In my December President’s message, I shared a message I heard at the Jingle & Mingle holiday open house, “How can I get involved?”
I shared a list of more than a half dozen opportunities in 2026. (December Voter) For us to be successful in our planned efforts this year, we need members to step up, volunteer, and lead.
We’re already looking ahead to next year’s board openings. We are seeking the following positions:
- President or Co-Presidents
- Vice President or Co-Vice Presidents
- Treasurer or Co-Treasurers
- Membership Director or Co-Director
The good news is that no one has to do this alone. Our current leaders are ready to mentor, partner, and help new members learn and grow in a chapter leadership position or through our chapter's efforts.
If you are interested in getting involved or learning what role might fit you, please reach out to info@lwvmclean.org
Thanks again,
Chad
|  | Learn what the Declaration of Independence Means
by Chad Kahl, President
The McLean County Museum of History has developed the America 250 Democracy Dialogues event series to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about American democracy. We are one of the series sponsors.
Each discussion will begin with a short presentation on the historical context of each phrase and why it was included in the Declaration. Program participants will then break into facilitated small group discussions to reflect on what these founding principles mean to them, how they have changed in our society since 1776, how they have been upheld, and what impact they still have on our nation today. At the end of each discussion, participants will be given information about how they can get more involved in our community and become more civically engaged.
Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm at Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium at the Bone Student Center: the events kick off with Senator Richard Durbin and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
Saturday, February 28 at 1 PM at the Museum, second floor Courtroom: the dialogue will focus on the phrase "Life and Liberty" with Dr. Matthijs Tieleman, ISU Assistant Professor of History. Visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776 to register.
All ages are encouraged to participate in any or all of the planned discussions. All programs are free and open to the public.
In addition to the February dates, the dialogue series is also April 11, September 22 and November 19. You can visit the https://mchistory.org/250 website for full details about all events in the America 250 Democracy Dialogues series.
The Museum is looking for facilitator volunteers for the April, September, and November Dialogues. If you are interested, you will receive training. To participate, please email Candace Summers, Museum Senior Director of Education, at csummers@mchistory.org. | | Drinks & Dialogue
Media Influence on Voter Turnout
by Camille Taylor
2026 is an important election year! Do you know how much the media impacts voter turnout?
Come to the Wednesday, February 25th Drinks and Dialogue at Gill St. Bar & Grill, and Melissa Libert will answer this question.
Social Hour: 5:30 pm
Discussion: 6:00-7:00 pm
Melissa leads WGLT’s marketing, public relations, and development efforts. She previously served as Public Affairs Project Manager at COUNTRY Financial where she led community relations programming and corporate social responsibility efforts.
Melissa serves the community through participation on the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitor’s Bureau board of directors, Bloomington Public Library board of trustees, and the ISU School of Communication alumni advisory board.
| | | | Getting Young People Involved
Youth Civic Ambassador Program
By Chad Kahl, President
At last fall's kickoff event, "A Conversation About Youth Civic Engagement," I expressed an interest in our chapter pursuing a youth civic ambassador program. That evening, we were fortunate to hear Lynda Minor and Rhonda Kirts from the Champaign County LWV discuss their program.
The Board has initiated the study process on developing a civic ambassador program by our chapter.
On Thursday, February 26, we will hold an open meeting at the Bloomington Public Library, Community Room 1, from 6-7 PM to explain the purposes of student civic ambassador programs and the study process.
If you are unable to attend, but are interested in participating in the study, please let us know at info@lwvmclean.org.
| | | | League Launches Observer Corps Re-Visioning Process
By Janine Toth
Our League has begun a pilot process to energize, grow and sustain our Observer Corps Program. An Observer Corps is a "watchdog" service to our community that helps foster transparency and accountability of government entities.
Starting in March, our Pilot Crew is now ready to involve members who may be interested in serving as an Observer -- so this is where you come in!
| | | | Save the Date!
Get caught up on the latest criminal justice reforms at our next community information program, “Revisiting Justice: Assessing the Impact of Recent Criminal Law Reforms.”
Panelists include Chief Judge Casey Costigan, Judge Amy McFarland, and Toy Beasley, President of McLean County Reentry Council. They will discuss Criminal Justice reforms such as the SAFE-T Act, which set up cashless bonds, the new Fair Act, which has been called “the most significant reform to Illinois' public defense system in nearly 80 years,” and the Clean Slate Act, which provides for automatic sealing of nonviolent criminal records.
The program will be at Heartland Community College’s Community Commons Building on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 pm.
| | | | More Save the Date!
The next No Kings Rally will be held on Saturday, March 28. The LWVUS will again serve as an official partner for this latest mobilization.
More details to follow. | | | Using Cellphones at Nonviolent Protests
By Faith Russell, Issues and Advocacy
Throughout history nonviolent protest has been effective in ushering in change. From ancient labor strikes in Egypt to Mahatma Gandhi in India and Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S., we have records of political change brought about through nonviolent advocacy.
Recently the League of Women Voters of Illinois has encouraged members' participation in nonviolent protests such as the No Kings series, with the next one on March 28. To help us prepare for our participation, they invited us to attend a virtual training on how to effectively, safely and legally record the document law enforcement encounters.
|  | Feb. 3 Community Program Featured Funding Impacts On Farmers and Students
Approximately 50 community members attended our February 3 education program. The program was a collaboration with The Documentation Project, a local citizens group working to document recent cuts to funding sources for McLean County programs, and the impact on people served. This was the second of these programs to create community awareness. We hope to collaborate again for a third program in the late summer or fall.
Photos above, from left: Rebecca Kinsey, Camille Taylor of LWV and The Documentation Project with facilitator Laurie Bergner, Michael Doherty |  | High School Students Generate Voter Energy
By Kyle Ciani, Director of Voter Services
High school hallways are some of the busiest spaces in the community, and the League Voter Services Committee (VSC) has experienced those traffic patterns during its voter registration sessions.
With invitations from administrators and Social Studies teachers in McLean County high schools, VSC members enter those hallways and help eligible students check their registration status or register to vote using the Vote411 QR code. Students user their phones to easily access website and enter their information. The entire process takes less than five minutes, and students walk away with voting stickers, candy, and a great feeling.
|  | | Packed With Purpose: LWVMC Volunteers at Midwest Food Bank
By Beth Porter
On the morning of February 7, twelve League members volunteered at Midwest Food Bank, and made a big impact in a short amount of time.
Working alongside volunteers from the Bloomington Mizzou Alumni Chapter, our combined group of more than 30 people spent the morning packaging dehydrated mashed potatoes into family-sized portions for distribution to local families.
Together, our League members packed 1,280 items during the shift.
|  | Beyond the numbers, the morning was a great example of what League membership can look like: neighbors showing up, learning about community needs, and building connections while serving side-by-side.
Thanks to everyone who participated, and to the Midwest Food Bank staff for hosting us. If you missed this service day, keep an eye out for upcoming hands-on membership events and opportunities to get involved.
| | |
| Welcome New January Members!
Barb Koski, Dana Penner, Lisa Penner, and Harriet Hughes. | | | Discover the League, Find Your Place
New Member Orientation ~ Next Session May 2
by Beth Porter, Membership Director
Curious about the League of Women Voters of McLean County—or ready to get more involved? Join us for a friendly, low-pressure New Member Orientation designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to participate. Whether you’re brand new, returning after some time away, or simply want a clearer picture of how the League works, this session is for you.
Click on the link below for more information or to register. Contact Beth Porter at membership@lwvmclean.org with questions.
| | Phone Call Friday: After-Hours Advocacy That Makes An Impact
Save the Date!
By Beth Porter
Join us for Phone Call Friday on Friday, April 24, from 5:30-6:30, at the HOPE Church. This League members-only event is also open to members' family. Bring your teen, spouse, or another family member who wants to learn alongside you.
This gathering will bring members together to learn about timely public issues, review talking points from trusted sources, and more. Come for learning, stay for the community, and take action together!
| | | LWV in the News
Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
Read LWVIL published news and media coverage.
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