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Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | |
“Democracy is a process, not a static condition.
It is becoming, rather than being.
It can easily be lost, but never is fully won.
Its essence is eternal struggle.”
- Federal Judge William H. Hastie
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LWVUS Condemns Racist Text Messages
LWVUS spoke up against racist text messages sent after the election.
"LWV strongly condemns the racist text messages sent after Election Day
targeting Black residents in multiple states across the country.
These vile messages have no place in our democracy.
We stand united against hate & for the protection
& civic participation of all communities."
SMMUSD Superintendent's Reaction to Hate Mail Sent to Students & Families
One of the voices raised in response to this recurrence of Hate comes from the Superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The following is the message sent by the Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton to Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community members. Read his full message here.
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Hi all,
Now that we've had time to breathe post November 5, we're going to introduce our current Board of Directors. This will be done through articles, bio's, reports and a sharing of experiences. This issue of the VOTER includes items from Board Members Shari Davis and Angela Scott.
Moving on to our past - present - and future. One of the things we've learned in recent years (or is it every decade or two, sometimes more?) is that history does in fact repeat itself -- in cycles. Do you ever find yourself believing that as a democratic republic we've made progress in resolving important contentious issues and are moving forward, looking to the future with hope? And then, the earth seems to shift beneath your feet and you feel like everything, or at least things you believe important, are slipping away and being replaced by what you thought now lived firmly in the past?
There is a reason that Leagues of Women Voters from around the country adopted the "Campaign for Making Democracy Work" as our overall national program at successive National Conventions. Looking back as far as our Founders on the final day of our Constitutional Convention in 1787, we find this question - "...what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" followed by this answer - "A Republic - if you can keep it." Swap the words "Republic" and "Democracy" and you have the framework for our continuous and focused Program work - moving the present into the future in alignment with our core values, principles and Mission.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome. Please send them here.
In League,
Barbara Inatsugu, President
LWV of Santa Monica
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A MAJOR COMMUNITY EVENT - NOT TO BE MISSED
PHASE 2 COMMUNITY EVENT
Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project
We invite you to join with us and other community members this Saturday for Phase 2 Community Event, being held at the Memorial Park Gym from 1-4 pm.
The City will share the results from its Phase 2A survey conducted in September/October and will be collecting more community feedback in a variety of ways to inform future site design scenarios. The City also will be communicating about and collecting input on Opportunities, Constraints, and the Draft Guiding Principles for the Santa Monica's Airport Conversion Project (SMAC Project). Please attend!
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Memorial Park Gym, 1401 Olympic Blvd. Entrance of 14th.
Hoping to see you there!
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SANTA MONICA | |
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Commemorating a Historic Event in Santa Monica
...submitted by Angela Scott, LWVSM Board of Directors
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DESCRIPTION OF SMC DEMOCRACY EVENTS – OCTOBER 2024
...submitted by Shari Davis, LWVSM Board of Directors
On Tuesday, October 8, as part of National Voter Education Week, the SMC Public Policy Institute, Santa Monica College (SMC) Associated Students, and SMC’s Civic Engagement Committee welcomed the following esteemed group of panelists for “SMC Democracy Day”.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Margaret Quinones-Perez, SMC Board of Trustees Chair
- Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, SMC Public Policy Institute co-director
- David Duncan, SMC A.S. President
- Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, SMC Interim Associate Dean of Communication
- Maria E. Rodriguez, Vice President, League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
- Martin Orea, SMC Student Leader
Shari Davis, SMC Public Policy Institute Co-Director, moderated the panel along with Interim Associate Dean of Student Life Thomas Bui. The panelists shared their perspectives and expertise on democracy and emphasized the importance of civic engagement while highlighting the various influences in today’s U.S. democracy.
On Thursday, October 10, the SMC Public Policy Institute welcomed PPI Founding Director and retired LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, as she hosted a panel of distinguished leaders discussing “What Is Government For? (And how the heck is it supposed to do all that?)” Former elected officials Martha Escutia and Mike Feuer as well as Metro Board Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker deeply impressed SMC students, faculty, staff, and community members as they described the meaningful work they have done over several decades creating policies for Californians and fighting for social justice and equity.
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LWVSM Member Elected to City Council
While the League does not support or oppose candidates, we are proud of League members who choose to step up and make a difference in our communities. Here in Santa Monica, we congratulate Natalya Zernitskaya and wish her well in her new endeavor as a newly-seated member of the Santa Monica City Council.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of the UNITED STATES | |
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... POST ELECTION COMMENTS FROM THE LWVUS
REFLECTING ON AN ELECTION
CONTINUING THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS
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Despite having fulfilled the ratification requirements, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has not been published. With just weeks left in office, we are urging President Biden to act and enshrine gender equality in our Constitution by instructing the US Archivist to publish the ERA. Leagues can take action directly at www.lwv.org.
LWV NEWSROOM
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IN LEAGUE NEWS
LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study Committee: In League news, at our National Convention this past June, delegates voted to proceed with a study on the federal judiciary. The LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study Committee will be sharing information with Leagues on the study and how members can participate. The committee hosted a webinar in November for League members to learn more about the study’s scope and timeline. For more information about the Federal Judiciary Study and committee, visit the League Management Site.
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Contact Your Representatives: Speak up on the issues that matter!
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA | |
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In the wake of the recent elections, the League of Women Voters of California stands in solidarity with our National League. The following reflections are from Dianna Wynn, President, League of Women Voters of the U.S.
As we reflect on the election, we hold multiple truths.
- It was a fair, secure election marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. This is thanks to the dedication of election workers and civic volunteers nationwide; and
- Women’s future is unclear. Given the sexist, racist rhetoric heard throughout this season, we are deeply concerned about the challenges women, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and other communities will face in the next administration.
Like you, we are still processing. Yet as we move forward, we are holding on to two more truths:
- We’re thankful for the people who empowered millions of voters to make their voices heard, including League members nationwide; and
- We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for both women and our democracy.
We don’t know exactly what will come next, but the League stands strong and ready to speak out against authoritarianism and defend democracy. We are ready to face the future with your partnership.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LA COUNTY
An InterLeague Organization
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Welcome to the November 2024 issue of the
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WHAT OTHER LEAGUES ARE DOING | |
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...shared by Teri Mufic Neustaedter of LWV Beach Cities
Here's the link to LWV Beach Cities newsletters (VOTERs). This is an ongoing link and will be updated as new issues are posted. We publish our newsletter, The Voter, four times a year.
Read and download the current and past issues. https://lwvbeachcities.org/newsletters.html
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...shared by LWVBA (League of Women Voters of the Bay Area)
https://mail.aol.com/d/list/referrer=newMail&folders=1&accountIds=1&listFilter=NEWMAIL
A new resource has just been launched to keep us informed: Digital Democracy
CalMatters, a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization, has launched Digital Democracy, a project using the latest technologies to help Californians understand their state government and create more accountability for politicians. The website introduces each of the state’s 120 legislators and explains this year’s policy agenda. In our unprecedented database, you can instantly find any word uttered in a public hearing, every vote cast, every bill introduced and every dollar donated. For more details, read more from their engagement team.
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LEAGUE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS NEVER STOP LEARNING
NEVER STOP SEEKING KNOWLEDGE
NEVER STOP ENGAGING
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The 2025‑26 Budget: Fiscal Outlook for Schools and Community Colleges
Description: In this report, we provide our estimates of the guarantee and analyze the implications for school and community college budgeting. PDF
As California navigates a shifting budget landscape, a hostile federal administration, and the impact of recent ballot measures, 2025 promises pivotal decisions.
We invite you to our premier “Dollars & Democracy” state budget training, followed by an in-depth conversation with expert advocates and budget insiders to help you engage effectively and amplify your cause in Sacramento.
REGISTER NOW
December 12; 10:30 a.m. PST
[Virtual]
Whether new to advocacy or a seasoned veteran, this training offers valuable insights as budget expert, Scott Graves, guides you through California’s budget process, highlighting key deadlines and the essential roles of the governor, the Legislature, and advocates in driving community investments.
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President: Barbara Inatsugu
Editor: Barbara Inatsugu
Email: league@lwvsantamonica.org
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Our Mission...
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
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LWV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy:
Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status.
Read more here.
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Acknowledgement of Native Lands:
The geographic areas this League represents are the traditional lands of the following Native People: Chumash; Tongva; Kizh. Find more information here and here.
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