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Dear League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro Members,
“As citizens of the world, we must protect our planet from the physical, economic, and public health effects of climate change while also providing pathways to economic prosperity.”
The League of Women Voters has been at the forefront of the environmental protection movement for decades, consistently supporting legislation to preserve our nation’s natural resources and protect our public health.
This April, as we commemorate Earth Day, it is imperative that we reflect on the critical role each of us plays in protecting our environment. Our planet sustains us in countless ways, and it’s our responsibility to ensure its preservation. This responsibility extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires active participation and engagement in the democratic process.
As the League of Women Voters, we understand that protecting our planet goes hand in hand with exercising our rights as citizens. By volunteering our time, raising awareness, and advocating for meaningful change, we can amplify our voices and drive progress towards a more sustainable future. Through our advocacy and engagement, we can hold our elected officials accountable and demand policies that prioritize environmental protection and sustainability.
As members of the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and democracy!. We will have a table at Earth Day United a community Earth Day event on April 20th, from 1 PM - 4 PM at Unity of Wichita, located on the SE corner of 21st and Oliver, Wichita, KS.
No rest for our dedicated members, as March was full of buzz!
Here are some highlights:
-We have new Suffragist business cards with QR codes on the back where people can register to vote or check their voting status. You can send us an email or message on Facebook, and we will make sure you have a stack of these colorful cards to hand out at all your meetings and events.
-Medicaid Action Postcard Campaign with the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, and Women for Kansas was a huge success! Thank you all who made the trip to Topeka.
-Flat Tax in Kansas - Tuesday Topics panel discussion with the pros and cons of a flat tax
-Reproductive Rights in Kansas was the focus at our unit meeting. We learned a lot from our guest speakers from Planned Parenthood and Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, and will continue to educate others.
-Kansas’ Presidential Preference Primary was only the 3rd one Kansas has ever seen, with the other two occurring in 1980 - 1992. Thank you for voting, and those who worked the polls! It was my first time, and what a long, but exciting experience! Encourage your friends and family to be part of the civic process. APPLY RIGHT NOW
- Both Co-Presidents participated in the Election Post-Audit.
- Restore My Vote Community Meeting - We tabled and educated ourselves further on the lack of access and information to the tens of thousands of Kansans with past felonies who are eligible to vote, but may not know it.
-League Day at the Capitol - March 11, 2024 - There were three league members there. It was a great day with inspirational speakers.
-Suffragist memorial at State Capitol - More information coming soon
-National Convention in Washington D.C. June 27-30 - Our convention will be a fully hybrid experience, with both combined and unique experiences for in-person and virtual attendees. All information related to the National Convention, including registration and hotel bookings can be found here.
-LWVW-M Position on USD 259, Our local league completed a study on Wichita Board of Education Election Method.
Thank you to our dedicated Study Committee: Leah Kasten, Co-Chair, Ernestine Krehbiel, Co-Chair, Cecilia Green, Paul Babich.
APRIL is filled with opportunities of all levels of commitment to come out and offer your talents as a League member. Don't forget to check our events calendar in this VOTER and stay tuned for updates in your emails and on our website.
Numerous presentations and tabling events by Voter Services are in the works. For more information on those opportunities, feel free to reach out to Barbara Bell at voterservices@lwvwichita.org..
April 11th - Naturalization Ceremony. WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex- Lowe Auditorium
https://volunteersignup.org/838YT
April 14th Open Streets ICT - See info below
April 20th Earth Day United 1-4 PM (Earth Day is April 22nd)
Unity of Wichita, 2160 N Oliver Wichita, KS 67208
April 22nd Unit Meeting: Public/Mental Health with Guest Speaker
Dawn Shepler. Advanced Learning Library 6 PM
Doors open at 5:30 PM
April 23rd Tuesday Topics - Electoral College - Pros and Cons
Advanced Learning Library 6 PM
April 24th Voter Services - Presentation for Government AP Class
North High School 8:00 am
April 27th LWV - Kansas Council Meeting: Make Every Vote Count
Hosted this year by LWV Lawrence/Douglas County
10AM, Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence.
Mark your calendars, more details to come. Registration will be about $15
Items members will vote on at LWVK Council
EVENTS TO CONSIDER THIS MONTH:
Arab American Heritage Month
National Volunteer Month
April 14 – 20: National Volunteer Week
April 16: DC Emancipation Day
April 22: Earth Day
We're also on the lookout for fresh talent to join the Board. Board meetings take place on the third Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 925 N Waco, Wichita. You are always welcome to attend, observe how things work, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our many events!
Jessica Maldonaldo and Nancy Brown, Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters of Wichita-Metro |