 |  | | From Cutting Hair to Making History
Imagine being the first person to vote in the state of Illinois. David Strother, a barber, was just that person. Here’s your chance to learn more about Strother, the first person of color to cast his vote in the state. On Saturday, August 23, join other league members as we tour the Project XV Museum in El Paso.
There will be a presentation and video, followed by a self-guided tour of the museum. A docent will be available to answer questions. After the tour, we can gather at Java Café in downtown El Paso for a refreshing drink and a snack.
Here are the details for the tour:
Project XV Museum
1 Front Street, El Paso
Saturday, August 23
Tour begins at 1:30
Admission is $15/person; $8/person over 65 (pay at the door)
Car pooling will be available. We'll meet in the Schnuck’s parking lot in North Normal at 12:45. If you want to drive on your own, just meet us at the museum for the 1:30 start time.
Hope you can join us for a little history and conversation.
RSVP below.
|  | | Challenging Leagues to Protect Democracy
State Convention Recap
by Faith Russell
Our McLean County League sent three delegates to the 2025 LWV state convention in Naperville on June 21. Chad Kahl, Faith Russell, and Laurie Wollrab were among the 130 delegates representing 41 local Leagues who met to celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. We adopted our budget, new bylaws, and Program. We also elected officers and directors for the 2025-27 Biennium.
The business portion of the convention was bookended by two speakers who insisted on the critical need for League action at this time. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood of the 14th District emphasized that the work of protecting democracy takes all of us. She noted that we must already be looking toward the redistricting process coming after the 2030 census. LWV of Illinois President Becky Simon challenged us to be on the forefront of protesting those actions and policies that threaten our democracy. Both speakers encouraged us all to step up our involvement to the next level.
Our McLean County League is poised to do just that as we prepare for a vitally important 2025-26 year.
Pictured here: Above, Chad Kahl, Laurie Wollrab, Faith Russell; Below Keynote speaker Representative Lauren Underwood, 14th District of Illinois | | | | League Music and Mingle
ISU Music on the Quad
by Beth Porter
July 21
Mingle 6 pm - 7 pm
Music 7 pm - 8 pm
Come out and enjoy a beautiful evening on the Illinois State University Quad, where you can get to know other League members and enjoy a free concert. On July 21, Twin City jazz band Kevin Hart and Vibe Tribe will play in front of Cook Hall on the ISU campus at 7 p.m. You can see more information at https://www.facebook.com/ISUCOTQ.
Bring a picnic, chair, or blanket, and wear your McLean Co League t-shirt. A table will be set up at 6 pm, featuring a purple tablecloth, located in the back of the seating area, so you will be able to see where we will be set up.
No RSVP is needed. Just come as you are, and join in the great music and good company.
| | |  | | League Member Making a Difference in the Community
An early step toward addressing the need for affordable housing in our community has been completed. The Bloomington-Normal Community Land Trust has been formed, in part through the efforts of LWVMC Board Member Georgene Chissell.
The local housing shortage is one of the issues identified by our local League as warranting attention and action. Georgene has kept us updated on her work and progress to address this need.
In the attached article, WGLT provides details on the formation and approach of the Bloomington-Normal Community Land Trust, with their goal being to provide homes for “missing middle” homebuyers. We thank Georgene and her co-leader in this work, Mark Adams, president of the Land Trust, for this service to our community.
Photo above: Georgene Chissell and Mark Adams, courtesy of WGLT
| | A Note of Appreciation
Congratulations to Laurie Wollrab for leading a very busy, successful year for the LWV of McLean County!
| | | | Welcome to Our Newest Members!
By Beth Porter
Donna Gerig, Anne Marie Beck, and Hannah Eisner.
| | | League Member Orientation ~ July 26
By Beth Porter, Membership Director
The next New Member Orientation Session is scheduled for July 26 at 9:30 a.m. It will be via Zoom. Please sign up, and the Zoom link will be sent to you 2-3 days before the session. All are welcome to attend: Prospective members, new members, and seasoned members who may have stepped away from the league's activities for a while, want an overview of the League's work and activities. Please sign up by July 23.
| | Democracy in Your Hands Series
June – October 2025
Our nation is in a constitutional crisis. Now more than ever, it's critical that League members have the tools they need to mobilize their communities to defend our democracy. To help leagues prepare, LWV is facilitating upcoming training opportunities.
| Democracy in Your Hands, a virtual training series, will include five key topics, outlining how Leagues can activate and mobilize their communities in this rapidly changing political environment and make a lasting impact. Members are welcome to attend any of the following sessions, occurring through the summer and early fall. Find the upcoming agenda and more information on each session here.
| | | LWVUS Announces Federal Judiciary Position
321 Leagues in 45 States Participated in the Study
In June 2025, the LWV national Board announced the adoption of a new League position on the Federal Judiciary. At this critical time for the federal judiciary, this new position will enable the League to act on legislative and executive efforts towards its reformation. It was adopted using the long-standing League practice of grassroots study to arrive at member understanding and agreement.
The Federal Judiciary position states that, within the bounds of the US Constitution, the overarching principles of transparency, accountability, independence, and ethics are essential to an effective federal judiciary. It notes that these principles are not only essential for a strong democracy but also foster public trust in the federal judiciary and adherence to the rule of law, which is the essence of our constitutional democracy. This position also covers standards of conduct, criteria around disclosure, and respect for precedent.
| | Get Your League T-Shirt
Order your T-shirt today! Just click on the button to take you to our League Storefront.
T-Shirt | | | LWV in the News
Read more LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
| League of Women Voters of McLean County
P.O. Box 932, Normal, IL 61761
Email: info@lwvmclean.org
Web: lwvmclean.org | |