 STATE VOTER
The League of Women Voters of New York State
March 2011 |
 Betsey's Briefs - Betsey Swan, President | |
ELECTRONIC VOTERS GUIDES
THE LEAGUE COMMITS TO THE 21ST CENTURY
Have you ever been frustrated that it is difficult for your League to get the press attention that you would like? Do you sometimes feel that your League should receive more community recognition for the valuable community services it provides? If the answer to either of these questions is, "yes," suffer in silence no longer. Do something about it. Commit to the new electronic voters guide, Vote411, offered free of charge by the state League to local Leagues in 2011.
What is Vote411?
It is a program which will enable your League to publish an in-depth, customized, electronic voters guide in a number of easy steps. Features include
- Absentee Voting Information
- Ballot Measures;
- Candidate Information, in as much detail as you elect to present;
- Election Dates;
- Voting Eligibility Requirements;
- ID Requirements;
- Polling Place Details;
- Provisional Voting explanation;
- Resources and Links;
- State Contact Info;
- Voter Registration information;
- Voting Machine Information
The ability to determine the elections for which you wish to prepare the voters guide, including primaries, regular elections, villiage elections, special district elections, including school districts.
Why should my League participate?
- It is free;
- It is easy;
- It is a way for your League to gain free publicity in the community;
- It is a way for your League to develop community partnerships with local organizations, including chambers of commerce, newspapers, and businesses.
How does my League participate?
- Notify the state League office that you wish to participate;
- Designate a person or committee to develop the voters guide;
- Work with the state League to develop local partnerships;
- Participate in training about how to develop the electronic voters guide.
Where and when do we get training to produce the voters guide?
- The best and easiest way to obtain training is to send one or more people to convention, where we will present training and give you a comprehensive handbook to take home.
- For those people who are unable to attend convention, we will make alternative arrangements.
When do we need to commit to produce an electronic voters guide?
- To guarantee the League is able to finance your participation for 2011, we need a commitment no later than the date fo convention. If you cannot commit by that date, your participation will be contingent upon our ability to raise funds.
Our local newspaper already publishes a voters guide. Why should our League replicate what already exists?
- You don't have to and you shouldn't. However, given the financial uncertainty all newspapers face, the League may be able to collaborate with your local newspaper, obtain a production partner and a source of finance, while offering the newspaper a less expensive option to finance its voters guide.
- The state League will work with you to market the voters guide to local papers and others.
Our local League currently publishes and distributes a printed voters guide. Will this be possible with Vote411?
- Yes. The program enables publication of both electronic and paper voters guides. Once the information ahs been collected, it is fairly easy to publish a written voters guide.
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| State Convention - May 20-22, 2011- Albany, NY | |
"STRONG MEMBERS, STRONG LEADERS,
STRONG GOVERNMENT"
2011 LWVNYS STATE CONVENTION
The first official call to the 54th State Convention (May 20-22 in Albany, NY) was mailed to all local Leagues earlier this month with the Registration Kit. As Betsey Swan said,
"Convention is time of exhilaration. It is a time to meet a group of dynamic leaders from around the state, a time to make new friends and renew old friendships. It is a time to learn the basics of League operation. It is a time for newer League members to be bitten by the "League" bug. It is a time to improve your League's use of technology. It is a time to learn to lobby and use the press, if this is something you always wanted to do but were afraid to tackle. It is a time to streamline your League, so that you become more effective with less work. It is a time to explore and learn how to use free software that will enable your local League to create its own electronic voters guide with a minimum amount of work and virtually no technical skills. It is a time to purchase romantic getaways and deluxe items at our silent auction. It is a time to hear the world renowned pollster John Zogby. It is a time to educate League members about important and timely political issues and to fight to have those issues adopted as part of the League's program."
In the Kit (click here) are listed many of the various workshops that will be available at Convention. On Friday, May 20, there is an afternoon of pre-convention workshops that is open to all members, not just delegates to Convention, at a minimal cost of only $10 per person (includes lunch). So, encourage your entire board or new members to come learn more about League operations, even if they are not staying for the Convention. There is also an opportunity to tour the New York State Capitol on Friday or Saturday.
Registration begins now. Send in your registration form and payment as soon as possible. Encourage others to come to Convention, too - from your local Board or other new or "experienced" members - there will be something for all at Convention.
The Silent Auction is still accepting donations - every local League was asked to donate a basket of items with a total value of at least $50. Send the state office a photo and description of your basket so we can include it in the Auction. The items and instructions to bid will be posted on the website in the next week or so; anyone can bid - you don't have to be attending the Convention. Look at the items on the website and place a bid - and keep watching to increase your bids as others bid as well. Get your neighbors, friends, co-workers to check out the great items and place a bid. Winners will be announced on Saturday evening at Convention.
The Big League Raffle tickets will be in the mail to everyone by April 1. Remember that this fundraiser provides funds for both the State League and your local League. The more you sell, the more your local League receives. And, the state League depends on fundraisers such as the raffle and the Silent Auction to avoid increasing PMP rates for local Leagues.
The Pre Convention Kit will be mailed to all people who register for Convention. This Kit will include the proposed budget for 2011-2012, the Nominating Committee report for the 2011-2013 State Board and the proposed program and action for 2011-2013. All of these issues will be discussed and voted on at Convention. So, register now and you'll receive all this information.
The Convention is the best way to renew your energy and enthusiasm for the League and to network with other League members about great ideas and programs. Don't miss out on this fun, educational and busy weekend of League!
REGISTER NOW!
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| Newly Updated First Vote | | First Vote, a guide to voting for new voters in NYS, has been updated and reprinted. Local Leagues may request copies with no charge except for shipping. It's a great document for high school seniors and natuarlized citizens. |
| Hydrofracking Events | |
Hydrofracking Meetings
The LWVNYS Hydrofracking Lobby Committee has asked to let local Leagues know about the following meetings (not League sponsored so follow instructions about registration or more information):
March 27 Summit for a Statewide Ban on Fracking in New York
SUNY Albany Lecture Center 10 AM-6PM
PLEASE REGISTER SO THAT WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING: http://bit.ly/e5v9iG or call Frack Action 347-709 3585
More about the summit: With only a few months until the moratorium on horizontal hydraulic fracturing is lifted-and with vertical fracking already causing problems across Western NY-we need to seize current momentum and widespread public concern to advocate loud and clear for what we all know that we need: a BAN! We know that when the public hears the truth about fracking, the vast majority of the population will stand with us in calling for a ban. For more information go to:
www.FrackAction.com
April 11Fracking Day of Action
The Day of Action is a broad coalition event sponsored by Citizens Campaign for the Environment and other large non-profit environmental advocacy groups in Albany. To learn more and sign up sign up go www.citizenscampaign.org
May 2-March on Albany-Details to be announced-Organized by Frack Action demand a statewide ban.
If you would like to help mobilize for the march, join us at the summit on March 27th!
For information about this event, please contact Frack Action: Contact Julia Walsh: 347-709-3585
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| ReShapeNY Coalition on Redistricting | |
ReShapeNY, a campaign to achieve redistricting reform organized by Citizens Union, with the League and NYPIRG on the Leadership Team, was launched In March in a simultaneous announcement in Albany and New Your City by its distinguished co-chairs and diverse coalition of thirty member organizations. For more information, see the new website: www.reshapeny.org.
It is a broad-based campaign made up of 9 distinguished New Yorkers serving as co-chairs, and 30 civic, issue advocacy, business and labor organizations. The campaign will lobby legislators and engage in public education across the state to ensure redistricting reform is realized. The campaign specifically seeks to remove the conflict of interest that occurs when self-interested lawmakers draw the maps of the districts they represent. People should choose their political leaders, not vice versa.
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| Students Inside Albany Conference |  Thirty five high school students from across New York state will be coming to Albany from April 10-13 to attend the League's Students Inside Albany Conference. They will hear from a variety of speakers about how government works and how they can influence or participate in the public policy of this state. They will also shadow their Assembly member and Senator for an afternoon. Watch for photos and more information on the website! |
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| Issues and Advocacy - Sally Robinson | |
February Advocacy Training
Over 20 people attended our first Advocacy Training day on February 7th. We invited all Issue Specialists, Lobby Committee members and Lobby Corps members to come to Albany for the day. Legislative Director Barbara Bartoletti and I provided training on our advocacy agenda and process and answered lots of questions about our issues, local advocacy, etc. The group toured the Capitol and then attended committee meetings or watched the legislative session from the gallery. Dinner at Betsey's home allowed for more informal and social interaction with the group. We have had great comments and emails about the activities and plan to make it an annual event and develop a specific focused packet of material for training purposes.
Carol Saginaw, past president of the Albany league, has volunteered to help with both the lobby corps and our grass roots lobbying efforts. Look out for an advocacy survey we are sending to local leagues.
League takes stand on Governor's Proposed Education Budget
On February 15, 2011, the League submitted testimony to the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2011-2012 Executive Budget Proposal on Elementary and Secondary Education. This testimony , which was prepared by President Betsey Swan, emphasizes League positions on financing education and property taxation and calls for:
- Adding the final two years of foundation aid into the budget prior to application of the Gap Elimination Adjustment;
- Replacement of the STAR program with a STAR circuit breaker, which would provide more meaningful relief to taxpayers according to need;
- Defeat of tax caps until the state fully implements the foundation aid approach to financing education.
Local leagues should look at this testimony to understand how our positions address the critical education budget issue. Local Leagues may now lobby on this issue based on the positions taken in the testimony. We will be following the tax cap issue in the Assembly and will let local Leagues know of any developments as soon as possible.
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| Transportation Issues - Gladys Gifford | |
Transportation Issue at League Convention
You're planning to come to the LWVNYS Convention, right?? Then you should be on the lookout for the "information session" that is devoted to transportation issues. If you are tired of bumpy highways, broken or obsolete bridges, then I urge you to attend. Topics to be discussed: bridges, washboard/bullet trains and/or how transportation works in NYS.
Additional reports from around the state will be featured, from the League transportation group that organized after the 2009 Convention.
Federal Budget Struggles
You may be aware that the Federal budget process is wobbling along, bedeviled by continuing resolutions because partisan politics will not allow careful and reasoned discourse. The two-week extension (to March 18) did not cripple essential transportation funding, simply because the cuts were only on paper, i.e., rescissions. (Reminder: a "rescission" is a cancellation of expected funding not yet received.) However, eliminated "earmarks" could curtail specific transportation projects.
The same single-minded focus to cut government spending that is wreaking havoc with essential human services will soon cut into funding for transportation maintenance, if not stopped. Additionally, this Congress is supposed to enact a new Transportation Act by October 1. Will they return to reasonable discourse by then?
On April 3-5, I will be attending a conference in Washington, DC, that focuses on transportation. I expect to have a clearer picture of probable Federal legislation in time for our convention in May.
Cuomo Budget on Track
As for Gov. Cuomo's budget, I find that the transportation section of the governor's budget can be supported, since the levels of funding are maintained at 2010-2011 levels. However, we must also recognize that the proposed levels of transit operating support are not adequate for future needs, but severely restrain capacity for transit systems to respond adequately to growing demand for services. |
| Membership News - Georgia DeGregorio |
 MEMBERSHIP AND CONVENTION There is no doubt that attendance at convention is a must for Leaguers. This is where the action is. You meet your fellow leaguers from around the state. You will hear ideas that you will want to take back to your home league. You can brag about the good things you have done and be congratulated on your good work. All around everyone is a winner.
Already you have seen the good work that Voters Service, Youth Programs, and Advocacy have done, working with local leagues on redistricting, election services, Students Inside Albany, and other important issues. Together this team work makes the League a special place to be.
Now we are facing another challenge. As expected, membership has dropped by 50% in past 10 years. Some of this is because the Nationally Recruited Members were dropped without signing them up as local members and during this process many leagues have "scrubbed their lists" to reflect a more accurate number.
We have only one way to go....that Is UP. And it can be done. Your state board is offering two methods of support. The first is the Membership Recruitment Initiative (MRI) and Leadership Development process. Eleven leagues will be chosen for the first year. We encourage each of you to apply to be part of that group.
For those leagues who will not be chosen this year, your State board directors (Membership and Regional Director Coordinator) will present a program at convention with discussion regarding the Best Practices that can be implemented right away. For instance...even before you attend the convention here are two every League can do: 1. Build an "ask" into every activity/event/op ed etc that you prepare/present. Board members should model for all members to personally invite people they meet to come to a league event and then follow up with an invitation to join, The personal approach is the most productive method. 2. Prepare an intentional plan to integrate new members into the League to the extent they wish.
At Convention, there will be workshops on these points as well as other ideas that can be used. It is most important that at least one board member attends who can share their success and challenges in implementing these suggestions and take back to their local league other ideas applicable to your local situation. It has been found that leagues who are most successful in recruiting and retaining members, do so with the full support of the board. We at State are your partners and biggest cheerleaders in facing this challenge of growth in numbers and new leadership.
MAL Unit Update
I have worked with Hamilton County and Orange County as they work to establish a firm foundation. I want to acknowledge Barb Thomas' (Saratoga LWV President and LWVNYS Regional Director) contributions with Hamilton. She is there in person whenever the weather permits and we are in phone contact about strategies to help these MAL's. The Wayne County MAL Unit seems to be breezing along with few people but lots of energy. They have teamed up with Rochester Metro Area League to staff a League table at the NYS Social Studies Teacher Convention in Rochester this month. They were able to get private donations to assist them. It should be a great opportunity for Leagues around the state to be exposed to teachers in their area for membership and youth programs.
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| Local League News | |
Many local Leagues celebrated Women's History Month (March) with programs on women in history. The Chemung LWV had a showing of Iron Jawed Angels, but also had an evening where members shared their favorite woman in history, either fictionalized or real. The Albany County LWV is also hosting a showing of Iron Jawed Angels followed by a discussion led by Dr. Stephanie A. Bennett, Assistant Professor in the School of Sociology/ Women and Gender Studies at the College of St. Rose. The LWV of Bronxville celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with Rona Holub, Co-Director, Graduate Program in Women's History at Sarah Lawrence College, Tara Rosenblum, Emmy-nominated Reporter/Anchor with News 12 Westchester, and Nana Fosu-Randall, Former Chief Financial Officer with the UN Peace Keeping Force and Founder of Voices of African Mothers. The Bronxville LWV, in coordination with LWV of Rye, Rye Brook and Port CHester, LWV of Westchester and LWVNYS, are organizing a luncheon later in March with honored guest, Former NYS Cour to Appeals Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye.
The LWV of Rochester celebrated "Sunshine Week" with a program presented by Blair Horner of NYPIRG and Dick Moss of the Democrat & Chronicle (local newspaper). In Saratoga, the LWV hosted Roert Freeman, Executive Director of the NYS Committee on Open Government, to discuss recent amendments to the open meeting law.
The LWV of White Plains is kicking off their participation in the LWVUS study on the role of federal government in education with a presentation by Beth Kava, Professor at the School of Education, Pace University, and former Coordinator of Social Studies for the White Plains School District.
At a meeting for the LWV of East Nassau Dr. Michael Hadjiargyrou, of Stony Brook University, will present a review and update of the historical development of human genetic engineering, the science behind it and applications in basic research, agriculture, livestock, and human medicine. The ethical, legal and social implications associated with this powerful and life altering biotechnology will be discussed.
The Plattsburgh LWV is hosting the Sheriff of Clinton County to discuss Women Incarcerated in Clinton County Jails and the Difficulties and Complications Involved. The LWV of Geneva was instrumental in 2001 in creating the Geneva Court Watching Task Force which has been observing courts, reporting on their observations, and forcing the people involved in the criminal justice system to be more accountable for their actions. Two founding members, Heather and Carl Aten, were honored for their service at a League luncheon.
Redistricting forums continue to be held across the state. Laura Ladd Bierman, LWVNYS Executive Director, and Barbara Bartoletti, LWVNYS Legislative Director, spoke at meetings in Broome/Tioga, Tompkins County and Plattsburgh using the power point presentation (still available on the homepage of our website). Barbara also was on a panel discussion on redistricting co-sponsored by Hofstra University and the LWV of Nassau County. In the Hamptons, LWV Hamptons board member Glorian Berk presented the redistricting presentation, followed by a presentation by LWV Hamptons President Carol Mellor on the impact of the recent US Supreme Court decision in the "Citizens United" case.
The LWV of NYC held a forum on redistricting with the following presenters: Joanne Pugh, LWVNYC Moderator; Hakeem Jeffries, Member of the New York State Assembly (AD 57); Adriano Espaillat, Member of the New York State Senate (SD 31) ; Jeff Reichert, Writer/Director showing clips from his recent film Gerrymandering; Erika Wood, Deputy Director of the Democracy Program, Brennan Center; Myrna Perez, Counsel, Brennan Center; and Barbara Zucker, VP Public Policy, Women's City Club. The forum had a standing-room only crowd on hand. The LWV of Syracuse is showing the movie, Gerrmandering, this month and then in April is co-sponsoring a community forum on redistricting with the Sierra Club.
Over 2,000 more voters were registered in Wayne County during 2010 thanks to a lot of effort by our new MAL Unit in Wayne County. They also participate in many of the new voting machine demonstrations. LWV of Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester is offering training to become a moderator at candidate forums, and hosted a mayoral forum ealier this month and will organize forums for school districts with contested elections later this spring.
The Impact of Health Care Reform: Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here? was the topic of a panel discussion sponsored by the LWV of Tompkins County at their February meeting. The March monthly meeting for the LWV of Utica/Rome was also on healthcare and the impact of federal legislation.
Hydrofracking continues to be an issue and the LWV of Bronxville had a showing of the film, Gasland, followed by a discussion on hydrofracking.
Joyce Rosenthal, President of the LWV of Smithtown, recently wrote a President's Message in their local bulletin which summarizes the strength of our members:
"Many of us are active in a myriad of activities and organizations. The groups may be more or less formal; some have specific guidelines or purposes. The range is from book clubs, sewing clubs, knitting clubs, boating clubs, hiking clubs, study groups, regular games with friends, regular sports activities, continuing education and others too numerous to list. Why do we participate in these pursuits?
We as a group are members of the League of Women Voters. Most of us sought the league; we made a determined effort to find the group and joined. There is loyalty to the League. Some of us have been members from the time we were young adults with families to raise. We raised the children, went to work then retired from work. The league was a constant. Sometimes we were more or less active. Others of us came to the league later in life you too, sought the league and are fiercely loyal.
The league can be defined as a voter service organization, or as group that studies pertinent issues and then comes to consensus. Only then will the league lobby for what the members feel is the correct. The league is willing to take a stand on issues important to the United States of America, the state, the county or the town the league is located in. The stand may or may not be popular with the public in general. The league is more than that; it is the people who are members that make the league what it is. They are capable of doing whatever is necessary.
League members participate in the league because of the ideals of the league. Those who join may not always agree with each other. They all have the ability to work together and recognize each other's differences. The ability to understand and work for an objective is the definition of a league member. The members make the league, which is why we are loyal, keep up our membership and are willing to give of ourselves our time and energy to this group."
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT CONVENTION!
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| Susan B. Anthony Musical Tribute | |
"Only the Message Matters"
Music and Lyrics honoring Susan B. Anthony
CDs available with a portion of sales donated to the LWVNYS
The song cycle/narrative, written by Bob Warren, focuses of Susan's early influences, her arrest for voting in the election of 1872 and subsequent trial. Bob Warren delivers a poignant musical exploration into the life and spirit of Susan B. Anthony with "Only the Message Mattered." Mr. Warren takes listeners on a journey that is as significant spiritually as it is socially. With its breathtaking harmonies and hauntingly beautiful melodies, the music is seamlessly interwoven with historical dialogue that leaves audiences of all ages and genders informed and enlightened. ( click here for purchase info) |
| 1919 Society |
We are pleased to announce another member of the 1919 Society: Paula Blum. She joins Barbara Bartoletti and Elizabeth Hubbard. Thanks so much to Paula, Barbara and Libby - your names will be engraved on a plaque in the state League office. Don't forget to tell the state League office if you have remembered the state League in your will. Join the 1919 Society, by including the LWVNYS in your will. If you already have included the League in your will, just let us know and we'll add you to the members of the Society. We will not ask for either proof of the bequest or its amount - we just want to honor your future support. You have worked so hard for the League for so many years. Why not help to ensure the future of the League by including support for the League in your will? Your donation can specify the Centennial Fund of the Education Foundation, a perpetually endowed fund, the general fund of the Education Foundation or the League. The process is simple, and we can help you with the correct language. Just contact Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director, LWVNYS, at Laura@lwvny.org or by phone at 518-465-4162 for more information or to join this new Society. If you believe that a strong League is vital to the health of our democracy, please become a member of the 1919 Society.
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