Empowering Voters/ Defending Democracy
The Voter
September 2019 Newsletter
League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area
Serving All of Washtenaw County
|
|
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER
Joan Sampieri, President
|
|
Robin Scully, photographer
When people think of the League of Women Voters, they often understand our role as one of registering voters – a significant activity in support of our mission, but not nearly the only thing we do.
From its founding, almost 100 years ago, the League saw its work as an avenue to educate women as they exercised their new responsibilities as voters. It encouraged them to use their new power to participate in shaping public policy.
That commitment remains a core component of the League’s work today, and presents an avenue for each League member to find issues of importance for her (and his) efforts in defending democracy. In determining our view on a policy, we take action on issues after carefully studying them and coming to consensus, then formulating a position that guides our advocacy. We have formulated policies on topics that include representative government, international relations, natural resources and social issues.
Among the many positions is one on climate change. In January 2019, the LWVUS board announced the following:
The League believes that climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and our planet. The League believes that an interrelated approach to combating climate change – including through energy conservation, air pollution controls, building resilience, and promotion of renewable resources -- is necessary to protect public health and defend the overall integrity of the global ecosystem. The League supports climate goals and policies that are consistent with the best available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations…
To read the study background on this position, or to learn about other League positions that align with the issues that speak to you, go to
https://www.lwv.org/impact-issues
. You can also join us for an introduction to the League, attend a Lunch & Learn or a Brews and Views session or attend an open board meeting. You’ll find information on all of those items in our calendar. We look forward to seeing you, and to finding a place for a commitment that enriches the value of your hard-won right to vote.
|
|
You're the piece we need!
The political dialog is heating up and LWVAAA has much work to do to get ready for 2020 when there will be elections, the census and a centennial celebration of women’s right to vote. We have voters to register, candidate forums to plan, an observer corps to launch and so much more on the agenda.
There are two good ways to find out what is happening and how you can join in: come to a
Board meeting
- members are welcome to attend and there is a time for public comments at the beginning of the agenda
Or
come to an
Orientation session
where you will learn about League history, what we’re doing today, and how you can join in.
BOARD MEETING DATES
: To make sure that all women (and men) in Washtenaw county can participate, the League of Woman Voters Ann Arbor Area will be moving our board meetings to a new location each month! All locations have plenty of parking right outside the front door! Join us!
September 24
th
from 4pm until 6pm
Chelsea District Library in the McKune room
221 South Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48818
October 22
nd
from 4pm until 6pm
Saline Community Education Building
7265 N Ann Arbor Street
Saline, MI 48176
November 26
th
from 4pm until 6pm
Bank of Ann Arbor
801 West Ellsworth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
ORIENTATIONS
will be held
Sat. Sept. 14, 11:00 am- noon
and again
Wed. Sept 18 from 5:00-6:00 pm
.
Pick up a treat at Sweetwaters coffee shop in the Ann Arbor Westgate Library, 2503 Jackson Rd (in the Westgate shopping center) and join us in Room B!
|
|
From our Brighton/Howell Area Unit
The LWV of Ann Arbor, Brighton/Howell are moving full speed into the fall with numerous events planned for Livingston County.
Voter registration will be taking place at Hartland High School on September 17th, aligning with Constitution Day. We look forward to signing up new voters in time for the November general election.
Margaret Leary will be presenting the "2020 Census; What it is and Why it Matters", on
September 17th in the Howell Carnegie Library. This public event takes place in the Meabon Room, starting at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this educational presentation, covering the who, what, when, where and why of the 2020 Census.
We are excited to be co-hosting the Brighton City Council candidate forum with local radio station WHMI and The Livingston Post on
October 24th. The candidate forum will take place at the Brighton council chambers, starting at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Plans are being finalized for hosting the Livingston County Road Commissioner in October to cover the commission's role in keeping roads and bridges in the county safe for our community. In November, we are making plans to host Pinckney Schools Superintendent Rick Todd, who will be presenting information on school financing in Michigan.
Finally in January of 2020, we will be hosting a joint presentation covering the latest on Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and changes to voting policies as a result of the passing of Proposal 3 in 2018. These events will be publicized on our
Facebook and
webpage once all details are confirmed. Hope you can join us!
|
|
From our Tecumseh Area Unit
Upcoming Events:
On September 18
th
:
Scott Merillat from the Lenawee County Road Commission will be speaking at a Lunch and Learn Event. Basil Boys in downtown Tecumseh is the location; it begins at noon and the cost of lunch is $6 which includes pizza, salad, bread sticks, beverages and cookies.
On October 13th and October 24th:
We have two upcoming Table Events! The first will be at the Applelumpkin Festival in Tecumseh on October 13, 2019. The second will be at the Lenawee County Health Fair on October 24
th. The Fair will be held at the United Methodist Church in Adrian from 8-noon. Information on the Census and Voter Registration forms and information will be available at these events.
See you there!
|
|
League of Women Voters of Ann Arbor and Advocacy
The League of Women Voters provides an opportunity to share our democratic values and to learn and advocate for those values. Advocacy work is based on nonpartisan positions which are specific statements and guidelines for Leagues to support and determine action.
An example of a Local issue can be found:
HERE
.
The advocacy arm of the LWV of Michigan monitors legislation as it is introduced and makes its way through the legislature. Using state or national League positions, the Michigan League takes action when possible. Please see what your state league is currently supporting :
https://lwvmi.org/actionAdvocacy_alerts.html#recent
Can you help?
The advocacy committee of the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area
is seeking members to join the advocacy work at the local level to:
●
provide information to League members and to the public about our national and state positions and suggested action
●
build public support
for
our positions
●
raise member awareness of the scope of our advocacy
● select areas of interest and develop study action groups
Our advocacy team, Sally Allen, Donna Crudder, Sue Smereck and Carolyn Madden, looks forward to hearing from you if you are interested in supporting the League’s advocacy work on
health care, justice reform, gun safety, immigration, voting issues
or
the environment
. Are we missing an issue that you are passionate about? Is there an issue that you would like to see front and center in the local League’s work. Please let us know.
Our next meeting will be at Mallets Creek Library on September 18th at 2:00 pm in the Rain Garden Room.
|
|
“Know Your County Government” Series Continues on WEMU
Two segments of the “Know Your County Government” series aired recently. On July 29th,
Lisa Greco, director of the Washtenaw County Children’s Services Department (CSD) and the Washtenaw County Youth Center
was interviewed by WEMU’s Lisa Barry.
Greco oversees the CSD, which is responsible for administering the Washtenaw County Youth Center, a temporary holding facility for youth between the ages of 11-17 who have been arrested for criminal or delinquent activity and are awaiting trial.
Each member of Greco’s staff holds degrees in various aspects of human services and work around the clock with young people in a supportive role. They are “passionate about redemption, recovery, and relentless hope,” she said. During their stay at the youth center, the kids are taught decision-making and emotional regulating skills to fall back on when they return to the community.
Among the many services provided to young people are medical, dental, counseling, suicide screening, substance abuse treatment, and accredited school programming.
Greco also touched briefly on
Raise the Age
legislation which would change the upper age of juvenile court jurisdiction from the current age of 17 to age 18 in Michigan.
On August 12, outgoing
Washtenaw County Health Department Officer Ellen Rabinowitz
and her replacement
Jimena Loveluck
spoke with Barry. Outgoing Health Officer
Ellen Rabinowitz, who retired at the end of August, has been with the Washtenaw County Health Department since 1994. She’s seen a lot of changes but says that today the department focuses on the social determinants of health (quality of housing, education, access to healthy, food, interaction with criminal justice system and the general conditions in which people live.)
The Health Officer is responsible for protecting the public’s health, as outlined in the
Michigan Public Health Code
. That includes declaring a local public health emergency due to disease outbreak, detaining infectious individuals, prohibiting public gatherings if a health threat is suspected, closing restaurants, and inspecting private property. The Health Officer works with staff and the community to develop and oversee programs and policies that help residents access the conditions needed to live their healthiest lives. (Think safe food, clean water, access to healthy food, health care; places to be active or seek support.)
Loveluck says that the big items on her radar are to continue the department’s reputation for providing excellent services, PFAS and other environmental issues, and timely response to emerging issues. She is particularly concerned with using new and existing data to address the current opioid/suicide epidemic and plans to collaborate with partners to address those issues.
For a more in depth look at these officials and their departments, be sure to visit the WEMU website. The pre-recorded interviews air once a month during “All Things Considered” weekdays from 4-7 p.m. on 89.1 WEMU. Once the interviews have aired, they continue to be accessible on the WEMU website. Be sure to tune in, and if there’s a segment of county government
you’d
like to learn more about, email the League of Women Voters at
league@lwvannarbor.org
|
|
Curious about today's civics education in High School?
Do you ever wonder if our kids are learning about how our democracy works? WEMU's Lisa Barry talked with Ypsilanti high school civics teacher Rebecca Wilinski about what's being taught in high school today. Click
HERE
to listen. Rebecca and Laura Lutz, Chelsea H.S. were chosen by LWVAAA to attend a training session at Harvard University this summer to learn how to use the Harvard case study method to teach civics.
|
|
What is VOTES
for
WOMEN 100?
Votes for Women 100: Washtenaw Celebrates is a collaborative project led by the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Partner organizations will contribute events such as exhibits, concerts, parades, fashion shows, and lectures at
libraries, museums, and Main Streets throughout Washtenaw County.
A stand-alone website will go online later this fall to serve as a central site for people across the county to find events related to this important achievement. There will be a timeline of voting rights and women’s achievements, a link to voter registration and information, and a learning page. Keep your eye out for its debut.
What is LWVAAA doing?
•
We are sponsoring
Liberty Awakes in Washtenaw County: When Women Won the Vote, an exhibit on the suffrage movement in our county, in area libraries and museums.
•
We Would Not Be Denied – Centennial History of the Ann Arbor League of Women’s Voters is being written by League member Doris Lemcke, a professional, published writer.
•
Next year's Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade will be an opportunity for us to march in true suffragist form. Plan your white outfit now. Let’s make a real showing.
•
And more. There are other plans on the back burner. Stay tuned.
|
|
Want to learn more about the upcoming census?
The LWV of the Ann Arbor Area presentation
"The 2020 Census: Count Every Person. Once. In the Right Place"
covers
what the 2020 Census is, and why it matters
. It describes the What, Why, When, Who, Where, and How" of the census. The talk and PowerPoint presentation take 25 minutes, and there will be ample time for questions. Attendees will receive several handouts, from the Census Bureau, including sources of more information.
About 20 of us are working to establish speaking venues, and to learn to give the presentation. We gave the presentation to about 50 people at the State LWV meeting back in May, to the same number at University Commons in June, and to the Ann Arbor Rotary this month. We’ve scheduled 11 others into January, and are working on many more.
We have members on the Lenawee County, City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County “Complete Count Committees” which should help us partner with groups that include hard-to-count groups (minorities, lower income, without internet, non-citizens) that the Census Bureau hopes to succeed with in 2020.
Want to attend a presentation? Upcoming and open to the public are:
Wed. Sept. 18, 7:00-8:30, Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 West Washington, Ann Arbor
Mon. Oct. 28, 7:00-8:30, Dexter Public Library, 32554 Alpine, Dexter
Thurs. Jan. 9, 7:00-8:30, Saline Public Library, 555 N. Maple, Saline
Would your organization like to put on a presentation?
The League can supply a speaker with laptop, projector, and screen if the venue does not have those. Or, we can bring the presentation on a thumb drive.
Contact:
Margaret Leary
|
|
Making a Legacy Gift is a way to make a gift to the future of the League of Women Voters Ann Arbor Area.
The League of Women Voters Ann Arbor Area has been doing the important work of Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy since 1920 and expects to be doing this for the next 100 years!
A legacy gift through your estate is an easy way to support the future work of the League of Women Voters. We are a strong grassroots, volunteer driven organization. Because of our strong volunteer base, our administrative and operating costs are low and only include things that help us educate voters, support voter rights and expand voter access.
An estate gift gives you an opportunity to provide stability to the League, and, if you let us know about your intention, it gives us the opportunity to say thank you in the present!
Including the League of Women Voters Ann Arbor Area can be done when a new will is drawn, or can be added to an existing will.
The following language is suggested for inclusion in your will if you wish to leave a bequest:
I give ______________(describe the dollar amount or % of estate) to the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area, a nonprofit corporation located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, or its successor thereto, for the best possible use at the time the LWVAAA receives my gift.
Please consider arranging for an estate gift as this guarantees your support for the future of the Ann Arbor Area League of Women Voters, serving all of Washtenaw County.
Please note that LWVAAA does not offer legal, tax, or financial planning advice. You are encouraged to consult your own legal counsel, tax advisor, and/or financial planner.
If you have set up a gift through your estate to LWVMI, please let us know. We would like to celebrate your foresight and generosity.
|
|
Proposal 3 Brought Voter Rights and Opportunities.
Help spread the word - tell your friends and neighbors.
Read “
HERE
” for more information.
|
|
LWV-AAA Events on the Calendar
|
|
Saturday, September 14, 2019
11:00 am - noon
or
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
5:00 - 6:00 pm
|
|
Ann Arbor Library -Westgate Branch
(in the shopping center)
Meeting Room B
2503 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor
|
|
Introduction to League Basics for members and prospective members. Want to know about League plans to be actively involved in the 2020 Census? Curious about how the League advocates for good government? Ever wonder how the local, state and national leagues work together? Or how the League got started in the first place?
|
|
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
2:00 p.m.
|
|
Ann Arbor District Library
Malletts Creek Branch - Rain Garden Room
3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor
|
|
LWVAAA Advocacy Committee Meeting.
If you are a League member interested in supporting the League's advocacy work on health care, justice reform, gun safety, immigration, voting issues, the environment or more - come join us.
|
|
Saturday, September 21, 2019
all day
|
|
Clerk's Offices - County, City, Village, Township
|
|
Absentee Ballots available for November General Election
|
|
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
All Day
|
|
|
National Voter Registration Day.
Are you registered?
You can register to vote when you are age 17 1/2. You may register to vote in person, by mail, or online up to 15 days prior to an election. Voters may also register in person with their local clerk within 14 days of an election, up to and including Election Day.
|
|
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Chelsea Library, McKune Room
221 S Main St, Chelsea, MI
|
|
LWV Board Meeting.
The library is in the middle of Chelsea and has easy parking:
League members and the public are welcome and there will be time for public comments at the beginning of the agenda.
|
|
Friday, September 27, 2019
noon - 2 pm
|
|
Cedars of Dexter
411 Cedars Lane, Dexter
|
|
Ann Arbor Area Lunch & Learn.
We'll be reading and discussing "The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR's Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience." Even if you can't join us, you might want to pick up a copy of the book written by Kirstin Downey. It's a fascinating look at some little-known history of the New Deal.
Sandwich and salad or vegetarian lunch with coffee and soda at $7 cash or BYO lunch.
Seating is limited to 30 and Reservations are required: to sign up click
HERE
|
|
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
4:00 - 6:00 pm
|
|
Saline Community Education Building, Room 33
7265 N Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176.
|
|
LWV Board Meeting.
League members and the public are welcome and there will be time for public comments at the beginning of the agenda.
This is easily accessible by going south from Ann Arbor on Saline-Ann Arbor road, or from the east or west using Michigan Ave and then turning north on Saline-Ann Arbor road. Lots of parking.
|
|
Friday, October 25, 2019
12:00 - 2:00 pm
|
|
Cedars of Dexter
411 Cedars Lane, Dexter
|
|
What’s the current status of Line 5?
Terri Wilkerson is a member of the LWVAAA and a founding member of the Brighton Howell
Geographical Unit which began in 2018. Since learning about the unnecessary threat Line 5
poses to our water and economy she has dug deep into learning more about it, and started the
Come learn about Line 5 and the Canadian company, Enbridge, which operates it. Their reach extends into our political system and is quite intriguing.
|
|
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
|
|
|
|
Not a member? Wish to join?
|
|
Message from your LWVAAA Treasurer
When you join the Ann Arbor Area league, you become a member of the Michigan State league and the League of Woman Voters U.S. (the national league.)
Dues are $70 for an individual or $100 for a household and are designated as follows:
Individual dues:
LWVAAA retains $15, LWVMI receives $23 and LWVUS receives $32.
Household memberships:
LWVAAA retains $22.50, LWVMI receives 32.50 and we send $45 to LWVUS.
You can pay via
PayPal
or
by
printing out the
Membership form
and mailing it with a check
to LWV-AAA, P.O. Box 3832, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3832.
Our local league is the front line of non-partisan support for our mission of
Empowering Voters / Defending Democracy
Your dues support: our website, email newsletter, voter education, advertising and meeting and program expenses.
*NOTE: If you joined or have paid dues since July 1, 2018 you are paid through December 31, 2019.
Thanks – Betty Bishop, Treasurer
|
|
LWVAAA LEADERSHIP TEAM
OFFICERS
President: Joan Sampieri
Vice President: Donna Crudder
Treasurer: Betty Bishop
Secretary: Sue Smereck
DIRECTORS
Roxane Chan, Program
Diana Neering, Development
Geoff Smereck, Voter Service
Barbara Brown, Membership
Carolyn Madden, Advocacy
Susan Wooley, Communications
Jan Salsberry, Representative, Tecumseh Area
Ellen Lafferty, Representative, Brighton/Howell Area
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Dee Dishon
Paige Silence
|
|
Mission Statement
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization,
encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government,
works to increase understanding of major public policy issues,
and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
