Every two years, the Sussex LWV membership meets to elect new board members and approve the budget and program for the upcoming term. This year's meeting, held at the Georgetown Library on May 17, was no different in that respect but -- thanks to the efforts and imagination of the planning team -- was especially exciting and effective. But first things first: the Credits. Thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time and skil! 

Following are some highlights; more details and action will be forthcoming. 

Defending Democracy and Avoiding Burnout: President Barb Hedges-Goettl's opening remarks focused largely on the theme of Defending Democracy and Taking Care of US. We've hardly caught our breath from the 2024 election year push, and here we are looking at a constitutional crisis and preparation for midterms in 2026. How do we step up to the real challenges of the political scene without developing outrage fatigue? Barb spoke to this and presented a framework to give structure and perspective to the League's work: Educating, Empowering, Engaging, and Energizing, or the 4 E's. These interrelated, cross-pollinating activities will provide the basis for our crucial work in the next two years. 

Keynote Speaker Jill Hicks, President, SPC. Jill Hicks is both an LWVSCDE member and the president and a founding member of the Sussex Preservation Coalition, of which LWVSCDE is a member. Jill spoke to the realities of trying to manage growth in Sussex, which is truly a nonpartisan issue. Jill pointed out some of the worst offenses of recent development, including the state's failing grade for groundwater, transportation woes, and the inadequacies of infrastructure. But she then pointed to recent events that reflect real change in how Sussex County balances the need to preserve our precious wetlands and wildlife with the reality of the "silver wave" of new residents looking for homes. Among these are the major shift in the County Council following the 2024 elections, and the establishment of a Sussex Land Use committee bringing together expertise from many different domains to try to chart a more sustainable path for the county. 

Celebrating Delaware's Sue Claire Harper Recognition Day. Before introducing the keynote speaker, Barb and VP Lisa Welle Malone paused the agenda to take time to recognize the work of Sue Claire Harper, former LWVSCDE president, current Chair of both the Membership Committtee and the Nominating Committee, and a mentor and inspiration to many Leaguers over the past 10 or so years. Sue Claire was presented with a crystal plaque from LWVSCDE, and then with a certificate from Governor Meyer pronouncing May 17, 2025, as Delaware's "Sue Claire Harper Day."

Photo: Sue Claire Harper (R) addresses members while Barb Hedges-Goettl (L) displays Governor's proclamation.

Committee Reports. After a break for lunch (and cookies), the group reassembled to address the business of the day. Up first were reports on accomplishments in the last year from representatives of each committee. These reports are included in the 2025 Annual Report, which is available to members at this link. 

Action Items and Votes. Up next were the big items of the day. The attendees were asked to vote on the proposed slate of Board members, the proposed budget, minor updates to the Bylaws, and the program plan for FY 2026-2027. 

• Board Members: There were two groups of candidates requiring a vote. First, the Executive Board or Board Officers. Fortunately, the capable incumbents were willing to step up for another two years. The following officers were approved unanimously: President, Barbara Hedges-Goettl; Vice President: Lisa Welle Malone; Treasurer: Patricia Petchel; and Secretary: Ann Freeman. Next, the group voted on other Board Director, as follows: Communications Chair: Rachel Sieber; Membership Co-Chairs: Ann Osterdale and Karen Parker; Voter Services Co-Chairs: Lyn Brown and Sue Curtin; and Press Releases: Jane Lord. 

Our deepest thanks to both the current Board members and the incoming members for their commitment and willingness to serve. Thanks also to the work of the Nominating Committee -- Sue Claire Harper, Judy Parkins, Shari Frankfurt, and Vicki Sessoms -- for finding and vetting the new leadership team.

• Budget for FY 2026. Treasurer Pat Petchel presented a proposed budget for the coming year, explaining our current financial position and the assumptions made in developing the budget. Pat explained also that there is still uncertainty about how the new membership platform, Chapter Spot, will affect cash flow for the first year or so. As is typical of most budgets, ours is notional and aspirational; that is, the exact numbers represent an educated estimate, and the overall structure and distribution of money represents our hopes for the coming year. The annual report shows simplified charts; attendees were provided with a detailed printout, that will be posted along with the annual report. 

• Bylaws Updates. A few tweaks to the language of the Bylaws were presented to members for their approval. Article IV Officers, Section 1 Election, Qualifications and Term was corrected to show that Board members are elected bienially, not annually. Article IV Officers, Section 4, The Secretary was corrected to show that the Secretary is not responsible for taking minutes at committee or other meetings not concerning the Board of Directors. These changes were approved unanimously.

• FY 2026-2027 Program: Based on answers to the questionnaire that was sent to all members 2 weeks before the meeting, Barb Hedges-Goettl developed a proposed program in three parts: (1) Topics that garnered a significant number of "definitely interested" responses and people "willing to organize;" (2) Topics that got a few "definitely interested" votes and people "willing to organize;" and (3) Topics that generated substantial interest but zero "willing to organize" votes. Category 1 topics that were unanimously approved as the framework for our program going forward are Candidate Forums, Getting Out the Vote, Tabling Events for Voter Registration and League/Vote 411 info, and Participation in Nonpartisan Actions Protesting Government Changes. Futher information is available in the annual report and forthcoming communications from LWVSCDE.

Finally: Singing and Mingling! Everyone finally took a deep breath and congratulated themselves on the work accomplished, and then President Barb (guitar and voice) and Secretary Ann Freeman (voice) led the group in a rendition of Listen to the People, new lyrics set to an old tune.

Adjourned! The meeting was then adjourned.