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
124 Members Strong!
VOTER INFORMATION FOR RHODE ISLAND
CURRENT STATE LEGISLATION
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Coffee in the Cove - Sip and Shop - Honoring Women Elected Officials in Newport County - RI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TOWN HALL, APRIL 21, PORTSMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL 5:30-7:00 PM - ERA: A Conversation With Angela Lima - Joan Arnold Award Ceremony
INFORMATION ABOUT ALL HAPPENINGS HERE
THE JOAN C. ARNOLD AWARD
In honor of the late Joan C. Arnold—a devoted League of Women Voters member who passed away in February 2011—this annual award celebrates those who share her belief that a small, committed group can change the world, echoing Margaret Mead’s famous words. Since 2012, the award has recognized Newport County organizations or individuals whose work has measurably improved lives or provided relief to those in need. Honorees are chosen for their lasting commitment, broad impact, and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in our community.
You're Invited!
The League of Women Voters
of Newport County
proudly presents the
2025 Joan C. Arnold Civic Participation Award
Honoring:
Newport Pride
Newport Community School
Turning Around Ministries
We are delighted to recognize these organizations for their outstanding service and support to the citizens of Newport County.
Presentation & Reception
Thursday, April 24, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Harbor House
111 Washington Street, Newport, RI
Wine & Hors d’oeuvres
$15 per person
RSVP by April 15
lwvnewportcounty [at] gmail.com
Purchase Tickets at the Door - $15
Cash, Check or PayPal
Or mail a check to:
LWVNC
P.O. Box 4204
Middletown, RI 02840
Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards Ceremony
April 23 at 3:30 PM - Rhode Island State House - Bell Area (located directly opposite the front entrance)
Join the League of Women Voters of Rhode as we honor 3 individual or teams of RI K-12 teachers whose teaching exhibits extraordinary ability and innovation, and fulfills one or more of the following criteria:
Enriches students' understanding of their own civic rights and responsibilities; Encourages students' civic participation; Brings context and relevance to pivotal civic events--historic and/or current--affecting the United States on a national, regional, statewide, or local level; Promotes understanding and appreciation of individuals who play a role in aforementioned pivotal civic events.
The winners are:
Grand Prize: Janine Lee, Community Preparatory School, Providence, RI
Jury Prize: Diane Randall, The Compass School, Kingston, RI
Honorable Mention: Christine Costa, Tiverton Middle School, TIverton, RI
Secretary of State Gregg Amore will be our keynote speaker - “The March Towards a More Perfect Union”
These awards are made possible through funding by the LWVRI Education Fund.
LWVNC STATEMENT On DIVERSITY,
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The League’s vision is a democracy where every person has the desire, right, knowledge, and confidence to participate. For this vision to become a reality, we need DEI.
See more here.
WOMEN DEFEND DEMOCRACY:
ORGANIZATION FOR THE FIRST 100 DAYS, 2025
In the wake of the transformative 2024 elections, LWVUS is igniting a bold new era with "Women Defend Democracy."
This groundbreaking initiative laser-focuses on the critical first 100 days of the new administration, empowering state and local leagues to drive change with precision. Under this dynamic framework, you'll set your agenda by embracing three levels of action:
Gold Priorities: Tackle the most urgent issues with direct, decisive involvement.
Silver Priorities: Forge powerful alliances, collaborating with partners and coalitions to amplify your impact.
Bronze Priorities: Stay alert and agile, ready to respond as new challenges arise.
Join us as we champion a future where every action fortifies our democratic ideals and shapes a resilient, inclusive 2025.
See the LWVNC priorities here.
JANUARY 6th MEMBERSHIP MEETING
ESTABLISHES WORKING GROUPS FOR 2025
The atmosphere was electric from the start at a high-energy working meeting attended by over 50 passionate members. Secretary of State Gregg Amore captivated the audience with an engaging address that inspired and instilled a sense of calm and clear direction.
Next, an innovative listening tour transformed the event into a dynamic hub of ideas. Thoughtfully arranged stations invited members to dive deep into topics they were most passionate about, sparking vibrant discussions and creative exchanges. After connecting with like-minded peers, attendees roamed the room to explore diverse issues, broadening their perspectives and igniting further dialogue.
The interactive format didn't stop there—each member was empowered to suggest new issues, which was crucial in shaping our ambitious goals for 2025. This session wasn't just a meeting; it was a launchpad for transformative change, setting the stage for a future driven by collaboration and innovative thinking.
The 2025 Working Groups, which have begun meeting but welcome new members, can be seen here.
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING AGENDA AND NOTES
Notes from each Board meeting held by the LWVNC are posted monthly for transparency as well as to keep League members aware of what was discussed and all decisions made by the Board. If there are any questions are concerns, please address your questions to Christine Stenning, presidentlwvnc25 [at] gmail.com.
