April 2016 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Leaguers,
 
You may have already received information on the Annual Meeting, which will include registration for the brunch, membership renewals, and an opportunity to participate in a matching grant of $1250 made possible through the generosity of some of our members.  Also included are copies of the proposed slate and budget. The complete booklet with committee reports, membership roster, etc. will be available to you at the meeting on May 21st.
 
Our speaker, Gail Kitch, of the Voter Participation Project, will give a speech called "Why It Matters."  Given the state of elections today, this couldn't be a more timely message.  See more about Gail in the article below.
 
We are working toward a new leadership model in which several board members will share the responsibilities of the presidency, working to coordinate with other board members as they fulfill the duties of their portfolios.  It's a work in progress but we're excited about the concept.
 
In the next few months, a number of important decisions will be made concerning development and finances in the city.  Stay informed as these issues come up and attend any "town hall" meetings as they are scheduled. One was held recently where only ONE citizen attended who was not a part of the presentation!  That's not good for any of us.
 
Can you believe national politics?  It's already been a long campaign and we've got more to come.  LWVUS will be sponsoring a national debate in October.  At last, a dose of civility!
 
Sincerely,
 
Ellen


Get Involved With Our Local League!

There are many opportunities to get involved at the local level with our League.  Consider getting involved with one or more of the following League committees / activities.  No experience is necessary as you'll be partnered with the officer or chair in that area.

If you are willing to step up, contact Ellen at ellensals@aol.com and she'll put you in touch with the key contact for that area.
  • Voter Services
  • Local Affairs
  • League Outreach
  • Fundraising
  • Communications
  • Budget
  • Nominations
  • National Capital Area League - studies/regional issues


Gail Leftwich Kitch will address the LWVFC at its Annual Meeting and Brunch Saturday, May 21 in a talk entitled "Why It Matters." She will discuss the upcoming election cycle in the context of minority  turn out, voting rights restrictions, and redistricting.

Gail is  Executive Vice President, Communication and Finance for The Voter Participation Center. She brings years of experience, both as a practicing lawyer and as a successful manager and board member of non-profit organizations active in civic engagement. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of By the People, an initiative founded by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions that uses public television to encourage and support informed non-contentious citizen dialogue around policy issues. 

Mrs. Kitch was President of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the national membership organization of the state affiliates of the National Endowment for the Humanities, following service as Director of Cambridge Forum, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a former chair of the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, and was a Radcliffe College Public Policy Fellow in the late 90s. Among other activities, Gail currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Women's Foreign Policy Group, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Conference on Citizenship. She has a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.


NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
PROPOSED SLATE OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
2016/2017

Leadership Team -  
Facilitator Linda Garvelink
Wendy Frieman
Martha Cooper
Judy Parente

Program Co-Chairs -
 Bob Crowe
Johannah Barry

Secretary - Jody Acosta

Treasurer - Ruth Rodgers

Membership Co-chairs -
Judy Parente
Marty Maher

Local Affairs - Wendy Frieman

Voter Service Co-Chairs - 
 Martha Cooper
Kathy Thompson

Communications - Mona Johnston

Liaison to LWVNCA - Ellen  Gross

Admin Team- 
Edie Snyder
Ellen Salsbury

OFF BOARD POSITIONS
Webmaster - TBD

Special Projects - 
Madalyn Cafruny, Genie Flahie, Bunny Jarrett,
Marty Meserve, Jane Scully          

In This Issue:

 

2015-2016 LWVFC Board and Off-Board Members 

 

President

Ellen Salsbury

 

Vice President

Linda Garvelink

 

Programs Co-Chairs

Robert Crowe

Renee Andrews

 

Local Affairs Chair

Wendy Frieman

 

Secretary

Martha Cooper

 

Treasurer

Ruth Rodgers

 

Voter Service Co-Chairs 

Membership Co-Chairs

 

Liaison to NCA 

Ellen Gross

 

Administrative Team

Madalyn Cafruny

Genie Flahie

Edith Snyder

 

Special Projects

Cindy Donaldson

Bunny Jarrett

Marty Meserve

Jane Scully

 

 

Communications

 

Webmaster

Neil Johnston

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

LWVNCA 
Annual Convention
May 7
Clyde's Verizon Center

LWVFC Annual Meeting & Brunch
Saturday, May 21
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Pizzeria Orzo
Reservations Due by May 14

LWVArlington
"How to Run a Meeting"
Sunday, May 22
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Arlington Central Library

LWV Virginia Council
Saturday, June 4
Details to Come
LWVUS National Convention

Making Democracy Work - For All!

June 16 - June 19, 2016

Registration and convention details here.
About Us

The League of Women Voters Falls Church is a non-partisan organization that serves the citizens of Falls Church City through encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy.

A Voice for Citizens and a Force for Change in the United States.