BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christine Stenning - President

Adrienne Shaw - Secretary

Rebecca McSweeney - Treasurer

Helen Hames - Membership Chair

Directors: Jill Kassis, Karen O'Hara, Trish Sylvester, Susan Travis, Gene Thompson-Grove, Maureen Thompson, Susan Wells

Joining the League of Women Voters is a great way to get involved in your community and play an active role in our democracy. 

Our volunteers work year-round to register new voters, host community forums and debates, and provide voters with the election information they need.  We engage at the local and state levels on legislative priorities and efforts to improve our elections and protect our democracy. 

Connect with us to volunteer today!   If you run into issues using the online JOIN/RENEW button, please email lwvnewportcounty [at] gmail.com and we will get you a manual form.

Join us for our Quarterly Membership Meeting!  

Friends and guests are welcome!

November 12th at 6:00

Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport RI

Centered on Values that Connect our Community: Democracy, Intergenerational Involvement, and Service

Get Ready to Be Inspired by our Guest Speakers,  who will be in coversation with each other and with us:

Adequoyah Mathews - 2025 Winner Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club of Newport, whose leadership and community-service bring fresh insight into our conversation.

Jennifer Wood - Executive Director,  RI Center for Justice, who brings decades of experience advocating for housing equity, civil rights, and access to justice for Rhode Islanders.

THE 2025 JOAN C. ARNOLD CIVIC AWARD

 In honor of the late Joan C. Arnold—a devoted League of Women Voters member who passed away in February 2011—this annual award celebrates those who share her belief that a small, committed group can change the world, echoing Margaret Mead’s famous words. Since 2012, the award has recognized Newport County organizations or individuals whose work has measurably improved lives or provided relief to those in need. Honorees are chosen for their lasting commitment, broad impact, and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in our community.    

Newport Pride
Newport Community School
Turning Around Ministries

We are delighted to recognize these organizations

for their outstanding service and support.

LWVNC STATEMENT On DIVERSITY,

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The League’s vision is a democracy where every person has the desire, right, knowledge, and confidence to participate.  For this vision to become a reality, we need DEI.

See more here. 

WOMEN DEFEND DEMOCRACY:

ORGANIZATION FOR THE FIRST 100 DAYS, 2025

In the wake of the transformative 2024 elections, LWVUS is igniting a bold new era with "Women Defend Democracy."

This groundbreaking initiative laser-focused on the critical first 100 days of the new administration, empowering state and local leagues to drive change with precision. Under this dynamic framework, you'll set your agenda by embracing three levels of action:

Gold Priorities: Tackle the most urgent issues with direct, decisive involvement.

Silver Priorities: Forge powerful alliances, collaborating with partners and coalitions to amplify your impact.

Bronze Priorities: Stay alert and agile, ready to respond as new challenges arise.

Join us as we champion a future where every action fortifies our democratic ideals and shapes a resilient, inclusive 2025.

See the LWVNC priorities here.

LWVNC

ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUPS FOR 2025

The atmosphere was electric from the start at a high-energy working meeting attended by over 50 passionate members. Secretary of State Gregg Amore captivated the audience with an engaging address that inspired and instilled a sense of calm and clear direction.

Next, an innovative listening tour transformed the event into a dynamic hub of ideas. Thoughtfully arranged stations invited members to dive deep into topics they were most passionate about, sparking vibrant discussions and creative exchanges. After connecting with like-minded peers, attendees roamed the room to explore diverse issues, broadening their perspectives and igniting further dialogue.

The interactive format didn't stop there—each member was empowered to suggest new issues, which was crucial in shaping our ambitious goals for 2025. This session wasn't just a meeting; it was a launchpad for transformative change, setting the stage for a future driven by collaboration and innovative thinking.

The 2025 Working Groups, which have begun meeting but welcome new members, can be seen here.