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MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
November 9, 2025
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| Dear~~first_name~~,
Fall in the Valley of the Sun
Fall is finally here—the temperatures are cooling, and our sunsets are stunning. We’re fortunate to live in such a vibrant part of the country, a great American community often called The Valley of the Sun.
One of the best parts of life here is how much we come together to help one another—supporting local nonprofits like the League of Women Voters Metropolitan Phoenix, volunteering, and pitching in wherever we’re needed.
This month, we observe Veterans Day, Native American Heritage Month, and of course, Thanksgiving. As food banks and community resources are stretched to meet rising needs, League volunteers will once again have opportunities to step up to assist and make a difference.
Our League continues to grow as more citizens seek meaningful ways to protect democracy, defend voting rights, and actively participate in government. We extend a warm welcome to our new members and heartfelt thanks to our renewing members for your ongoing commitment.
We’re also reactivating our Community Teams in three key areas across the Valley—Phoenix, Northeast Valley, and Southeast Valley. These teams bring members together for social gatherings, learning sessions, calls to action, and volunteer opportunities. Together, we build relationships, strengthen our League, and do the hard work of making democracy work for everyone.
As you read through this month’s Members Matter newsletter, look for ways to get involved! Join a committee, attend a Community Team meeting, or make a donation—either to our general fund or to a specific program that supports the causes and issues most meaningful to you.
Together, we can make a lasting impact right here in the Valley of the Sun. | Save the Date
When you click on the calendar link, for the month of November, you will see...
[6 of events]
Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.
Event Calendar
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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.
Saturday, November 15, 4 pm - 6 pm: Northeast Valley Community Team meeting.
Wednesday, November 19, 10:30 am - 11:50 am: Southeast Valley Community Team meeting. Join us for the LWVMP Southeast Valley Community Team In-Person Event at the Chandler Downtown Public Library. Open to all members and friends!
| | Your Voice, Your Action, Your Democracy
Democracy doesn’t protect itself — it relies on each of us. At the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix, our Voter Services team is at the heart of ensuring that every eligible voter in our community has the information and access they need to make their voices heard. From registering voters at community events, to sharing nonpartisan guides, to helping neighbors find their polling place — every action protects democracy. It’s hands-on, energizing, and deeply impactful. This is your moment. Sign up today for Voter Services events today and make sure every vote counts! | | | Volunteer Opportunities!
Many thanks to the members that volunteered to help table at the various events in October and early November. We couldn’t do it without you!
Check out the League calendar & ‘Volunteer opportunities’ for last minute pop-up Voter Services events for November & December. These events are crucial for ensuring every eligible citizen has the information they need to participate. Every hour you contribute makes a difference in strengthening our democracy.
| | Ambassador Corps
Youth Ambassador Corps Launched — and We’re Getting Youth to Join!
The League of Women Voters Metro Phoenix is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our new Youth Ambassador Corps!
This exciting program gives young people a real voice in shaping their communities and democracy—while building leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience, and driving real change.
If you know someone ages 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 with us!
The Ambassador Corps at LWVMP channels their passion into meaningful action through mentorship, leadership training, and community service opportunities.
We’ll provide the structure and guidance—they’ll bring the energy and ideas.
Together, we’ll prepare the next generation to lead and protect our democracy.
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We need your help - Defend Democracy: Be the Eyes and Ears of Your Community!
As individuals, we encourage you to Take Action Your Way
On your mobile: Go to your League in Action app, tap “View Actions,” and select “Tell Congress to End the Shutdown!” Send your message—it’s quick, easy, and makes a difference. While you’re there, explore the other actions that help keep our democracy strong.
Prefer to send emails directly? Click the link to “Tell Congress to End the Shutdown!” Explore other actions at Take Action
Prefer to make phone calls? Try using the third-party app, 5 Calls. They also have an app to use right from your phone—install it for contacting your representatives now and for future actions. If you prefer, they have a proposed script for you to use.
As you see, advocacy takes action. 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 this month’s Advocacy Meeting
We meet on the third Tuesday of every month (the recurring schedule begins in 2026). Our next virtual Advocacy Meeting is Tuesday, November 18, from 5:30–7:00 PM. We will be joined by LWV Arizona Advocacy Chair, Pinny Sheoran—a great chance to explore the upcoming election, as well as legislative and state advocacy work!
Have questions? Email us at AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to connect with a team member.
| Join the Fundraising Team
We’re excited to share that our Fundraising Team has grown to four dedicated members, and we’re hard at work on a campaign to raise funds for the Ambassador Corps program! It’s not too late to join us and be part of this inspiring effort to support our youth. Just this past week, we were at ASU, speaking with hundreds of students — several eager to get involved with the League and the Ambassador Corps. Now, we need to be ready to support and guide these future leaders as they take their first steps in making democracy work for all Americans. Email infolwvmp@gmail.com to join the Fundraising Team today!
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Growing our Membership and League Power
Please join us in welcoming 2 New League Members who joined last month: Michelle Johns and Mary Weber.
And, thank you to all 4 Renewing Members: Pike Oliver, Annikka Jensen, and Cindy Walsh, and Cindy Wolf.
Engagement Highlights
Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and
democracy allies to Join the League today | |
League Advocacy Begins at Home
📚 Stay Informed!
Read Featured Articles & Statements at www.lwvaz.org
Fall Into Action: Your Voice, Our Advocacy:
Cooler days bring new opportunities to build community and protect democracy.
As predictable as a pumpkin spice latte, it's that time of year again - League survey season. Help shape the policies and community actions that matter most to you. Every member’s voice guides our work. Completing our annual surveys is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to influence where we focus our advocacy and how we engage members to protect voters and strengthen democracy.
Member engagement is our superpower. Each response adds strength. Every voice helps shape our direction. These surveys are more than just forms; they are your vote for the future we are dedicated to defending together.
Instructions
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Surveys are only available to league members, and each will take only 3-4 minutes to complete.
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You will be prompted to log in to ClubExpress to complete the surveys
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If you don't remember your login credentials, go to www.lwvaz.org, click "Member Login" in the upper-right corner, then choose "Forgot My Username/Password" or follow the prompts after clicking "Trouble logging in?”
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If you have any questions about these surveys or the state advocacy work, please email lwvazadvocacy@gmail.com
Advocacy Priorities Survey
Defending Democracy and Empowering Voters: Help Shape Our 2026 State Advocacy
Your input is crucial to the League's mission of defending democracy and empowering
voters. We request that all members complete this form to help us determine our advocacy priorities for 2026. Your feedback will directly influence the recommendations the Advocacy Committee makes to the state board. Please rank your top 4 priorities and sign up for an issue team. Complete the SURVEY by Nov 11.
LWVAZ Advocacy Volunteer Opportunities 2025-2026
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 the SURVEY by Nov. 17 so we can organize our work teams. Training will be provided. We can't do it without you!
Public Policy Study Volunteer
The LWV of Arizona will organize study teams to revise our existing positions on Election Systems, Legislative and congressional redistricting, and Initiatives and Referendums, and to create new positions on Housing and Medical Aid in Dying. We invite members to join a League public policy study team and help shape our public policy positions!
Review the current LWVAZ Public Policy Positions here. Complete the SURVEY as soon as possible.
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 📞 Calling for Democracy: Help ensure that every Arizona Voter can vote full ballot.
Bring your curiosity, commitment, and passion for change—let’s make a difference together!
Tens of thousands of Arizonans are at risk of losing full voting rights after being placed on the Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC) list, which limits them to Federal-only ballots.
The League of Women Voters of Arizona has partnered with One Arizona to notify affected voters and assist them in checking their registration status prior to the next election. We need YOUR help through phone banking.
Take action with us to ensure every voice is heard.
📢 For experienced phone bankers — one-time registration only, no set schedule required.
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. A lead League member will provide a brief live training at the start before volunteers launch the Scale to Win software to make calls individually on their own devices. The call script will be available on screen for you to review, and Scale to Win will automatically run through the call list for you - no dialing required! During the session, you’ll get support from experienced members, and we’ll be on Zoom together as a team.
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! 💪
Supplemental information
To help you prepare for phone banking, we urge you to review our FAQ about this event, as well as a video demo of the phone banking software here. Additional training information can be found on the Scale to Win slide deck here.
Ready to start calling voters impacted by DPOC? Access the phone banking software, Scale to Win, here: https://onearizona.call.scaletowin.com/?t=ee0267e1-2d1d-4369-9d51-e0c608fe5727.
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Federal Shutdown Threatens Food and Health Security
The federal government has been partially shut down since October 1 as Congress fails to agree on a budget. Over one million federal employees are unpaid, and critical programs like SNAP and WIC—which help millions of families afford food—are at risk of disruption.
At the heart of the budget impasse is the question of whether to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which help millions maintain their health coverage. Without action, 7.3 million people could lose insurance by 2026.
While Congress continues to be paid, millions of Americans face financial and food insecurity.
It’s time to put people first.
👉 Tell Congress to End the Shutdown
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LWVAZ Legislative Analysis Training Series
Ready to Influence Arizona’s 2026 Legislative Session?
Empower your voice. Expand our impact. Learn legislative analysis the League way! As we prepare for the 2026 Arizona Legislative Session, join this hands-on training series designed to build the skills and confidence needed to turn insight into action at the State Capitol. Each session builds on the previous one, with short practice assignments to help you gain confidence in using our tools. Together, we will explore how bills become law, techniques for reading and analyzing bills, and how League analysis drives advocacy. Each session requires separate registration. Sessions will be repeated in January and February 2026.
Session 1: Understanding Power — How the Arizona Legislature Works
📅 Saturday, Dec. 6, 10–11:30 AM — Registration Link
Session 2: Turning Insight Into Action — How Legislative Analysis Is Done
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13, 10–11:30 AM —Registration Link
Session 3: Building Confidence & Community — Preparing for the Session Ahead
📅 Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, 10–11:30 AM — Registration Link
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LWVAZ Litigation updates
Court Strikes Down Trump’s “Show Your Papers” Order — A Major Win for Voters
On October 31, a federal court permanently blocked a key provision of Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.”
In League of Women Voters Education Fund v. Trump, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that the president cannot unilaterally change federal election rules, striking down the order’s requirement for documentary proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) to register using the federal form. This ruling reaffirms that Congress and the states—not the president—control election procedures and prevents a measure that could have disenfranchised millions, including young, low-income, students and first-time voters.
The League of Women Voters of Arizona, a plaintiff in the case, celebrates this as a victory for democracy and the Constitution.
Learn more:
🔗 Court Order (PDF)
🔗 LWVAZ Press Release
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🌟 Build the Future of the League: Apply or Suggest a Leader Today! 🌟
The League of Women Voters has always met the challenges of its time with courage, conviction, and leadership. Today, as our democracy faces new and complex tests, we have a powerful opportunity to rise together—by building the next generation of League leaders who will guide our movement through 2026–2028 and beyond.
We’re calling on every member to help shape the future of the League. Whether by applying yourself or suggesting someone whose leadership inspires you, your participation is vital to ensuring the strength and diversity of our national leadership bench.
📅 Applications are open now through December 1.
Together, let’s elevate, inspire, and empower the leaders who will carry the League forward.
Your voice—and your suggestions—can shape the League’s future. | 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: Open
League Representative to State Board: Gitelle Seer
Membership Committee Chair: Emra Muslim
Nominations Committee Chair: Suzanne Miller
Voter Services Chair: Dawn Reeths
Contact us at InfoLWVMP@gmail.com | 
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 Please Donate
LWV Metro Phoenix
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League in Action is how the state and local Leagues mobilize members to take action on critical issues as we defend democracy. Download the app and register yourself as a supporter of LWV of Arizona and LWV Metropolitan Phoenix. Click here for step-by-step instructions to download the app and sign up as a supporter of both Leagues.
Stay informed with text alerts about MP Events and activities, Arizona legislative activity and calls to comment through the RTS (Request to Speak) system.
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LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018
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