----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January Program Legislative Interviews Saturday, January 13 th, 10 12 am Union Congregational Church 3700 Alabama Ave. S. District 46 legislators are invited to discuss the upcoming legislative session in St. Paul. A Q&A session allows for some informal discussion. A chili lunch is provided by LWV members and hits the spot on a usually cold January day. February Programs Diversity and Democracy Thursday, February 15 th, 7:00 8:30 pm St. Louis Park City Hall Roundtable Discussion led by LWV SLP members Shelley Colvin & Katie Larsen A Message from LWV SLP Leadership Team Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you at our programs this year. We ve planned some interesting programs concerning many local, state and national issues. Please come and bring a friend or neighbor. Men and women over the age of 16 are eligible to join. The LWV SLP Board met on December 7: Confirmed Gift Wrapping Fundraiser Planned Jan. Legislative Interviews Final Report on 2017 s Kids Voting Update on Ranked Choice Voting Speaker confirmed for the Annual meeting in April. In April local LWVs in Minnesota will gather in St. Cloud for Council. See the article on p. 8 for more details. Council of Metropolitan Area Leagues (CMAL) History of Met Council Thursday, February 8 th Current Issues of Met Council Saturday, February 24 th See details p.3 1
January Program: Legislative Interviews and Chili Luncheon State Representatives State Senator Peggy Flanagan Cheryl Youakim Ron Latz 46A 46B 46 This program is very important as it gives LWV SLP members and their friends a chance to get to know who represents them at the State Legislature and what their views are on some of the issues coming up at the legislative session. There are questions that are pre-planned and also some informal discussion that allows a relaxed, but informative environment. The interviews are followed by a chili and cornbread lunch provided by LWV SLP Board members. 2
CMAL - A TWO PART PROGRAM in February 1. Focus on the History of the Metropolitan Council Thursday, February 8 th, 7:00 pm Golden Valley Historical Society Building 6731 Golden Valley Road This joint meeting with the Historical Society will focus on how and why the Metropolitan Council was established in 1967 and how it has evolved over time. 2. Current Issues The Metropolitan Council: What is all the Fuss About? Saturday, February 24 th, 9:30 11:30 am 316 Brookview Pkwy So., Golden Valley, MN 55426 A panel will provide differing perspectives. A joint meeting with CMAL and LWV Crystal/New Hope/East Plymouth. Introducing a New Member: Mary Tomback We are so pleased to welcome Mary to LWV SLP. She and her husband, Matt have three children. She states that she is a "retired" lawyer and stay-at-home mom. Shortly after they moved to St. Louis Park (2008) she got involved in the schools - as a member of the PTO, volunteering in the classroom, and helping to organize fundraisers. Mary joined in October 2017. In November she ran for School Board and won. We know she ll be very busy with the School Board but we look forward to seeing her at our local programs. 3
Our December Program Lively Issues/Holiday Treats The December program was a discussion of the LWV SLP positions. This program is traditionally referred to as Lively Issues. Though it is combined with Holiday treats, it is an important meeting that gets at the core of what it means to be a member of LWV SLP. We are nonpartisan and do not support any candidates, but we do support issues. It is important to let all the members and friends know what those issues are, what our support has been and what changes were arrived at by consensus at the meeting. It is a several page document, that clearly states our agenda. Every other year LWV SLP reviews the State and National positions. This year National issues were reviewed. The changes are listed below. The positions are listed on the LWV.org website. http://forum.lwv.org/member-resources/book/impact-issues-2016-2018-online-edition. League of Women Voters St. Louis Park Program Process: Review Annually - Consensus Update, Keep, Drop New position or updates to a position - Requires a study need 5 people or more to work on it Another LWV can do a study, we could review it and then agree with their position. Update verbiage without changing the intent Board can vote to change wording GOVERNMENT Diversity Support the City of St. Louis Park in developing a long-range plan for hiring and promoting qualified persons of diversity at all levels of city government services. (1993) Support St. Louis Park elected officials, civic groups and community leaders in collaborating to develop a long range plan for the city to use in solving problems related to communication between diverse groups, public safety, racism, violence, and maintaining neighborhoods. (1993) Voted to Keep Initiative and Referendum Support of the continuation of legislative initiative and compulsory voter referendum on constitutional amendment; opposition to most forms of voter initiative and referendum on statutes. Opposition to recall by voters of members of the Legislature and state constitutional officers. Support of strict procedural limits on any process of initiative. 4
Voted to Keep Details Support of: 1. The continued initiation of constitutional amendments by the legislative branch; opposition to all forms of voter initiative of such amendments (direct, indirect or advisory). 2. The continuation of compulsory voter referendum on constitutional amendments. 3. Strict procedural limits on any form of initiative, referendum or recall considered or adopted in Minnesota, including restrictions on: a. Time span for collecting signatures. b. Eligibility requirements for persons signing and collecting petitions. c. Percentage of signatures required, geographic distribution of signers, and verification of signatures. d. Size of vote required for passage. e. Procedure for repeal or amendment of a successful initiative or referendum. f. Contributions to and spending for ballot issue campaigns. Voted to Keep Opposition to: 1. Direct initiative and advisory initiative on statutes, no agreement on indirect initiative on statutes. 2. Optional and compulsory referendum on statutes; no agreement on petition referendum statutes. 3. Voter recall of members of the Legislature and state constitutional officers; no agreement on voter recall of judges or appointed officials. (2002) Future: analysis to determine if the wording should align with local government. Update if it is in the state positions, it could be dropped. Judy will lead. EDUCATION ESL Programs Support the ESL (English as a Second Language) program. Support additional funding for the ESL program. Support increases in the following if additional funding becomes available: Books, workbooks, reference materials, computer discs, teachers, and paraprofessionals. Support adequate space for the ESL program. The League does not support cutbacks in the funding for the ESL program. (1990) Update: change from ESL to ELL, English Language Learners Barbara Aslakson will lead. Diversity Support St. Louis Park School District 283 in being pro-active in working to ensure that students and school personnel understand the increasing diversity of the students. (1993) Support the teaching of history, culture, literature and arts of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic- Americans and Native-Americans on an ongoing and comprehensive basis. (1993). Update: include additional cultures and LGBT using human rights commission language. Barbara Aslakson will lead. Support the development of a long range, pro-active plan to hire qualified persons of diversity, and that it uses the assistance of its present minority personnel in doing this. (1993) Update: Barbara will review with the top two. Add the word equity. Equity and Inclusion. 5
NATURAL RESOURCES Recycling Support the expansion of recycling of solid waste, including plastics. (1987). Support policies that promote and protect environmental quality. (1973) (1979). Update: include wording for organics and/or composting. Include educational or support for SLP Seeds. Voted to Keep. SOCIAL POLICY Domestic Abuse Support mandatory arrest of the offender as part of the stated policy and guidelines that police must follow. (1988) Support the handling of domestic abuse cases in criminal court. (1988) Support an intervention/advocacy program in St. Louis Park. (1988) Support funding of advocacy and intervention programs through a combination of private and public funds. (1988) Sylvia will review to see if we need to make any changes. Voted to Keep. Prevention of Violence Support for violence prevention programs in our community. 1. Educational programs that emphasize self-esteem, healthy sexuality, problem solving, positive expression of emotions, nonviolent conflict resolution, and respect for others to prevent violent behavior. This would include support for: a. Government-sponsored parenting and early childhood classes. b. Local or state government mandating or encouraging such education programs in school curricula. c. Use of public money to train teachers and administrators to use nonviolence curricula. d. Training for childcare providers. 2. A requirement that adult educators, including coaches, participate in prevention of sexual harassment and violence education programs and that public money is provided for adequate training. 3. The use of public money for a statewide public information and communication campaign designed to prevent violent and sexually violent behavior; i.e. to promote healthy sexuality, nonviolent conflict resolution, and gender and race equality. 4. Efforts by state and local government to develop and coordinate programs dealing with primary prevention of violence. 5. Allocation of public monies in governmental programs to combat violence through reducing substance abuse and poverty, and by identifying and responding to individuals who have been violent or are at risk for violent behavior. 6. The following social institutions taking an active role in preventing violent behavior: a. Religious community b. Business community c. Legal community d. Medical community e. Media, civic and recreation community 7. Efforts to encourage the media industry to exercise self-restraint in the promotion of violence. 6
8. Efforts to encourage the pornography industry to exercise self-restraint in the promotion of sexually violent pornography. (1991). Voted to Keep Family Services Support a one-stop-shop model office for coordinating family services. (1995) Support computerization of the services to simplify distribution of information and to eliminate duplication. (1995) Support a program to supplement the public transit bus system. (1995) Update without changing intent. single point of entry services instead of one-stop-shop. Remove word bus and add transit. Deb CONTINUING STUDIES Study revisions of the St. Louis Park City Charter. Study revisions of the St. Louis Park Comprehensive Plan. Study housing opportunities in St. Louis Park to meet future needs of the community. Survey: encourage everyone to complete the SLP survey. Judy wants senior housing that is not as expensive. TRANSLATING LOCAL LEAGUE POSITIONS INTO ACTION Informal action begins with every member spreading interest and information in an ever-widening circle, starting with family, friends and neighbors. In addition, we can take action by carrying this information into the community through other organizations to which we belong. Supporting legislation, which furthers League s Program, by contacting our legislators is another important action to take. No one should speak or write letters for the League without first checking with the President National issues were discussed at this meeting. The changes are listed. The whole document is on the LWV.org website. http://forum.lwv.org/member-resources/book/impact-issues-2016-2018-online-edition Lively Issues Impact On Issues Review International Relations Arms Control, and Cyber Security Social Policy Secure equal rights and equitable (instead of equal) opportunity for all. Promote health and safety for all. (instead of Americans) Equality of Opportunity Support equitable (instead of equal) access to education, employment and housing 7
Federal Role in Public Education... for all children pre-k through Grades K 14 (instead of 12) Housing Supply for every American family Child Care quality dependent (instead of child) care Upcoming LWV Minnesota Meetings: 2018 Council Plans are underway for the April 28 th Council Meeting hosted by LWV St. Cloud. Meetings will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel - a day filled with valuable trainings, technical assistance, networking and social opportunities for all LWV members who attend. Possible workshop topics include voter service, local LWV management, advocacy, equity and inclusion activities state-wide and the Membership Leadership Development program. The registration fee will be $115. Hopefully, our LWV can send a number of members. This is an especially great event for new members who want to learn more about LWV Minnesota and what s happening throughout the state. A block of rooms has been secured at the Marriott. Room rates for a single will be $129 or for a double $139, available for both the 27th and 28 th. Plans are under way to have a Welcome Reception on Friday the 27 th and a dinner at the Olde Brick House on Saturday evening. 8
2019 Centennial There are a number of dates that relate to LWV Minnesota s Centennial. Nothing is definite yet, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a number of possibilities the Centennial Committee is considering: May 19, 1919 - Congressional Resolution to pass a Constitutional Amendment granting women the right to vote March 24, 1919 - MN Legislature granted women the right to vote for president April 26, 2019 - MN Convention in St. Paul (propose using this date to kick-off 18 months of Centennial events) June 4, 1919-19th Amendment sent to states for ratification (consider this date in 2019 to conduct the Legacy Lunch) September 8, 1919 - MN ratifies the 19th Amendment (this could also be the date for the Legacy Lunch or another major event) October 29, 1919 - LWV Minnesota founded August 18, 1920-19th Amendment becomes the law of the land! (perhaps sponsor a MN State Fair exhibit/parade presence during this time, and/or conduct our gala at the MN History Center) Ideas shared: MN History Center Exhibit - Conversations are underway to launch a large exhibit at the History Center in St. Paul that would also include a traveling exhibit to historical societies in local communities which could be hosted by local LWVs, and a fundraising gala. Idea for local LWVs - Host a Centennial Lecture Series where speakers would be arranged and could be made available to speak at libraries and other locations throughout the state. Also consider grants for local LWVs to host their own activities State Convention in St. Paul in 2019 - Showcase profiles from older Lifetime members at our 2019 Convention. Summer Parades - Encourage local LWVs to promote the Centennial through participation in their respective community festivals and summer parades in 2019 and 2020, including the Aquatennial here locally. Theater Performances - Identify and promote suffrage related theater performances, ghost tours and other arts events that connect with Centennial and the characters from those times, such as Clara Ueland. Media Campaign - Develop feature story ideas and pitch to the media for 2019 and 2020, both statewide and within local communities. Torch Event - Replicate the torch that traveled from International Falls to the St. Paul Capitol to help get out the vote in 1924. Having a traveling torch could provide a great opportunity for local LWVs to organize events in their communities as the torch comes through, i.e. having it carried by young people, older people and people of color. Stay tuned for more updates from LWV Minnesota. As a member of the Centennial Committee, I ll include more updated information in the months leading up to the Council and the Convention. Please keep these events in mind. It s an important time to shine a light on the activities of the League of Women Voters both locally and throughout the state. Barb Person 9
Calendar Thursday, January 4 7 9 pm LWV Board Meeting @ Barb Person s Tuesday, January 9 12 8 pm Parkway Pizza Fundraiser for Lenox Foundation' Sat, January 13 10am 12 pm Unit Program: Legislative Interviews and Chili Luncheon Union Congregational Church, 3700 Alabama Ave. S Thursday, February 1 96th Anniversary of LWV MN Thursday, February 1 All Month Black History Month in February Thursday, February 1 7 9 pm Board meeting @ Shelley Colvin s Thursday, February 8 7 9 pm CMAL & GV Program: Metropolitan Council, A History 6731 Golden Valley Road Thursday, February 15 7 8:30 pm LWV SLP Unit meeting and Program: Diversity Issues and How They Affect Democracy and Voting Saturday, February 24 9:30 11:30 am CMAL Program: Metropolitan Council 316 Brookview Pkwy S Thursday, March 1 All Month Women's History Month in March 10
Thursday, March 1 7 9 pm Board meeting @ Judy Cook s Thursday, March 8 International Women's Day Thursday, March 15 7 8:30 pm Unit Program: Women Running for Office Sunday, April 1 LWV SLP 62 nd Birthday Thursday, April 5 7 9 pm LWV Board Meeting @ Debbie Blake s Saturday, April 21 10 am 2 pm LWV Annual Meeting Tuesday, May 1 Celebrate SLP Kids in May Thursday, May 3 7 9 pm Board Meeting @ Sylvia O Brien s Saturday, May 19 10 am 12 pm Field Trip TBD Friday, June 1 Fair Labor Standards Act Equal Pay for Women 1963 Friday, June 22 Title IX Equality in Education and Sports 1972 11
Tuesday, June 26 26th Amendment Voting Age to Vote from 21 to 18 Wednesday, August 1 Unit Meeting: Program Planning for 2018-2019 Saturday, September 1 Time TBD New Member Meeting Activity, Time and Place TBD 12
OFFICERS: President: Open Vice President: Debbie Blake Secretary: Open Treasurer: Judy Cook Board of Directors: Observer Reports: Betty Shaw Membership: Barb Person Directors at Large: Lynne Schwartz Sylvia O Brien Katie Larson Voter Service: Eilseen Knisley Public Relations: Judy Cook West Metro Liaison: Barb Person CMAL Liaison: Shelley Colvin Voter Editor: Shelley Colvin YES! I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ST. LOUIS PARK Name (Family Member #1): Name (Family Member #2): Address: City: State: Zip Phone: Email: Membership Dues (a portion of dues are now tax deductibe) Make checks payable to LWV SLP Send check & this form to: Single active Attending Member $55.00 Supporting/Member-at-Large $60.00 Family Membership $70.00 (2 or more in single household) Barb Person, Membership Chair 2049 Utah Avenue South St. Louis Park, MN 55426 952/546-3490 barbperson2049@gmail.com Leadership Team lwvslp@gmail.com Shelley Colvin, Editor lwvslp@gmail.com Address Change Requested 13