I am sure you have all noticed the plethora of requests for you to take action on a long list of issues—among them, helping the League advocate for the passage of state legislation related to our system of injustice, urging Congress to pass legislation to protect the vote by funding better election systems and vote-by-mail, and advocating for passage of Proposition 15 (Schools and Communities First) to increase funding for California’s public education system. I genuinely believe that our work is important—urgent—and results in better outcomes for residents in our communities. This is what motivates me and keeps me going.

You and I both know that the pandemic has taken a toll on our communities, exacerbating existing problems related to lack of affordable housing, the unaffordability of healthcare, stalemates in Congress, and especially the social inequity that has become so glaringly obvious. We need to help voters channel their disquiet and use the most powerful means they have to influence legislators and policymakers—the vote. That is why I am excited about this month’s focus on the November 3 Presidential Election!

The Board and committee members have joined forces to develop programs designed to educate the voting public and get out the vote. We are working hard to make sure that all 330,000 voters in our service area get all our support to vote by mail starting October 5 or in person starting October 24. And you can help. Read about the opportunities available for dedicated volunteers.

Let us continue to work together to fulfill our mission!

—Martha Y. Zavala