October 2026 | September 2026 | August 2026 | July 2026 |
President's Letter - October 2026
As you might know, candidate forum season is off to a (very) slow start. Our forum team is amazing, so this isn’t due to a lack of volunteer interest or effort on the part of the committee. It’s because so many candidates refuse to show up.
Let’s be candid: People running for election (or re-election) are looking for a job, but some current and would-be officials don’t treat it that way.
Serious job seekers show up on time for the interview, present their qualifications, and are civil to the people who might hire them. They do not claim an interviewer is biased or refuse to answer questions they don’t like. They respect the hiring process because they want a job.
Voters have the right to ask questions and to get thoughtful responses from candidates for office, especially at the local level, where voters see the direct effect of local officials’ actions or inactions in office.
Local contests are often decided by just a few votes. When the voters are engaged in local issues and show up at the polls, they are more likely to get positive action on issues they care about. If they stay home because they believe that their voice doesn’t matter, then it won’t. Politicians count votes; voters count results.
Wherever we have a voter registration/voter information table, let’s remind voters: no one is entitled to hold elected office; voting is our superpower. Sometimes, a handful of votes can change a community.
P.S. Last bulletin before the election. Full speed ahead until 9 pm on November 3. Whatever you can do with the League or on your own block has tremendous value. Thank you for being part of LWV of Schenectady and thank you for all you do. 
Joan Fucillo, President
President's Letter - September 2026
The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 of the 55 delegates that attended the Constitutional Convention. Thursday, September 17, marks this year’s commemoration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. (Reminder: Join us on the 17th for a “Honk and Wave” at Veterans Park in Schenectady, 4-6pm.)
In 1954, “Citizenship Day” was added to the U.S. Code to commemorate the signing of the Constitution and its creation of a citizen class that elects its representatives. Citizenship Day later became part of Public Law 105–225—Aug. 12, 1998, Part A—Observances and Ceremonies, Chapter 1—Patriotic and National Observances. In 2004, “Constitution Day and” was added before the words “Citizenship Day” as they appear in each subsection.
36 U.S. Code § 106 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day1
(a)Designation.—
“September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.”
(b)Purpose.—
“Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”
(c)Proclamation.—
“The President may issue each year a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day . . . .”
When we put together our “Honk and Wave,” we knew about Constitution Day, but I for one had no idea that the words “Constitution Day and” were a late addition to section 106, or that the designation “Citizenship Day” had preceded it. Knowing this, it seems the purpose was to create a vehicle (i.e., a holiday) for the education of citizens and a celebration of citizenship:
(d)State and Local Observances.—
“The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.”
That section 106 was first titled “Citizenship Day” gives the words in subsection (d) greater meaning. What we now call “Constitution Day” really is “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.” It’s when we commemorate the signing of our founding document and celebrate all of us citizens whose rights and responsibilities are to ensure that the promise of the Constitution is fulfilled.
Joan Fucillo
President
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/106
President's Letter - August 2026
It’s August, it feels like summer is just zipping by. So, let’s make the most of it! And let’s get together for a potluck picnic on the 29th.
We are a small League, but a mighty one. We have a 100-year history of service, and we’re only getting better.
In the past two years, our numbers have grown. Our new members are enthusiastic about our mission, and they dove right in. They’ve brought fresh ideas and ways of seeing things. Their commitment to our community and to the public interest is invaluable to our League and to our work. Thank you!
We have a busy fall ahead of us: We received a Youth Civic Education grant from the national League to bring civics information to high schools and community colleges. We are expanding our partnerships with those who work with underserved populations—at pop-up food pantries in Scotia-Glenville, GED classes in Schenectady, and Sycamore Collaborative’s summer lunch program. The goal (hope) is for our League to conduct some activity on a weekly basis—whether it’s a registration drive, a tabling event to engage as many people as possible or handing out bagged lunches—from now until Election Day.
Some wag said, “The first rule of life is showing up.”1 I’d argue this applies to the League as well. Being there is key. If we don’t show up, if we think there’s not much opportunity for us at this or that event, then we are missing out. Our currency is that the League is a trusted source of information in our community. Every time we show up, we strengthen that trust.
1. There are many variations, including this one: "I think the great danger in life is not showing up." ― Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Pediatrician and author of Kitchen Table Wisdom
Joan Fucillo, President
President's Letter - July 2026
The last few years have been tumultuous for our climate and our economy, for civil rights and our democracy. Rights we’ve relied on our entire lives are reversed or in danger. We worry about the future: ours, our family’s, our friends,’ our neighbors’ and our community’s.
Our League is one of many organizations doing everything we can to defend the democratic ideals embodied in our Constitution. Yet that does not give us ease. We wake up every morning, listen to the day’s news, and then go about our day with a lump in our throats.
This quote from Justice Sonia Sotomayor is apt: “There are days when I get discouraged. There are moments where I am deeply, deeply disappointed. And, yes, there have been moments where I have stopped and said, ‘Is it worth it anymore?’ And every time I do that, I lick my wounds for a while, sometimes I cry. And then I say, ‘Ok, let’s fight.’”1
Our League began fighting in earnest when Cheryl organized a ‘Hands Off’ rally at Schenectady City Hall about 15 months ago. It rained hard, but people stuck around and signed up to join us. It showed us we weren’t alone; and that, on a very local level, people are hungry to protect our democratic ideals. We have gained new members, new venues, and fresh ideas about outreach and communication. Our neighbors are with us. We need to stand up for them and with them.
From now until the midterms, let’s redouble our community efforts. All of us are key to its success. Invite a neighbor or friend to a League tabling event! They might not have time to join, but they will spread the word. We need more visibility—more venues for tabling and consistent tabling at our regular sites. We can do this!
So, scream, cry, take a deep breath, or beat your head against a wall (my favorite). Then we get back to work.
Thank you, Cheryl. You made it happen
Joan Fucillo, President
1. Justice Sotomayor speaking to the American Constitution Society, June 16, 2022.
