On January 20, LWV-PA members gathered virtually to discuss and plan for where the League will apply its legendary volunteer energy and its resources in the coming year. Our purpose was twofold: first, to respond to the national League's solicitation for input from all local Leagues across the country on the priorities for LWVUS action in the coming two-year period; second, to recommend a set of priorities for education and advocacy that will guide our own LWV-PA efforts in our thirteen-municipality service area for the next year.
In her opening remarks, LWV-PA President Martha Zavala reminded us that in an election year, and at a time when many think our democracy and democratic election systems face exceptional risks and challenges, the League needs to focus on what we do best and where we can have the most impact.
Then we were all randomly assigned to break-out rooms, where we discussed the recommended programs and proposals for consideration from LWVUS and the LWV-PA Board, and where we suggested our own changes and new priorities. Discussions were lively, wide-ranging, and thoughtful. Most people were interested in making democracy work through voter education and empowerment, and in protecting voting rights by supporting fair and open elections. But people also suggested additional areas for prioritization, including climate change, civics education in the schools, providing a public voice for transparency and equity at our local government agencies, and urging LWVUS to advocate more vigorously for a comprehensive immigration policy and path to citizenship.
The results of each room's discussions will be reviewed, collated, and published in upcoming issues of the Voter. We will send our results to LWVUS in March for consideration at the National Convention in June. Local LWV-PA priorities will be recommended by our Board to all members at the LWV-PA Annual Members Meeting in June.
The following wonderful and dedicated LWV-PA volunteers made this fruitful planning event happen, working as discussion leaders, recorders, and Zoom crew: Debbie Fagen, Anita Mackey, Kitty Kroger, Dorothy Keane, Kris Ockershauser, Marilynne Wilander, Joanne Als, Jean Buennagel, Mary Anne Lutz, Valerie Jones, Margan Zajdowicz, Pat Coulter, Robbie Davis, Bonnie Skolnik, Hester Bell, Veronica Jones. And of course, Martha Zavala.
—Katherine Gavzy
