CALENDAR
February 12, 2025- Program Planning Consensus Meeting, Via Zoom 7:30 PM
February 28, 2025- Social Justice Symposium, Caldwell University, 8:15- 3 PM. Registration required. Fee $20
March 12, 2025- Reparations Consensus, Virtual, 7:30 PM
PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE
We remain busy with several activities planned.
On February 12, 2025, we will hold our Program Planning meeting where we will reach consensus on issues and positions for the LWVNJ Biennial Convention. We sent the package with the consensus questions and explanations. Please let us know if you need another copy.
In March, we will hold meetings related to two consensus issues, “Reparations” introduced by LWVNJ and “The Judiciary” by LWVUS. We will review material about these two issues, hold discussions and prepare responses to prepared consensus questions. We are also trying to arrange a public information session to further educate people about this critical issue (Reparations). Amy Ipp is on the state LWV committee that prepared the study We will also reach consensus on issues related to the Federal Judiciary, based on a mandate from LWVUS at its last convention. This is an integral part of the LWV democratic process to take
positions on issues.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a resounding success, thanks in part to our high school helpers and members who helped out at our table. Over 30 letters written by youth were presented at the January 27 Township Council meeting. Sidewalk improvements seemed to be a major concern among our young people.
We were a co-sponsor of the National Council of Jewish Women- Essex County Section luncheon with a panel of speakers on Social Media and how it affects young people. It was a fascination program and attendees learned quite a bit about this timely subject. If you are involved in any local organizations (non-partisan) with whom you would like to collaborate on a program, please let us know.
Our sincere condolences to member Joan Balash on the loss of her father.
MEMBERSHIP
Thanks you to those of you who have rejoined our League.
By now, you probably have received an email from LWVUS regarding its new membership platform. You donot have to rejoin at this point, but you can activate your account, fill out a membership survey and update your profile with the link provided in the email. Our webmaster, Shiela Lee has updated our website to reflect these changes.
When it comes time to renew, you will receive an email reminder. Dues will no longer be a fixed rate but will be pay-what-you-can. The recommended dues amount for all members across the country will be $75, but members can pay any amount (min. $20), including the current dues rate. Under the current system, LWV of Livingston pays a fixed rate per member to LWV of New Jersey and to LWVUS. Under the new system, a percentage of dues will go to the state and national League. This means that when you renew, if you would like to make an additional contribution directly to LWV of Livingston as some members choose to do when they renew, this will need to be separate from choosing a higher dues amount. A
higher dues amount benefits the League as a whole and allows us to offer the option of lower dues to increase our member base but does not exclusively support the local League.
There will still be the option to renew by check for members who do not use the internet, but members who are able to access the portal and renew that way are encouraged to do so.
VOTER SERVICE
The LWV of NJ is launching its Legislative Interview process. Local Leagues are asked to
meet with their state legislators to build relationships and better understand how we can
work together on legislative priorities in 2025.The LWVNJ is anticipating that the local leagues will interview each state legislator in their district and cover the entire state. We have participated in this process in the past and it has proven to be useful in getting to know our legislators and their governing priorities. Since the Montclair LWV shares the same legislators, we will work cooperatively with them. We are seeking a volunteer to spearhead this for our League as well as committee members to serve on the interview committee. Please contact us at livingstonlwv@gmail.com if you can volunteer.
On February 28, 2025, Caldwell University is holding its annual Social Justice Symposium. We were asked to participate, as we did last year, by having a table to register and educate voters. The event will also feature a luncheon with keynote speaker, correspondent Alecia Reid, breakout sessions covering topics including intersectionality, discerning misinformation from reputable information, skills addressing bias and
microaggressions in K-12 and college classrooms, and education on anti-racism, health disparity, climate change, antisemitism, LGBTQ+ advocacy. The event fee is $20. Please let us know if you can help at our table.
From LWVNJ
There are several events happening around the State and you are all invited to participate in the following efforts:
Million Voters Project
LWVNJ, working alongside coalition partners, will reach one million voters ahead of the 2025 Gubernatorial Election. Through deep canvassing, text banking, and community events, LWVNJ in partnership with our local Leagues will organize these voters to participate in the election. If you are interested in more information, please email Leonard Davis at Ldavis@lwvnj.org.
Call to Convention: The League of Women Voters of New Jersey will hold our 66th Biennial State Convention on Friday, June 6, 2025 and Saturday, June 7, 2025 at APA Hotel Woodbridge, Iselin, NJ.
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