Remember to vote today, February 18. Learn about the candidates at Vote411.org, and check your voting information at  myvote.wi.gov.
.
Volunteers Requested: 
O ur League could use two volunteers to help at the sign-in/registration table before the Better Angels Workshop, Depolarizing Within, this Sunday, 2/23. (See below for more information and to register for this event.)

If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors for the La Crosse Area League, our Nomination Committee is beginning to work on recruiting members for next year's board. Members will approve the new board at the Annual Meeting on May 18.

If you have online savvy, we would love new members for our Communication and Technology Committees. We have a particular need for someone to manage our social media--just Facebook right now, but maybe...?

If you are interested in getting involved, please respond to [email protected]. Thanks!! 
La Crosse Area members in period costume pose at our  100th birthday lunch with Theresa Kaminski, Professor Emeritus of History at UW-Stephens Point.  Dr. Kaminski presented a history of women's suffrage in Wisconsin. Her new book,  Dr. Mary Walker's Civil War, will be released in June 2020.  Walker became the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor. She was a lifelong advocate for women's rights who tirelessly promoted dress reform (she always wore a Bloomer costume) and suffrage. More information about the book is available  here.
(Clicking on the photo will enlarge it.)
Listening Across the Political Divide
Join Us for Two Local Workshops  on Civil Discourse

--facilitated by the nationally known, nonpartisan organization, Better Angels

As political differences are polarizing our communities, the LWVLA, Great Rivers United Way, English Lutheran Church, LeaderEthics Wisconsin, UWL Political Science & Policy Administration, Joe Heim, and Western Technical College are sponsoring an opportunity to learn how to speak civilly with each other. We may never change another person's mind, but we can understand where they are coming from, and we can remain friends. These skills are critical to communities the size of La Crosse and Onalaska.

You may attend both workshops. The 2/23 workshop is not a prerequisite for the 3/10 workshop. Both are free, thanks to the local sponsors, but please register for each that you will attend.


Depolarizing Within
Sunday, February 23
2:30 to 5:30 PM
English Lutheran Church
1509 King St.

Much of today's polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.

Register here.
Skills Training
T uesday, March 10
2:30 to 5:00 PM
Western Technical College
Lunda Center,  319 7th St. N.

At this workshop, you will: learn what it takes to have constructive, non-polarizing conversations; get a chance to practice these conversations; and be motivated to have these conversations with people in your social network.

Register  here .
(Clicking on the poster will enlarge it.) 
Speaking of Democracy
Join the Conversation at LWV Book Club  
Monday, March 9,  6:30 - 8:00 pm
Java Vino,  1505 Losey Blvd. S  
ALL ARE WELCOME!

The room rental cost is $15 to be divided among participants. 
 At most only a couple of dollars per time--what a bargain! 

Ashley's War:  The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield
by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

"Much as she did in her bestselling 
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana , Lemmon transports readers to a world they previously had no idea existed: a community of women called to fulfill the military's mission to "win hearts and minds" and bound together by danger, valor, and determination. Ashley's War is a gripping combat narrative and a moving story of friendship-a book that will change the way readers think about war and the meaning of service."
Source:  Amazon.

Coming Up: April 6
Biased:  Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See, Think and Do  by Jennifer L. Eberheart

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW... CIVICS? 
WOMEN'S HISTORY?
CURRENT GOV AFFAIRS?
 
Join members of the LWV of the La Crosse Area for: 

TRIVIA...  CONVERSATION...  PRIZES...  FUN

Thursday, March 12th
6:30 to 8:00 PM
La Crosse Public Main Library
Basement Auditorium
800 Main Street

All League Members--old, new, and in-between--are invited. A great time to meet new friends and have fun. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

Please RSVP by March 9 to [email protected]
Fair Maps Wisconsin:
Referendums in  Monroe and Trempealeau Co unties

The fight to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin and throughout the US is a signature effort by the League of Women Voters at all levels this year.  You can learn more about "People Powered Fair Maps" program here

The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area is working to pass a citizen advisory referendum in Monroe and Trempealeau Counties. Thanks to La Crosse League members for joining with nonpartisan volunteers to educate voters about the nonpartisan redistricting process for Wisconsin. In total, nine counties will have the Fair Maps question on the April 7th ballot. Stay informed and "like" the Facebook page for MoCo Fair Maps here.

La Crosse and Vernon County voters passed the Fair Maps referendum in 2019. However, our work is not done!  Voters are invited to ask state legislative and statewide candidates. "If elected would you support a nonpartisan redistricting reform process like Iowa's plan?" 

SAVE THE DATE!
Future La Crosse Area League Programs
2019-2020
4/1/20
Climate Forum #4: Focus on Water Impact

4/14/20
Special Two-Hour Earth Day Program
Todd Ambs, DNR Assistant Deputy Secretary 

April TBA
Legislative Breakfast

5/18/20
LWVLA Annual Meeting

8/26/20
Centennial Year Closing Event

Mark Your Calendar with the 2020 Election Dates

4/7/20

Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary

 

8/11/20

Partisan Primary

 

11/3/20

General Election

Celebrating the Centennial

2019-2020 is a special year as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage and the founding of The League of Women Voters.

Please send your memories of or tributes to your experiences with the LWVLA to [email protected].  
Stay Connected
PO Box 363, La Crosse, WI 54602