League members and anyone in the general public interested in learning more about the League of Women Voters are encouraged to participate in “A Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI),” the subject of the LWV-Whitewater Area’s virtual membership meeting on Thursday, January 20, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

You can join the Zoom meeting by using the URL: https://bit.ly/lwv-ww_membership_dei

Since its founding in 1920, the League’s reputation as a trusted source for voter information has rested on its Nonpartisanship Policy, which states, “[League] does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.” Likewise, the League’s relatively new DEI Policy, protects the League’s good name as an organization, “fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice.” These two policies represent our core values. But has our League fully internalized what it means to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization?  

Our January 20 membership meeting is designed to consider that question. Our League’s DEI Committee members, Etty Wilberding, Jane Roberts, Sarah Linn, and Ellen Penwell, will lead 4 concurrent discussions on how the principles of DEI are applied to the four main areas of our work: Leadership, Membership, Voter Services, and Program/Events. We’ll consider what we’re already doing and what we could be doing. Our approach to this discourse is based on a guidance document provided by the LWVWI Community Alliances Committee, Framework for Decentralizing DEI at the Local Level. We encourage you to review it and welcome the ideas you bring to the discussions!

Furthermore, the program will not only conclude with actionable takeaways but also the exciting announcement of our new Book Club, designed to continue our exploration of the meaning, impact, value, need, and urgency of DEI. League member and book club coordinator Deb Gamble will share how it works, how you can join, and announce the first book to be read and how you can obtain a copy.