December 2023 Contents Co-President's Message Upcoming Event: Civil Conversations Lecture (January 12) Upcoming Event: League Day in the General Assembly (February 6-7) Upcoming Event: Advocacy Program Planning Meeting (February 24) Upcoming Event: LWV National Convention (June 27-30) Virtual Events and Webinars |
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As we approach the end of 2023, it is customary to reflect upon the events of the closing year, pondering what went right, what went wrong, and where we may have missed opportunities. As we celebrate our victories and examine our failures, may be always remain focused on the core areas of the League of Women Voters Lynchburg: voters service, advocacy, programs, and membership/engagement. Many thanks to all of our members who actively participated this year in furthering the work of the League by: Registering voters Creating and distributing voters' guides during the 2023 election season Serving as poll monitors and election protection workers during Election 2023 Participating in voter registration training with the Virginia Department of Elections Monitoring local government and school board proceedings Providing support for the drug court program Participating in the banned books social media campaign. Attending rallies in support of voting rights and the ERA Speaking with elected officials and sharing the League’s positions
We hope to see all of you in Richmond, VA on February 6-7, 2024, for League Day 2024. The in-person only event will begin with a reception at the Omni Richmond on February 6 from 6-8PM. All members of the General Assembly and their assistants will be invited to the reception. Following a breakfast with speakers on the morning of February 7, participants will then meet with their elected officials. More information will be forthcoming. With gratefulness, we look back on all of our hard work this year and look forward to continuing the work of the League in 2024 and furthering our mission of defending democracy and empowering voters. Happy Holidays! Sincerely, Co-Presidents Bethanie Mickles, Esq., and Jennifer Gauthier |
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Upcoming Event: Civil Conversations Lecture |
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The Randolph College Department of Media and Culture and LWVLY are excited to welcome Meg Heubeck, Director of Instruction at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, for a public lecture titled "How Can We Bring Back America’s Center? Promoting Civil Conversations in Polarized Times" on January 12 at 6pm. The lecture will take place in the Leggett Building (Room 537) on Randolph College's campus. This event is free and open to the public and does not require an RSVP. Please invite a friend! Free parking is available behind the Leggett Building next to the tennis courts; visitors may access this parking lot via the intersection of Norfolk Avenue and East Campus Drive. You can view or download and share a flyer for the event here. |
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Upcoming Event: League Day at the General Assembly |
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League Day is our annual time to visit our members of the General Assembly in person and in concert with other Leagues around the Commonwealth. The event will start with a reception at the Omni Richmond on Tuesday, February 6, 6-8PM. LWVVA has invited all of the members of the General Assembly and their assistants to the reception. Then on Feb 7, we will have breakfast and speakers at the Omni starting at 9:00 AM. After that, it will be time to visit your members of the General Assembly. All attendees will have packets detailing the legislation we are following, talking points, and suggested questions you can ask as well as some advocacy tips. At noon LWVVA will be recognized on the floor of the House and Senate. Tickets to the reception are $10, and tickets to the plated breakfast are $25. LWVVA is looking for a great turnout as the Commonwealth has so many new legislators this session! If you plan to attend, please RSVP to LWVVA and purchase your tickets here. Please also contact Co-President Bethanie Mickles (bethanie.mickles@gmail.com) so that LWVLY members can coordinate travel plans. If you plan to stay overnight on February 6, please access the special rate ($179/night) at the Omni at this link. We hope to have several LWVLY members in attendance this year! |
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Upcoming Event: Advocacy Program Planning Meeting |
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Early each year, LWVLY members gather to establish our priorities for the year. Restoration of rights, childcare and education, environmental justice, voters service activities: LWVLY leads discussions and events on a wide range of topics each year, and it is vital that members help shape the direction of our efforts. This year's Advocacy Program Planning Meeting will occur on Saturday, February 24, 10AM-12PM. In the January bulletin, we will share final details about the location, a link to RSVP, and materials related to the issues we will be discussing. Please mark your calendars now! The Advocacy Program Planning Meeting is also a great event to invite a League-curious friend to! If you know someone who wonders what LWVLY does, this event will provide an inclusive snapshot of our activities and ways to get involved. |
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Upcoming Event: LWV National Convention |
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Each summer, LWV members from around the country gather to learn and collaborate on League issues and strategies, set program priorities, and vote on a range of positions. On June 27-30, 2024, the Convention will occur in Washington, DC, giving LWVLY an excellent opportunity to send a large delegation. At the 2024 National Convention, delegates from all Leagues will vote on our 2024-2026 Program, 2024-2026 budget, 2024-2026 LWVUS Board of Directors and Nominating Committee, and submitted bylaws amendments. There will be opportunities to network with fellow League members, participate in a variety of workshops and trainings, and hear from dynamic speakers. LWV will also host a Lobby Day on Thursday, June 27. LWV is still finalizing details about Convention, but please start considering now if you might be interested in attending. We will share more details as soon as they become available. |
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Virtual Events and Webinars |
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March 20, 7-9pm Event: A screening of Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II Price: $5 Register here. LWVVA invites you to spend an evening with Gregory S. Cooke, producer and director of the documentary Invisible Warriors, African American Women and World War II. Mr. Cooke will introduce the film and give us perspective on the contribution of these "invisible warriors" before the movie is shown. Cooke has dedicated his career as an educator and historian to help relocate African Americans to the main pages of history. Invisible Warriors is his directorial debut following a successful stint as Associate Director on Choc’late Soldiers from the USA. "Invisible Warriors tells the important story of women who have been ignored for too long due to their race, gender, and class. African-American 'Rosie the Riveters' highlight the resilience, tenacity, dedication, and pride of a people, with lessons that transcend the barriers between us and that resonant today.” (Amber Mitchell, Assistant Director of Public Engagement, The National World War II Museum) |
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate. |
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