LWV IDAHO Presidents’ Report-2007-2008

We want to thank all the team players on the State Board and the local Leagues in leading the organization forward from Convention ’07 to Council ’08. The first ever 29^th Biennial Conference Call on April 26, 2008 will allow Leagues from around the state to gather and join in on the business of Council and to take part in furthering our mission.  The State website  www.lwv-id.org  continues to be a valuable tool for all members with internet access to view and download documents pertinent to Council ’08. We are fortunate to have Virginia’s talents and skills to manage the organization and advance the League.

We will heed the advice of  longtime members not to forget our purpose to involve all members which means using snail mail and face to face meeting as well as the internet!

The League, as a grassroots organization, depends on the commitment and involvement of its members and ongoing member recruitment. One way to build and grow the League is to take on issues of tangible importance in the lives of citizens.  Vote by Mail in Idaho was adopted as a study at Convention ’07 with the intention of making a difference by involving citizens in government. The Kootenai County League has involved local Leagues from around the state in the first stage of the study.  A Report from the VBM Study Committee is included in the business of Council.  

The single voice of the League was heard when an official letter was sent out in July ‘07 as a Letter to the Editor in support of our position in favor of Merit Selection as the preferred method of choosing judges for Idaho’s state courts.  Local League’s were asked to contact their local media outlets with the Letter as a way to promote credibility and to gain visibility in their communities. 

Our strongest coalition partner is the Idaho Women’s Network who is celebrating 20 years of advocacy and commitment to human rights www.idahowomensnetwork.org . We share IWN’s interest in women, families and communities through community organizing, advocacy and education, however, when it comes to legislative positions of support or opposition we must clearly separate the League from IWN when we have not studied an issue and have not arrived at a specific  position.  Marilee Fuller has agreed to be the League contact for IWN.

This exciting election year has begun with the League’s partnership with Idaho Public Television and Idaho Press Club. A debate schedule for statewide offices has been posted with the Policy documents as well as the criteria for participation.  Thanks to Elinor Chehey for her expertise as our Debate coordinator.   

Thank you all for this opportunity to be your Co-Presidents.

Maxine and Virginia

The League of Women Voters of Idaho is a grassroots, nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government in order to build better communities statewide. Local Leagues around the state MAKE A DIFFERENCE by influencing public policy through education and advocacy. Action without Study is fatal, Study without Action is futile.  Join us  www.lwv-id.org