The LWV Newport County serves the city of Newport and the towns of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth and Tiverton. Membership in this group is growing and we continue to seek new members to play active roles in voter registration, advocacy, election-year candidate forums, and election day duties.
Please contact lwvnewportcounty [at] gmail.com for more information. We want to hear from you!
Board of Directors
*Christine Stenning, President presidentlwvnc2025 [at] gmail.com
*Gene Thompson-Grove, Vice President
*Adrienne Shaw, Membership Co-Chair
*Susan Travis, Membership Co-Chair
*Becky McSweeney, Treasurer
*Maureen Thompson, Advocacy Chair
Susan Wells, Ex Officio
Jill Kassis, Ex Officio
MEMBERSHIP
107 Members Strong!
WOMEN DEFEND DEMOCRACY: ORGANIZATION FOR THE FIRST 100 DAYS, 2025
After the 2024 elections, the LWVUS established a new program to become laser focused on the first 100 days of the new incoming administration. "Women Defend Democracy" is the new programmatic focus for the League in 2025. This program developed by LWV US, suggests state and local leagues set priorities and goals by adopting gold priorities: ones that are the highest priorities with direct involvement, silver priorities: issues in which work will be done in collaboration with partners and coalitions, and bronze priorities: be aware of issues and be ready to act as needed.
LWVNC priorities may be seen here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q5jMbPjoCkEPMcLtfBG25IuH6l6jL_oa6zuc...
JANUARY 6th MEMBERSHIP MEETING ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUPS FOR 2025
With over 50 members in attendance, this working meeting proved to be a great success. Secretary of State Gregg Amore was in attendance and was not only an engaging speaker but brought a sense of calm and direction to our group.
A listening tour was next on the agenda. Stations were set up for each potential issue for consideration and the members were asked to go to the issue that they felt the most passionate about and then to engage and share ideas. After meeting with others with the same interest, they were asked to take a walk around the room and look at the other issues. Members were also given the opportunity to suggest other issues that they would like to see become part of the goal for 2025.
These 2025 Working Groups may be seen here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15iYCxS-pQbI6zeCR9PhKwrDyYUBWSAPE5BU7...
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE JOAN C. ARNOLD AWARD
The League of Women Voters of Newport County is accepting nominations for the Joan C. Arnold Award. The award honors the life of Arnold, a member of the League who passed away in 2011. She was a great admirer of Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." Arnold believed in her power to change the world.
Given annually since 2012 (with the exception of 2019 and 2020) the award commemorates Arnold's life by recognizing individuals whose work has resulted in bringing relief to those in need or to improving the quality of life in Newport County. The recipient must be an organization or individual in Newport County. The honoree's work should have demonstrated measurable impact or results, long-term and high-level commitment, and a wide county reach.
To nominate a person, group or organization, complete an application by contacting Kathy Gallagher at lwvnewportcounty [at] gmail.com. The deadline is February 15. Use the email address to request a fillable form.
The Pell Center at Salve University
The LWVNC has a unique relationship with The Pell Center. This partnership allows for many different opportunities to reach out and serve the public combining academia with voter services.
To get the latest information from legislators covering districts in Newport County, the League of Women Voters of Newport County partnered with Newport This Week and East Bay Media Group to present two legislative update forums.
Click here to view Forum #1, recorded Jan. 24, featuring Marvin Abney, Dist. 73; Lauren Carson, Dist. 75; John “Jay†Edwards, Dist. 70; and Deb Ruggiero, Dist. 74.
Click here to view Forum #2, recorded Jan. 31, featuring Sen. Walter Felag, Dist. 10; Sen. Jim Seveney, Dist. 11; Rep. Terri Cortvriend, Dist. 72; Rep. Susan Donovan, Dist. 69; and Rep. Michelle McGaw, Dist. 71.
