Decisions and Thanks at the Chapter Annual Meeting
by Kyle Ciani
The League’s Annual Meeting documents the past year’s activities, asks members to vote on the budget and slate of directors, and announces studies the League will devote time to issues research and to develop advocacy plans. This year’s meeting on June 12 did all those things and more.
Current President, Laurie Wollrab, reported on the active agendas of the Voter Services Committee to get out the vote for the fall elections (led by incoming President Chad Kahl), the important programming of the Education Committee (Laurie Bergner) and Drinks and Dialogue Meetings (Camille Taylor), the work involved in the membership model shift and in developing a new member orientation (Beth Porter), and the support of the League’s technology tools and publications by the communications team (Diana Cristy, Carol Odekirk, Colleen Reynolds, Kaeleigh Kreis).
Laurie then introduced the proposed budget compiled by Treasurer Kay Moss and the slate of next year’s directors, both of which members affirmed.
Challenges and Direction for 2025-26
Vice President Chad Kahl accepted the vote to lead the chapter as President in the coming year and noted that chapters across the country are focusing on connecting with younger members and he invited our group to do the same.
Issues Director Faith Russell presented an overview of the LWV-IL gun violence study ongoing across the state and our local committee's role in it. She also reviewed the concept of the LWVUS campaign Unite and Rise 8.5, and the board proposal that its framework guide our 2025-26 advocacy activities. Diana Hauman updated the group on the progress of the Election Authority Study.
Governance Director Cathy Pratt explained the changes to the Bylaws to bring them in line with national membership updates, and edits to simplify the bylaws content describing the Governance Committee. Proposed changes were approved.
Voter Services Director Kyle Ciani reported on opportunities for members to register voters and assist with Vote 411, and noted the important collaborations the chapter has established with WGLT Public Radio Station, NAACP, and the civic engagement programs at Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and Heartland Community College.
A Tip of the Hat
The “more” was devoted to thanking the many members who have devoted their time and talent to successfully implementing our agenda. Laurie first thanked Secretary Alexis Kalish for her expert documentation of meetings and emphasized that Alexis’ thoughtful involvement in the League includes participating in its events, its conversations, and its deliberations. In addition to thanking the directors noted above, Laurie also highlighted the volunteerism of the Directors at Large, Georgene Chissell and Gail Lamb, whose connections with the larger community provide insight and increased connections to county residents.
Laurie invited the audience to add their own thanks, and it soon became evident that the work of the League depends on the full membership. Throughout the year, members engaged in effective advocacy for safe schools, accessible and inclusive elections, and an educated electorate. This work is critical to our mission of “Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy,” and we are confident our members will continue to step up to the challenges this mission holds. |