LWV badges, hats, and t-shirts
Bring signs
Come prepared for the weather
Register here if you plan to attend. Organizers want to be able to contact attendees in case of emergencies. It’s important to follow event guidelines and provide the necessary information so you can be reached if needed.
While this rally is a peaceful protest, please be sure to review the “Guidance for Members Attending Protests and Rallies” in the recent LWVAZ Advocacy and Action update.
This event is organized by the groups mentioned above. | |
2025 Training Series
LWVAZ is providing training and education events for Members. Click here to see the July schedule and sign up to reserve your place. Topics include:
League Tools & Technologies (Websites, Goggle Drive & Documents)
League Leadership & Impact (Funding, Governance, Systems, Structure)
Building League Capacity, Develop Resources & Raise Funds
Building Successful, Impactful League Communities
| 
Click on the image to read Celine Stewart's speech.
| |
DID YOU KNOW…
You can Donate to the LWV Educational Fund when you shop at Fry's!
| LWV METRO PHOENIX BOARD OF DIRECTORS | LWV Metro Phoenix Board of Directors
Officers
President: Kara Pelletier
President Elect:
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
League Representative to State Board: Gitelle Seer
Membership Committee Chair: Emra Muslim
Nominations Committee Chair: Suzanne Miller
Voter Services Chair: Dawn Reeths
| |
LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018 | 858.220.0655
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved | |