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Friend, 

It's hard to believe that spring is just around the corner and that Women’s History Month is here! Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating the trailblazing women who advocate for equal rights and power our democracy. The LWVUS UN Observers kicked off our celebrations on International Women’s Day yesterday, with a powerful blog about creating safe spaces for women and girls. 

Additionally, Tuesday marked the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when civil rights activists were attacked by police while marching to protest racial discrimination in voting and police brutality. I was proud to be in community with our Alabama League and LWVUS staff members earlier this week to commemorate activists for their courage and leadership. As we reflect on what happened over 50 years ago, it's clear that we are responsible for creating a more perfect democracy: the fight for equal voting rights is not over.

Thank you to everyone who applied for our Framing the Future working groups. As these groups convene over the next few months, they will address pivotal questions and provide vital feedback toward building out the future of our organization. League members can look forward to a field survey next month for all members to contribute to Framing the Future. 

Additionally, I am excited to announce that registration is now open for our 2023 Council. I look forward to coming together with state leaders in Las Vegas, NV, to focus on our ongoing transformation work and our moonshot goal of eliminating the Electoral College. State leaders can learn more about this in-person event and register here. 

In other League news, I recently sat down to reflect on the current moment in our democracy, the League’s impact, and our transformation journey in my 2023 State of the League Address. We have accomplished so much together, and I hope you will join me in celebrating your impact! Leagues are welcome to play this video at internal League events, board meetings, and at their state conventions. 

Finally, I challenge you to take a moment this month to elevate the work of a woman in your state or community who was important in advancing women’s participation in our country. In other words, celebrate an unsung heroine.

Working with you and for you every day.

In League,

Deborah

See the full list of upcoming events on the League Management Site.

• Take Action: Tell Congress to Ensure that the ERA is Published
• Take Action: Tell Congress to Vote for the DISCLOSE Act

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) is March 6 – 17, 2023. The CSW is a combination of meetings with official proceedings at the UN, as well as parallel and side events sponsored by NGOs and other organizations. League members can watch UN proceedings on YouTube. Since 1945, at the invitation of President Truman, LWV has had a standing committee of UN Observers. This year's delegation will be led by Dr. Connie Sobon Sensor, LWV's chief observer to the UN.

In addition to the delegation, LWV observers have organized a virtual panel presentation, “Technology: Friend or Foe of Free, Fair and Accessible Elections?” League members can register for the March 15 webinar here. 

• Blog: Selma and Current Threats to the Voting Rights Act

Do you have questions about federal legislation? Need help interpreting League issue positions? Want to consult on state-level legislation? Concerned about supporting or opposing actions/legislation? Then LWVUS legislative office hours are perfect for you!   

LWVUS regularly opens our virtual offices to support your legislative work. To accommodate all Leagues, plan on having each meeting last 15 minutes. Additionally, if you plan on calling in about specific positions or bills, please email advocacy@lwv.org, subjected “Leg Office Hours,” with a brief description of what you wish to go over and provide any documents/attachments. See upcoming office hours and register here.

Registration for 2023 Council is now open! Council is taking place June 22 – 25 in Las Vegas, NV. Council is our biennial event for state League leaders. This event is in person, and each state is invited to bring 1–3 state League leaders.

• Letter: LWVUS Joins Sign-on Letter Urging Congress to Support Environmental Investments in the 2023 Farm Bill
• Guidance: LWVUS Joins Guidance on BOP on Executive Order Implementation
• Press Release: League of Women Voters Announces New Partnership with ACG Advocacy
• Report: LWVUS and Partners Release Agency Progress Report on Executive Order on Voting Rights
• Testimony: LWVUS Submits Testimony for the Senate Hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

• League members in Iowa have partnered with local organizations to strengthen childcare systems in their communities. Read the piece: Grassroots movement seeks solutions in Mount Vernon, Lisbon child care desert.
• The League of Women Voters of Hastings, NE, discussed the impact of dark money in Nebraska’s political climate. Learn more: LWV speaker highlights ‘dark money’ in Nebraska politics.
• Deb Wake, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia, spoke about the importance and success of same-day voter registration in Virginia. Read the article: Virginia saw more than 25,000 ballots cast via same-day registration in law’s first year.

Special Notifications: To help keep members informed, LWVUS sends this bi-weekly, internal email newsletter to state and local League presidents, as well as other highly engaged League members. The League Update includes important announcements about upcoming trainings and webinars, grant opportunities, messaging resources, stories from Leagues nationwide, and surveys to help LWVUS serve Leagues better. This newsletter is curated for League members specifically and is not intended for public consumption or distribution. 

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