League of Women Voters Tacoma-Pierce County. Making Democracy Work

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1 League of Women Voters Tacoma-Pierce County Making Democracy Work

2 What is the League of Women Voters (LWV)? A nonpartisan, grassroots political organization open to men and women age 16 and over, that: Encourages informed and active participation in government Works to increase understanding of major public policy issues Influences public policy through education and advocacy

3 Women Marching for Suffrage in New York City Circa 1917

4 The League s History Grew out of the suffrage movement The league was formally organized in 1920, six months before the 19 th amendment to the Constitution was ratified Founder, Carrie Chapman Catt, was a leader in the women s suffrage movement League celebrated its 96 th birthday in 2016

5 Who We Are League works at all levels of government local, state and national Over 90,000 members of the League of Women Voters of the US o Every state plus Puerto Rico, Washington, DC and the Virgin Islands. Washington State League founded in 1920 Tacoma League also founded in 1920

6 What the League Does Educates and engages voters o Encourages voter registration, voting and participation in politics and government o Sponsors debates and provides nonpartisan information and forums on voting procedures, candidates and ballot issues Studies issues impacting citizens o Evaluates the complete facts, pros and cons, and then develops consensus positions Takes action by o Lobbying o Providing Testimony o Hosting Public forums o Submitting letters to the editor and public officials

7 What the League Doesn t Do As a nonpartisan organization, the League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Positions taken after study and consensus are not intended to align with or advance any political party or platform. Personal opinions of members may be different than League positions.

8 Mobilizing Voters its what we do! Styles have changed, but League continues to build on a tradition of encouraging citizen participation

9 Vote An On-Line One-stop election information hub offered through the Education Fund o Enter your address to find your polling place o o o See the races on your ballot Compare candidates' positions side-by-side Print out a "ballot" indicating your preferences Use it, Share it!

10 They Represent You! A directory to help citizens contact their local, state and federal elected officials o o They Represent You (TRY) makes it quick to find the right person It contains phone numbers and street and addresses Includes maps of County Council, U.S. Congressional Districts and State Legislative Districts Describes how to successfully advocate for change, pick a candidate, write a letter to the editor and register to vote!

11 Examples of Policy Areas Where the League has Adopted Positions Affordable Housing Children s Programs Education Hazardous Waste Land Use Library Services in Pierce County Mental Health Parks Pierce Conservation District Pierce County Government Public Ports Sensible Gun Laws Tacoma City Government Transportation Water Resources

12 2016 State League Priorities in Olympia Protect democracy by expanding opportunities to participate in elections and government, minimize the influence of money in politics and promote more representative election systems Reform revenue structure by adopting new policies that foster stable and fair taxation Fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions and support an increase in clean car standards Create a plan to fully fund basic education by 2018

13 Local Action! Impact o Mental Health Study Position: adopted 4/26/16 o Pierce County Budget Study: underway o Voter Services Report Emphasis on registering and educating high school and college age voters o Issues Explored & Evaluated Affordable Housing and Homelessness Constitutional Amendments Money & Civility in Politics Climate Change

14 Our Newest Study Completed 2-year study on Mental Health Services in Pierce County o Examined services for the seriously mentally ill o Presented findings at unit meetings, to the public and before County officials o Built consensus on need for action o Key results: o Support enhancements of existing services for the mentally ill in order to create a full system of care in Pierce County o Encourage the State League to conduct a study and advocate for state-wide funding, standards and a coordinated system of care.

15 Focus Areas Increase voter knowledge, registration and turn out, and community knowledge about the League. Increase good local government accountability. Increase membership and diversity of membership. Increase member engagement in League activities. Improve the fiscal sustainability of the organization.

16 Staying Connected: Our Local Units & The Voter LWVT-PC has four local Units o Gig Harbor Key Peninsula o East Pierce Puyallup o Southwest Pierce Steilacoom & Lakewood o Tacoma For more information

17 Get Involved! Observer Corps Paula Eismann o Local Government Updates Voter Services Lyz Kurnitz-Thurlow & Ann Williams o Forum Moderation & Coordination o Voter Registration Efforts Fundraising & Stewardship Roxanne Miles milespurpose@centurylink.net Member Services Diane Kerlin drkerlin@comcast.net o Recruitment o Outreach o Involvement

18 Spread the Word! Do you know a group that needs to know about what we do and why we do it? o This presentation is available! o Contact RuthAnn Hatchett (lwvtacomapierce@gmail.com) Making Democracy Work Growing, Mobilizing, Educating, and Protecting the Vote