YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Consider running for School Board

The board of education is a uniquely American institution. It oversees and manages the community’s public school system. Running for school board is an excellent way to make a difference in your community. A school board member takes on one of the most important citizen responsibilities: overseeing the education of the community’s youth.

Curious about running? League member Donna Seymour, host of the "North Country Matters" program, and Kathleen Stein, president of the St. Lawrence County League of Women Voters,  talk about the mechanics of running for your local school board of education on a recent program (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQDHTRR-KKc).They discuss the responsibilities of being a school board member, the reasons why people should run, the mechanics of how to file a petition, as well as ways to let your community know you are a candidate. 

The deadline to get your name on the ballot is fast approaching.The school election calendar is set by New York State; by law, school board and budget elections, in all districts except the Big 5 (Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers), must be held on the third Tuesday in May (May 19 in 2026).

Check it out! And contact your local school board for information on deadlines for filing as a candidate.

Action Alert!

As we noted in previous Legislative Updates, Governor Hochul is seeking to weaken and delay key provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The climate law set specific goals for curtailing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions: 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The legislation required the state to issue regulations that would lead to meeting the CLPCA’s emissions goals by 2024. 

The Governor has proposed pushing back the deadline for issuing emissions regulations to the end of 2030 (a roughly seven-year delay) and changing the methodology used to count greenhouse gas emissions. This week we sent a letter to the Governor and Legislative Leaders asking them not to make any changes to this legislation. Read the letter here.

 Take action and to tell Governor Hochul to defend New York State's climate law.

Call Governor Hochul at 518-474-8390

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm calling on behalf of the League of Women Voters of [LOCAL LEAGUE] to urge Governor Hochul to uphold the goals of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Delaying or weakening the law will saddle New Yorkers with unnecessary fossil fuel costs and will further push our planet into a climate crisis. I urge the Governor to reject any legislation or policy that retreats from the CLCPA's commitments.

Be a Beacon for Democracy 

The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area agreed at its March 2026 Board meeting to support the “Shine the Light” activity of the Beacon for Democracy. 

The second pillar of League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative is “Public Mobilization and Coalition Building.”   The initiative calls for Leagues to act locally and raise our voices with other local groups  to “Defend Democracy.” Many League members have done just that by participating in “No Kings” rallies, like the one coming up on March 28. Now League members are encouraged to act weekly and locally in the Beacon for Democracy project. Learn how you can participate in Beacon For Democracy with other League members 

Get Involved: Learn About the League Observer Corps

The League of Women Voters Cooperstown Observer Corps is always looking for new members to help with this very important effort. Learn more about our League's Observer Corps and what we do.   The Observer Corps is a great way to get involved in your community and in League work, especially if you are new to the League and to our community