League of Women Voters®
of Indiana
Making Democracy Work
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Delegate list: Nancy Clement (Greater Lafayette), Nichole Etcheson (Muncie-Delaware Co.), Alice Phillips, Christina Sharp, Gail Pebworth (Montgomery Co.), Erin Kelley, Rhea Cain, Sarah Halter (Indianapolis), Oscar Anderson (Montgomery Co.), Barb Reed (Cass Co.), Judith Kratzner (Knox Co.), and Lisa Plencner (South Bend).
High Impact Visibility Award: The LWV of Montgomery County won!
LWVUS Bylaw Changes:
Article III, Section 2, Types of Membership has been amended to now read (changes in bold):
"A. Voting Members. Persons at least 16 years of age who join the League shall be voting members of local Leagues, state Leagues, and of the LWVUS; (1) THOSE who live within an area of a local League may join that League or any other local League; (2) those who reside outside the area of any local League may join a local League or shall be state members-at-large; (3) those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be life members excused from the payment of dues."
Since all state and local LWVs must share the first three articles in common with the LWVUS, state and local LWVs do not need to vote on these changes. Rather, as an administrative matter, they need to update their bylaws immediately.
LWVUS Concurrences:
Position on Redistricting
The LWVUS has adopted a redistricting position that state Leagues can use to enhance their own redistricting positions. The newly adopted position "does not supersede any existing state League redistricting position" and will greatly help the 10 state LWVs currently lacking a redistricting position. (See page 32 of the convention workbook.)
Behavioral Health
The LWVUS Health Care position has been amended to include the following as the second sentence under Basic Level of Quality Care:
"Every U.S. resident should have access to affordable, quality in- and out- patient behavioral health care, including needed medications and supportive services that is integrated with, and achieves parity with, physical health care."
LWVUS Speaker Highlights YouTube videos of all the major speakers at Convention can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/LeagueofWomenVoters
Speakers included the following and several more: Chris Carson + newly elected LWVUS president Wylecia Wiggs Harris + new LWVUS CEO Celinda Lake + "Messaging for Impact: What Resonates with Voters in 2016" Ari Berman + Keynote address on the history of the Voting Rights Act Jennifer Lawless + "Engaging Millennials in our Elections" Keisha Gaskins + "Understanding and Telling the Story of Impact for Democracy with Data"
Another special highlight is the video submitted by the LWVIN for the Convention's "Roll Call of States." This video highlights the important work our members are doing on redistricting reform. You can view it at our brand new YouTube page!
LWVIN Council was held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Prindle Institute at DePauw University in Greencastle.
LWVIN business, such as the election of new officers and approval of the 2016-17 budget was addressed, and the focus of the day was on grassroots advocacy and how we can work more effectively to make an impact. Featured training included a session with Lisa Marchal, Senior Global Grassroots Associate with RESULTS, on how to craft an effective story, build legislative relationships, and get the most out of our communications. We also spent time reviewing the Indiana General Assembly website and how to track LWV legislative priorities.
The entire Council packet can be accessed here
Thank you to our local members from around the State who were able to represent the League at this event.
League members spent the day learning from each other's successes, how other organizations prioritize and strategize for success, and how to maximize visibility and impact through intentional event planning and community collaborations.
Materials from President's Day may be found here:
Historic Hoosier Women to be Honored Feb. 29 -- Press Release
In This Segment Our guests join us to talk about current redistricting processes, attempts for reform and impact on local and national elections. Guests
Ted Boehm, Former Supreme Court Justice, member of Indiana Study Committee on Redistricting
Elizabeth Ennis, Education Director, Michigan League of Women Voters
Julia Vaughn, Policy Director, Common Cause Indiana
Brandon Smith, State News Reporter, Indiana Public Media
Co-Presidents:
Directors
Barb Anderson (South Central Indiana, 2016) Gretchen Jeavons (Shelbyville MAL, 2016),
Pam Locker (Southwestern Indiana, 2016), Amy Miller (Indianapolis, 2017),
Jeanette Neagu (LaPorte County, 2017), Gail Pebworth (Montgomery County, Appointed, 2017),
Kimber Sorenson-Brugh (South Bend Area, 2017), Corrina Than (Greater Lafayette, 2016),
Nominating Committee
Barb Schilling, Chair (Calumet, 2017), Barb Reed (Cass County, 2017), Pat Sosbe (Montgomery County, 2017)
Watch the March 1 installment of WNIT's Politically Speaking, which focused on Indiana Election Laws. The panel featured LWV South Bend Area vice president, Lisa Plencner, Moderated by
The program focused on Indiana Election Law and the panel included LWV South Bend Area vice president Lisa Plencner, State Senator John Broden, State Representative Tim Wesco, and Elkhart County Clerk Wendy Hudson. Senator Broden and Politically Speaking moderator Elizabeth Bennion are also LWV South Bend Area members.
