Message from the President
Over the past month, our community showed up—not for a lecture, not for a rally, but to sit with neighbors and talk honestly about how we live together in a democracy. That is the work: local, practical, and built by people who are willing to participate.
This month’s events continue that momentum. The League is creating spaces that make civic life feel possible: creative connection, skill-building, and real-world practice in how to be heard. Democracy is not saved by national figures. It is strengthened when residents choose to do the local work—together.
In League,
Theodore G. Blackwell, President
president@fredericksburglwv.org
Special Election Reminder (Caroline County) — February 3
The Caroline County special election for County Treasurer is tomorrow (February 3). Candidate information, where to vote, and additional election details are available at: VOTE411.org.
Check voting info on VOTE411
February Events & Programs
All events are designed to be welcoming, practical, and community-centered.
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Community Valentines — Card-Making Event
A relaxed, family-friendly drop-in event where neighbors of all ages can make handmade Valentine’s cards and enjoy time together in a welcoming public space. All materials provided; no experience needed.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:30 PM (drop in anytime)
Location: Central Rappahannock Regional Library — Fredericksburg Branch, Room One
Cost: Free for LWV members • $7 for non-members
Event details
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Free and open to the public (member pricing noted above).
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February Monthly Meeting (Virtual)
The League’s general monthly meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams. The agenda and meeting access information will be sent in a reminder prior to the meeting.
Meeting: February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Teams)
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Community Conversations: “Making Your Voice Heard”
This Community Conversations event blends open discussion with hands-on workshopping to explore what effective advocacy looks like in practice—especially through letters to the editor and communication with public officials.
Guided by Martin Davis (Editor in Chief, FXBG Advance) and Adele Uphaus (Managing Editor), with insight on what gets read, what gets published, and what may be ignored.
Monday, February 16 • 6:00 PM
Curitiba Art Café — 919 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Free and open to the public
Event details
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Small-table discussion. No lectures or panels.
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What to expect
- Practical discussion on writing effective letters to the editor and public offices
- Insight from local journalists on what makes advocacy writing compelling
- Conversation on grassroots organizing vs. “astroturf” advocacy
- Optional, low-pressure workshopping of ideas or drafts
Civic Conversations Book Club — February Meeting
This month’s title: The Woman Behind the New Deal. The group will explore how Frances Perkins helped shape enduring social and labor protections, and connect those lessons to how public policy is made—and who has the power to shape it.
Saturday, February 28, 2026 • 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Howell Library Branch — 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (Room 5)
Book club details
Major League Initiative: Rappahannock Democracy Art Festival
A large public art festival designed to bring people together through creativity, conversation, and civic connection.
Save the Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
The League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area is launching the Rappahannock Art Festival as part of the League’s Unite & Rise initiative—strengthening community ties and creating accessible entry points into civic life.
Location: John Lee Pratt Memorial Park (Stafford, VA)
What you’ll find: Artist booths • Outdoor installations • Food trucks • Live music and stage programming • Community partner booths • Conversation circles
Applications now open
Artists & Makers • Performers • Food trucks/vendors • Sponsors & supporters • Nonprofits & community partners
Visit the Art Festival page & apply
Volunteer interest and “From Our Community” member art booth inquiries: president@fredericksburglwv.org
League Opportunities & Important Dates
LWV Virginia League Day (Richmond) — Feb 10–11
LWV Virginia’s League Day will be held in person in Richmond, including a reception for members of the Virginia General Assembly and a full day of advocacy. LWVFRA currently has no members registered to attend.
Reception: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
League Day: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (breakfast + legislative discussion)
Location: Delta Marriott Richmond — 555 E Canal St, Richmond, VA 23219
Cost: No charge to the reception or League Day
RSVP (if attending)
RSVPs are due today, February 2nd — if you would like to participate but cannot meet this deadline, please reach out to president@fredericksburglwv.org to discuss.
LWVUS Convention 2026: Women Unite & Rise — Registration Open
The 57th Biennial LWV National Convention will take place June 25–28, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, with a virtual participation option. Convention includes plenary sessions, trainings, networking, and key League business.
Early bird rate: $575 through March 31, 2026 (11:59pm ET); $600 starting April 1, 2026.
Bylaws amendment proposals: accepted through February 27.
Convention details & registration
Looking Ahead: Annual Meeting & Leadership Roles (May)
The League’s annual meeting is coming up in May, and elections will be held for several leadership roles, including multiple currently vacant positions. Additional non-elected leadership roles also need to be filled.
Roles include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Membership, Director of Voter Services, Director of Community Engagement, VOTE411 Coordinator, Communications Director, Director of Student Engagement, and more.
No background is required—only interest in serving. Some roles require less time commitment than others. More information on the nominations process will be shared next month.
Reply to discuss a role
Letter to the Editor Published (FXBG Advance)
“National Figures Won’t Save Us, We the People, Can” — a reflection on reclaiming the local in local politics and building civic strength through community participation.
Read the letter
Website Updates (fredericksburglwv.org)
- Calendar upgraded: upcoming, past, and archived events; event pages updated after events with photos, videos, and helpful takeaways. View the calendar
- Monthly meetings now listed on the calendar: meeting links and agendas will be posted before each meeting; minutes will be uploaded and saved there going forward.
- “Our League in Action” updated: new pages for events and programming (work in progress). Explore programming
- New “From Our League” page: the home for newsletters, letters to the editor, letters to officials, and messages from members to members. Read member writings
- LWV at UMW site is live: the League at the University of Mary Washington is starting and student outreach is underway. LWV at UMW
Additional updates will roll out over the coming months to help members engage the community and help the community better understand League work year-round.
League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
Serving the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania & Stafford Counties
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