Notes from the 2009 League of Women Voters – US Council Meeting

Carol Cooper, LWVIA  Secretary and  IA Delegate

League of Women Voters-US (LWVUS) held its first Virtual Council Meeting June 13, 2009. Virtual meetings are conducted electronically so instead of traveling to Washington, DC, the meeting comes to all members by a home/public computer downloadable program (Adobe Presenter) and local phone. Practice sessions were held in advance so delegates knew how to indicate they were present, raise hand to speak, to speak, and to vote.

Much to my surprise it worked – thanks in a huge part to the national staff  in support positions.  The three hours spent in my den were comfortable. Missed were the traditional meeting with national Iowa legislators and the social climate of meeting League leaders from other states.

Check the national LWVUS website. The complete Council Meeting can be seen if one goes to “For Members” to “Council and Convention” to “Council 2009 – Presentation Recording”. Find more about it . . .

If you do not choose to look, some highlights of President Mary G. Wilson’s talk are as follows:

“MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK:  History of Change; Future of Hope” will be the  2009-2010 national theme.

• Recent History of Change – League shined in the 2008 election season. The 411web site reached 20 million voters. Membership Recruitment Initiative (MRI) worked quite well and will be continued. President Wilson reminded members to ASK everyone you know; BE VISIBLE as a league in the community so people will want to join.

• Future of Hope – Advocacy for global climate and health care reform remain top priorities.  Increased leadership training and materials can be expected starting July 1. Virtual grassroots training is planned to attract new leaders and keep current leaders energized.

• 2010 is the 90th anniversary of passage of the 19th amendment and of LWVUS. National has some plans which will be coming this summer; state and local leagues are urged to plan the anniversary in their programming.

MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK is what League is about. Leagues are known and respected as advocates for the voter through education and voter information.

The 2010 National Convention will be in Atlanta. The Nominating Committee list of preferred credentials for national officers is part of the “2009 Council Presentation recording”. Deadline for nominations is September 30, 2009