President's Message

2025 Annual Meeting and 80th anniversary celebration -- what a day it was!

Almost 100 League members and community supporters came together on June 18 to celebrate our League's 80th anniversary and take care of business at the 2025 Annual Meeting. It was an outstanding and memorable event that honored past presidents, recapped the accomplishments of the past year, and welcomed featured speaker U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo discussing the latest news out of Congress.

Special thanks to the Santa Clara County Office of Education for providing its Conference Center as the venue . . . Alpha Public Schools for its parking lot shuttle service . . . and photographer Eric Schmidt of Resolution Photography for donating his time and talent to capture the essence of the day in visuals. And, of course, thank you to all of the League members who volunteered to make the event run so smoothly.

We were ecstatic that so many past presidents of our League could join us for recognition of their service. From left: Virginia Holtz, Sandy Remmers, Alice Thorn, Cecile Schulze, Mary Collins, Carol Watts, Diane McNutt, Trixie Johnson, Sally Pyle, Martha Beattie and Sandy Mory.

President Diane McNutt presented an overview of the many accomplishments of 2024-2025 including extensive Voter Service activities, membership growth, and well-attended educational programs.

Treasurer Anita Romero presented the Treasurer's Report for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Susan Skorey of the Budget Committee presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 which was approved by the membership.

Elizabeth Chien-Hale of the Bylaws Committee presented four recommended amendments to the bylaws which were approved by the membership.

Sally Pyle, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the recommended slate of officers and directors for 2025-2026. The slate was elected by the membership along with the three elected members of the 2026 Nominating Committee.

Sam Liccardo, U.S. Representative of the 16th District in California, described the challenges he has faced since taking office in January and answered many questions from the audience about the current political situation in America.

Volunteers who worked on several of our League's Candidates Forums and Pros & Cons events prior to the November 2024 election enjoyed meeting with Congressman Liccardo.

Dealing with family

who disagree

We often receive requests for more programs on how to effectively communicate with people with opposing views. This online workshop from Braver Angels sounds like a good start!

Family relationships can be casualties of a toxic political environment. If you want to preserve important family bonds while staying true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop on Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. (Pacific time) will give insights into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging, and offer strategies and skills for handling those differences in constructive ways. Register here. Promo code BRAVER gets you a free ticket.

Be aware of fake emails

Please be aware of "phishing" emails claiming to be from the League. The League will NEVER ask you to purchase gift cards for any reason.

If you receive an email requesting gift cards, please delete it immediately. Do not reply or click any links. If you are unsure, place a phone call to the person who supposedly sent the request. Stay safe!

We are nonpartisan, not neutral 

Remaining nonpartisan does not mean staying silent.

When democracy itself is under threat, voter access is restricted, or misinformation spreads, the League has a responsibility to speak out clearly and forcefully. Our nonpartisan commitment means the League acts based on our policies and principles, not because of political parties. 

We advocate for fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of which political party is in power or which officials are responsible. Focusing on our issues, not affiliations, strengthens our voice and credibility. We hold true to our mission without being beholden to any political agenda.