LWVIA Issues Briefing
In the photo below, Representative Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) listens to a point being made by State Senator Carrie Koelker (R-Dyersville) at the October 19 Issues Briefing, attended by approximately 40 LWVIA members from around Iowa. The morning session involved questions on legislative issues to the two first-term legislators. The afternoon session involved discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and how the new DEI policy can be manifested in local leagues.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LWVIA Policy
At the August 9, 2019 LWVIA Board meeting, the following policy was adopted:
LWVIA is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
Legislative Resources:
Iowa Legislature Website: www.legis.iowa.gov
Email Addresses for Legislators:
Capitol Postal Address:
Capitol Building, 1007 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
IA House Switch Board: (515) 281-3221
IA Senate Switch Board: (515) 281-3371
Campbell/Patterson League Lobbyists' Website: Click Here
"Local Leagues Rock!" Workshop
"League members rocked the house," shared LWVIA president Terese Grant regarding the success of the August 10 workshop in Grinnell. More than 55 people attended, including several prospective members from Fairfield and Nora Springs. "This is a great time for League as we embody the values that citizens in Iowa are looking for in an organization."
Local League presidents delineated on local plans and activities, including a bus trip to Seneca Falls, parades, legislative forums, voter registration expansion, plays on the suffragists, and college scholarships! Mary Ellen Miller shared a dynamic power point, "Fund Raising 101," as a resource for local leagues as they determine specific funding needs. A six minute video on Iowa's participation in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment was shown by Doris Kelley as part of the work of the 19th Amendment Commemoration Project report. Linda Meloy and Ivy Schuster reviewed League's newest program, "See Yourself Here," an opportunity for women to explore what it means to run for legislative office. Bonnie Pitz shared information from LWVUS Council. And last but not least, action steps on restoring voting rights for felons were explained by Myrna Loehrlein, chair of the LWVIA Criminal & Juvenile Justice Committee. It was a rockin' day for League of Women Voters, for sure!
The League of Women Voters
Our Vision: We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.
Our Mission: Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy.
Our Value: The League believes in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.