Special Edition July 2016 ­ ​
National Convention Whether you were there, or wish you had been, you’ll enjoy this special edition of The Voter. Thank you to Minnesota’s attendees for their reports and photos. A little background Every two years, LWV delegates and non­voting attendees from around the country gather to discuss new or updated League positions, learn about state and local initiatives, network and conduct the organization's business, approve a biennial budget and elect the Board of Directors. Convention at every level is an important event for LWV. The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) holds a national convention in even numbered years and council, a smaller business meeting, in odd numbered years. The 2016 Convention was held in Washington D.C. The 2018 convention will be hosted by Illinois Leagues and will be held in Chicago. LWVUS rotates the location of League between D.C. and a state, so the 2020 Convention will again be in Washington D. C. Delegates from Leagues in all 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hong Kong and the District of Columbia are invited to meet at Convention to consider the priorities and direction of League. ●
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More than 1,500 delegates attended Convention 2016 (plus at least 34 non­voting attendees) More than 760 Leagues and Inter­League Organizations ( ILOs) were represented There was representation from 47 states plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. From Minnesota, there were 38 delegates and non­voting members in attendance. 1 Lobby Day 2016 League members from around the country, including several members from Minnesota, went to Washington D.C. a day early to attend Lobby Day on Capitol Hill bringing with them a tough message on voting rights for their U.S. Senators and Representatives. Both Minnesota Senators and several Representatives or their staff took the time to sit down and listen to League members from Minnesota. Senator Amy Klobuchar​
with the Minnesota delegation on Lobby day. Minnesota Delegates​
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meet with Representative Tom Emmer’s staff and Senator Amy Klobuchar’s staff. Reflections on LWVUS Convention 2016 Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director, LWV Minnesota This was my second convention and I was thrilled we were convening in our nation’s capital. This time I felt more of a participant than an observer as I felt more comfortable with League lingo and processes. I went to convention with a sense of anticipation expecting to hear messaging about change, relevancy and expanding engagement. I participated in Lobby Day visiting with elected officials and their staff to discuss the Voting Rights Advancement Act, Money in Politics, and Redistricting; the core of LWV work. Evaluating business practices I was asked to serve on panel discussions relating to Minnesota’s 501(c)(4) / 501(c)(3) conversion status. Minnesota is clearly a leader in this movement, being the second state to go through this transition. (Wisconsin was the first.) I felt affirmed and confident that we had made the right decision as I listened to delegates from around the country 2 struggling with trying to keep two sets of books at the state level or the level of misunderstanding between lobbying and advocacy. Rest assured, Minnesota has provided some very thorough work around these conversions and I believe it makes us a stronger LWV as we continue to adopt best business practices. This need to adopt best business practices was quite evident in the budget report and LWVUS’ failure to act quickly in matters regarding their investment portfolio. As a consequence, national staff is being cut, all internal systems are being reviewed and cost saving measures are being implemented. This of course is the direction in which LWVUS needs to move, however, when systems are ignored for periods of time and financial adjustments not incorporated, the corrections are hard on an organization. With a new CEO, COO and a new board, I am hopeful that all the problems have been identified and are being addressed as quickly as they can. The true test will unfold over the months to come. Conveying our good work We were treated to a series of speeches that touched upon the importance of our work and the threats that continue to plague our democracy. Yet as important as our work is to keeping our democracy thriving, as an organization we have been lax in conveying the impact of our work. In this fast­paced, changing world, organizations are expected to provide data to assert their credibility. We have not been very good at telling the full impact of our stories. This hurts us with funders, donors and our relevancy. This requires each of us to be more mindful about reporting about the work that we do. How many voter registrations? How many community members attending candidate or issue forums? Are we developing relationships with each of these groups to encourage further re­engagement with LWV and in their communities? While we certainly would like our organization to grow, ultimately we are here to make our democracy work for all and LWV is the organization with the depth of knowledge and patience to advocate for long standing barriers to keeping our democracy strong. Leaders spoke about change and engagement I was particularly eager to hear from the new CEO Wylecia Higgs Harris and the newly elected President Chris Carson. As an advocate for significant organizational change, I wanted to hear this message being delivered from the very top. I would encourage all of you to either watch the videos or to read their remarks posted on our website https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­ 2016 Wylecia and the national leadership team are in the midst of strategic planning and are emphasizing the key words “change” and “engagement.” Her remarks identify the challenges and, if as a body we are willing, that these challenges can be turned into opportunities. Concluding thoughts and action I left convention with mixed emotions. Pleased that Minnesota had been effective in making changes to the bylaws, a first step to committing to equity and inclusion. We have dipped our toe into the waters, but we have much work to be done and it needs to be addressed fairly quickly. The discussion of relevancy is vitally important to the steps we take in shaping our future, both nationally and as a state LWV. We have a lot of “how” work to do. How do we authentically include new communities, individuals into our local LWVs? How do we work together to collect and report the data? How as an organization do we work in collaboration with 3 community partners in a way that strengthens the impact of our work, without ceding our legacy? How do we mentor to younger generations to initiate civic engagement and build lasting relationships so they will continue the work of LWV? For all local LWV leadership, I would highly recommend reading two resources that Wylecia is using at the national level and Minnesota’s board is also using in its strategic planning efforts: Race for Relevance​
, by Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers and ​
Good to Great and The Social Sectors​
by Jim Collins. These issues require continued attention, intention, energy and enthusiasm if we are to successfully embrace “change and engagement”. We need to look ahead and be open to the full meaning and value of adopting this mind­set, otherwise it really is only a matter of a short time that LWV will cease to be relevant. LWVUS Program for 2016­2018: The vote on the Proposed Program at Convention 2016 was the culmination of months of Program Planning by state and local Leagues and Inter­League Organizations (ILOs). A Proposed Program was sent to Leagues along with the Program Planning Leader’s Guide in early 2016. A total of 230 Leagues submitted recommendations to LWVUS. The LWVUS Board also considered input received on an online survey in fall 2015 in which members strongly supported a League­wide focus on core democracy issues including Voter Service and Protection, Money in Politics and Redistricting. In April 2016, the LWVUS Board adopted a Proposed Program based on recommendations from Leagues. Delegates to Convention voted on the Proposed Program and on the not­recommended items submitted in accordance with LWVUS bylaws. Program 2016 ­ 2018: ® ● League­wide Campaign for Making Democracy Work​
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Concurrence with the Redistricting position proposed by the LWVUS Redistricting Task Force Concurrence with the Behavioral Health Position of LWV Colorado including amending the LWVUS Health Care Position Based on Program Planning responses, the LWVUS Board also recommended retaining all current LWVUS positions in the areas of Representative Government, International Relations, Natural Resources and Social Policy. Delegates agreed and voted to retain all positions It’s Not All Work ­­ D.C. and Convention Overview Peggy Kvam, LWV Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Hopkins (MEHP) My trip to Washington D.C. for the LWV Convention was a whirlwind of activity, both at the Convention and in the city. I arrived a day early, staying at my sister's home nearby in Virginia. On Wednesday morning, we met up with four other LWV members from Minnesota to attend the Senator Al Franken constituent breakfast at one of the Senate buildings near the Capitol. We 4 enjoyed a wild rice porridge, then Senator Franken arrived and spoke for a few minutes, answered some questions, and posed for pictures. Next, my sister and I went to the Library of Congress for some genealogical research. I am now a proud holder of a Library of Congress library card! After lunch at their cafeteria (which has food from around the world), I toured the Supreme Court building. They had some lovely displays on Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman Supreme Court Justice, whom I had the honor to meet several years ago at an LWVMN event in her honor. Then on to Representative Erik Paulson's office to meet his staff for a Capitol tour. Representative Paulson wasn't in, but I was invited into his personal office which is stuffed full of mementos from our state. An intern from Duluth led my sister and me on a private tour of the Capitol, which was very interesting. Did you know, there is a marble statue of suffragettes Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton there? Congressional sessions From the House Gallery, we watched a small number of Representatives argue for and against an amendment to a military budget bill regarding the source of coal used by overseas troops. The Pennsylvania members were all present, arguing vigorously for it, and we learned their motivation when one of the "con" representatives mentioned that the language of the amendment resulted in only one company, which happened to be in Pennsylvania, being the only authorized provider of the coal. The amendment passed, since so few were present. So this is how it works!? On the Senate floor, we watched our own Senator Klobuchar and my sister's Senator Warner filibustering for gun control legislation. The floor was pretty much empty of the other Senators. Unfortunately we are still waiting for that legislation. Convention commences Thursday morning, I arrived early to the Convention hotel to staff an information table on our LWVMN briefing paper, "The Impact of Neonicotinoids on Honey Bees." There was a huge interest in our material, including a toolkit to enable other groups to put together a program on the subject. We handed out around 200 copies of the paper, and even more business cards. Miriam Simmons from LWV White Bear Lake Area was my partner in this activity. The Convention officially began with a welcome reception at 5:00 pm, a program session at 7:00 pm and caucuses and workshops at 8:15 pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, caucuses and workshops began at 7:15 am, with plenary sessions during the day and more meetings in the evenings. I attended an excellent caucus program presented by Lynn Scarlett, Global Policy Director for the Nature Conservancy and former Under­Secretary of the Interior. She spoke about water issues and climate change. The Upper Mississippi River Region Inter­League Organization (ILO), of which LWV MEPH is a member, co­hosted this program. Connections and Friendships I think the best part about attending any LWV Convention, at national, state and local levels, is the opportunity to put faces to names and get to know fellow League members better. I chatted 5 a bit with LWVUS outgoing president Elisabeth MacNamara and Chief Executive Officer Wylecia Wiggs Harris, and I enjoyed spending time with LWVMN President Terry Kalil and LWVMN Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker. I made some new friends in members from other Minnesota local leagues, and look forward to working with them on future programs and forums. ​
"The Impact of Neonicotinoids on Honey Bees" ​
LWV Members Miriam Simmons and Peggy Kvam at the ‘Bee’ table. A New Definition of Voting Member Miriam Simmons, LWV White Bear Lake Area and Mary Rice, LWV Bloomington It may not be unusual to hear the name Malala at an LWV national convention, but it may be a ​
bit strange when it is invoked during a debate on a bylaw amendment. LWV Minnesota and many state and local Leagues nationwide submitted amendments that sought to redefine ​
voting member ​
by departing from the long­standing requirement that a voting member be a citizen at least 18 years of age. These amendments received the full recommendation of the LWVUS Board of Directors, something we later learned hadn’t happened with regard to membership in more than 20 years. Debate on changing ​
citizens ​
to ​
persons p
​roceeded quickly and the vote was overwhelmingly for the change. Speaking to both amendments on behalf of LWV Minnesota’s Board were Jing Jing Zeng and Claire Schilichting from LWV Bloomington. Both students were impassioned representatives of why LWV needs a younger and more diverse membership. (See related report that follows, “Bloomington Interns Take on Capitol Hill”.) But we did not anticipate the strength of the opposition to removing an age requirement for membership. Debate on removing ​
at least 18 years of age ​
was quite vigorous with the focus on the need for a minimum age and many were still lined up at the microphones when a delegate moved the previous question. (This is the motion to ‘call the question’, meaning that a two­thirds vote can close debate so that the vote on the main motion can be taken.) This vote closed debate and a standing vote then was taken on removing the age requirement. With the 6 outcome unclear, a ballot vote was ordered. This was not good news for the amendments' sponsors, as it certainly looked as though we were going to lose this fight. And we did. We did have a majority, but a motion to amend the bylaws requires a two­thirds vote. What options are there when you lose like this? This was a good lesson in why a little bit of knowledge of Robert’s Rules can take you a long way. During the recess, LWVMN president Terry Kalil and Miriam Simmons, LWV White Bear Lake Area member and author of the amendments ​
(shown here checking her ​
notes on parliamentary procedure)​
, formed a quick plan to bring together the California delegation and a Florida delegate willing to make a motion to reconsider in favor of an amendment that would insert ​
at least 16 years of age​
. This was done in consultation with the convention parliamentarian and LWVUS President Elisabeth MacNamara to ensure that our motion was in order and would be recognized. (A person making the motion to reconsider must have voted on the prevailing side; that is, they had to have voted no.) A vote to reconsider requires a majority and quickly passed. A new motion was introduced to lower the age requirement from 18 to 16 based on our reading of the prevailing will of the delegates. Following more debate on the lowered minimum age limit, a voice vote was taken and it easily received the necessary two­thirds vote. LWVUS and every state and local League now has a new definition of Voting Member: ​
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Article III, Section 2, A. ​
Voting Members​
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Persons at least 16 years of age who join the League shall be voting members of local Leagues, state Leagues and of the LWVUS; (1) those who live within an area of a local League may join that League or any other local League; (2) those who reside outside the area of any local League may join a local League or shall be state members­at­large; (3) those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be life members excused from the payment of dues. Comments and praise for LWV Minnesota’s leadership and work with our many partners was overwhelming. Even as we waited to leave D.C., delegates from other states were congratulating us on achieving a significant shift in our organization’s membership criteria. To achieve this outcome one year after our first discussion of changing the Bylaws at the LWVUS Council demonstrates the power of building a coalition. The floor proceedings were a living lesson in the democratic process, parliamentary procedures, and the need for compromise to achieve a common goal. Congratulations to all the members who contributed their leadership, time, talents and expertise! 7 Bloomington Interns Take On Capitol Hill Edited by Savannah Salato, LWV Bloomington On June 15, 2016, five interns, along with Kaye Aho and several other members of Minnesota leagues, boarded a plane and headed to the National LWV Convention. They were warmly welcomed into the legislative world by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, as well as Representative Erik Paulsen’s Senior Legislative Aide Matt Gallivan. The next four days were filled with activities such as lobbying for voter’s rights on Capitol Hill, impromptu lunches in hallways of government buildings, and speaking at conventions to change the League of Women Voters forever. These women were able to not only discuss these issues with such prominent political figures, but they were also able to pass amendments to the National League’s policies to allow non­citizens and members 16 and older to become voting members. It was a whirlwind tour and the experience impacted each attendee in a poignant and unique manner. Xiaojing Zeng (“Jing Jing”) ​
was impressed by the powerful speeches given at the Convention, and moved by the accepting nature of the League: “The speakers at the convention were very well­spoken and articulate. While many members were ready for a change, it was still very difficult to listen to the arguments that were made against removing the citizenship and age requirements. In the end, I was very moved when the citizenship bylaw was passed almost unanimously. This gave me hope in seeing that the League is becoming more accepting of the diversity of the United States.” Because she was an immigrant herself,​
Yanet Lakew ​
found the DC trip moving, eye­opening and inspiring: “I am overjoyed that the amendment passed. I'm so excited because as a non­citizen, I can now vote in the League. Who knows, maybe in a few years I might be a US citizen myself, and I know for sure this experience will help me in the future. I know the beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people, and so members with different cultures will bring many new ideas to the table.” Another student intern, ​
Michelle Nguyen,​
had never been to Washington DC and remarked on the honor of meeting her idols and the bustling nature of the Nation’s Capitol: “We were star­struck on Capitol Hill just being in the same building as our idols in the political world. We also realized how busy our senators and representatives were when we found ourselves eating sandwiches in the hallway of the Cannon House Office Building under a tight schedule. From attending Amy Klobuchar’s breakfast in the morning to catching Al Franken right after his meeting, Capitol Hill Day was an eventful and memorable day for all of us whether it was our first or fifth time in D.C.” Important introductions, being senator for the day, and the impressive performances given by her peers were some of the highlights of the trip for ​
Rediet Woldemariam:​
“It was just a great 8 experience to meet Senator Klobuchar and to be in the same room with her. We also got a tour of her office, a meeting with her to voice our concerns, and I even got to be senator for the day! Our next meeting was with Senator Al Franken. Even though he was busy having a meeting with all the representatives, he was generous enough to invite us to Capitol Hill. After that, we had amazing lobby day where my amazing fellow interns were able to give great speeches at the caucus.” Claire Schilichting ​
was very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the D.C. adventure, and proud of the students that went with her for getting the amendments passed: “In D.C., we had both the opportunity to meet with and discuss issues with our representatives in Congress, and the opportunity to change LWV forever. I'm so proud to say we did both. Beyond those accomplishments, convention was an amazing opportunity to see DC and to network with other league members. Ever since I joined the League at sixteen, it has welcomed me and helped shape me into the driven, community­minded woman I am today, and I was honored to be the youngest delegate at convention this year. I simply can't wait until 45 or so years from now, when LWV Bloomington produces some of the youngest lifetime league members ever.” New Local Leagues Minnesota has more ​
new ​
local Leagues than any other state! Caucuses, Workshops and Information Sessions 9 During the four days of convention there were at least 30 breakout sessions, caucuses, information sessions and networking roundtables where members discussed League issues such as league management, communication strategies, natural resources topics, and voter service issues. At the small group sessions we heard the details of the proposed resolutions, Program, and bylaws changes. The budget was discussed and we heard moans, groans, gasps and confusion. We heard about issues we probably haven’t thought about like the voting barriers transgender/gender expansive (T/GE) people face. We received updates on the use of social media and we participated in ‘Tactical Training for this Election Year.’ We also heard discussions about the perennial issues such as gun safety. There was something for everyone and because sessions were scheduled as early as 7:15 am and as late 8:15 pm. there wasn’t a moment to be bored. Minnesota delegates were facilitators and presenters: Peggy Kvam of LWV MEPH led one of the informal lunchtime discussions on honey bees and Neonicotinoids. LWV Minnesota Executive Director, Susan Sheridan Tucker was on a panel that focused on the pros and cons of becoming a 501(c)(3). Mary Rice of LWV Bloomington and LWV Minnesota President Terry Kalil facilitated a breakout session panel that included young people, non­citizens and leaders who discussed Universal Suffrage for LWV and barriers to membership. Gretchen Sabel, member of LWV ABC and chair of the Upper Mississippi Regional Inter League Organization, (UMRILO) moderated the Water/Climate Nexus breakout session. The sessions were not only very enlightening but offered opportunities to meet and work with members of Leagues from all over the country. This nation­wide sharing of perspectives, ideas and League experiences only happens for League members at the large convention gatherings. Peggy Kvam​
hosted an informal discussion on Honey Bees during a lunch break. 10 Delegates to Convention “Thank you, Bemidji for letting me have your vote! “ Joann Brown represented Bemidji at convention. Her local League, Crystal, New Hope, East Plymouth was entitled to one delegate. So, Lois Wendt represented their local League, and Joann went as a delegate for Bemidji. “I was able to tell any delegate who wanted to know about Bemidji that the fishing is good…” Each local League gets one delegate spot and one more for every 50 members. The delegate count is determined by the number of members active on January 31. You do not need to be a delegate to attend convention. Any number of non­voting members can attend and unused delegate spots can be reallocated to other members from across Minnesota. Wouldn’t it be nice if every local League in Minnesota would send at least one member to Chicago in 2018? LWV Roseville Area ​
members June Stewart, Rita Mills and Judy Stuthman join Jennifer Linquist, LWV Willmar, in a laugh during a plenary session. New Leadership LWVUS has both a new President and a new CEO. All members are encouraged to listen to their remarks using the links below. LWVUS is facing challenges and working on change and inclusion just as LWV Minnesota, and their remarks give insight to the direction, priorities and concerns of LWVUS. They also reinforce the message we have been hearing from our LWV Minnesota leaders. ●
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Newly Elected LWVUS President Chris Carson ­ ​
President's Address Wylecia Wiggs Harris, CEO LWVUS ­ ​
CEO Address Wylecia’s address focused on change and engagement. She ended with, “So, what am I asking for today? I’m asking that we all be open to continued conversation and that we recognize the urgency of this change journey. I’m asking us to realize the need for a framework as a starting point in this conversation, and that we be mindful of any biases we may have that could hinder our success. Finally, I’m asking us to adopt the Making Democracy Work® campaign, which will 11 provide us the organizational focus and strategic alignment necessary to demonstrate greater collective impact, relevance and visibility. This is the beginning of our Winning Plan.” Newly Elected ​
LWVUS President, Chris Carson of California Arfon Osmon, LWV Willmar​
, chats during a break with outgoing LWVUS President Elisabeth MacNamara about her convention experience. LWV Willmar member, Jessica Roloff,​
shown here with LWV Minnesota Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker, was elected to the LWVUS Board of Directors. We Go Because There are Still Mountains to Climb ... Jessica Roloff, LWV Willmar and newly­elected member of LWVUS Board 12 Approaching convention is a mix of excitement and trepidation. I imagine it is what one feels before they embark to climb a mountain. The days are long, your mind gets full and after so many hours begins to cry out, “Why do we go? “ We go because there are still mountains to climb. ​
We go because the victory of women's suffrage was just the beginning and not the end of our work. We go because we may have achieved women's suffrage in 1920, but in 2016 we are far from universal suffrage for the people of the United States. We must never forget our sisters of color finally won voting rights in 1965, a full 45 years after the formation of League. Then came the harsh gutting of the Voting Rights Act of 2013, and we have witnessed since then voter disenfranchisement spread like wildfire. People are working hard every day to to remove the ballot from the reach of people of color, the poor, rural residents, the aged and students. League members must work twice as hard. ​
Lest we think these are only issues that happen in "other places" let me remind you that as I write today at my kitchen table, in progressive Minnesota, over 47,000 of my neighbors live in the community, pay taxes and yet have no voice because they have no vote. These are people who made a mistake, have a felony conviction in their past and have no way to move forward and take responsibility for their communities in the form of casting a ballot. This fight is difficult and long, but not without hope.​
At convention we set a course of action and we also heard stories of what Leagues nationwide are doing to fight back. Whether it is registering voters, hosting candidate forums, talking to their legislators or filing lawsuits; the League is working hard to protect our democracy from big money, special interests and those who would attempt to win elections through voter disenfranchisement rather than a debate on the merits of the issues. Let us not despair. I for one refuse to be silenced or intimidated by the hateful, divisive rhetoric so common in this year's election, but this is not just about me. It is about all of us. At Convention 2016 I was honored to be elected to serve on the LWVUS Board of Directors. However, even the best board and staff cannot do it alone. As I stood on stage and looked over the crowd I saw my partners in this endeavor and it lifted my spirits. I saw women of experience. I saw young women. I saw women in wheelchairs. I saw Muslim women attending convention despite it coinciding with the fasting of Ramadan. I saw fully covered Muslim women, partially covered Muslim women and those who don't practice hijab at all. I saw women who immigrated and have now been citizens for many years. I saw women who are currently working on their citizenship. I saw a transgender woman who spoke at the microphone several times. When I looked out I saw a reflection of America and I was encouraged. If we are to win the fight to protect democracy we must invite all of similar passion to work with us. When they show up we must be willing to listen and offer a full seat at the table. As one young woman expressed to me, "I want to be treated as a colleague not a granddaughter." We must be mindful in our work and treat each other with respect. When we fight for voting rights we are advocating that people be treated as full participants, our League work must reflect this 13 same principle. We are inviting people to partnership, not because they need to be saved or mentored or fixed in some way. If it is a healthy partnership we will all succeed together. As I left the stage a woman approached me saying how happy she was with the new Board. She said she could finally see some of herself up there. She then said in reference to me, "and so glad to finally have a woman on the board who is not afraid of her ta­tas." To be honest this is not the comment I expected but I started thinking about all the ways we judge one another and make decisions about whether or not we belong. Nowhere in the bylaws does it say anything about dress code and yet this woman got a message that any cleavage is not acceptable in League. How many other unwritten rules are holding people back from joining our fight? Do we treat as full partners people who struggle with grammar? What if someone is from a culture louder than we are used to? What if they dress differently or eat differently? Truth be told would we welcome a homeless woman into our meetings and into the decision making process? Do we expect everyone to know Robert's Rules of Order before they join or are we willing to share our knowledge? “The League Way” I often hear things are or are not "the League way" and yet no one has ever truly defined this for me. Expectations, rules and goals are important, but not if everyone doesn't know them and isn't welcomed into the process of creating them. I challenge us all today to ground ourselves in the core of our mission, to add that which strengthens us and to discard all that detracts. This is our future and I am proud to serve on your new national Board as we protect and strengthen both League and our democracy. The 2016 Challenge to Every League: ​
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Tactical Training for This Election Year ​
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Host at least 5 voter Registration events Sign up as a National Voter Registration Day partner: ​
nationalvoterregistrationday.org Host at least one Candidate Debate/Forum Publish an online Voters Guide Meet with your local elections officials to discuss challenges and provide feedback Identify 5 key media contacts and communicate monthly Get Out the Vote! Send election alerts to new registrants, volunteers and partners Consider an election observer program (new tool kit) Remove Nonpartisan from Our Vocabulary League members have always been proud to call ourselves and our organization ​
nonpartisan. It’s in our mission statement, our brochures, and we even have a ​
nonpartisan ​
policy. Well, come to find out not everyone understands the term ​
nonpartisan. It was suggested by outgoing LWVUS President, Elisabeth MacNamara that we simply define the term instead of using it. ​
Instead of saying LWV is nonpartisan say, “League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidates or political parties.” 14 The Speakers “What a rich, spicy, meaty brew was presented to delegates, and I am not referring to the avenue of sidewalk cafes adjacent to our convention hotel. Columnists, researchers, foundations are all focused on the changing electorate, messaging, how to reach them to turn out the vote.” Joann Brown, Member LWV Crystal, New Hope, East Plymouth. This year, speakers and presentations were particularly focused on the upcoming presidential election. Topics included engaging new voters and increasing civic engagement amongst communities of color, especially new citizens. The impact of Citizens United on campaign financing, the messaging, the impact of voting, protecting and expanding the vote, the importance of collecting and reporting democracy data and where League needs to be in the 21st century. On the LWV Minnesota website there are links to many of the speakers’ remarks, others can be found on YouTube. Consider using the speeches at your local League meetings, followed by discussion. ●
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Jennifer Lawless​
, Director, Women and Politics Institute, American University and author of ​
Running from Office​
spoke on “Engaging Millennials in our Elections.” She gave a similar presentation in Minneapolis and a link to her address is on LWV Minnesota’s website: ​
https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 Amanda Taub​
, New York Times Reporter and attorney shared her thoughts on “Understanding American Authoritarianism.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSkd0SmjXp4 ●
Peter Overby​
, NPR Correspondent talked about “Money in Politics” https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 ●
Joe Goldman​
, president of the Democracy Fund, presented “Our Democracy –Complex Systems and Major Forces at Play in 2016.” Goldman’s takeaway: “Democracy is like a raft. It never goes down, but your feet are always wet.” Sixty percent of Americans are frustrated with government, feel they are on the losing side. The challenge is to put people back in the center of government. https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 ●
Ari Berman​
, Convention Keynote Speaker is from The Nation magazine and introduced his book “Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.” He made such an impression on the audience that his book sold out at the event. https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 ●
Keesha Gaskins​
, former LWVMN Executive Director and now Program Director for Rockefeller Brothers Fund presented “Understanding and Telling the Story of Impact for Democracy with Data.” Another reminder how important it is to record what it is we do. Membership organizations are changing­­the challenge is to tell our story with data. How do we tell it? Are we collecting meaningful data? https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 15 ●
Celinda Lake​
from Lake Research Partners said there is record gender gap this year and urged us to be aspirational, talk about solutions, not problems.​
She advises strong messaging: Remind people how voting works. On Election Day we’re all equal . https://www.lwvmn.org/eventsmedia/lwvus­convention­2016 ●
“Protecting the Right to Vote and Expanding the Electorate” was the topic of the panel discussion that included ​
Kristen Clark​
, President of the National Lawyers Committee, Arturo Vargas​
, Executive Director of National Association of Latino Elected Official (NALEO, and ​
Christine Chen​
, Executive Director of Asian Pacific and Islander American Vote (APIA Vote)​
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VlnhZkua7w​
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Wrap up and on to Chicago Terry Kalil, President, LWV Minnesota Reporting on a national convention in a few words, paragraphs or pages is nearly impossible. Attending a national convention in our nation’s capital during a presidential election year as the League enters the waning years of its first centennial with a new executive director, a new national president, potential major changes to our bylaws and a platform of League­wide Campaign for ® ­­­ ​
Making Democracy Work​
well, how does one report summarize all that? Making plans for Chicago 2018 Let me start by sharing a discussion several Minnesota delegates had on the final morning of convention. June 2018. Chicago. Planes, trains and automobiles! What if… every Minnesota League started planning now to send at least one delegate to the next LWVUS convention and we filled our delegate allocation (49)? Already, many Minnesota Leagues plan for and budget for convention delegates. With two year’s notice, wouldn’t it be terrific if every League was represented and could report back to their members what they learned at convention? How much enthusiasm for our work would this generate going into the 2018 elections for state offices? So, that’s where this report begins — with a challenge that all Leagues start dreaming now about how we will fill a bus, or a train car, or several automobiles to all gather in Chicago in 2018 to be part of the national movement to 16 Make Democracy Work for all. It’s already on my calendar, will you put it on yours? Why attend convention? The opportunity to be a part of something much bigger and more significant than what we do through our everyday League work.“The stakes are too high… League must evolve or concede our legacy…” said Dr. Wylecia Wiggs Harris, LWV Executive Director, at convention. We must have a bias toward action, she continued. As we’ve seen and heard in recent days, so much of what many take for granted hinges on the fundamental right to vote. Voter registration is again under attack in Minnesota and once again, League will be taking action to prevent unnecessary restrictions. Between now and November much of our efforts will focus on growing and empowering the vote. As events in recent days and weeks have shown us, the right to vote affects decisions about gun violence, mental health, immigration, women’s reproductive rights and more. At Convention, the speakers and League leaders made it crystal clear — there will always be threats to democracy and the right of all citizens to vote. The key to our future success can be found in having an impact, being relevant to our communities, being visible and leading on those issues that are at the core of who we are. The Minnesota delegation made its presence and leadership known and appreciated nationally. What did LWV Minnesota League members do at convention? The list is long. We served on the LWVUS nominating committee, were elected to the national Board, staffed an information table at registration, educated attendees on our work, hosted a caucus, debated program and budget, spoke on panels, lobbied Congress, shared experiences, met with national League leaders, challenged tradition, spoke eloquently and passionately for change, built a multi­state coalition to secure the bylaw amendments, renewed acquaintances, listened, learned, laughed and, most of all, found a renewed sense of urgency and purpose for our work. That’s what 38 of us did in Washington in June. Imagine what a difference we could make in Chicago in just over 700 days! Start planning now for June 28, 2018. Why not fill a Chicago­bound bus or three with League leaders from all 32 local Leagues in Minnesota? Why shouldn’t you be there to see how your efforts contribute to Making Democracy Work? Closing words from Convention ­­ position us for even greater success In her closing, Wylecia referred back to a conversation she had with a friend and potential donor to League. “[Her friend] wanted to know why she should give to the League of Women Voters. She wanted to know, in one snapshot, what the organization did, what the organization was about, and why she should be a part of it. She wants to be a part of dynamic, courageous organization committed to reinventing itself and engaging her on her terms. She wants to be part of a team with a winning plan. 17 “…When we assemble in Chicago in two years, we should be prepared to take the actions necessary to position us for greater success. And, when we journey back to D.C. in 2020, we should be celebrating our successes and fine tuning our strategies. Together, we can bring the League of Women Voters into its second century as strong as it has ever been, prepared to ‘finish the fights’ of this generation, and for generations to come.” concluded Wylecia. The Minnesota Delegation​
to LWVUS Convention 2016. LWVUS just published a Bylaw memo with specific language for all Leagues to incorporate into their local bylaws. ​
Click here for the document. 18