LWV of Monterey County Committees and Operations Teams 

Committees 

Membership Recruiting and Onboarding 

This committee is responsible for growing the chapter membership, orienting new members to what the local League does, and involving members in projects based on their individual interests.  It also builds engagement and activities with current members.

Co-Chairs:  Pam Bonsper and Shelley Sweet
Volunteer Opportunities: 

• Be table leaders at Lunch and Learn events
• Call and talk to new members
• Be mentors to new members. 

Defending Democracy

 This committee organizes and supports activities related to the League’s mission of Defending Democracy. We

• Engage members in activities and actions that hold government accountable to support and defend the Constitution. 
• Ensure that the chapter and its name are present and visible in the community where discussion of nonpartisan defense of democracy is relevant.
• Connect with current and potential members at local defending democracy events, and help to grown League membership and engagement
• Develop relevant communication messages and materials.

 Chair:   Tama Olver
Volunteer Opportunities:

This is a relatively new committee. We would welcome LWVMC members who have passion for our purpose to join us as committee members and help shape what we do.

We currently have opportunities for volunteers to:

• Table at events
• Develop advocacy messages and materials
• Monitor action opportunities for communication to an interest group and the public
• Administer a Defending Democracy interest group using Mailchimp

Government

This committee is currently focused on implementing an Observer Corps to monitor and report back information from board meetings and activities of high-priority local governmental agencies (County Board of Supervisors, City Councils, County Board of Education, School Boards, etc.).  This can be done by attending in-person or virtually, by reviewing minutes and videos, and/or scanning local news media.  It is an excellent opportunity to become informed while promoting government transparency and accountability----all while learning and having fun with knowledgeable and dedicated League members.

Chair:  Sharon Miller
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Monitor your selected board
• Write up a very short monthly report
• Recommend Lunch and Learn Programs
• Suggest issues upon which the League might take a position (training, guidance, and opportunities for discussion are available) 

Legislative Interviews (Seasonal)

This committee supports the annual call from LWV California to interview California legislators and gather information useful to their advocacy work in Sacramento. Participation in the process enables members to get face-to-face time with legislators and learn a bit about nonpartisan political advocacy. The process usually begins in November and is completed by the end of January.

Chair:   Tama Olver
Volunteer Opportunities:

In roughly ascending order of level of commitment:

• Participate in an interview as an observer
• Pose a question to the legislator after some preparation on the topic
• Take notes for inclusion in a report submitted online to LWV California
• Moderate an interview
• Schedule a planning meeting and interview in coordination with other LWV county chapters 

Natural Resources

The committee reviews legislative activities related to land use, affordable housing, water quality and supply, climate change, pesticide control, etc.  We recommend legislative action to the Board on local  issues for which the League has a position.

Chair:   Janet Brennan
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Make recommendations for local action to the Committee and the Board
• Prepare letters, testimony, etc. on local action which has been approved by the Board 

Social Policy

This committee currently advocates for citizens’ oversight of the sheriff’s department, monitors local organizations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and is alert to fair treatment of workers regardless of immigration status.  We are open to following up on other social policy areas, as the need arises.  This might include education, housing, probation, public assistance, consumer education, health, or recreation.  

Co-Chairs:   Beverly Kreps and Sharon Miller
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Participate and report on, either in person or through Zoom, relevant meetings.
• Find pertinent  information from media reports for The Voter or Board action.   

Voter Services

This Committee’s goal is to encourage informed and active participation in elections and civic activities.  Leading up to an election we conduct candidate forums and Pros & Cons forums about the measures on the ballot to help educate voters.  We also help register voters and work the polls on Election Day.  We also may work on civics education projects or advocate for voting rights.

Chair:   Arlene Guest and Pamela Stewart
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Assist at candidate forums (various tasks are available)
• Assist with Pros & Cons forums
• Distribute Easy Voter Guides
• Work at the polls
• Participate in voter registration drives or tabling at events 

Operations Teams 

Lunch and Learn

The League chooses topics and recommend speakers at the June Board of Directors retreat based on the Leagues annual policy priorities.  Then members get speakers, agree on the topic, and write a marketing article for The Voter.  These speakers present in person or by Zoom the second Wednesday of each month from September through May.

Luncheon Logistics

Coordinates the logistics of the seven monthly General Meeting L&Ls (“Lunch and Learn with the League”) and the Annual Meeting.  Arranges caterer, speaker requirements, venue, takes reservations and reports totals to venue and caterer, and maintains paper goods.  On the day of the event prepares and brings 1- 2 gallons of water and tea, pitchers, ice, forks and serving utensils.  Sets up and cleans up.

Chair:   Beverly Bean
Volunteer Opportunities:

Set up and clean up the day of the Lunch and Learn event. 

Roster Manager

The manager reviews League member contact information and assists

members in updating their records. Corrections must be made by the members

themselves through their on-line accounts. The manager can help those without

e-mail accounts.

Manager: Dennis Mar
Volunteer Opportunities:

Not applicable 

Publicity

This committee acts to publicize the general scope and specific activities of the League by issuing a timely flow of relevant information to the media and other interested groups or organizations.

Chair:  Beverly Bean
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteers with expertise are needed to assist in publicity activities
• Volunteers are needed to improve and expand the work of the committee 

Vote 411

VOTE411.org is a website run by the National League that allows users to enter their address and find what’s on their ballot and to find information about candidates and measures.

Chair:   Arlene Guest
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Find contact information for candidates
• Follow up with candidates by calling them to urge them to participate (script provided)
• Copy official information about local measures into the back end of the website (training provided) 

The Voter (newsletter)

The VOTER is the primary method for communicating and informing LWVMC membership. It is published and mailed eight times a year. Articles and photos are generated by members. The VOTER editor collects and edits the submitted material.

Editor: Regina Doyle
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Photograph League events
• Write about League activities
• Write research articles on topics of interest to the League.
• Interview and write a biography of a League member for each issue

Website Coordinator

This operation posts specific activities of the local league, archives information and reports pertaining to the local league, and makes historical local League information available.

Chair:   Debby Majors-Degnan
Volunteer Opportunities:

• Provide information from the League meetings for the local website
• Provide photographs and captions of League events

 Important Note: There is a lot of room for flexibility and creativity for our volunteers. Your enthusiasm and ideas will be most appreciated.

Please join us!