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Member's SpotlightLWVDV congratulates Gwen Watson for being recogized for her work as co-founder of The Winter Nights program for unhoused families. Gwen was recenty recognized when the program won an award and donation for its continued community work.
Many LWVDV members were excited by this news and eagerly shared their thoughts about how Gwen has contributed over the years to LWVDV and to the broader community:
- Gwen was the Project Manager for "You Don't Need a Home to Vote", which focused on helping the homeless and low-income people to become informed, register and vote.
- She received LWVDV recognition for her Voter Services leadership, including starting our CCTV Candidate roundtables while she was Voter Services Chair. She got a grant from the Lesher Foundation to fund the Roundtables, made sure the Contra Costa Times political reporter would serve as moderator, sent out all the invitations, guidelines, and rules – then made follow up calls to ensure candidates planned to participate.
- Gwen was our LWVDV President -- when she was also leading the Winter Nights Program -- and she helped select student award winners for the US Senate Youth Program.
- Gwen’s concern about mental health and healthcare has been shown in her regular attendance at meetings and legislative hearings.
This statement best describes Gwen's significant leadership impact.
"Gwen is a role model and leader in Contra Costa social justice work. For decades, she has been tireless in her support for families who need help, encouraging others to join in her work. It is a revelation to see her quiet strength and focus, encouraging others. In the League of Women Voters, Gwen supports voter education, public access to candidate and issue information, and registering new voters. We watch as her quiet diplomacy brings others into her orbit, creating a web of activists of us all."
"Gwen is a role model and leader in Contra Costa social justice work. For decades, she has been tireless in her support for families who need help, encouraging others to join in her work. It is a revelation to see her quiet strength and focus, encouraging others. In the League of Women Voters, Gwen supports voter education, public access to candidate and issue information, and registering new voters. We watch as her quiet diplomacy brings others into her orbit, creating a web of activists of us all."
Ann Flynn, Past President LWVDV
League to which this content belongs:
Diablo Valley
