Letter from the President
What's so special about the League?
Dear LWVIL Member,

Lately, a question often directed my way goes like this – what’s so special about the League of Women Voters of Illinois? Why should I choose the LWVIL, why not some other organization?  One response that often resonates is a look at the advantages of the vertical structure of our organization.

The basis of the LWVIL is our local Leagues. The local League system facilitates the connection of friends, neighbors, and people with common assets and challenges. It also provides a platform for establishing community specific goals, devising action plans, having a voice, and making change right where people live. This grassroots network provides an opportunity for anyone to take part, however they are able at the time.

Work of local Leagues grows and benefits from a state level of support – communication systems, shared ideas, resources and organized legislative monitoring and action. Our national organization, LWV-US, provides resources relevant to all states and represents our local interests and positions in our nation’s capitol. Our hardworking LWV-US Volunteer Lobby Corp, communicates with state level organizations and meets with our federal representatives to educate and to advance our positions. LWV-US pursues litigation and supports state league level litigation. LWV-US joins like-minded organizations in statements and actions to voice our positions and urge necessary action.

This important work of our national organization, along with the accumulated local and state league efforts around the country, elevates the LWV reputation everywhere. It circles back to us, and we benefit here in our state and local Leagues. The energy, creativity and determination of members at every level of our organization serves to boost our status, influence and efficacy. Our LWV organization is uniquely poised through our design and our multi-issue foci to achieve and to lead as we carry out our mission. 

I’m asking for your help in improving our state league function in this vertical organization structure. Please send me an email -- share your thoughts on the role of the state league – what is it that the state league should do for local leagues and for members? I look forward to your ideas. 

As you engage with the league, know that every person and every effort matters. Benefit from the advantages of our unique organization and connect in the way that works best in your life right now. 
Allyson Haut
2019-2021 Board President
League of Women Voters of Illinois
LWVIL Executive Director Appointed to the Commission on Women's Issues
Executive Director Audra Wilson appointed At Large Cook County Commissioner on Women's Issues
LWVIL Executive Director Audra Wilson has been appointed by Cook County Board President and LWV-Chicago member, Toni  Preckwinkle, to a two-year term as at-large Commissioner to the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues. The Commission was created in 1995 and is composed of 21 women of various racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds. The Commission works to elevate the status of women and girls of Cook County, improve the delivery of services to women and their families, and eliminate inequalities in laws, practices and conditions that impact Cook County women and girls.
100th Anniversary Commemorative Luncheon Needs Your Help
Become a committee member to help make this event a success!
Do you have experience in planning fundraising events?   
Are you skilled in soliciting ads and sponsorships?  
Do you have a special talent such as graphic designing or other “creative” abilities?  
Do you like to work on entertainment-related tasks? 
Are you a “worker bee” who is happy to do whatever is needed to get the job done?   

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please join the LWVIL 100th Anniversary Luncheon Committee to become an integral part of planning and executing a successful event that will help to raise money and create awareness about LWVIL and our rich 100 year history. The committee meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 am via video conference call. If you are interested, please contact 100th Anniversary Luncheon Chair Erin Roeper for more information.
Let's Get Out the Vote
National Voter Registration Day is just 4 days away!
There is still time to ACT! National Voter Registration Day is just 4 days away and we hope that everyone (and their local League) is preparing to register their community members to vote.
If you would like to know more about creating a successful voter registration event or collaborating with a community partner you can visit the National Voter Registration Day website . Don't forget to submit your event to their calendar too.

The most important thing that you want to do is keep track of your numbers and share them with LWVIL . This helps us to show our impact in the community and our value as the leading civic organization in the state. Questions? Reach out to Jan Dorner and Kathy Kenny .
Telling the Story of LWVIL
Calling all 50 year members to share their journey in the League
The League of Women Voters has a rich history that includes not just the leaders like Carrie Chapman Catt and Jane Addams, but local members like Mary Klonowski and Hetty Beers, whose stories are unknown and rarely heard. LWVIL wants to hear those stories. We want to talk with all of our 50 year members to hear and archive their time, dedication, and perserverance to encourage informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. If you are a 50 year member, or your know of a 50 year member in your local League, please reach out to LWVIL.
Voter Services is Working Overtime
New information is available about voter services online.
The Voter Services Committee has been hard at work, preparing important information that the League will need in preparation for the upcoming primaries and elections. You can see much of this work on the LWVIL website , which has been updated with a new Voter Services web pages that include latest Primary and Election dates. Please check these pages often to keep up with the latest voter education and registration assistance. Questions? Reach out to Voter Service co-chairs, Jan Dorner and Kathy Kenny .
Time for Action on the Environment
Mark your calendars to STRIKE and LOBBY to demand climate justice for everyone
Today, September 20, young people and adults will strike all across the US and world to demand transformative action be taken to address the climate crisis. Millions will take the streets to demand a right to a future, and  League of Women Voters of Illinois  is inviting you to  #strikewithus Find a strike near you !






On Tuesday, October 29, join supporters of the Illinois Environmental Council and the League of Women Voters of Illinois at the Capitol in Springfield for Veto Session Lobby Day where we will be supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act. No previous lobbying experience is necessary to take part - we will provide you with training, talking points, and guides to help you navigate the capitol building and find your legislators. Buses will be provided - free of charge - to Springfield leaving from locations across the state. You can register at the Illinois Environmental Council website.

Questions? Contact Issues & Advocacy Committee .
Upcoming Observer Training
Next Observer Trainings will be in La Grange and Glenview
There are two upcoming LWVIL Observer Training s. One  will be on Saturday, October 12th from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15p.m. at the La Grange Public Library and another on Saturday, October 26th from 9 am - Noon at the Glenview Public Library. During these trainings, Observers will learn what actions to take and what to report. Numerous units of government have few, if any, community members observing. This training will empower you to be the eyes and ears in the room! If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please  reach out to Jan Dorner .
Important Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars.

  • September: Voter Registration Month
  • September 15 - October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
  • September 20: US Climate Strike
  • September 24: National Voter Registration Day
  • October 5: World Teacher's Day
  • October 10: World Mental Health Day
  • October 11: International Day of the Girl
  • October 12: Observer Training from 10:15 am to 1:15 pm at La Grange Public Library
  • October 14: Indigenious People's Day
  • October 24: United Nations Day
  • October 26: Observer Training from 9 am to Noon at Glenview Public Library
  • October 28: Fall Veto Session begins
  • October 29: Lobby Day: Supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act

Please note that this list of important dates is not exhaustive.
Get Involved
Here are some ways to get involved in making democracy work at the LWVIL:
Take Action
Issues & Advocacy
Donate
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