The HFC Democracy Institute and the Great Lakes Civility Project will host Civility Night at HFC with renowned journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson on Wednesday, September 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Forfa Auditorium on the first floor of the Andrew A. Mazarra Administrative Services and Conference Center (Building L) on the main campus, 5101 Evergreen Rd. The LWV is a co-sponsor of this program.

The Civility Project's goal is to build healthy disagreement and constructive dialogue. The Civility Project will teach you how to:

• Agree to disagree
• Engage in civil conversation
• Build respect for each other's humanity
• Learn to listen to other perspectives
• Use what you hear to challenge or affirm your own views
• Stay curious
• Agree to always return to the conversation
• See the person beyond their politics
• Understand that a conversation is not a competition

For more details of the conference, including how to register for this free event, go to:

Civility Night at Henry Ford College - The Civility Project (greatlakescivilityproject.com)

The League of Women Voters of Dearborn-Dearborn Heights will present a program on the National Popular Vote Compact on Monday, October 9, at 3:00 pm at Allegria Village (formerly Henry Ford Village), 15101 Ford Rd.

Karen Jones, Vice-President of LWVDDH, will explain what is currently happening in Michigan on the Compact legislation and why the LWV of Michigan supports its passage.

All League members and the general public are invited. When arriving at Allegria Village (corner of Ford and Greenfield Roads), tell the guard you are attending a meeting in the Edison Room and you will be guided to turn right and to park at the St. Clair entrance parking lot. This a free event .

"Voter Misinformation 2.0" is the topic of a presentation of our October 16 in-person meeting. Our speaker is Aubrey Sargent, Division Chief, Criminal Investigation Division in the Dept. of the Michigan Attorney General. The talk will begin at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall at Christ Episcopal Church at 120 N. Military in Dearborn. Please join us for this free public event.

The Commission has its own webpage at cityofdearborn.org/chartercommission and includes information about its nine commissioners (and how to contact them), the meeting schedule, minutes of the meetings, and information about how to access live meetings through Zoom and Facebook.

Next few meetings are scheduled for September 27, October 4 and 25 at 6:00 pm.

Comments to the Commission can be sent via the Commission's email at chartercomm@ci.dearborn.mi.us or during the public comment portion of the meetings, either in person or through chat function of streamed meeting.

There is also a section on the League's website under GET INVOLVED devoted to the Charter Commission.

The MICRC will meet virtually the third Thursday of each month in 2023. The next meeting is set for October 10. Go to MICRC website for more information.

Join Rep. Byrnes at Caroline Kennedy Library on the last Monday of each month from 2 - 3 pm. She will be sharing helpful information and updates for constituents. Upcoming gathering is set for September 25.

New location for Coffee Hour with Rep. Alabas will be Family Bakery (17032 W. Warren Ave. in Detroit), on the third Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

Join City Clerk George Darany for an opportunity to ask questions and discuss updates pertaining to the Clerk's office. Hours are 11:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Senior Lounge at FCPAC. Appointment required - 313-943-2412. Next dates is October 18.

Sen. Santana meets with constituents, sharing current legislation and listening to concerns of attendees.

November 6 - Dearborn Centennial Library, 11 am - 12:30 pm and JFK Library, 3 - 4:30 pm.

The Regional Transit Authority is currently updating its Regional Transit Master Plan and needs our input. Community engagement is a key part of the RTMP. Engagement events and survey participation reveal shifts in priorities and provide up-to-date feedback on current programs and initiatives. Please complete the survey which is open to the public.

The City of Dearborn Clerk's Office is preparing for the 2024 Presidential Election cycle and the extended early voting period following the approval of Proposal 2 by Michigan voters in November 2022. The City is committed to conducting elections that are not only safe and secure, but also efficient. More election workers are needed in order for the City to provide voters with the best voting experience possible. Here is the link to Dearborn's voter information page.

Here is the contact information: Location: Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave., Suite 11; Hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Phone 313-943-2010; Email Email the City Clerk's Office.

The Bureau of Elections now has an Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections to respond and assist individuals with disabilities attempting to vote. To speak with the Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections, call 517-335-2730 or email MDOS-ADAVoting@michigan.gov.)

MSU Today, August 17, 2023 "Ask the expert: How to get responses from your legislator" by Daniel Bergan. Read here.

Apply for a State Board or Commission!

Gov. Whitmer is committed to building a state government that represents Michigan, including the 240+ boards and commissions that serve the state. Bring your talent and experience to state government and apply for an appointment to a statewide board or commission. Review current openings and apply at michigan.gov/appointments.

The Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE) was established in 1982 as a non-partisan 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation. MCCE was created to be a premier organization dedicated to preparing an active and informed citizenry through law-related and civic education in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has named Christina Anderson as the new chief of staff for the Michigan Department of State.  

Anderson, who will begin Oct. 2, 2023, has extensive leadership experience in the public sector working across multiple direct services government agencies and political administrations. She has served three different big city mayors advising on communications, community engagement, budgeting, policy, process improvement, and strategic planning. She is currently deputy commissioner in the Chicago Department of Public Health and previously managed all of Chicago’s COVID response operations.

Prior to her current assignment, she helped launch Chicago’s current police reform efforts as director of the Office of Reform Management for the Chicago Police Department; worked in public sector consulting, managed brand marketing for a large consumer packaged goods company, and served as community social services reporter for the Jackson Citizen-Patriot.

“I am thrilled to welcome Christina to the team,” said Secretary Benson. “She has demonstrated a commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethical decision-making throughout her career. She shares the department’s mission to meet Michiganders where they are and make sure we have a government that works for everyone. I am confident she will do great work for the people of Michigan.”   

“I am honored to join the Secretary’s team at this critical point in Michigan’s history,” Anderson said. “I look forward to helping her protect our democracy and ensuring that our team continues to deliver reliable, accessible services for all Michiganders.”

Anderson holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Michigan. She is a Michigan native.

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified today before the House Elections Committee in support of two bills to strengthen penalties for threats against election workers across the state. Benson told the panel that HB 4129 and HB 4130, sponsored by Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), are essential to keeping Michigan’s elections safe and our democracy secure.

“Election officials are professional, nonpartisan, and deeply committed to the responsibility to carry out free and fair elections,” Benson said. “But in 2020 and in the years since, these guardians of democracy have been threatened and harassed simply for doing their jobs. It is unsustainable and unacceptable.”

Benson cited an April 2023 national survey by the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice reporting that nearly three quarters of local election officials say that threats against election workers have increased in recent years. One in three surveyed said they have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, with more than half reporting being threatened in person. The survey found that 47% of election workers said state government needs to do more to support them in their jobs.

“Today is the perfect time for this Legislature to take a stand and assure our clerks that we’ve got their backs,” said Benson. “We cannot allow anyone to attempt to interfere with an election by threatening or intimidating our election officials. These bills before the committee today will ensure accountability for anyone who harasses an election clerk to the point where that clerk fears for their personal safety. And these bills send a message to anyone who would attack or threaten the guardians of our democracy here in Michigan – this stops now.”

“Since 2019, I have had the great pleasure of working side by side with clerks across the state, Benson said. “Regardless of their political party or personal beliefs, they are committed to defend and protect every Michigan voter, their voice, and their vote. That commitment has never wavered, and it will not waver now. I am urging you to share that commitment, stand with our local election officials, and pass these needed protections now.” 

Secretary Benson’s testimony to the House Elections Committee

 # # #

Agreement paves the way for VA to be voter registration site in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Today, on National Voter Registration Day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the office of the Michigan Secretary of State announced the signing of an interagency agreement to designate the Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Detroit Regional Office as voter registration sites. This agreement will empower VA to provide voter registration information and assistance to Veterans and eligible dependents at these three facilities.

“I’m proud today to announce this historic partnership between the state of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure we expand opportunities for all veterans and their families to play an active role in our democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “This partnership will break down many barriers that keep veterans from participating in our democratic process and will provide the information and tools they need to fully exercise their voting rights in every election.”

“Supporting our nation’s Veterans includes making sure they can fully participate in our democratic process by voting,” said Acting Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Guy Kiyokawa. “Veterans fought for the rights and freedoms that define us all as Americans, and it’s our job to make sure they can enjoy those rights and freedoms here at home.”

“Those who served our nation in uniform must be able to participate in our democracy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Three Michigan VA locations will become sites for veterans and their families to register to vote, ensuring their voices are heard in our elections. In Michigan, we have significantly expanded civil rights this year by implementing ballot Proposal 2, which made it easier to vote in a secure way across the state. Our partnership with the VA will encourage full participation in our democracy by our military families, who sacrifice so much for our fundamental freedoms.”

Through this partnership, VA is working to make it easier for Michigan Veterans to exercise their fundamental right to vote, as part of implementing Executive Order 14019, "Promoting Access to Voting." This joint effort will “expand citizens’ opportunities to register to vote and to obtain information about, and participate in, the electoral process to make voting more accessible to all Americans.”

The official designation of VA as a voter registration site will come through an executive order by Governor Whitmer in the coming weeks.

To learn more about VA’s efforts to provide voter registration assistance to Veterans, go to How Veterans Can Register to Vote. To learn more about how to register and vote in Michigan, go to Michigan Voter Information Center (state.mi.us).  

Improving Voting Accessibility for Detroit Voters with Disabilites was published by Detroit Disability Power and The Carter Center on June 22, 2023.

From the Executive Summary

"From October 20 to November 8, 2022, Detroit Disability Power (DDP) and The Carter Center evaluated whether polling places in Metro Detroit, which serve 1 million Michiganders (about 10% of the state's population) met long-established standards for accessibility required by state and federal law. After assessing 261 of 267 polling facilities (98%) used on Election Day in 15 jurisdictions, the observation teams found that only 16% of polling places visited were accessible."

The polling place data generated by the obsevation teams gives decision makers and advocacy organizations clear evidence of where accessibility was insufficient and where remedial action is needed. This report highlights several key recommendations for how to improve accessibility so that all Michiganders can exercise their right to vote:

• Increase coordination between election management jurisdictions and the state to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to accommodate people with disabilities and quickly resolve issues on Election Day.
• Clearly label all pathways at polling locations and remove any obstructions.
• Ensure that poll workers receive training on the voter access terminals (VATs).
• Centralize training to address inconsistencies in Election day administration that limit access."

Here is  link to the report.

Jurisdictions include: Center Line, Dearborn, Detroit, Ecorse, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Point Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Point Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park, River Rouge, Southfield, and Warren.

Another publication from this group is the 2022 The A-Z of Effective, Inclusive Campaigns: Win Elections by Getting Out the Disability Vote. This booklet provides guidance to people running electoral campaigns so that they mobilize disabled people more effectively as voters, volunteers, paid staff and core leaders. Read it here.

SOS: SAVE OUR SERVICE - The No-Show Bus Crisis Devastating Riders and Solutions for Fixing DDOT and SMART's Transit Operator Shortage was published by Transportation Riders United in July 2023. Read here.

Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point / Stephen Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, 2023.

"With the clarity and brilliance that made their first book, How Democracies Die, a global bestseller, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy."

The Link Between Housing Affordability and Transportation / Citizens Research Council of Michigan, 2023. Read the report here.

"As It Turns 60 - This Is the Story of Dearborn Heights" / Craig Hutchison, Press & Guide, 9/6/23. Read here. [Subscription to the Press and Guide may necessary to read article]

"Artificial Intelligence Legislation Tracker" / Brennan Center for Justice, 8/7/23. The article discusses numerous bills in Congress aiming to safeguard against the unprecedented risks posed by rapidly advancing Artificial Intelligence technology.

Read here.

Be sure to check our website for articles about webinars and other virtual events. These are listed on the front page of the website. When a recording is available for select webinar events, a link will be posted to the original article which will now be located on the Calendar page - Past events.

September 27 - City Council Candidates, HYPE Center, 23302 W. Warren , DH, 6:00 p.m.

October 11 - Mayor and City Council Candidates, Booker Dozier Rec. Center, 2025 Middlebelt, Inkster, 6:00 p.m.

For more information, call 734-506-0676 or email naacpwwc@gmail.com

Speaker Dr. Maya Barak is an Associate Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at UM - Dearborn and a board member of the presentation sponsor Immigration Law & Justice Michigan (formerly JFON). Dr. Barak is the author of the book The Slow Violence of Immigration Court . The talk will take place on Tuesday, October 3, 7 pm at Dearborn First United Methodist Church located at 22124 Garrison. There is no charge and is open to all.

Over 20,000 clean categorized books and loads of media! Including a separate Children's Room, Collectibles, History, Mystery, Cookbooks, Vinyl, CD's and DVD's.

Early entry October 5 from 9 a.m. to noon ($20.00)

Free entry: October 5, noon - 6:00 p.m., October 6, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., October 7, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ($10.00 Blue Bag Day)

October 5 - Banned Books Town Hall, Leanna Hicks Public Library (2500 Hamlin Dr.) 5 pm

October 7 - Banned Books Read-In Marathon

All events are free!! Celebration designed for all ages!!

The Northwest Wayne County League’s annual fundraising auction will be held this year on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia, starting at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. The auction is open to the public as well as LWV members and their guests. Viewing of the auction donations starts at 11 am, ending at 11:30 am. The live bidding starts promptly at 11:30 am. and ends at 2:30 pm. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. There is no admission charge.

Attendees will hear updates from FDR staff and board and receive a special presentation from FDR staff and board and receive a special presentation from Detroit artist Alex Gilford. Alex will give a presentation on his work, his residency with us, and how art plays a role in environmental advocacy and stewardship. Tickets are $60.00 per person. More.

The Henry Ford Museum hosts an interactive journey through the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The Exhibition features unseen footage, photos, and displays of more than 150 historical and personal artifacts loaned from the Mandela family, museums, and archives worldwide. Items to be on display include Mandela's presidential desk and chair, his famous beige trench coat, a suit worn for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996, and more.

What plans exist for improving the region's transit? Who makes these plans? And how can you get involved in shaping them? Join us in hearing from leaders of RTA, SEMCOG, and SMART about their regional transit-related planning efforts and share what matters most to you. This will be a hybrid event, with those who can meeting in person in Dearborn and those who can't joining on Zoom. Register here.

Check our website for more calendar items.

September 26 - Clean Energy Future Day of Action in Lansing

Alicia Mazurek, Co-President

Jennifer Oliver, Co-President

Karen M. Jones, Vice-President

Colleen Kurecka, Treasurer

Geraldine Grunow, Secretary

Geri Biggs, Director

Betsy Cushman, Director, Voter Services Co-Chair

Laura Dudgeon, Director

Mary Jo Durivage, Director, Membership Coordinator

Marlyne Kilbey, Director, Allegria Village Liaison

Connie Mitchell, Director

Jennifer Teller, Director, Assistant Treasurer