As the new LWV-PA president, I feel honored to be given the chance to work with you.

I want to thank Past President Pat Coulter for continuing the LWV-PA legacy of encouraging our members to contribute their many talents to advancing the League’s goals. Pat taught me to take care of today, and tomorrow will take care of itself. I became involved in Voter Services when Dorothy Keane recruited me and taught me all the ropes. Now I cannot step away! Thank you, Pat and Dorothy, for your support and guidance. I hope to follow in your footsteps.

I bid farewell and give thanks to the 2019–20 Board for their commitment to the residents of the Pasadena area. Each has contributed to making the LWV-PA the best local League ever! That is why I am so thankful that many of our board members will once again serve on the 2020–21 board with me. And I welcome the new members, who are ready to bring fresh ideas and passion to our work.

This year will present a host of opportunities for us to fulfill our mission to educate voters, boost civic participation in marginalized communities, and advocate for needed reforms. At our annual meeting we elected to:

• Grow our League by recruiting in our thirteen communities so we can be more inclusive and diverse.
• Reach out to high school and community college students and other young adults so we can meet the needs of tomorrow.
• Focus on building an informed electorate and get them to the polls.
• Advocate for fair redistricting in all area cities and monitor implementation.
• Mobilize all members so we expand our reach and effectiveness.

In the coming weeks and months, you will be offered opportunities to further our goals. This special issue of the Voter takes a hard look at institutional racism and gives suggestions for how you can get involved NOW. I encourage you to commit to take action. Our communities are in turmoil. The black community continues to suffer. This moment in history requires all of us to work together in solidarity. Our League will not turn away from this challenge. Together we can make a difference in someone’s future.

—Martha Zavala