Volume 81, No. 10, June 2020
CALENDAR

June 2020
 3—Communications*
 5—Immigration*
 9—Events*
10—Board Meeting
12—July Voter articles due
12—Natural Resources*
22—Advocacy*
25—Virtual Annual Meeting
25—Education*

July 2020
 1—Membership dues deadline
 2—Virtual League Day
 8—Board Meeting

*Committee meetings. These and other meetings will be virtual via conferencing software during the COVID outbreak. See “The Grapevine” page in this issue for details. Check with your committee chairs on how meetings will be held during the COVID outbreak. 
Annual Meeting
All LWV-PA members are called to attend our 2020 Annual Meeting, to be held virtually on June 25. It’s easy, fun, and important that you attend. Learn the details and remember: REGISTER by June 18, and SUBMIT YOUR E-BALLOT by June 23! 

Thank yous for a year of accomplishments, from centennial celebrations to technological advancements, and thoughts about new choices as we move forward in a time when the challenges have never been greater—or more important to meet.
The Obamas to Address Grads on YouTube

Former president Barack Obama has participated in or will speak in several virtual graduation celebrations across the nation on various platforms. At the time of “press,” however, only one will also feature former first lady Michelle Obama. This event, Dear Class of 2020 , which will appear on YouTube, will feature celebrities, global leaders, and others, and both the former president and former first lady will give addresses. An Obama spokeswoman said that “they will participate in multiple virtual commencement celebrations for students, families, and educators.” For the grads in your life, this might be just what the doctor ordered. More information is available on the internet and will doubtless be updated as we approach June 6. Watch for it!
Slate of Officers/Directors, 2020–21

The Nominating Committee presents its slate of candidates for LWV-PA officers and directors for the 2020–2021 year and candidates for the Nominating Committee for 2021–2022 officers and directors.

Proposed 2020–21 Budget

The LWV-PA Finance Committee’s proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2020–2021 reduces nonessential expenses due to the realities necessitated by COVID restrictions, at the same time leaving room for virtual fundraising and other traditional occasions. Submitted for your review and consideration—do you approve?

Program Priorities, 2020–21

LWV-PA program priorities for the 2020–2021 year were approved by the Board in February. Learn about the focus of our efforts going forward, and see where you might fit in! 
SAVE THE DATES!
(For details, watch lwv-pa.org )


June 18, 2020
Annual Meeting
Registration Deadline
at www.lwv-pa.org

June 20, 2020
Current members receive
e-ballot via email

June 23, 2020
LWV-PA annual e-ballot
submission deadline

June 25, 2020
Virtual League Day
Annual Meeting

July 1, 2020
Membership Renewal
Dues Deadline
Bylaw Amendments

Be sure to review these changes to the bylaws, allowing virtual meetings when necessary and the election of all Directors at future Annual Meetings.
Zoom Meetings vs. Webinars

Get ready for the Annual Meeting via webinar, courtesy of Zoom. Here is a brief description of what you are about to enjoy—and for those who have attended video “meetings,” what the difference between a meeting and a webinar means for your participation.

DEI Spotlight

The DEI Taskforce has identified key goals and undertakings for the 2020–2021 year, among them a survey and an anonymous questionnaire. These data-gathering efforts will lay a foundation for sustaining the League and expanding democracy into the future.


Board Meeting Summary
May 2020

The LWV-PA Board met virtually via video conference on May 13. Get an overview of this month's key League business, activities, and decisions during the meeting!



June Units

Unit meetings take place in smaller virtual settings to empower, encourage, inform, and uplift. Come join the Units each month except for June, July, August, and December.


Rethinking Voter Outreach

Tired of hearing about consequential elections? Tired of hearing about voter suppression? Tired of trying to make a difference? You are not alone! Not to worry—we are identifying the best ways to mobilize voters, even virtually.
School Board Observations

LWV-PA’s School Board Observers are still at it, with virtual attendance in these COVID times. Here are two reports on developments in the La Cañada and Arcadia Unified School Districts.

May League Day Recap

LWVUS National Organizing Director Alma Couverthie shared the goals and advocacy priorities of the national League of Women Voters concerning election systems in November; L.A. County Registrar Dean Logan spoke on the results of the new voting system in the March primary elections and their impact on the November presidential election; and Advocacy Chair Debbie Fagen described the “Power of 1” to advance LWV positions through advocacy, donations, and volunteering.
The Power of 1

 A checklist to help you magnify your own “power of 1” in this year of greatest need. Ways to give your time, your voice, your talents, your resources—even from home!
LWV-PA New Year—Membership Renewal Time
On June 1, letters and membership renewal forms were mailed to all current LWV-PA members. As we continue to be under social distancing and stay-at-home advisories, your League membership is more important than ever before. We have a critical voting year ahead, with perhaps the most consequential general election in a generation, and, although we cannot meet in person, there is still much to be done to educate and inform voters. We encourage you to return your membership renewal form and keep the LWV-PA the strong League that it is. There is much to be done in the coming months. With your support, the League can continue its mission to make democracy work for all . Thank you for your past and continued support. You make a difference!
"We Are Unafraid"

Words of wisdom, and inspiration, from Carrie Chapman Catt. During another challenging time in our history, the League was planning for our future.
COVID-19 Updates

The LWV-PA is fortunate to have two infectious disease physicians who have training and experience in planning for pandemics. Margan and Thad Zajdowicz, co-chairs of our Healthcare Committee, have written a series of articles , Life in the Time of Coronavirus , that are available on the LWV-PA website. These articles constitute a great resource to help you stay informed during this critical time.
New Members in 2019–2020

The League was delighted to welcome these fifty-eight new members. Thank you for choosing to contribute your time, treasure, and formidable talents to the League’s mission to preserve and advance the democratic process!
Book Corner: Let the People Pick the President

Jesse Wegman’s Let the People Pick the President is a must-read for every League member communicating the League’s support for direct election of the president. Learn the questionable origins of the Electoral College, the myths that surround it to this day, and the arguments for its abolition.
Grapevine

News from your League committees. You are always welcome to join or just sit in. Many committees are now connecting via Zoom and other online video conferencing services; check with your committee chair for meeting status and to learn more about this easy way to join with others virtually. Committee membership is both rewarding and fun, and it does the good work for which the League is known. 

VOTER STAFF
Voter Editor – Chris Moose
Web Coordinators – Laurie Barlow, Peter Zavala
e- Voter Coordinator – Gayle Oswald
The LWV-PA Voter is an electronic newsletter. The ten issues per year are free to members. Non-members may subscribe to the e- Voter for $20 a year by calling 626-798-0965 or emailing [email protected] .

© 2020 League of Women Voters Pasadena Area. All rights reserved.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. New members are welcome. Join here.