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Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

A volunteer, nonpartisan organization serving the people of Aguilla, Anthem, Apache Junction, Arizona City, Arlington,  Avondale, Bapchule, Black Canyon City, Bouse, Buckeye, Carefree, Casa Grande, Cashion, Cibola, Cave Creek, Chandler, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Fort McDowell, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Hayden, Higley, Kearny, Maricopa, Mesa, New River, Picacho, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Red Rock, Rio Verde, Scottsdale, Scanton, Stanfield, Tempe, Tolleson, Valley Farms, Winkelman

Date: 4/14/2026
Subject: April 2026 Members Matter
From: President LWV of Metro Phoenix



MEMBERS MATTER NEWSLETTER
April 2026

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear ~~first_name~~,

As my term as president comes to a close this month, I find myself reflecting on the work we’ve done together and feeling deeply grateful.

Serving this League has been an honor. What makes this organization so strong isn’t any one person, but all of you! Your commitment, your voices, and your willingness to step up again and again to protect and strengthen our democracy. I’ve seen firsthand the time, energy, and heart you bring to this work, and it has been both inspiring and humbling.

But this moment is not one to step back, it’s one to step forward.

Being a volunteer is more important than ever. The challenges facing our democracy are real and urgent, and they require all of us. The good news is that this League offers countless ways to take action, through voter registration, education, advocacy, and community engagement. There is a place for every member to lead, to contribute, and to make a tangible impact.

So I ask you: stay engaged. Say yes when opportunities arise. Step into a new role, try something different, bring someone with you. Your voice and your participation are what make this organization powerful and what ensures our democracy works for everyone.

Together, we’ve built something meaningful. Now it’s up to all of us to carry it forward.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your dedication. While my role is changing, my belief in this League and its mission is as strong as ever and I look forward to continuing this important work alongside you in new ways.

In League service,


Kara Pelletier

President

LWV Metro Phoenix


PS, your League needs a new President and President Elect so now is the time to take the next step in your own service and commitment to the work we are doing. Send your interest to infolwvmp@gmail.com today for more information!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Save the Date

When you click on the calendar link, for the month of April.
Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.

Event Calendar

2026 Annual Business Meeting

You’re Invited—And We Need You There.

Join us for our Annual Business Meeting (ABM) on Sunday, April 26, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. (MST) on Zoom. This free, members-only event is where the work—and the momentum—happens.

This isn’t just a meeting. It’s your chance to reconnect, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and step into the work ahead. If you care about protecting democracy, this is where you need to be.

Want to understand the real threats to our democracy?  Then don’t sit this one out.

We’re honored to welcome Victoria López, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arizona, as our keynote speaker. With decades on the front lines of civil liberties and voting rights, she’ll break down what’s happening right now—nationally and here in Arizona—and what it means for all of us.

This is your moment to get informed, get energized, and get involved. Show up. Be part of the conversation. Help shape what comes next.

We need you in the room.

REGISTER HERE - LWVMP 2026 Annual Business Meeting - 4/26/2026

Registration is required to attend. Please do not share your registration link, as members will be voting on business matters. Each member must register individually and join using their unique link, ensuring their name is displayed accurately in Zoom.

We ask that members join using a computer when possible. Voting during the meeting requires either a computer or a smartphone.

During the business portion of the meeting, we will review both informational and voting items:

Information Item:

  • Financial Report as of February 28, 2026

Voting Items:

  • Proposed Budget for 2026–2027

  • Proposed Bylaws (updated February 27, 2026)

  • Election of open Board positions

Member participation is essential—please come prepared to engage fully.

The meeting will be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. Kara Pelletier will officiate. All comments and questions from the floor should be directed to the chair.

Please note:

  • No new amendments will be permitted. Members were previously invited to submit recommendations to the Bylaws Committee.

  • Motions to amend must not alter the fundamental intent of the original proposal.

  • Any amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at infolwvmp@gmail.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 21.

Documents to be reviewed in preparation for the meeting

For questions about the meeting or agenda items, please contact the Secretary at infolwvmp@gmail.com.

REGISTER HERE - LWVMP 2026 Annual Business Meeting - 4/26/2026

In addition, we will host a Q&A Session on April 22 at 6:00 p.m. This optional Zoom session is designed to answer questions and provide clarification on meeting materials. Members are encouraged to review documents in advance and use this session for any needed clarification.

Please note: registration is required separately for both events.

REGISTER HERE FOR Questions & Answer Session - 4/22/2026


LWVMP Community Teams

Engaging with Community Teams

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.

Saturday, April 18, 4 pm - 6 pm: Northeast Valley Community Team meeting.

Join fellow LWV Metropolitan Phoenix members for our Northeast Valley Community Team meeting. The April gathering will feature a discussion of the new citizens’ ballot initiative led by Education Forward Arizona and Save Our Schools Arizona, which proposes accountability restraints on Arizona’s universal school voucher program.  We expect to have copies of the proposed initiative available for review and discussion at the meeting.

Registration required:  LWVMP Northeast Valley Community Team Event - In-Person, hosted in Scottsdale - open to all members - 4/18/2026
📍 Location: Wildflower, 15640 Hayden Road, Scottsdale

There’s no fee to attend, but if you’d like to support the League’s work, we’ll gladly accept a $5–$10 contribution at the door. Wildflower is generously providing the meeting space, so please also consider purchasing a drink or snack.

All LWVMP members are welcome — and feel free to bring a friend.

Saturday, April 25, 10 am - 12 pm: Phoenix Community Team meeting.

Join fellow LWV Metropolitan Phoenix members for our Phoenix Community Team meeting. The April gathering will feature a discussion of the new citizens’ ballot initiative led by Education Forward Arizona and Save Our Schools Arizona, which proposes accountability restraints on Arizona’s universal school voucher program.  We expect to have copies of the proposed initiative available for review and discussion at the meeting.

Registration required: LWVMP Phoenix Community Team Event - In-Person, hosted in Phoenix - Open to all Members - 4/25/2026
📍 Location: Co+Hoots Coworking Space, 221 E Indianola Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

There’s no fee to attend, but if you’d like to support the League’s work, we’ll gladly accept a $5–$10 contribution at the door. 

All LWVMP members are welcome — and feel free to bring a friend.


Convention and Council 2026

LWVUS Convention, Date: June 26-28, 2026, Location: Columbus Ohio(virtual attendance available), Hilton Columbus Downtown, Registration Fee: In-person- $600, virtual-$150 . LWVUS Delegate applicationLWVUS Convention Info & Registration

LWVAZ State Council is May 30, 2026, (9 am - 4 pm) and will be a virtual meeting. Registration Fee is $25.  Email infolwvmp@gmail.com if interested in being a delegate. 
MEMBERSHIP

Growing our Membership and League Power

Please join us in welcoming 10 New League Members who joined last month: Kristin Johnston, Terri Pilarski, Beth Edwards, Rhonda Hickman, Bridget Larkin, Allison Seltzer, Barbara Burkholder, Andi Minkoff, Marcie Hutchinson, and Becky Christensen.

And, thank you to all 8 Renewing Members: Janie Moseley, Margaret Hill, Susan Muha, Keisha Mohan, Beth Trachy, Ronald Trachy, Eric Ehst, and Radha Nieburgs-Pappas.

Engagement Highlights
Help us grow our League power by inviting friends, neighbors, and democracy allies to Join the League today

Thank You for Making Democracy Work

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.


LWVAZ  NOMINATIONS

WE’RE LOOKING FOR OUR NEXT LEADER!  
LWVAZ PRESIDENT-ELECT

Do you want to help shape the future of the League across Arizona?  This is your opportunity to step into a statewide leadership role!

Become our next PRESIDENT-ELECT and 

Get in 

TROUBLE

Good

TROUBLE

Necessary

TROUBLE

John Lewis” 

🔷Position: President-Elect 2026-2028

  • Term: 1 year as President-Elect, 1 year as President

  • Reports to: LWVAZ Board

  • Support and collaborate with the LWVAZ President

  • Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen local Leagues

  • Build partnerships and advocate for nonpartisan civic engagement

  • Prepare to transition into the President role

WHY SERVE?  Work with dedicated, mission-driven members.

Amplify the League’s voice statewide and build leadership experience and networks.

Interested members fill out the application below and/or contact the nominating committee at sjp18907@gmail.com.


Deadline: April 19, 2026
LWVAZ 2026 Nominations QR code


VOTER SERVICES

Democracy doesn’t protect itself — it relies on each of us. At the League of Women Voters, 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 for Voter Service activities planned May through August to Get Out The Vote and volunteer to help prepare content for Vote411, the Ebby award winning LWV Digital Voters Guide. 

To learn more about what’s involved and when:

 

ADVOCACY

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

The MP Observer Corps needs you - all members are encouraged to join the Observer Corps. Join our vital team of volunteers who attend local government meetings. By acting as our eyes and ears, you'll help ensure transparency and accountability, reporting on decisions that shape our community. These nonpartisan reports empower everyone to make informed voting decisions.
Just a few hours a month can make a huge difference. No experience is needed; we provide training, and it's a fantastic way to learn about issues directly affecting you.
Ready to get involved? Email AdvocacyLWVMP@gmail.com to learn more and chat with an Observer Corps Team member!
LWVAZ NEWS

Help Voters Understand State Ballot Measures

The State Board has approved recommendations for League positions on ballot measures that may be on the November 2026 general election ballot. This list includes 3 legislative referrals from 2025 (on the ballot), dozens of 2026 legislative referrals still working their way through the legislature, and several citizens’ initiatives (all pending).

The state board has approved the state advocacy committee’s recommendations, including whether we support, oppose, monitor, or have no league position.2026 - State Ballot Propositions and LWVAZ Position.docx This list will continue to be updated as additional initiatives and referrals are filed.

We are recruiting members to help research and write analyses of ballot measures. Volunteers will receive guidance documents, templates, and examples of previous years’ analyses as examples. Our work product falls into two distinct categories, reflecting the purpose of the work

  • Lobbying: The deadline to complete the work is the end of May.

    • Persuasive arguments for or against to submit to the SOS publicity pamphlet

    • Presentations to groups who want to know 

    • Must have a league public policy position 

  • Voter education: Timeline for completing the work is the middle of August.

    • Neutral, nonpartisan, and objective analysis 

    • For VOTE411, print collateral to distribute at community events

    • Include all ballot measures regardless of whether the league has a public policy position 

If you would like to help, please indicate your interest by completing the Vote411 Volunteer Survey as soon as possible. We will organize teams based on broad issues and reach out to volunteers to determine which team you would like to work on.  

Democracy Needs You: Join the VOTE411 Team for 2026.

VOTE411 is the League’s trusted, nonpartisan voter guide, a proven, time-honored resource that gives voters clear, accurate, unbiased information straight from the candidates themselves. In a closely divided state like Arizona, strong voter education isn’t optional; it’s essential to ensuring every voter can participate fully and confidently in our democracy.

We need your help to make it happen.
As we gear up for the 2026 elections, we’re recruiting volunteers to:

  • Write unbiased, thoughtful candidate questions

  • Update office position descriptions

  • Analyze state ballot measures and prepare unbiased pros and cons.

  • Promote VOTE411 through media and outreach

  • Speak at community events

  • Support other critical behind-the-scenes work to ensure our content is complete, accurate, and accessible

Your time and skills directly empower voters—and strengthen democracy statewide.  Take a moment to complete the brief VOTE411 Volunteer Survey and tell us how you’d like to contribute. Vote411 Volunteer Survey

To learn more about what’s involved and when:

Your voice. Your skills. Your impact.


LWVUS NEWS

LWVUS Actions

The SAVE Act is still alive. Because the Senate has not voted to end debate on this bill, this legislation can come up at any time on the floor for debate, amendment, or a cloture vote. Please use the resources around this bill below:

Preparing for the 2030 Census: April 1 marked the four-year mark until the 2030 Census. Leagues should begin preparing their communities for activities that encourage a full and complete count. Please review the Roadmap to the 2030 Census from Census Counts and use our 2030 Census engagement action kit to start preparing your League for the census!
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: Open
  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

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.

 LWV Metro Phoenix, 3219 E Camelback Road, #187, Phoenix, AZ 86018
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Mailing Address:  3219 E. Camelback Road #187,  Phoenix,  Arizona 85018