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Date: 1/27/2026
Subject: News Blast January 27, 2026
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County


January 27, 2026
Part 2: Local Impacts of Government Funding Actions
Next Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6:30 PM
 
Reminder! This new community program is a sequel to last Fall's offering. We again feature the efforts of The Documentation Project. There will be panel presentations, with Q&A and discussion. 
 
New topics will feature local expert presenters:
  • Tariffs and US Dept. of Agriculture cutbacks
    • Michael Doherty, economist and independent consultant
  • Youth enrichment programs
    • Rebecca Kinsey, The Baby Fold
  • Science grants
    • Gabe Spaulding, Professor of Physics, Ill. Wesleyan University
Invite your friends! Forward this email or download our event flyer to share.
 
Click below for registration, location details.
 
Coming Up Soon! Volunteer with other Leaguers
 
Give back with the League of Women Voters. Join a hands-on volunteer shift at Midwest Food Bank and learn how food insecurity affects McLean County and communities across Illinois—and how policy and partnerships shape access to food.
 
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Midwest Food Bank Warehouse, 2031 Warehouse Rd., Normal
Spots: 11 volunteers (members only due to space/safety requirements)
Arrival: Please arrive 5–10 minutes early
Safety: Closed-toed shoes required
 
What you’ll do
Help with a warehouse project (sorting, packing, or organizing food) and hear a brief overview of how donations, supply chains, and community partners impact food access.

Registration & commitment
Space is limited; a waitlist will be used. If you register, please plan to attend. If an emergency comes up, notify us right away so someone on the waitlist can fill your spot.
Reminder: sign up now to reserve your spot (or join the waitlist).
 
Six Organizations Co-Sponsor Community Listening Circles
by Kyle Ciani, Director of Voter Services

How are you? That question underscored the facilitated small group listening circles attended by a multi-generational group of concerned citizens. Over 50 people from high schoolers to octogenarians came together on a bitter cold January 18th to reflect on national, state, and local issues.
 
Lead sponsor Not In Our Town organizers Mike Matejka and LWV member Camille Taylor emphasized the importance of organizations joining together and supporting one another; this event included co-sponsorship also from YWCA of McLean County, McLean County Museum of History, Heartland Community College, Prairie Pride Coalition, and the League of Women Voters of McLean County.

Honoring the voice of each participant is the key to listening circles. That focus ensures that people reflect rather than react to comments offered in the circle. Participants agreed that the varied experiences and perspectives shared throughout the afternoon renewed their energy to continue learning about and engaging in civic agendas.

The following local media stories highlighted the event:
 
 
 
Photo Caption: Participants gathered into listening circles to share their perspectives on current issues.
Miss the latest issue of The Voter?  Be sure you know what is going on in our League. Click on the link below for the most recent issue.
 
 
Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
 
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Email: info@lwvmclean.org

League of Women Voters of McLean County 

PO Box 932 

Normal, IL 61761