Quick Links to Articles in this Issue

President's Message
Save the Date
Engaging with Community Teams
Voter Services
Advocacy
Fundraising
Membership

2026: Showing Up When Democracy Needs Us Most

As we enter 2026, we are facing a clear and sobering reality: our democracy is under strain. Voting rights are being challenged. Facts are under attack. Trust in our institutions is being tested. This moment calls for clarity, courage, and action.

That is why the League of Women Voters matters now more than ever.

The League is — and always has been — a grassroots organization. We don’t wait on the sidelines for someone else to fix what’s broken. We show up. We organize. We act in our own communities, because that’s where democracy lives or fails.

This year’s 2026 All Member Virtual Meeting on Sunday, January 25 from 2-4pm (registration required)  is dedicated to helping members make sense of what is happening in our country and what you can do right now to stay informed and take action to safeguard our communities and our democracy.

We are creating space for open, honest conversation about the escalating attacks on our rights and the real challenges facing our neighbors. We want to hear your concerns, your perspectives, and your priorities. Together, we will determine how the League remains present, effective, and bold in this critical moment — standing up for our neighbors, defending our rights, and protecting democracy.

You don’t need special expertise or endless time to make a difference. You just need to care — and to act.

Whether it’s registering voters, sharing trusted information, supporting fair elections, mentoring young leaders, or having meaningful conversations with friends and family, every action matters.

In moments like this, participation is not optional — it is essential. So in 2026, we ask you to keep showing up. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay with the League.

Our democracy depends on neighbors who care. Thank you for being one of them. 

- Kara Pelletier, President

Save the Date

When you click on the calendar link, for the month of January, you will see events for January.

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


Event Calendar

Save the Date

Special Event for Members – January 25th Virtual 2pm - 4pm. Registration Link

An All-Member Conversation: Protecting Our Democracy in a Challenging Moment

The League is taking action against threats to our democracy. 

Join us for an LWV Metro Phoenix All-Member Conversation focused on the current challenges facing our democracy and our communities. This virtual gathering will provide a brief overview of upcoming state events, 2026 election activities, legislative priorities, and youth engagement efforts, followed by small-group conversations. Members are invited to share what’s on their minds, raise questions, and help identify how the League can remain active, effective, and grounded in our mission during this critical moment.

Want to be more involved in your locality? 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.

Your Voice, Your Action, Your Democracy

MLK Day Festival – All Are Welcome. Volunteer Today!

Kick off 2026 at the 40th Anniversary MLK Jr. Day Festival on January 19! For four decades, the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration  has brought our community together to uplift unity, diversity, and equality—and the League will be right in the heart of the action.

This busy mid-term year needs all of us. League volunteers will be registering voters and sharing trusted election information through VOTE411, putting Dr. King’s legacy into action by strengthening our democracy.

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our table during the Festival. Whether you’re a longtime League member or brand new, this is a fun, meaningful way to start the year with purpose. Join the March and stay for the Festival!

Sign Up Today 

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

SRP Association Board Election

Find out if you are eligible to vote and learn more here (hosted by LWVAZ)

If you live in SRP's voting district, sign up for SRP Early Voting. SRP elections are separate from your standard general election ballot. Even if you are already on a mail-in list, you must specifically request an SRP early ballot to vote in this race.

👉 SRP Permanent Early Voting Request Form 

Observer Corps

Help hold 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

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 

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

Breaking Away - The Origins of American Independence

Whether you’re a history buff, a civic-minded voter, an advocate for democracy, or curious about how America’s founding ideals intersect with modern challenges, LWVAZ’s podcast series “Breaking Away - The Origins of American Independence” offers clear, engaging, and relevant insights.

Listen using YouTube, Spotify, Podbean or access from here: 👉 LWVAZ Social Contract Series

Help spread the word! Copy and paste to your friends and family. 

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.  Our next virtual Advocacy Meeting is Tuesday, February 17, from 5:30–7:00 PM. 

Meet in-person with some of the team at the next NE Community meeting on February 21. 👉Learn more and register here.

Invest in Democracy: Support the League

At the League of Women Voters, we know democracy doesn’t defend itself—it takes people, passion, and resources. Every voter registration table, candidate forum, youth program, and advocacy effort is powered by members and supporters like you.
This year, LWV Metro Phoenix is expanding our reach like never before. We’re mentoring the next generation through the new Ambassador Corps, engaging thousands of students at community events, and showing up in force for National Voter Registration Day and National Voter Education Week. These efforts matter—and they depend on your support.
When you give to the League, you’re making a direct investment in protecting voting rights, empowering young leaders, and ensuring every voice is heard at the ballot box.
Here’s how you can help today:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online.
Ask your employer about matching gifts.
Honor a friend or loved one with a gift in their name.
Together, we can keep democracy strong in Metro Phoenix and beyond. Thank you for standing with us.
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix

Thank You for Making Democracy Work

As we begin a new year, we want to say thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix. Your membership helps make democracy work at a time when protecting voting rights is more critical than ever.

Your dues directly support voter education, advocacy, and nonpartisan election protection efforts in our community. Because of you, the League remains a trusted voice fighting for fair elections and an inclusive democracy.

Help Us Grow the Movement

Local action is where real change happens, and we invite you to help us grow our impact by encouraging your networks, family, and friends to join LWVMP. Membership starts at just $20 per year, making it easy for anyone who believes in voting rights and civic engagement to get involved.

To learn more about the League and help spread the word, you can share this resource:
👉 Learn more about the League here

Get Involved: Membership Committee

Want to be part of this critical work? The Membership Committee plays a vital role in retaining and expanding our membership. Without our members, our work simply could not happen. If you’re interested in helping build the League’s future or want to learn more, please email membershiplwvmp@gmail.com.

Thank you for standing with us and helping strengthen democracy — together, we make change happen.

 and Two Board Director Positions

We invite you to submit your name for consideration for open positions on the LWVMP Board of Directors. Join a dynamic team committed to empowering voters and safeguarding our democracy. As a Board member, you have the opportunity to  strengthen your connection to the League and enjoy a truly enriching leadership experience.

President

Nominations are currently being accepted for the office of LWVMP President for 2026–2027.

The President provides leadership and general oversight of LWVMP operations and membership; serves as spokesperson; executes legal documents as needed; and presides at all organizational and Board meetings. The President holds supervisory and management authority associated with the office and performs additional duties as designated by the Board.

To learn more about this vital leadership role, please review the detailed President Position Description . 

President-Elect

Nominations are currently being accepted for the office of LWVMP President-Elect for 2026–2027, who will assume the Presidency for 2027–2028.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with the current President and an experienced Board, providing strong preparation for assuming the Presidency. The President-Elect role ensures continuity in the event of a vacancy and supports a smooth transition of essential actions and policies approved by the Board.

For more information, please review the detailed President Elect Position Description.

Treasurer

Nominations are now being accepted for LWVMP Treasurer for 2026–2028.

Key responsibilities include: presenting monthly financial statements to the Board; preparing the annual budget; preparing and presenting fiscal reports to members; ensuring dues and other income are received, deposited, and recorded; and preparing and filing all required operating fund, legal, and tax documents with the appropriate government entities. To learn more about this position, please review the detailed Treasurer Position Description.

Board Director(s)

Two elected positions are open for the 2026–2028 term.

General responsibilities include upholding the League’s nonpartisan policy; attending all Board meetings; contributing to strategic planning and decision-making; promoting League activities; and fulfilling specific assignments, which may include chairing a committee. For additional details, please review theBoard of Directors Position Description 

Application Process

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Candidates must be League members in good standing.

Interested? Please submit a brief personal biography or résumé, including your relevant experience and skills—to Suzanne Miller, Nominating Chair, at  infolwvmp@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, March 4, 2026. All candidates will be interviewed by the Nominating Committee via Zoom.

The LWVMP Bylaws are reviewed on an annual basis.  We are seeking your comments on the current bylaws as we complete this process.  Comments should be submitted by 1/31/26.  If you have any questions, please reach out through infolwvmp@gmail.com. 

A link to the document is provided below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVhXqK27ybHrRxRXr6Cca2-K62PjIY_mwpcDyg4A1vQ/edit?usp=sharing

Marcia Barry

Chair, LWVMP Bylaws Committee