June is here! Look in this newsletter for:
Read on, friends! | |
Dear Members & Friends,
At our Annual Meeting in May, we adopted the 2025-2026 budget, set program priorities for the coming year, and elected new officers. Joyce Jackson and Debbi Voss will be leading our organization as co-presidents. It’s going to take a village to get the job done in unprecedented times of social and political upheaval.
We also bid farewell to three board members who will be stepping back but not out – our fabulous treasurer, Angie Hardy Borne, who has relocated to Colorado; our intrepid Advocacy Director, Cynthia Griffin, who has taken on a role as one of the local co-chairs of Unite and Rise 8.5; and Outreach Director Krista Weatherford, who will chair our new Community Engagement Committee. Special thanks go to outgoing president Jessica Foreman for her steadfast engagement, professional demeanor, and sound advice in all aspects of LWVAA involvement. We are grateful to have her knowledge and experience as a Past President on the Board.
On May 1, LWVUS announced the Unite & Rise 8.5 initiative, part of the Women Defend Democracy campaign. The initiative was launched after a historic statement on April 17 by LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart and president Dianna Wynn that our country is in a constitutional crisis. Looking for ways you can participate in the movement to stop an authoritarian takeover? Check out the new Unite and Rise 8.5 page on our website for suggestions on how to use your energy and passion for democratic principles to help us navigate the next 18 months.
What's next?
We hope to see you on June 18 for the sold-out screening of the documentary Bringing Down a Dictator, co-sponsored by LWVAA and ResistAustin. Partnering with organizations who share common concerns about our democracy and its future is the first step LWVAA is taking for Unite & Rise 8.5.
|
On May 1, the National League of Women Voters launched Unite and Rise 8.5, a new initiative that aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters by using the power of voter engagement. This initiative, which will run until the 2026 midterm elections, is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign.
The number 8.5 million is the estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through non-violent protest.
We are using a multifaceted approach to reach these 8.5 million voters:
- Legal & policy advocacy
- Civic education & engagement
- Public mobilization & coalition building
- Democracy resilience
At May’s Annual Meeting, Education Director Shebah Washington introduced Unite and Rise 8.5 to LWVAA members. There was lots of excitement from the attendees about this new initiative: over 20 members signed up to learn more and get involved. How great is that!?!
We just launched a special Unite and Rise 8.5 page on our website. That's where you'll go to find all the information you need about this new initiative: information from LWVUS, ways to get involved, and -- always a fan favorite -- things you can do RIGHT NOW.
| Volunteers Needed: Making Democracy Work Upcoming Projects
At the 2025 LWVAA annual meeting, outgoing president Jessica Foreman outlined three areas that our chapter will focus on under the Making Democracy Work banner:
- Voting rights
- Improving elections
- Money in politics
In keeping with these priorities, the Advocacy & Education committee is seeking volunteers to help with two projects:
- Outlining the history of voter suppression in Texas
- Updating the 2015 LWVUS Money in Politics study materials, especially as they apply to Texas
If you're interested in working on either of these projects, please contact Joanne Richards.
| I-35: A Flashpoint for the City's Future is Debated at Austin City Council
A sharply divided Austin City Council took another step in the plan to put caps and parks atop I-35 through town when they voted to approve adding support columns to parts of the highway. Read the Austin Monitor article.
Big changes start with small actions. The City of Austin is asking for your feedback on what should be prioritized in a potential 2026 bond package. It’s quick, anonymous, and it actually matters. Take the 10 - 15 minute survey and have a say in Austin’s future.
Take a short survey to share your priorities on clean air, climate action, and public health. Your feedback will directly shape the region’s first-ever Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
|  | |
As the school year comes to an end, we would like to highlight two high schools:
- Navarro, for welcoming our First Vote! presentation in both fall and spring of this school year
- Weiss, for welcoming our presentation in the fall and for welcoming our volunteers to register voters ahead of Pflugerville ISD school board elections and at their senior check out day
And while on the subject of the end of the school year, let’s talk about AISD Grad Week! For many years, the Travis County Voter Registration Office organized the voter registration efforts during AISD Grad Week, establishing a district tradition. This year for the first time, the League of Women Voters Austin Area has the honor of leading the effort, with support from Travis County to help recruit volunteers.
Be on the lookout for announcements for our next First Vote! Workshop later in the summer.
Voter Registration and Turnout
Have you updated your Volunteer Deputy Registrar certification for the 2025 - 2026 cycle? If you plan to help register voters and have not yet updated your certification, please visit https://campsite.bio/tcvdr for a self-guided training and test or for the schedule of the next Zoom training.
Opportunities to register voters are posted regularly on the events calendar. Be on the lookout for multiple opportunities coming up in June.
Remember: you can help support democracy by encouraging organizations or events to provide a voter registration table. Send requests to: tablingrequest@lwvaustin.org
| It's Time for League 101! | Learn About the League on June 21!
Are you a new League member, League-curious, or a veteran member ready for a refresh?
Then make plans to join us at the LWVAA office on Saturday, June 21, for our quarterly League 101 meeting. You’ll learn about the history of the League, about how LWVAA is organized, and about how you can support our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 21
🕑 Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Alamo Baker Center, 3908 Avenue B, Austin, 78751
Know a friend or neighbor who might be interested in League membership? Bring them along!
| Communications & Technology
| You Can Help Fight for Democracy by Supporting LWV's Unite and Rise 8.5 Initiative
Every morning, with my tea in my hand, I read the news. Local, state, and national news from many sources. Then I share LWV Austin Area posts on social media. We unite and become powerful when you read, take action and share posts with others.
"Unite" Means Bringing People Together
Through the news and social media, I find community organizations that align with LWV values. I share LWV actions with them and share their work serving their community. You can help build power by uniting with others. Let us know which organizations you are sharing with so I can promote their nonpartisan events.
Click on the links below to view LWV posts on your favorite social media platform.
| LWVAA Events
- Ongoing: Voter registration events - In addition to our regular Friday night gig at the Alamo South Lamar, we'll be registering voters at the AISD Grad Week! Check our event calendar to sign up for a shift.
- Wednesday, June 18 - Bringing Down a Dictator documentary screening at The Rosette (SOLD OUT)
- Saturday, June 21 - League 101 - New to the League? League-curious? Long-time League member ready to reengage? This is the place for you! Learn a bit about League history, about how LWVAA is organized, and about opportunities to get involved.
Community Events
- Thursday, June 5 - Rise for Freedom Training Series: Media Storytelling with a Focus on Broadcast & Social Media
- Friday, June 6 - The 89th Legislature & the Future of Texas: This year, Texas lawmakers grappled with questions that will help determine the future of this state. In this online event, teams from The Texas Tribune and Texas 2036 will come together to discuss what happened -- and what's coming next.
- Wednesday, June 11 - Education & the Legislative Session: The 2025 legislative session has been one of the most consequential for Texas schools and libraries in recent memory. After the session concludes, join the Texas Tribune‘s weekly podcast, TribCast, to discuss what happened and look ahead toward the impact on Texas schools and libraries.
| Read LWVUS Blogs & Press Releases
LWVUS Urgent Actions!
| Members: Don't Forget to Order Your LWVAA Name Badge!
Let them know you're ready to empower voters and defend democracy by wearing your very own LWVAA name badge! Great for VDRs, Observer Corps, and First Vote! team members. Badges are $20, which includes tax and shipping. To order, log in to the LWVAA website and click the "Name Badges & Pins" link in the Members Only dropdown menu.
Visit the LWVAA Shop for Your Voter Registration Apparel!
Promote the League with t-shirt, mug, or tote bag! League stickers are great to hand out! All these things and more are available from the LWVAA store on Threadless.
| Welcome to Our Newest Members!
| |
Michele Chambers
Cheney Crow
Emily Gurney
Vishy Iyer
Misty Lassiter
|
|
Janet Litten
Victoria Longoria
Lee Lopez
Erin Morgan
Heather Nelson |
|
|
Robin Rosenstock
Blanca Sanchez-Navarro
Elizabeth Santellanes
Suzanne Tyler
Alexis Woffenden |
|
| The League shall not support or oppose any political party or candidates. It may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest after significant study and consensus is reached. | |