Dear Akron Leaguers, 

Three things to share: 

#1.  Ohio League’s Teach-In

I was never so proud to be a member of the LWVOhio as I was on February 28 when I attended the Ohio League’s Teach-In here in Akron.  

Our Ohio Team of Leaders drove up from Columbus to help us understand the challenges that lie ahead the how we can best negotiate them along with a healthy dose of solid strategy and optimism. Ask anyone who was there and they will tell you that the day was inspiring, awesome and full of important info as well as bits of the history of the Ohio League.

Our Columbus team led by Jen Miller, Executive Director, is simply outstanding. As proof we attracted a good number of new members. 

#2.  Volunteer Form

When you joined the LWV, did you notice the Volunteer Form, because many do not see it and leave it blank. By filling out this form, you give leadership an idea of where you might be best introduced to the League activities.

Find Link HERE

Keep in mind that there is never any pressure applied and you are free to do what you can, when you can. Life happens to all of us.  In the months to come, we will highlight other needed areas where members can jump in and become active in ways that suit their schedules. If you are looking for a home with like-minded citizens, we just might be it and we welcome you to get to know us better. 

#3.  HELP WANTED: Observer Corp

Many of you when asked why you joined the League say to us, “I just 

have TO DO something.” Maybe our venerable organization looks too intimidating, or you don’t want to become overwhelmed with too much responsibility right away.  Today, I want to highlight one area in our chapter that needs volunteers that takes little effort and is so very fundamental to the League’s democracy goals – The Observer Corp. This often-overlooked activity has outsized importance in our democracy by letting our elected officials know that the citizens are watching them as they conduct their meetings. We don’t comment or interact – just observe either in person or virtually. We offer some training for new members and are grateful that we have citizens who are willing to offer up a bit of time to help keep our government honest and above board. It is simply a fact that officials act 

differently when they know citizens are watching.

Could this opportunity be a fit for you? 

How to become a Member of the LWVAA Observer Corps! 

We are looking for LWVAA Members to serve in our Observer Corps!   

The Observer Corps is one of the fundamentals of League activities. The primary reason for the Observer Corps is for local governments to know that the League is there watching. We know from experience that elected officials take notice when a League member shows up to observe the proceedings.  


We will provide training and all the materials you will need for this volunteer position.  We ask Observers to choose one meeting to attend and observe, and complete a follow-up survey to track the number of meetings you attended, the hours involved, and if there were any notable issues to report.

 
As a member of the Observer Corps:
1. Wear a League button identifying you as a League member. 

2. Do not offer any comments since you are representing the League, observe only. 

Meetings to Observe: 
● Summit County Council: 2 & 4th Monday, 4:30 can be remote 

● Summit County Council Committee: 1 or 3 Monday, 4:30 can be remote 
● Summit County Educational Service Center: 3rd Tuesday of month, 5 pm.
● Summit County Board of Elections: Tuesdays, 9:00 am 

● Akron City Council meets every Monday at 7 p.m. can be remote 
● Akron City Council COMMITTEE meetings meet every Monday afternoon, can be remote 

● Akron Summit County Library 4th Thursday of each month, 4:30 at various locations: 
● Akron Public Schools 
● Akron Planning Commission once per month 

● AMATS Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study-meets six times a year, can be remote 
● There may be other meetings in your community to cover - let us know!

 
If you are interested in volunteering in our Observer Corps, contact the us at 330 836 7079 or email:  lwvaa [at] lwvaa.org 

Happy Spring (she said hopefully after all it is still early March), 

Mary Robbins 
President, LWVAA 

Contents in Newsletter

Democracy performs best when voters are actively engaged, have accurate information and access to the ballot.

 NO KINGS 

 Saturday, March 28 

 Mark your calendar!!

NO KINGS

Saturday, March 28 @ 1 – 3pm

The League is joining NO KINGS as a national partner.

Look for our LWVAA table at the Akron event! We’ll be there answering voting questions and registering voters. The LWVAA table will be in front of the John F. Seiberling Federal Building on S. Main St. in Akron.

Find more information about No Kings - Akron at https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/900693/

League of Women Voters National Convention in Columbus OHIO!!

June 25-28, 2026

This is a friendly reminder that the early bird registration rate ($575.00) will come to an end at the end of this month and will not be extended. On April 1, 2026, the price will go up to $600.00. 

Check out the Convention 2026 website, where you will not only be able to register for Convention but also find information about the event venue, submit a proposal to host a breakout/ caucus session, learn how to sign up for the wares market, access pre-Convention webinar recordings, find a robust FAQ page, and more. 

Summit County Historical Society sponsored this Youth Empowerment Summit. We reached out to engage and register eligible students!

This Girl Scout troop is working on their Democracy badge and asked the LWVAA to share our knowledge of government.

These are our future Democracy defenders!!

Who can vote in Ohio's upcoming primary? All registered Ohio voters. 

Be sure to register or update your registration by April 6, and even if you've been registered, check to make sure you still are: voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx

(Checked recently? Check again.)

Fair Districts Huddle call

Wednesday, March 11 @ 6:00pm

Join the Fair Districts coalition for a conversation with ACLU attorney Gary Daniels and others about Open Government as part of SUNSHINE WEEK. Register.

TAKE ACTION!

1.)   Tell Ohio lawmakers now: Protect our Constitution!

Action Alert! Go to bit.ly/ActionAlertNoArticleV

Tomorrow, March 10, Ohio lawmakers in both chambers are advancing several proposals that would push the United States toward an Article V Constitutional Convention. This is a dangerous threat to the US Constitution, Ohio’s state power, and all Americans’ civil rights and liberties.

Why is this a threat?

• A convention cannot be limited to one issue
• There are no established rules or guidelines
• Critical questions have no answers

What kind of rights are in danger?

• State’s rights
• Voting rights
• Privacy rights
• Civil rights and civil liberties
• And other core constitutional protections

Go here to tell our lawmakers to oppose all Article V bills: bit.ly/ActionAlertNoArticleV

2.)   Oppose Ohio Senate Bill 63

SB 63 has passed both the House and Senate and would generally prohibit the use of ranked choice voting and withhold Local Government Fund distributions from a municipality or chartered county that uses ranked choice voting. For more information go to Rank the Vote Ohio.

Ask Gov. DeWine to VETO SB 63 when it comes to his desk: 

• Find contact information for Gov. DeWine and staff at bit.ly/MikeDeWine 
• Use this tool from Rank the Vote Ohio: https://actionbutton.nationbuilder.com/share/SPK-QElBQUA=

LWVUS’s Responding to Misinformation Online 

Wednesday, March 18 @ 3p

Join LWVUS and the National Conference on Citizenship for a conversation on combating misinformation on social media

Register: HERE

Strong Ohio Schools: an opportunity to be heard

Public education in in upheaval across the state and country. Honesty for Ohio Education is creating an opportunity to listen to parents, students, educators and neighbors, learn about our shared concerns & visions, and move to develop an action plan to make our dreams a reality. It’s a nonpartisan initiative that prioritizes children and our collective future as Ohioans.

How to get involved: go to https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/strong-ohio-schools to find out more.

LWVAA Members are Volunteering at the Foodbank!

Membership Committee Member Michele Root has been coordinating our trips to the Akron-Canton Foodbank to help in the Food Bank’s pantry.  As pantry volunteers, we assist eligible community members select and pack fresh, frozen and canned food that’s available on the particular day they visit. 

We intend to coordinate visits to the Food Bank and other community agencies, where possible, to get better acquainted with our community and to enhance the positive perception of the League. 

The next date to volunteer is March 16 , 8:30-11am: HERE

SAVE THE DATE!!

United Way + Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza tours

Monday, April 20th 10:30AM-1:00PM

37 North High Street, Akron

Join us as we tour the United Way facility and hear from their leaders about how they are making a positive impact with the greater Akron “ALICE” (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) community.

After the tour and discussion, we will have a boxed lunch ($) and, weather permitting, a guided tour of the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza.

More details, including boxed lunch choices and sign up, to come soon!

SAVE THE DATE!!

Getting Involved with Candidate Forums

May 9, 2026, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location - TBD

LWVAA is hosting training and recruitment for members who are interested in working on or being involved with Candidate Forums. We need a strong crew of trained members due to the increase of Candidate Forums we are being asked to provide.  Specifically, we need:  Moderators, Timekeepers, and Question Collectors & Screeners.

Join us on Saturday, May 9th for a fun and engaging training and Mock Forum to learn about how YOU can support upcoming Candidate Forums this fall!

A formal invitation and registration form will be sent out in April.

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