2018 League Leaders Lunch Explores Partnerships, Governance

The October 20, 2018 League Leaders Lunch in Harvard brought together 66 leaders from around the state for a day of learning and sharing. The day’s agenda included an update on what’s been happening at LWVMA and LWVUS, presentations on League advocacy and voter service, a preview of the Ballot Question study, and an interactive exercise to generate ideas related to the League’s 100th anniversary and expanding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

The day also included two outstanding panel discussions:

The first, moderated by Linda Matys O’Connell of LWV Springfield, focused on building stronger partnerships with like-minded, diverse organizations. As Linda said: “In both its voter service and advocacy work, LWV benefits from working in partnership with other like-minded organizations. Partnership amplifies our collective voices, increases our impact, and improves our outcomes…Partnership is especially important in the current political environment…And our partnership must include diverse voices.” We are grateful for the participation of the following panelists:

Celia Blue, Founding Member, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
Sheril Cooley, President, Zeta Phi Beta (Springfield)
Crystal Evans, Founder, Advancing Community inClusion & Equality on the South Shore (ACCESS)
Val Frias, Executive Director, Great Boston PFLAG
Julia Kim, Board Chair, Asian American Civic Association

The second panel, which was moderated by Marilyn Peterson of LWV Acton Area, focused on different forms of local League governance. We are grateful for the participation of Carin Kale (LWV Hamilton-Wenham), Jo-Ann Berry (LWV Acton Area), and Courtney Rau Rogers (LWV Norwood).

Many thanks to our co-host, LWV Harvard, who made us feel welcome in a great venue in a central location.