League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest Newsletter February 2024 Volume 11 Issue 7

Studies and Positions

The principle of speaking with a single voice when discussing its positions is essential to the way the League operates. But how does the League of Women Voters arrive at its positions? The League is nonpartisan—we don’t endorse political parties or candidates. Yet we take positions on numerous issues confronting our country. We adopt positions to educate our members and the public and to reach agreement on how we will attempt to influence outcomes. The League never takes action without establishing a position based on study. Studies can be done at the national, state, local, or regional level. Examples of national positions are our support of the Equal Rights Amendment and our position on disposal of nuclear waste. The state has positions on land use, large- scale livestock facilities, and criminal justice reform.

Studies are done by assembling a committee of League members and non-members. They are formal, multifaceted, in depth, and they delve into the complexities of the issue, gathering data from sources representing the fullest spectrum of facts, ideas, and viewpoints. The committee meets with topic experts and considers relevant legislation. This is not a quick process. A study can, and frequently does, go on for two to three years.

The study must then be approved by relevant League chapters. No position can be adopted without a study, and no action can be taken without a League position to underlie that action. Positions are adopted at a yearly convention, and the position will guide the League’s advocacy. Once a position is established, the relevant League, national or state, is responsible for determining strategies and action plans. State and local Leagues have to cooperate to communicate in a manner consistent with national and state positions.

This is the definition of speaking with one voice. To make sure that happens, only the League president or a designee is permitted to speak or write representing the League. Individual members are encouraged to speak out and take action on League topics as individuals, but with no intimation that they are speaking for or on behalf of the League. This policy is in place to ensure that no individual except the president is seen as representing the League. Occasionally the state League will send an Action Alert to all members asking them to contact their representatives to advocate for a position on behalf of the League. These policies are in place to ensure that publicly stated positions are consistent with state and national positions.

Currently the Illinois State League is updating its study on gun violence prevention. Oak Park and River Forest League member Lois Love is a member of the state study committee. Lois, along with Suzanne Poisl, are soliciting input from our members. Both Lois and Suzanne have been involved with this issue for a long time and are working with committee chair Jim McGrath, the state league issue specialist on this topic. This process is going on in all the local leagues throughout the state.

To give your input, contact Lois or Suzanne to join a Zoom discussion. You can be part of this process and establish policies that help prevent gun violence.

Tina Birnbaum

LWV US President Dr. Deborah Turner died Sunday, January 28, 2024, after a brief illness. Her memorial and funeral services took place over this past weekend. You can read Dr. Turner's obituary here.  A memorial fund is being established in her honor, and LWV US has posted a blog of inspiring quotes from Dr. Turner here. Also, Dr. Turner loved to sing, and here is a wonderful video clip of Dr. Turner singing.  At the time of her death, Dr. Turner had just finished recording her "State of the League" address, which will be shared later.

Sania Irwin (LWV Glen Ellyn), formerly LWV US 1st Vice President, is now League of Women Voters President, and Dianna Wynn (LWV North Carolina and our national board liaison for Illinois) is serving as Vice President. The national board is very strong, and the board members will keep League moving forward. Our condolences go out to Dr. Turner's family.

On Tuesday, February 13, our Second Tuesday series will host a Zoom presentation with speaker Tim Daly, Director, Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform, The Joyce Foundation, and Chair, Fund for a Safer Future. Mr. Daly will join us to discuss the current trends in gun violence in Illinois, how new policies and practices are faring to curb this violence, and what we can expect in the months and years ahead on this issue. Register for this Zoom presentation here. The event goes from 9:30-11:00am.

Black History Month 2024: Facts, Theme & Origins | HISTORY.com  explains that Black History Month began in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederik Douglass. 

This year’s theme, Celebrate Black Art & Artists for Black History Month, explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression." Visit National Gallery of Art's site to “Witness the enduring mark Black artists have made on American art through more than two centuries of Black art" in their collection — from 19th century painters Joshua Johnson and Robert Seldon Duncanson to modern and contemporary artists Faith Ringgold, Alma Thomas, Romare Bearden, Kara Walker, and more. 

Want to celebrate and support local Back artists? A new Chicago retail store opened this week, showcasing products from local artists. Nedra Sims Fears with the Greater Chatham Initiative says the initiative wants to grow to provide a space for black vendors to showcase and sell their exceptional products. The store honors and pays tribute to Mahalia Jackson, renowned gospel singer, Civil Rights activist, local entrepreneur, and a Chatham resident. To learn more, visit Mahalia's in person Shop or go online to Mahalia's (mahalias.com).

More, including Voting Rights History is Black History, can be found at Black History Month Resources | League of Women Voters (lwv.org)

Learn about immigration. How can it be fixed? The League of Women Voters invites you to attend our Drinks & Dialogue presentation by Sara Dady, a seasoned immigration attorney of the Dady Law Group, who will share her expertise and insights on immigration reform. The presentation will be at Friendly's Tap, 6731 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL., Thursday, February 15, at 6:30. Snacks, a cash bar, and engaging conversations – Free and open to the public! Live music to follow the presentation.

In a world characterized by upheaval and conflicts, the importance of humanitarian aid has become clear. However, delivering aid in complex and often contentious situations presents challenges, especially significant when considering the principle of impartiality. Join Nathaniel Raymond, Rebecca Wolfe, and Kiran Misra on 

February 22 for a thought-provoking conversation about the critical issues surrounding humanitarian aid and intervention in conflict zones. Presented by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, you can register for this hybrid event here.

Cook County is still in need of election judges to work the March 19 Primary Election. Share this link to sign up yourself or encourage a neighbor or high school student to become involved with the most basic democratic process - Voting!

This year’s all-member Mix and Mingle will be Saturday March 16, Noon– 2:00pm at Brookdale. Details to come – join us!