League Activities

Please see the Calendar for more information about upcoming events.

See below for the following LWVGL activities:

LWVIN Convention Diversity Roundtable Summit VI Women's Studies and March 2012 Annual Legislative Coffee Print: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Bus signs Voting in 2012: The How and Why of It Candidate Forum for State Legislature LWVIN Regional Workshop

2012 Transitional Meeting Annual Summer Picnic Presidents Day Workshop League Link Lunches Legislative Breakfast Observer Corps Voter Registration

LWVIN CONVENTION
LWVGL attended the 2013 LWVIN Convention on April 27-28 held at Turkey Run State Park with four delegates; Betty Doversberger, state board member, Corrina Than, new League member and first time convention attendee, Karen Griggs, newly appointed to the LWVIN Board and Joanne Evers, outgoing president of LWVGL. Guest speakers covered a recap of the 2013 Legislative Session from Julia Vaughn, Common Cause; the Value of Civility by Robert Steele, ethics professor from DePauw University; review of the Hoosier Survey from Raymond Scheele and Joe Lasko from the Bowen Center at Ball state University and a greeting and explanation of how LWVUS assists the Local Leagues from Pat Donath, LWVUS liaison to LWVIN.

Over 50 delegates from across the state participated and learned from each other sharing ideas and information in workshops that included the topics of Voter Service, Visibility in an electronic age, Fundraising ideas, and Membership and Leadership Development. The Silent Auction was a great success. Of course the business items were completed with efficiency and agreement. Below are some highlights from the weekend.

Julia Vaughn, Common Cause Workshop on Voter Service Local League Display Local League Display Gail presenting award to Hamilton County for most increased membership Fundraising Workshop A sample of auction items LWVGL delegates with display, Joanne Evers, Karen Griggs, Betty Doversberger and Corrina Than Board member, Kimber Sorenson-Brugh, introducing Raymond Scheele from the Bowen Center, Ball State University Karen Kay Leonard receiving a gift from the State Board for her service and leadership

Robert Steele, DePauw University Pat Donath, LWVUS Liaison to LWVIN Gail Pebworth, Pat Donath and Karen Kay Leonard, outgoing LWVIN president Local League Display Susanne Gaudin, incoming state president with outgoing board member Albrecht Holschuh Workshop on League Visibility Sample of auction items Outgoing treasurer, Lorraine Jensen, presenting the proposed budget to convention Raymond Scheele and Joe Lasko answering questions on the 2012 Hoosier Survey completed by the Bowen Center Karen Kay passing the gavel to Susanne Gaudin

DIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE SUMMIT VI
LWVGL co-sponsored the Diversity Roundtable Summit VI held on April 11, 2013. It was a day of learning, sharing and planning on how to make `Greater Lafayette a Community of Choice'. Gloria Thomas, director of U of M's Center for the Education of Women from Ann Arbor, Michigan shared the successes they have had in growing Ann Arbor into a great community to live, work and play in. Panels of Young Professionals, International Students, and the Latino Community discussed the pros and cons of living in the Greater Lafayette Community. Work continues on improving the quality of life for all residents of Greater Lafayette.

Note the LWVGL new table cloth! Registration table with Jean Andres and friend (Jean is a long time member of the Diversity Roundtable). Jean is also a long time League member. Additional vendors at the summit

Gloria Thomas from Ann Arbor Young Professionals International Center Representatives, Purdue University Latino professionals and students

Top of page

WOMEN'S STUDIES SERVICE LEARNING AND
MARCH FOR WOMENS HISTORY MONTH
During the months of February and March 2013, LWVGL partnered with four students enrolled in the Introduction of Women's Studies Course at Purdue University to share our history, positions and action. Tayler, Kiley, Emma and Yijie learned about the League, attended board and member meetings, attended public governmental meetings, interviewed current and former elected officials and viewed the film "Ironed Jawed Angels". They prepared a power point on the League and participated in a campus and community wide symposium for all the Women's Studies service learning projects. Through the grant received by the students from the Purdue Service Learning Grant Program, LWVGL was able to obtain a new logo `studded' table cloth to use at League events. Thank you!

The two month experience culminated in a campus wide march on March 22, 2013 and involved the service learning partners, Purdue organizations and academic departments. Over 400 individuals participated in the march ending in a Rally at the Cordóva Recreational Center. The keynote speaker was Zoe Nicholson, longtime social justice activist, who gave a talk on the actions of Alice Paul which helped lead to the 19th Amendment for Women's Suffrage.

On April 12, 2013 the students presented a symposium on their learning process and actions to promote academic knowledge and communication as a bridge to social activism.

Check out the video and article from the march and the pictures taken of LWVGL at the march. It was a great experience for all. Let's hope it leads to more of the same.

LEGISLATIVE COFFEE
The 2012 Annual Legislative Coffee held on Dec 6 was a great success. The League invites members and legislators representing voters in Tippecanoe County to discuss League issues. This year's hot topics included support for Health Care and Public School Education including Kindergarten both of which may surface in the upcoming 2013 General Assembly. The League presents timely positions and individuals may ask important questions of the Legislators. Patsy Hoyer hosts our gathering in her festive home and all share a social and informative evening. Thanks to all.

President Joanne Evers welcomes the members and Legislators and shares information on the LWVUS position on Public Education; recently approved March 2012.

Membership Chairperson Donna Giroux shares information on the national Health Care Position

Representative Sheila Klinker, House District 27 Representative Randy Truitt, State House District 26

Representative Tim Brown, State House District 41 Senator Ron Alting, State Senate, District 22

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
Prints were distributed at the LWVGL Annual Meeting entitled, `Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'. The print by Carol Wantz was reprinted and used as a fundraiser for LWVIN in the early 1990's. An explanation of the print was also available. A few copies are still available if you would like one to frame for yourself or as a gift. Contact Joanne Evers at 765-497-1040 or president@leaguelafayette.org.

Busses travelled the Greater Lafayette area during September and October 2012.

Top of page

PUBLIC FORUM: VOTING IN 2012: THE HOW AND WHY OF IT

    

CANDIDATE FORUM FOR STATE LEGISLATURE
LWVGL cosponsors a Candidate Forum with Wabash Area Lifelong Learning Association (WALLA) featuring candidates for the state legislature.

The Candidate Forum was well attended at the Morton Community Center on September 5, 2012. Time keepers and question sorters were kept busy and performed with the highest standards. Thanks to Joe Kraus of WALLA and Jean Andres of LWVGL and all the volunteers for making this event possible. Also thanks to Jeff Smith, News Director of WLFI, for moderating the forum. His continued support for this event is appreciated.

    







Top of page

LWVIN REGIONAL WORKSHOP, "Power the Vote", was held in Muncie, September 8, 2012. League members from across the state discussed and learned more about how to engage members and community members in exercising the franchise. Dr. Losco, professor and chair of the Political Science Dept. at Ball State University, discussed the Citizens United ruling from the US Supreme Court and how it directly effects voting. Read the presentation.

Greater Lafayette attendees: Joanne Evers, Donna Giroux, Betty Doversberger, Ginny Webb and Deb Schwarte An attentive audience

Dr. Losco presents

2012 TRANSITIONAL MEETING was held at the home of Donna Giroux on June 12. Ten Leaguers met to set the calendar for the year and plan for membership, voter service, Voter dates and more. Thanks to our host Donna and all who attended.

Great meal, great ideas and great company	Cathy Potter making a point
Good conversation before working

Top of page


Annual Summer Picnic.

LWVGL members and guests attended the annual picnic at Happy Hollow Park on August 18, 2012. We enjoyed great food, company and weather while we caught up with friends and made new ones. Since we are in the middle of an election year where health care is a topic of discussion, two members with interest and expertise presented information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Donna Giroux shared the Leagues current position on health care and how the ACA is viewed through the lens of the League. Michael Oxenrider provided valuable information on the Facts and Myths of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Michael's document is available through the home page. Check it out.

Getting set up Let's Eat! Always good discussion Program announcements and agenda Michael Oxenrider sharing Fact and Myths on the patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Anticipating the members' arrival Donna Giroux explaining the League's Health Care Position Always something new to learn!

Top of page

LWVGL attends Presidents Day Workshop hosted by LWV of Indiana on February 18, 2012 in Indianapolis!: Betty Doversberger, Donna Giroux, Ginny Webb and Michael Oxenrider represented LWVGL and attended workshops on voter suppression, education funds and maintaining local League status. Tim Berry, Auditor, State of Indiana, spoke on 'Transparency in Government'. A review of the State and National websites was presented and LWV South Bend Area described their success with the High School Voter Registration Project. Of course we sang Happy Birthday to LWV!

Betty Doversberger (also servers on state board), Michael Oxenrider, Donna Giroux, Ginny Webb	Tim Berry, Indiana State Auditor
Gail Pebworth, State Liaison to LWVGL	Ginny attending a workshop

Top of page

League Link Lunch: This is a long standing, informal gathering over lunch to talk and learn about current events, maintain friendships and create new ones. League Lunch is held every second Tuesday of the month at Jane's Gourmet Deli from noon to 1pm. Come and go as your schedule permits.

Members and friends of the League enjoying and learning from each other.

Top of page

Legislative Breakfast: The Legislative Breakfast is held each year in Jan or Feb. This event is open to the public, and is an opportune time to hear from local legislators.

February 23, 2013 - LWVGL Legislative Breakfast

Maps of State House and Senate Districts with League information

Legislators and community

Joanne Evers, president, welcoming legislators and community	Liz Solberg, moderator
Senator Ron Alting with introductory statement	Representative Sharon Negele responding to a question
Representative Don Lehe sharing his thoughts	Representative Sheila Klinker commenting on an issue
Representative Randy Truitt with his perspective

An attentive audience

Top of page

Observer Corps: The League has been a champion of government transparency since our founding in 1920, and it is one of our core principles and a vital part of our mission. We have an Observer Corps of members who are willing to commit one year to attending all the meetings of one local governmental board or commission and report on the business that was transacted at each meeting. Click on "Observer Corps" at left for more information.

VOTER REGISTRATION

  CityBus Depot, September 18, 2012
Thanks to CityBus for their cooperation in voter registration and the volunteers who assisted including Sherry McLauchlan, Amy Hockema, Betty Doversberger, Cynthy Scruggs, Donna Giroux and Joanne Evers

    

  Purdue University in cooperation with Purdue Student Government, September 25&26, 2012
It was a pleasure working with the Purdue students. It was a busy and successful two days.

  Naturalization Ceremony at Global Fest
The annual Global Fest in West Lafayette features cultural entertainment, food and art to celebrate the city's diversity. LWVGL provides voter registration following the Naturalization Ceremony where eligible residents become U.S. citizens.

Thanks to Walt Dalsimer, Michael Oxen rider and Debby Sherman for registering new citizens to vote at the 2012 Naturalization Ceremony.
It was a busy and joyful experience for all.

        



Ivy Tech Community College, September 10 and 11, 2012
Volunteers visited Ivy Tech, Lafayette to register students to vote. Thanks to all who assisted: Emma and Walt Dalsimer, Sherry McLauchlan, Sue Render, Sheila Rosenthal, Beth Goodman, Debby Sherman and Keiko Rao.

West Lafayette Farmers' Market

Everyone needs to eat their fruits and vegetables and everyone needs to register to vote.

        
August 22, 2012 - Thanks to Debby Sherman, Beth Goodman and Mary Tilden                          October 3,2012 - Thanks to Dee Tritschler for her service to the League

  Mosey Down Main Street, May 2012
LWVGL members join the festivities in Downtown Lafayette to register voters for the upcoming elections.

Joanne Evers and Karen Griggs, May 2012	Diane Damico, Michael Oxenrider, Joanne Evers with prospective voter, June 2012
July 9, 2011 First time voter!
August 13, 2011 More first time voters. Let's hear it for the future leaders!

Top of page

The Local Government Study Committee completed its study of library services in Tippecanoe County December 2011. Read the complete report. Thank you to all the committee members for this study and professional report. Members included Jean Andres, chair; KD Benson, Shelly McLauchlan and Joanne Evers.

The Greater Lafayette League of Women Voters formed a Study Committee in the spring of 2009 to study township government in Tippecanoe County. The report is complete as of October 2010 and focuses on transparency, accessibility and accountability of township government. This report will add information and understanding of the process of township government as discussion continues regarding the reform of township government. View Final Report here.

Members of the LWVGL Study Committee are available to present its findings and recommendations to community organizations. To schedule a program contact the League.

Policy Over Politics: A State Forum on Township Reform (a video)

Hosted by the Lacy Leadership Association Civic Leadership Cadre and co-sponsored by a variety of civic organizations including LWVGL, LWVIN, LWVMC. This event was held on January 19, 2011 at the History Center in Indianapolis.