| Last Call!
Action Planning Meeting | May 14
You're needed to join with other League members to consider local actions to support our mission to empower voters and defend democracy. In Wednesday's meeting, we'll gather input on ideas currently under consideration, as well as other ideas for action, and more.
It's not too late to register. All members are encouraged to join in at 5:30 PM, Bloomington Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.
| | |  | | Consider Stepping Up
by Laurie Wollrab
Our League runs on volunteer people power, and we have many dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy. Our volunteers make our successes happen and ensure that our LWV voice is heard. From programs, education, voter registration, observing and conducting studies, to leadership, oversight and planning, it is our members who make these things happen. Members bring their talents, experience and varied approaches to fulfilling the League of Women Voters’ mission.
Continuing our proud legacy, ongoing since 1933, now depends on you. Foremost, we are searching for next year’s Vice President. The Vice President spends a year on the board, becomes familiar with League operations and assists the President as needed. It has been our tradition that the Vice President take the role of President in the following year. The Vice President, once elected by the membership, begins their term on July 1.
Our Governance Committee has worked hard to fill this role but cannot call upon each member individually. I ask that you consider stepping up as this coming year’s VP. The Board has discussed the possibility of creating co-presidents, as this could be a solution to time commitment concerns. Our bylaws allow for co-vice presidents and co-presidents, which would be a natural step, and one already taken by some other local leagues.
I am happy to speak with you in person, or by phone, or answer email inquiries about this critical role. Please contact me at president@lwvmclean.org
| | Proposed LWVMC Program for 2025-26
Input Requested from Members
by Faith Russell, Director of Issues & Advocacy
During our League of Women Voters of McLean County Annual Meeting on June 12, members will be asked to adopt our Program for 2025-26. Program, as defined by the League of Women Voters, is "coordinated and purposeful action to implement the principles of the League.”
For our work in McLean County, the board is proposing two elements of Program: 1) Local actions based on the LWVUS campaign Unite and Rise 8.5 (see accompanying article), and 2) completion of our Election Authority Study currently in progress.
We welcome members' suggestions for additional Program elements. These can be provided at the May 14 Local Planning Meeting or by direct submission to info@lwvmclean.org. | | |  | Unite and Rise 8.5
Campaign to Defend Democracy
On May 1, 2025, LWV launched the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. Unite and Rise 8.5 showcases the many ways voters can drive change through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement.
On April 17, LWV CEO Celina Stewart and President Dianna Wynn released a statement declaring that the country is in a constitutional crisis in announcing Unite and Rise 8.5. The initiative will run from now until the 2026 midterm elections.
Unite and Rise 8.5 will take a multifaceted approach to nonprofit protest and civic activism, including legal and policy advocacy, public mobilization and coalition building, civic education, and more.
The number 8.5 refers to the estimated 8.5 million voters the League seeks to activate to combat an authoritarian takeover attempt. A Harvard study from the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights found that "Nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts...and those engaging a threshold of 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change."
We expect to leverage and adopt the approach and resources of the initiative to frame our own local advocacy plan. (See accompanying articles about May 14 Action Planning meeting, and Proposed LWVMC Program for 2025-26.)
| | Welcome to the League!
April Brought Many New Faces
Say hello to our new and returning members: Tricia Carson, Janice Forrest, Theresa Garrett, Ann Hanson, Julie Hiles, Carol Kerestes, Patricia Klass, Cynthia Knutilla, Mary McCulley, Dianne Renn, Monica Rondone, Deanna Sears, Nancy Snook, and Shauna Whitmar. | | | New Member Orientation | May 17
by Beth Porter, Membership Director
Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Bloomington Public Library.
New to the League? Have a friend who is thinking about joining? Not a "newbie" but want to learn more? This session is for you.
| | Represent LWV of McLean County
Be a Delegate to the Illinois Convention
Naperville, IL on June 21
This is a terrific opportunity to meet members from around the state, learn more about the League’s inner workings, help shape the LWVIL direction and choose its leadership. LWV McLean County delegates will vote on positions, Program, bylaws, budget, and LWVIL board. Sponsorship for delegate registration and travel will be available.
To become a delegate register on our website calendar (link below) and you will be contacted.
| | | | Drinks & Dialogue Recap
by Camille Taylor, Drinks & Dialogue
Pictured from left to right are: Vera Traver, from the YWCA Labyrinth program, Toy Beasley, President of the McLean County Re-entry Council and the Central Illinois Regional Coordinator for the Illinois Coalition To End Permanent Punishments (ENDPP.org) and Kara Powell, a Case Manager with the McLean County Jail.
They shared stories and information on what formerly incarcerated individuals go through as they try to integrate back into the community.
It was very educational and some information on pending legislation that individuals can support was shared. Go to ENDPP.org for more info if you are interested. | | | Coming Events & Meetings ~ Save the Dates
by Beth Porter
LWV of McLean County Annual Meeting will be held Thurs, June 12, 6:00 PM, Bloomington Public Library. Our annual meeting is a time to celebrate the past year, recognize our accomplishments, and turn our attention to the coming year. Agenda and expected business items are pending.
Honor League member Sally Rudolph. She has been named History Maker 2025 by the McLean County Museum of History. The gala is June 18. Register here. 2025 History Makers Gala
LWVIL Convention 2025, business sessions on Saturday June 21, 9 AM - 5 PM. Attend in-person in Naperville, or remotely. Watch upcoming News Blast publications, and the LWVIL convention website lwvil.org/convention-2025 for more information as it becomes available.
| | Get Your League T-Shirt
Order your T-shirt today! Just click on the button to take you to our League Storefront.
T-Shirt | | | League of Women Voters of McLean County
P.O. Box 932, Normal, IL 61761
Email: info@lwvmclean.org
Web: lwvmclean.org | |