President's Report

President's Column March 2010.  League of Women Voters Celebrates Milestone Birthday.

President's Column March 2010

DIVERSITY POLICY

At our last Board meeting on February 2, 2010, the Board adopted the following policy on diversity:

"The League of Women Voters of Schenectady County, in both its values and practices, is committed to inclusion and diversity. This means that there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the League on the basis of economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making. We believe inclusiveness enhances the organization's ability to respond more effectively to changing conditions and needs. We affirm our commitment to reflecting the diversity of Schenectady County."

We realize our commitment is an on-going work in progress. We have begun to identify and discuss barriers to participation. If you have feedback or suggestions to help us meet our goal, please let me know at jtobiessen@hotmail.com.

Thank you. Joanne

League of Women Voters Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Washington, D.C. The League of Women Voters celebrated its 90th birthday on Sunday, February 14th. Known widely for its voter education efforts, this non-partisan, government watchdog group has been an American institution since 1920. "More than 850 state and local Leagues across the country will celebrate this milestone birthday throughout 2010," said Mary G. Wilson national president of the League of Women Voters. "But most importantly, we'll be doing what we always do: discussing the important issues, challenging the status quo and demanding accountability." In 1920, after a 72 year struggle, and when passage of the 19th amendment appeared to be imminent, members of the National American Woman Suffrage Association met to form the League of Women Voters. Carrie Chapman Catt first proposed the creation of a League to "finish the fight" and to work to end all discrimination against women. Today, the League works to effect change on a variety of issues including health care, climate change, election and campaign finance reforms, land use and education. "The women who fought for voting rights in the first part of the 20th century did not know if they would be successful," Wilson continued. "And yet they persevered + changing our democracy and society. Today we are equally committed to improving our democracy at all levels, making sure it represents the common good + not special interests and big money." "Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages," Wilson continued. "We have members that have been League activists for over 50 years and members who have just joined + inspired by a particular issue or after attending and event. If a particular issue attracts new members, they will keep coming back after meeting the wonderful people who are similarly dedicated to change in the communities. For more information, visit the League on line at http://www.lwv.org and www. facebook. com/leagueofwomenvoters. Become a fan of the League on Facebook.

For more information, contact Joanne Tobiessen at president@lwvschenectady.org.

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