Report by Lisa Thornhill, 2nd Vice President Programs, LWVNSBC
The LWVNSBC held its annual Program Planning meeting on February 23rd at Cubanissimo Cafe in Orcutt. We had 28 attendees and 3 visitors became new members.
Our meeting began as I welcomed everyone and introduced our Board Members. Program planning is done by all local leagues on an annual basis to identify 3 issues which we will recommend, in alternating years, to either the National or our State League. In 2025, our League’s suggestions will be sent to our State League for consideration at the State Convention in June, when focus issues for 2025-27 will be decided.
Our Committees gave updates on their work to encourage all members to volunteer on a topic of interest.
Membership: Co-Chair Pam Gates introduced committee members – Co-Chair Judy Garrett, Roz Silva, and Colleen Murr. We currently have 62 members. She also went over the new LWVUS web portal, Chapter Spot, which is available to initiate and renew membership.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Chair Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt was not able to attend so I spoke of the work Lawanda tirelessly performs in regard to DEI. Yesterday, as President of the Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP, she oversaw the Black History Month Event at Allan Hancock College. There were close to 600 participants. DEI is a fundamental policy of the LWV and is included it its bylaws and all local League’s bylaws.
Immigration: Virginia Souza and Rosa Coronado provided information on the Committee’s activities. Rosa has provided the Red Card (Know Your Rights) for the League to make available at all tabling events. It will become part of our local program and recommended for the State Program. Networking is in effect to provide immigrants with information on their rights and safe programs. On February 27th, Virginia and Rosa will travel to Santa Barbara for an event co-sponsored by the LWV Santa Barbara to discuss how we can support our immigrant communities.
Voter Services: joyce ellen lippman rolled out the new “Know Your Community” brochure that was developed with several League members. It covers information about all of North Santa Barbara County public offices, services, and current folks in office with contact information.
Next, Past President and longtime member Jennifer Dolan provided some history regarding program planning and how the National and State League positions are used to develop program content. These positions are then published as “Impact on Issues.” The current edition for 2024-2026 can be found on the National website here or purchased on Amazon for $6.99.
For our final segment, we went over the Program Planning packet and members broke into groups to identify their most pressing issues. After the breakout, each group reported on their top issue choice to send to the State League and which issues to work on locally.
1. Making Democracy Work
- Continue to work on voting rights, ensuring easy access and registration to voting
- Work with our youth, attend their events, and provide tabling with League materials.
- Attend high school government classes and provide information on the League and the reasons for voting
- Support State legislature to improve voter rights
- Letters to the Editor
2. Immigration
- Support the production and distribution of Red Cards
- Welcome immigrants, provide information on their rights and safe services
- Share information with our community via panels, tabling, and/or Letters to the Editor to provide accurate and timely information on local immigration issues
3. Environment
- Support the decrease and elimination of fossil fuels by supporting legislature that bans further drilling on land and in the ocean
- Educate our community on water needs and use through expert panels
Overall, the meeting was well attended and members were able to network and share contact information. Meeting adjourned at 1:40pm.
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