In These Tough Times...

As we continue to navigate racially motivated mass shootings, the climate crisis, attacks on reproductive freedom, voter suppression and other daily reminders of the tough times we are living through, LWVMA is taking a stand on these and many other issues. Please keep up with how we are using our collective voice via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and in the News & Events section of our homepage (lwvma.org).

Seeking VOTE411 Candidate Questions

It is time for LWVMA to send state and national candidates our questions to be used in VOTE411's online voters' guide! Please contribute to this effort by opening this google document and inserting questions or comments before June 15. Thank you! 

Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Peer Discussion Group Meeting June 5

Please join the DEI Peer Discussion Group's next quarterly meeting Sunday, June 5, 3-4:30 p.m. Register here—newcomers welcome! See agenda, homework and conversation starter here.

March For Our Lives: Rally on Boston Common June 11, 12:00 p.m.

Lend your voice to combating gun violence. Read more.

2022 League Leader Lunch We Need Your Opinion!

LWVMA needs your input to help us plan the next League leader lunch. Your response to this quick survey is appreciated.

Watch Climate Meets Transportation

Did you miss it? Watch Stepping Up Now: Climate, Transportation and Equity, A virtual forum to advance climate-focused transportation policy. Learn how climate, transportation, public health and equity come together in this webinar co-sponsored by LWVMA and Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA). View the program here.

LWVUS Convention June 23-26

The deadline to register for the hybrid LWVUS Convention is Monday, June 6. Find costs, information, and registration here, and your League's number of delegates here. Find the full proposed program on the Convention platform. See agenda here.

Act to Override Governor's Veto of Work and Family Mobility Act

Governor Baker has vetoed the Work and Family Mobility Act, H.4805, which would allow driver’s licenses for all, regardless of immigration status. Proponents feel confident about overriding the Governor’s veto. Read more.

Support Common Start Bill with Playdate Rallies in June

Rally to call for access to affordable, high-quality early education and child care at kid-friendly playdates/activities around the Commonwealth, organized by the Common Start Coalition in support of the Common Start Bill (H.605/S.362). Read more.

MA Coalition for Juvenile Justice Hybrid Lobby Day June 21

Join us for a hybrid day of action to advocate for bills including LWVMA legislative priorities Raise the Age (H.1826/S.920) and Expungement (H.1531/S.980). A briefing to prepare for Lobby Day will be held June 16. Read more.

MA Coalition for Juvenile Justice Documentary and Panel Discussion June 15

Watch MA Coalition for Juvenile Justice Reform documentary "This Ain’t Normal” and panel discussion highlighting three bills (Diversion, Raise the Age and Expungement) on June 15, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Read more.

Remote Access to Meetings: Update

LWVMA and other advocacy groups are working with the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on H.3152/ S.2082, the bill to require continuing remote access to and participation in town committee and board meetings once pandemic emergency legislation expires July 15. Read more.

VOTES Act: Still Pending

The bill making pandemic voting reforms permanent, H.4359/S.2554, remains in the six-member conference committee charged with drafting the final version. The Election Modernization Coalition expects a final bill soon, so that the Secretary of State's office can make plans for the September primary election. Read more.

How to Contact Your Legislator

You can find phone numbers, email addresses and office addresses on the legislature’s webpage for your Senator and Representative. Go to www.malegislature.gov and click on the Legislators tab. If you don’t know who your legislators are, click here.

Massachusetts Legislation Update

Over 30 League-supported bills received extensions, giving the committees more time to act. Those that have been sent to study, meaning there will be no further action on them this session, are now indicated on the League website. Read more.

Register Your League's Delegates for LWVMA Council by June 3

Please designate your voting delegates with this form by June 3. Each League has an allotted number of voting delegates which corresponds to membership numbers as of February 1, 2022. You can review here how many delegates your League has. Questions? Contact Brynne Gorman.

Local League Gifts to LWVMA—Thank You!

LWVMA gratefully accepts donations from local Leagues at Council. This year we need your support more than ever as we have recently launched the Gateway Cities Pilot Program. This initiative is aimed at implementing our strategic goal to diversify and grow our membership. Read more.

Student Civics Projects—Please Show Off!

Is your League working with high schoolers or middle schoolers on their student-led civics projects? Are you planning a local showcase of their work? Arranging for local cable interviews with the students and teachers? Please send us photos, recordings, and anything else highlighting the work! Read more.

Local Leagues and Advocacy: New Resource

How can your League take action on issues that matter to you? How do you find out if a local matter is supported by League positions? Do you need a study? What if it is a federal or state issue? A new comprehensive guide to local League advocacy is now available to help you navigate these questions. Read more.

April 2022 Scharfman Grants Awarded to Four Local Leagues

Four Local Leagues received Scharfman Grants in 2022. Read more.

Welcome Komal Samrow!

We are pleased to introduce Komal Samrow, a Georgetown University student who will be interning with LWVMA this summer! Read more.

Does Your League Need Speakers? Use Our Experts!

Our Legislative Action Committee’s specialists are willing to present to your League on LWVMA-supported legislation on Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Climate, Racial Justice, Gun Safety, Immigration, Women’s Issues, and more. Read more.

LWVMA Website Resource Highlights

League Choice Books for Children and Teens here—a list of suggested books you may wish to use for prizes, donations, or gifts.

Countdown clocks for virtual forum timekeeping here.