December 2024

ALL HANDS ON DECK in Support of ERA

Join LWVIL at a Relay4Rights in Washington DC on Tuesday, December 10

(and keep an eye out for other ways for you to participate from home)!

The BIDEN PUBLISH THE ERA Alliance, of which the League of Women Voters is a member, has designated December 10 for a show of strength and numbers in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. December 10 is the 110th anniversary of the ERA being introduced to Congress.

101 years is long enough. Please join members and friends of the League to finish the fight. For us. For our daughters. For our granddaughters. Register to attend the rally.

Help us FILL THE BUS! LWVIL is planning to sponsor a bus from a suburban location (likely a shopping mall tbd) to take 40–50 supporters to Washington DC. Please note that bus registration is separate from event registration. We expect the cost to be no more than $150 per person. The bus will leave the evening of December 9 so that we make it in time for the Relay4Rights on December 10. We will return to Chicago that same night, arriving home early on December 11. If you are interested in joining our charter (or want to drive and caravan with the bus) please let us know ASAP by completing this form. Seats will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

President's Message

At my family Thanksgiving dinner, I looked around the table and I realized that only 8 of the 14 people enjoying their turkey actually have their equal rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. 

We are American citizens. Women vote, pay taxes, and serve our country, but we do not have equal rights. 

The next two months offer us a unique opportunity to finally have the Equal Rights Amendment included in the Constitution, so LWVIL’s advocacy efforts will focus on the ERA. Take action on the ERA today—and consider joining us to rally in DC on December 10.

Becky Simon, President

bsimon@lwvil.org

From Funding to Equal Access: 

The State of Illinois’ Colleges

What’s going on with higher education in Illinois? Join us on Thursday, December 5 at 6:30 pm to hear from Ralph Martire, Professor of Public Policy at Roosevelt University and Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. Register.

More Upcoming Events

Defend Democracy! Donate to the League of Women Voters of Illinois

What does a long-term investor and a charitable giver do to prepare for the end of the year? They open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with their investment firm!

A DAF is a smart, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving, particularly during the year-end giving season. And the best part? You don’t need to be ultra-wealthy for a DAF to make sense! It’s a flexible tool for anyone looking to maximize their charitable impact. 

With a DAF, you can contribute cash, appreciated assets, or investments held for over a year. Once your DAF is set up, you can recommend grants to your chosen charities at any time. Plus, by donating appreciated assets, you avoid capital gains taxes and can receive an immediate tax deduction based on the full value of the asset. This allows you to give more to the causes you care about. 

Explore the chart below and, if your provider isn't listed, just search online for “Donor-Advised Fund + [your provider’s name]" to learn more. 

Thinking about leaving a legacy? Consider donating the balance of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement accounts directly to charity. These gifts are tax-free to nonprofits, so they won't incur income taxes. In contrast, heirs inheriting retirement accounts may face significant tax liabilities on the distribution.

Your generous donation helps us empower voters, promote civic engagement, and ensure fair representation for all. Together, we can strengthen our democracy and make sure every voice in Illinois is heard. Join us in building a brighter future for Illinois—and the nation.

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Letter to State Leaders

Last month, LWVIL President Becky Simon sent what was our first "Letter To State Leaders" outlining our League's priorities for the upcoming year. The letter was sent to Governor JB Pritzker as well as the Illinois House speaker, the Illinois Senate president and minority leaders of both chambers. 

This is the first of many "firsts" aimed at elevating our organization's mission, priorities, and effectiveness in Springfield. Read Becky's letter.

Local Elections Coming in 2025

The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the results of the November 5 General Election on December 2—and now it's on to local elections!

Some Illinois municipalities and townships will hold elections next year: the Consolidated Primary Election on February 25 and the Consolidated Election on April 1. See the full election calendar.

Your League at Work in Illinois

Our members are hard at work for democracy, and we're hard at work for our members! Catch up on recent actions our Issues & Advocacy team has taken on members' behalf, and sign up to attend these upcoming members-only virtual trainings:

• Observer Corps Training: Tuesday, December 10, 1:00 pm
• Communications Roundtable: Tuesday, December 10, 6:00 pm
• Lunch & Learn: Conducting a Study: Tuesday, December 17, Noon

Not a League member yet? Join us!