ZOOM LINK for March 10 General Meeting 6PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82254879020?pwd=vt5uI2cbxEex1EnIOt9GMnwbTPJyi2.1
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“March 8 marks the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when civil rights activists were brutally attacked by Alabama police as they marched from Selma to Montgomery in the name of voting rights for Black Americans.” Let us pause a moment to remember those brave people who risked their lives to make the lives of others better.
AGENDA
GREETINGS
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Meeting Minutes: February 10, 2025 LWVFRA general meeting (on Zoom)
Present: Cathie Braman, Debbie Combest, Sue Botts, Rupert Farley, Nancy Reuter, Marie Gozzi, Brenda Hooper, Karen Griffin, Robert Choplin, Millisa Gary, and Theodore Blackwell
The meeting was brought to order by President Cathie Braman at 6 p.m.
Minutes of the January 13, 2025 meeting were attached to the Zoom invitation.
Ranked Choice Voting: Rupert presented an example about the basics of Ranked Choice Voting and how it works in elections. After discussion, members voted unanimously to adopt Ranked Choice Voting as our study for the coming year. Rupert will lead the committee consisting of Rupert, Sue, and Karen.
Report on Stafford Board of Supervisors meeting January 28: Sue attended the meeting remotely and reported on several topics of discussion during the work session, including Economic Development Authority, DEIA, and Code of Conduct.
Mis/Dis information state committee: Cathie asked for volunteers to serve on this committee at the state level. However, there is no chairperson at the present time.
Nominating committee: will meet February 12.
Membership Portal: is not working as it should to process dues. Debbie will work with the state league to help work out the problem issues.
LWVFRA By Laws: vote passed to accept the changes to our By Laws as presented at the last meeting. The changes will be up for final approval at the annual meeting May 3.
Adjournment: at 7 p.m. Next general meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 10.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Botts, secretary
TREASURER’S REPORT
Paid the Virginia PMP dues, $472.00; owe $944.00 to LWVUS by June 30. $875.46 in bank account.
We rec’d $13.61 from each of our new members.
Many league members – nationally – have not recieved the Portal Invite as yet. You may go in at any time and register: https://portal.lwv.org/home
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
The following are the new descriptions for Communications Director, Membership, and Voter Services which we need to vote on at this meeting:
Communications Director
The Communications Director is responsible for managing and overseeing the LWVFRA’s internal and external communications to ensure clear, consistent, and effective messaging.
Their primary duties include:
- Messaging & Public Relations:
- Developing a strong and positive public image for the organization.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and press releases.
- Ensure all communications align with the LWV’s mission and values.
- Content Creation & Distribution:
- Creates and manages newsletters, announcements, and promotional materials.
- Oversees the LWVFRA’s website, social media, and other digital platforms.
- Develops engaging content to inform and engage members and the public.
- Internal Communications:
- Facilitates communication between the Board of Directors, committees, and members.
- Ensures timely dissemination of important updates and information.
- Social Media & Online Presence:
- Maintains active and engaging social media accounts.
- Develops strategies for increasing online engagement.
- Monitors and reports comments and inquiries.
- Event Promotion & Support:
- Publicizes upcoming events and meetings.
- Collaborates on creating marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and digital content.
- Collaboration & Strategy:
- Works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure cohesive messaging.
- Assess communication efforts and recommends improvements.
The Communications Director is crucial to keeping members informed, engaged, and connected
while promoting the LWV’s mission and activities to a wider audience.
Membership Director
The Membership Director is responsible for overseeing and implementing strategies to recruit,
engage, and retain members within the LWVFRA. Primarily, the Director:
- Recruitment & Outreach:
- Develops and executes a plan for membership growth.
- Organizes recruitment campaigns and promotional activities.
- Creates marketing/outreach materials.
- Member Engagement & Retention:
- Fosters a welcoming environment for new and existing members.
- Coordinates orientation and networking events.
- Maintain regular communication to keep members informed and involved.
- Record-Keeping & Reporting:
- Track membership statistics and trends.
- Maintain an updated database of members.
- Provide reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors on membership growth and retention.
- Collaboration & Coordination:
- Work with the Board of Directors to align membership goals with the LWV’s mission.
- Encourages participation in organizational events.
- Recognition & Appreciation:
- Develops initiatives/activities to recognize and reward dedicated members.
- Surveys member satisfaction and involvement.
The Membership Director is key to ensuring the LWVFRA thrives by fostering a strong, active, and engaged membership base.
Voter Services Director
The Voter Services Director is responsible for overseeing and implementing initiatives that
educate, engage, and empower voters. Their primary duties include:
- Voter Education & Outreach:
- Develops programs to educate the public on voter registration, election dates, and voting procedures.
- Organizes informational sessions, forums, and workshops about voting rights and processes.
- Works to ensure materials are accessible and easy to understand for all voters.
- Voter Registration Efforts:
- Plans and execute voter registration drives in collaboration with other community organizations.
- Provides accurate and up-to-date registration information.
- Ensures compliance with all legal requirements for voter registration activities.
- Election Engagement & Turnout:
- Develops strategies to increase voter participation in local, state, and national elections.
- Promotes early voting, absentee voting, and polling place resources.
- Works with volunteers to provide voter assistance on election days.
- Candidate & Issue Information:
- Works with other groups to organize nonpartisan candidate forums and debates to help voters make informed decisions.
- Provides unbiased information on ballot initiatives and referendums.
- Distributes voter guides and educational materials.
- Community & Organizational Partnerships:
- Collaborate with civic groups, schools, and other organizations to expand voter education efforts.
- Engages with local election officials to stay informed about election laws and procedures.
- Build relationships with community leaders to enhance outreach efforts.
- Compliance & Reporting:
- Ensures all voter services activities adhere to legal and ethical standards.
- Maintains records of voter engagement efforts and report on impact.
- Monitors changes in election laws and update materials accordingly.
The Voter Services Director plays a vital role in strengthening democracy by ensuring that citizens have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to participate in elections.
LWV-VA JUNE CONVENTION
First Call for LWV Virginia Convention
June 13 — 15, 2025
Fredericksburg Convention Center,
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy,
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Theme: Women Elect and Be Elected
Cost:
Cost $165 per person — includes 2 breakfasts, lunch, break, Saturday night dinner.
Hotel:
The official hotel for Convention is the Hilton Garden Inn : 1060 Hospitality Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The rate is $139 single, $149 double plus taxes. You can use this link to register
https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/fna3pk
Or call hotel reservations directly at 540-548-8822, and mention group code LOWV25 or League of Women Voters.
Hotel reservations close 5p May 20, 2025.
The hotel is about 300 feet from the convention center and easily walkable. However, the Convention Center offers free parking. Therefore, if you need to drive between the two, you will have no problem finding parking at the Convention Center.
Please note before you register for Convention
1. The Convention is open to all members of LWV Virginia — BUT unless you have been designated as a voting delegate by your president do not check the box saying you are a delegate. Check with your local president if you want to be a delegate. You are not a delegate unless designated by your local president.
2. If you pay the $165, your Saturday dinner ticket IS included. However, we are selling tickets for dinner to people who are not coming to the convention. So, you may bring a guest to dinner and that would be $55 more. Do NOT pay the $55 if you do not have a guest and are paying the $165 already.
3. You must register for Convention AND book your hotel room if you need one. Registering for Convention does not give you a hotel room unless you contact the hotel.
Use this link to register for the Convention:
https://secure.everyaction.com/GIqR4B4lFkKTVGOotV8u5g2
Convention Registration closes June 2, 2025
Working agenda
June 13, 2025
Hilton Garden Inn Fredericksburg
4- 7 PM
Registration and dining information — Hilton Garden Inn
June 14, 2025
Fredericksburg Convention Center
8:00 — 11:00 AM — Registration
8:00 — 9:00 AM — Breakfast
9:00 — Welcome Cathie Breman, LWV Fredericksburg Area, President
Kerry B Devine, Mayor of Fredericksburg
9:30 AM 12:30 PM — Plenary Session
12:30 — 2:00 PM – Lunch
Invited Guest — Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Mary Washington University
2:15 — 3:15 PM — Choice of three breakouts
1. Encouraging Reluctant Voters
2. Michelle Moffit, Virginia Civic Engagement Center — Canvassing, Phone Banking — Reach People Where They Are
3. UN and Worldwide Efforts to Encourage Women in Office
3:15 — 3:30 PM — Break
3:30 — 4:30 P — Transformation Update and Breakouts for Presidents, Membership, Treasurers
Tracy Adkison, LWV VA Board Liaison to LWV US —
5:00 — 5:30 PM — Resolutions Committee Meeting
5;30 — Dinner
6:30 — 7:30 Showing of the Movie “Black Rosie the Riveters” and presentation by Director and Producer, Gregory Cooke
June 15, 2025
8:00 — 9:00 AM — Breakfast with a presentation on Legacy Donations for local leagues.
9:00 AM — Gloria Custalow, Mattaponi Tribe
9:30 — 12:00 PM — Plenary
Proposed LWV-VA Program
The LWV-VA position on Women’s Rights in Virginia Law is out of date and yet, the legal protection of women’s rights feels very precarious. The LWVSHR recommends that a state study group be formed to archive those parts of the position that have long since become law and to consider whether there are any other areas of Virginia law affecting women’s rights that are lacking. The study group may also wish to consider how “marriage” and “women” are defined since this is no longer as clear-cut as it was in 1979.
A study of women’s rights and Virginia law was adopted at the 1979 Virginia Convention and expanded in 1981. In 2013 it was noted that many of the League’s recommendations outlined in this position had been accomplished through legislation. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. The 2017 Convention adopted a study to update the position and in 2019 the Convention added a statement opposing sexual harassment but did not address the older parts of the position. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA but, despite the required number of state ratifications, the federal government has taken no action to acknowledge the ERA as the 28th Amendment.
The legal rights of women in Virginia are relevant to several Issue Groups. Reproductive Health and Domestic and Gun Violence Prevention are obviously impacted but there also may be connections to Affordable Housing, Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice, Child Care, Education, and Physical Health. LWVSHR hopes that there will be volunteers from Issue Groups interested in working on this update. Since women’s rights are an issue of equal importance to all local Leagues, we hope there will be widespread support for this study.
- Is the position still relevant? Not in its present form.
- Is the position applicable to current public policy issues or concerns? Not in its present form.
- Have circumstances changed? Yes.
- Are there new laws that impact this position? Yes.
- Do members still understand and agree with this position? Not in its present form.
- Will LWV-VA goals be achieved with a position on this issue? The affected Issue Groups indicates these are important League concerns,.
- Can the issue be resolved by government action? At what level? Yes, at state and federal.
- Does the League already have a position at any level that could address the issue? LWVUS: Public Policy on Reproductive Choices; Equality of Opportunity;
- Can the League’s involvement make a difference? Yes.
- Is there enough enthusiasm for the topic? We don’t know yet.
- Do we have the resources (both monetary and human) to work on it? We don’t know yet.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WOMEN’S RIGHTS
- Women’s Rights in Virginia Law
Position in Brief:
Support for the legal recognition of marriage as an equal partnership, including policies that recognize non-monetary as well as monetary contributions to a marriage by each partner; surviving spouse policies that specify that if one spouse dies without a will, the surviving spouse should inherit all property; divorce policies that recognize separately acquired property before marriage and during marriage through gifts or inheritance; elimination of the concept of “fault” in the court’s division of marital property; and legal recognition of valid pre-nuptial contracts.
The League’s History
A study of women’s rights and Virginia law, adopted by a large majority at the 1979 convention, through the not-recommended program process, was an outgrowth of interest in the Equal Rights Amendment and legal rights seminars held statewide by local Leagues the preceding year. The 1981 convention expanded the study to include divorce laws in Virginia because at that time, Virginia laws governing women’s rights in the event of death of the husband or divorce were disadvantageous to women in the state. This position was moved from the “Social Policy” category when the LWV-VA positions were reviewed and reorganized in the 1999-2000 Biennium.
2013 Note: Since 1981, many of the League’s recommendations outlined in this position have been accomplished through legislation. In 2012, society’s definition of marriage, divorce and property rights has expanded to encompass the definition of marriage and civil unions between same sex couples, alimony for the partner earning less money (whether male or female), inheritance for children of previous marriages, etc. [both in Virginia and on a federal level]. Notwithstanding Virginia amending its constitution to ban same-sex marriages in the Commonwealth in 2006 and the effort nationally to limit marriage to those between a man and a woman by passing an act called the “Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA),” the League recognizes that the intent of its earlier positions has been accomplished and the item should be expanded to include a review of current trends [or the position should be deleted].
2015 Note: DOMA was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in all States on
June 26, 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional.
2019 Note: An Update in the 2017-2019 Biennium additionally studied Sexual Harassment. The 2019 Convention added language to update the position and to clearly state “The League of Women Voters of Virginia opposes Sexual Harassment”.
The League’s Position
The League of Women Voters of Virginia believes that marriage is a partnership, that the principles of fairness, equity, and equality should govern the legal rights and responsibilities of each partner in a marriage. To carry out the concept that marriage should be given legal recognition as an equal partnership, we believe that all contributions to a marriage should be recognized, non-monetary as well as monetary.
Until such time as the principle of equally shared marital property is obtained in Virginia Law, we believe that:
- In case of death, if one spouse dies without a will, the surviving spouse should inherit all the property.
- If a spouse renounces a will, statutes regarding augmented estate should provide for the share of the
- surviving spouse to be at least one half.
- In divorce:
- Marital property should be defined as all real and personal property excluding all real and personal property acquired before marriage, all property acquired during the marriage through inheritance and/or
- gifts from someone (other than the other party), and property exchanged for separate property if it has been retained as separate property and not commingled.
- Fault should not enter into the court’s division of marital property.
- Prenuptial contracts that fulfill all requirements of contract law should be recognized as valid.
(1980 & 1983)
Sexual Harassment: The League of Women Voters Opposes Sexual Harassment. (2019)
JUDICIARY STUDY
Many of you have requested to be included in the LWV-VA Federal Judiciary Consensus meeting that will be held on March 19th. Here is information about this meeting that you may use to send to your local League members or place in your local newsletters. There will also be an article in the March 1st Virginia Voter with much of this information, except for the specific Agenda. Feel free to edit as it relates to your local League.
Invitation to LWVUS Federal Judiciary Consensus Meeting for Virginia on March 19th
https://secure.everyaction.com/uFPuKVcD2EKBhBdNyZw8dw2
Background:
At the 2024 LWVUS Convention in June, approval was given for a fast-track study of the US Federal Judiciary as an essential component of US democracy. The goal is to adopt a position at the 2025 LWVUS Council in June that outlines the values — the standards and norms — the League of Women Voters should use in evaluating proposed changes to policies, laws, and regulations about the federal judiciary. . The study’s purpose includes, but is not limited to, addressing concerns, and clarifying judicial accountability, transparency, independence, and ethics.
Process and Status:
The LWVUS has completed their study and now need to get support from local and state Leagues via the consensus process. To that end, League members throughout the US received an email a few weeks ago about the study with a link to the Management Site containing the study guide, process and consensus questions 2024-2025 Federal Judiciary Study Process, Committee, and Resources | League of Women Voters. The LWVUS has asked local and state Leagues to hold consensus meetings and complete an online form by April 14, 2025. These meetings will be an opportunity for local and state Leagues to educate members about the federal judiciary system and ways that it could be improved to protect and strengthen democracy. The LWVUS will use the results of the Consensus Question Surveys to develop the position on the Federal Judiciary that will then be brought to the LWVUS in April/May for a vote and then brought to the LWVUS Council June 26-28, 2025.
LWV-VA Consensus Meeting Information:
The LWV-VA will hold a Consensus meeting on the Federal Judiciary study via zoom on Wednesday, March 19th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm for members who are not affiliated with a local League, or who belong to a League that has asked to participate in the March 19th meeting, or who are unable to attend your local League meeting. If you will be attending the March 19th meeting, please register here. (link)
You are encouraged to review the study briefs including the “Key Terms for the Federal Judiciary Study” that are available on the management site prior to attending the March 19th meeting.
Meeting Agenda :
- Overview of Meeting/Background on Study — Alice Tousignant, Program Chair
Summaries of Policy Briefs:
- Judicial Ethics and Enforcement, Recusal, and Staci Decisis/Binding Precedent — Lisa Koteen Gerchick, Co-Chair, Voting and Elections Issue Group
- Financial Disclosure, Judge Shopping, and Representation — Susan Bivins, President, LWV-Williamsburg
- Legitimacy and Supreme Court, Shadow Docket, and Supreme Court Structural Reforms — Ann Lloyd Breeden, LWV-VA Board
- Complete Consensus Questions as a group FJS Consensus Form FINAL.pdf— Alice Tousignant
PLEASE READ OVER THE STUDY CAREFULLY AS WE WILL HAVE A MEETING AT THE CENTRAL RAPPAHANNOCK LIBRARY ON MARCH 29, AT 10 A.M., ROOM 3. WE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE WOMEN’S STUDY.
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