The Voter
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn
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A Letter from the Co-Presidents
It’s that time of year again! The LWVGE Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:00 PM, at the Glen Oak Country Club. This is one of the most important gatherings of the League membership where we will vote on 4 key topics: board nominations, budget, our program agenda for 2024/2025, and a proposed change to the Village Budget Study Consensus Position. You will notice several links for materials to review before the Annual Meeting, at the bottom of our Co-Presidents Letter! Please review the documents in advance of the meeting and come prepared to vote. In addition, we will be recognizing our League Annual Award winners as well as our Charlotte Swett Walter Democracy Challenge winners from Glenbard West and Glenbard South.
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This year we are very excited to feature renowned speaker and Glen Ellyn resident Jodi Bondi Norgaard (pictured), whose topic will be "Stronger Together." The evening affords you the opportunity to meet new and long-time members and share a stimulating evening with fellow League members.
The League is striving to be more and more environmentally concious, and reduce paper waste. For that reason, this year we are offering two options for renewing your dues and signing up for the annual dinner:
First, you will receive an invitation by email. There will be a link to our website where you can make your dinner selections, and renew your dues, and be able to check-out with a credit card.
Alternatively, if you do not use the online option, a week later you will be mailed a printed annual meeting and membership invitation. With this option, you will be requested to make out 2 checks; one for the dinner and a separate one for the dues.
Either option allows you to opt for attending the dinner and renewing your membership, or renewing your membership only and not attending the dinner. Please RSVP as soon as possible!
In League,
Barbara Kwiatkowsky and Judy Kinn, Co-Presidents
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Andrea Densham (Water) - Andrea is an executive leader and government affairs professional with over 25 years of experience with Capitol Hill, federal administrations and agencies, state and municipal governments and working with executives and as a public and non-profit entities leader. She led policy initiatives at the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Shedd Aquarium. She is the Senior Policy Advisor to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, working on innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution and toxic plastic production for a sustainable future for the Great Lakes basin.
Kelly Nichols (Air)- Kelly is a climate change activist, community organizer and a strategic advocate for environmental causes. She is the Senior Manager for Policy and Advocacy for the Respiratory Health Association, and the Chairperson of the Sustainability Advisory Group for the City of Highland Park. She has been a regional Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force both at the state and regional levels, educating the public, political candidates, and connecting people to resources. She has worked as an actor/educator for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and an interesting tidbit, has been a stand-up comedian.
League of Women Voters puts a lot of effort into voting rights and a citizen’s voice in democracy, but we should also pay attention to Environmental Democracy. Meaningful public participation is crucial to ensure that natural resource decisions address citizens’ concerns. People should have access to information, to participate in decision making and to seek enforcement of environmental laws affecting the quality of the world we, and future generations, share. Please join us next month to learn more about protecting our precious air and water.
Submitted by Candy Purdom, VP Program
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National and Illinois League News | |
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As some of you may or may not know, in January, 2024 Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, 20th president of the LWVUS, passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Turner was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and voting rights, and worked tirelessly to create a more equal and just democracy for all.
One of Dr. Turner’s favorite sayings was “keep on keeping on,” so in that spirit, LWVUS is continuing its important work under the able leadership of one of our very own, Dr. Sania Irwin! At the 2022 LWVUS Convention, Sania was elected LWVUS Vice President. With the passing of Dr. Turner, and in accordance with the LWVUS bylaws, Sania assumed the role of President of LWVUS and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the LWV Education Fund. We are grateful to Sania for stepping into this role at this critical time, and we wish her all the best.
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For those of you who may not know Sania, she joined the LWVGE in 2018, and quickly took on the task of spearheading the nonpartisan Get Out The Vote effort, which positively impacted voter participation in low turnout precincts by 5 percentage points. She is also the Co-founder and President of One Community, a 501(c)(3) charitable entity, which aims to raise awareness, acceptance and involvement of neighbors of all backgrounds. One Community was the key proponent behind the adoption of Glen Ellyn’s Welcoming Community Resolution in 2019, and in 2021 successfully advocated for establishing a Community Relations Commission (CRC) in Glen Ellyn. Sania serves as the Chairperson of the CRC and has led the effort in instituting a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy and lens for Glen Ellyn.
In June, 2024, Sania will preside over the LWVUS National Convention in Washington, D.C. Barbara Kwiatkowsky, Judy Kinn and Brit Murphy will be representing LWVGE at Convention, and we will be leading the cheering section for Sania!
Submitted by Judy Kinn, Co-President
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Recap: Voter Registration Events
In preparation for the March 19 Primary election, Voter Services completed registrations and/or address changes for 50 voters at events at COD, Glenbard South, Faith Lutheran Church, and Atria Senior Living. Several other new voters completed their registrations online using the post cards with QR code provided by LWVGE.
Effective July 1, 2024, Illinois will begin issuing standardized driver’s licenses to eligible non-citizens. These licenses cannot be used as voter registration IDs. Please avoid accepting these licenses for registration purposes; doing so could have negative repercussions on a non-citizen’s immigration status. Note the words “Federal Limits Apply” on this type of license (see example license in photo).
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Upcoming candidate forums & March 5 Candidate Forum recap
The League of Women Voters’ primary purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of voters in our government. League candidate forums, whether virtual or in-person, are one of the most important elements of our voter education program. Forums are only held for contested races. If a two-candidate Forum is planned and one candidate withdraws, LWV rules dictate that we either cancel or change the format from a Forum to a ‘Meet & Greet’.
LWVGE organized a March 5 Candidate Forum for Democratic candidates for DuPage County Board District 4, Christine Maes and Lynn LaPlante. Because candidate Maes had a change in availability, LWVGE changed the format to a ‘meet and greet’, allowing candidate LaPlante to make a brief statement, then meet with voters and answer questions. There were 36 attendees from Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.
Planning for General Election Voter Services Events
Many races in the general election overlap between Leagues in DuPage County. DuPage Voter Services chairs will meet on April 8 to collaborate on strategy for fall registration events and candidate forums.
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On Monday February 26th , Village of Glen Ellyn Trustees voted unanimously to sell the western portion of the abandoned hotel on Taft and Exmoor for $1.75million to non-profit developer Full Circle Communities (FCC). FCC plans to build 42 affordable apartments with supportive services. Thirty percent of the units will be set aside for individuals and families with disabilities. The east side of the property is under a letter of intent with a developer for commercial use. The decision follows three years of extensive study and public comment for the best use of the site.
A market study, community listening sessions and a housing needs assessment were some of the efforts the Village leaders engaged in to make their informed decision. The decision aligns with the League’s position that housing is a basic human need. See details on The League of Women Voter’s position and “Criteria for Housing Supply” (pp.147-148) as stated in the League of Women Voters Impact On Issues. Our local League has also stated in our updated “Socio-Economic Study” that “Safe, quality, affordable housing is essential to the health and well-being of individuals, families and the community.”
Activism and commitment over the long-haul matter. There is still much to be done and plenty more opportunity for your community engagement before this development is constructed and open for occupancy. Now, we celebrate this unanimous decision by Village Trustees setting a blueprint for other communities to follow!
Submitted by Clara Hughes, Social Justice Committee
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The Social Justice Committee (SJC) applauds the unanimous vote by the Glen Ellen Village Trustees on Feb 26, 2024 to sell the western portion of the Taft/ Exmoor properties to non-profit developer Full Circle Communities, who plan to build 42 affordable housing apartments on the site. Increased affordable housing in Glen Ellyn has been a long standing position and advocacy issue by LWVGE.
SJC encourages League members interested in the current immigration / refugee situation nationally and globally to attend the Glen Ellyn Public Library Refugee Experience : “Fleeing for your Life: Refugee Journey Simulation” on April 20, 2024. This immersive experience, presented by Exodus World Service, engages participants through compelling true stories and discussion. Many LWVGE members attended the Program last October at COD and highly recommend it.
The 2024 General Election will be a critical time for social justice advocates to have boots on the ground in promoting social justice issues locally and nationally. If interested in assisting, please contact sarah.cleand.allen@gmail.com. We need to promote that change starts at the ballot box . Your Voice is Your Vote.
Submitted by Sarah Allen, LWVGE Social Justice Committee
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NEW Social Justice webpage on LWVGE.org!
Did you know that Glen Ellyn’s housing supply is lacking for households that earn under $172,000?
Learn more about poverty in DuPage County and the housing supply gap in Glen Ellyn by going to the NEW Social Justice webpage at https://www.lwvge.org/social-justice
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Our League has now grown to 181 members. Three new members, Deb Giampoli,
Catherine LaChapelle, and Amy Schilling have joined our ranks.
When responding to the invitation for our April 25 Annual Meeting/Dinner, PLEASE remember to also fill out the Membership Interest Form! It is vital to our ability to engage members in areas of their interest and we really appreciate you taking the time to respond through this form. Thank you in advance!
Submitted by Judy Gervase, Membership
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LWVGE Annual Awards: Nominations Sought | |
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One of the most anticipated components of the League’s Annual Meeting is the presentation of the prestigious annual awards to League members. We are currently seeking nominations for the following three awards:
Susan B Anthony Voter Service Award
Someone who has worked diligently to register voters and inform voters on candidates & issues
Outstanding New League Members Service Award
New member who has been actively involved and has taken a leadership role
Phyllis Renfro Community Action Award
Someone who has been exceptionally active in League and an activist in the community
Please send your nomination, along with a short paragraph of why you nominated this individual, including what the person has accomplished in the past year, to Ginger Wheeler at ginger1w@aol.com All nominations MUST BE RECEIVED by April 8, 2023, so do not delay!!!
A committee will review the submissions and make a decision on the recipients of this year’s awards. Award winners will be announced and celebrated at the annual meeting on April 25.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Submitted by Ginger Wheeler, Awards Committee Chairperson
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Get Engaged this Spring!
With Happy Hours and Drop Ins!
You are invited to one of four Spring Engagement Social/Happy Hours, hosted by LWVGE’s Engagement Committee Co-Chairs. Look for your E-invites and plan to attend. Enjoy refreshments and an hour or two of relaxing fellowship with other League members. We are eager to see everyone this Spring. If your time is limited just stop by and say hello.
• Friday, March 22, Judy Gervase is hosting Rings 1, 9, and 11. Bernie Laszewski is hosted Rings 2, 3 and 10. These may have occurred by time of this Voter publication.
• Friday, April 12, Judy is hosting Rings 5, 6 and 8. Bernie is hosting Rings 4, 7 and 12. Look for your E-invite soon
Not sure of your Engagement Ring Number? Have other questions about the socials? Please email us at bernadettelas@sbcglobal.net
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Members at the most recent Democracy Drop in | | |
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Say "I do" to Monthly Defend Democracy Drop-ins
You’ve heard about these! Per members’ requests, we now offer daytime and evening options. We encourage you to attend whichever session fits your schedule. Democracy needs defending now more than ever! Please show up and take action! Next sessions are Tuesday, April 9th from 11 am to 12 pm at GE Public Library, and Wednesday, April 17th from 7pm to 8pm at Wheaton Public Library
Did you take the One Meeting Challenge? Be sure to email your ring leader or Jayne Boeckelman ( jboeckelman@gmail.com) to inform us of which Board meeting(s) you attended. So far 50 members report meeting the challenge. By doing so, they increased their understanding of what is happening locally and sent the message to local government boards that we are engaged and interested citizens. Let’s keep this going! Check out the One Meeting Challenge here: https://www.lwvge.org/what-can-you-do.
Submitted by LWVGE Membership Engagement Committee Bernie Laszewski, Jayne Boeckelman and Judy Gervase
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Anti-Idling Initiative
We have now talked with all PTAs, Principals, and the Superintendent for District 41 about our anti-idling initiative. Initially we planned to partner with a club at each school, talk to the kids about idling, and have them make posters/signs that they could hold up at pick-up while we distributed flyers and car magnets at pick-up sometime in March.
We decided to switch to an April/Earth Day (April 22) timeframe after consulting with the Superintendent, and we will not meet directly with students. Instead, we’ll provide talking points for the sponsors of each club to talk to the students, and the Principals will send out communications to parents. We will also discuss an individualized plan for each school with the Principals to choose the materials they’d like to distribute. We’ve created flyers, yard signs, car magnets, email/newsletter blasts, talking points for club meetings, and can provide poster boards and stakes for groups to make anti-idling posters/signs.
Some additional buzz: the Glen Ellyn Park District will be distributing some of our materials and the Village is running an anti-idling article in the upcoming newsletter. Also, be on the lookout for an article written by our very own Jacquelyn Casazza (of Go Green Glen Ellyn fame) in the March edition of Stroll Magazine.
Huge thanks to our Glenbard West student volunteer designer Jaxon Fry, and art teacher Colleen Doyle for helping us design our materials! We will make observations again after the campaign to measure our impact, and would welcome any volunteers!
Submitted by Jennifer Greenwalt, Director, Environment
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Getting Involved…The Time is Now
Happening in Springfield
The 103rd General Assembly reconvened on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 and adjourns on Friday, May 24, 2024. Key dates:
Feb 9 – Introduction of House Bills
April 5 – Committee Substantive House Bills (Substantive bills make major changes in existing laws or create entirely new laws)
April 13 - Senate Bills
May 17 – 3rd Reading of Senate Bills
LWVIL Action Alerts!
LWVIL Issue Specialists review hundreds of bills to identify which bills aligned with League positions are appropriate for Action Alerts. Through study and member agreement, the League has developed positions on wide range of issues, from government structure to natural resources to social policy. This is a significant part of our mission.
Step up. Join us. Sign up. https://www.lwvil.org/time-for-action-alerts
Join us: Contact your state representative and state senator to support bills that will ban polystyrene foam foodware and single use plastic bags. H.B. (House Bill) 4448 / SB (Senate Bill) 2211
https://www.lwvil.org/news/action-alert-ban-plastic
Legislation and public policy are formed through advocacy. Members of the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn have organized a series called “Democracy Drop-In” to “spend an hour defending democracy.”
Sandra Alexander, Bernie Laszewski, Jayne Boeckelman, and Judy Gervase invite LWVGE members and community members to drop in at the Glen Ellyn Public Library the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 11am-12pm and/or the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Wheaton Public Library from 7pm-8pm. Guidance on writing letters to the editor, contacting state House and Senate representatives, Governor Pritzker, and committee member sponsors of key legislation is provided.
Local Legislator Meetings/Interviews:
Planning for LWVGE local legislator meetings in April or May has begun. Look for information and how to participate from Erica Nelson, LWVGE, Legislative Issues
Submitted by Erica Nelson, Legislative Issues
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Charlotte Swett Walter Democracy Challenge | |
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Charlotte Swett Walter Glenbard Democracy Challenge Underway
The Charlotte Swett Walter (CSW) Glenbard Democracy Challenge is underway at Glenbard West and South. A creative competition, the challenge asks students to portray the theme “Gen Z Democracy: Shaping the Future” through music, dance, creative writing, art, video, etc. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to a student at both GBW and GBS and the winners will present their entries at our Annual Meeting. The challenge is named for long-time League member Charlotte Swett Walter whose estate bequeathed funds for use in our educational endeavors. To learn more, visit our dedicated web page: lwvge.org/democracychallenge.
Submitted by Karin Daly, VP Communications
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Observer Corps: Promoting Transparency in Goverment | |
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The League of Women Voters has been a champion of openness in government throughout its history. We believe that government bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public record accessible.
The League’s Observer Corp functions as the eyes and ears of the league. We ensure that members are aware of the decisions that impact their communities, and they promote government transparency and accountability. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Observer Corps or would like more information regarding the duties, please contact Carrie Burrows at carrieb131@gmail.com or call me at 630-263-9245. A one-hour training session is periodically offered by the state league to help explain the role of an observer. Our goal is to have all public bodies covered, and you can help make this happen!
Submitted by Carrie Burrows, Observer Corps
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Our next selection is Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne Olson. After our last meeting (Evicted by Matthew Desmond) this book was recommended with a gentle comment - "maybe something uplifting would be nice." Empress is a genre we enjoy, non-fiction, a not well known historical figure and surprise! it is a woman. Also there are photos! The Guardian wrote "A female version of the Indiana Jones story...Desroches-Noblecourt was a daredevil whose real-life antics put Hollywood fiction to shame."
Submitted by Shawn Fasules, Book Club
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We will meet at the home of Shawn Fasules, 755 Chidester, on Saturday May 18, 2024 at 9:00am. Empress will be available at the Glen Ellyn Public Library on April 19.
Please join us for coffee or tea, scones by Michelle, and a great discussion.
Submitted by Shawn Fasules, Book Club
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CALENDAR
LWVGE Community Meetings noted in blue
Candidate Forums are highlighted
March 23, 2024 - Social Justice Meeting, 8:30a, via zoom, email for link
April 4, 2024 - "The Clean Air and Water Show," 7p, SCARCE and online
April 8, 2024 - DuPage Leagues Leadership meeting (open to Board and Board candidates), 7p, Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst
April 9, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 11am-12pm, Glen Ellyn Public Library
April 17, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 7p-8p, Wheaton Public Library
April 18, 2024 - Board meeting, 7p, Civic Center, all are welcome!
April 25, 2024 - Annual Meeting, 6p, Glen Oak Country Club, details above
May 18, 2024 - Book Club, "Empress of the Nile" by Lynne Olson, 9am, details above
Defending Democracy Drop ins:
Morning Session: 2nd Tuesday of every month from 11am to 12pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library
Evening Session: 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 8pm at the Wheaton Public Library
Plans for events are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, please check the LWVGE website for final details.
Questions about League events? Get details here:
www.lwvge.org
| Please visit our website for the most current information |
PO Box 2391, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
(630) 790-2237
(630) 347-0922
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