Menu Close

Category: Front Page News

Application for LWVMA Reparations Study Committee: Please apply by September 8

A study about reparations was recommended by the LWVMA board and adopted by delegates at the 2023 LWVMA Convention in June. The LWVMA board will appoint a Study Committee to focus on this issue with a goal to finish the work over the next two years. Jeanne Morrison, Co-President of LWV Cape Cod Area and Susan Millinger, a Steering Committee member of LWV Amherst will co-chair this study.

Reparations are a complex issue, evoking strong opinions pro and con by members of the League as well as American society in general. The study will consider: Why Reparations? What is the history—and the present-day situation—which leads some to support reparations? What arguments support those who look at the same events and oppose reparations? Different reparations have been suggested: what are they, and what are the arguments for and against each type of reparation? Should the federal government provide reparations, as some argue, or should reparations be provided only by state or local governments or only by non-governmental bodies? How would a position either in favor or in opposition to reparations meet existing League positions? What can the work done by the Leagues of other states contribute to LWVMA’s study? To be successful, the study must carefully consider the many pros and cons, before presenting the evidence and the arguments to the local Leagues for their consideration and consensus.

To apply for a spot on the Reparations Study Committee, click HERE. To review the Study Committee requirements, click HERE. To review the Study timeline, click HERE. Applications are due by 5 PM on Friday, September 8.

Read more →

In Memoriam: Dona Kemp

Dona Kemp, a dedicated and long-time League member, passed away on June 24. Dona was President of LWVMA from 2001 to 2003 and was President of LWV Wellesley from 1990 to 1992. Please click HERE for her obituary.

Read more →

June 2023 Scharfman Grants Awarded to Two Local Leagues

Two local Leagues recieved Scharfman Grants in June 2023:

LWV Hingham: LWV Hingham was a partner in the first, Third Grade Mock Open Town Meeting on Monday June 5th and Tuesday June 6 in collaboration with the Hingham Public Schools, Hingham Education Foundation, and Friends of the Old Ship Meeting House. The Meeting House is the only surviving Puritan church built in 1681. It served as a meeting place for Hingham’s original Town Meetings. The League provided the 15 third grade teachers and chair of the Hingham schools history department with their Citizen’s Guide to Open Town Meeting. Leading up to the day, students had lessons on the role of a citizen in the legislative process. They created a Warrant and classes wrote the Articles. They then prepared pro and con arguments. After the Mock Town Meeting finished, the League gave each of the students a Future Voter sticker. The League’s gavel bequeathed to us in 1966 was used by the meeting Moderator. Multiple League members were there in other capacities such as School Committee members, Advisory Chair, and facilitators. 

LWV Westwood/Walpole/Dedham:  LWVWWD will provide  a “Birthday Bag” for students on or near their 18th birthday to encourage them to register to vote and to vote. They will seek to build partnerships with a pre-existing high school clubs that best match the citizen education goals (legislative and social studies clubs) in the three towns including public, private, and vocational/agricultural high schools within the three towns. Some of the birthday bag contents will include:  A voter registration sheet with bar codes; LWVMA voter registration cards; Mini US constitutions; Patriotic-themed “fun” items;  Candy (Red starbursts, blue dum dums, etc); Letters from State Senator Michael Rush and State Representative Paul McMurtry who represent all three towns ; Letters from community members about “Why to Vote” and more. 

Read more →

LWVMA Convention 2023 Round-Up

 In case you missed it, here is a recap of the June 10th LWVMA Convention:

We elected a dynamic and talented new board of directors and nominating committee. Click HERE to read their biographies.

We adopted our program and action priorities for the next biennium. Click HERE for the details about where our education and advocacy work will be focused through 2025.

Danielle Allen’s keynote was a highlight of the day. Click HERE to hear her remarks.

Click HERE to view the local League video showcase highlighting examples of their impactful work during the last biennium.

 HERE is the full report from the small group discussions that took place during the afternoon.

HERE is an outline of the morning’s robust panel discussion, featuring five League leaders (Jeanne Morrison, Domenica Perrone, Nancy Brown, Katie Hallett and Courtney Henderson (moderator)) who highlighted examples of their Leagues’ work to build inclusivity. To watch the recording of the panel, click HERE.  These panelists are available as a resource to other local League leaders. Please contact Lily Sweeterman if you are interested in reaching out to Jeanne, Domenica, Nancy, Katie or Courtney.

 HERE is a gallery of photos. Thank you to Dan Gillooly, our Convention photographer.

And finally, a special thank you to these local Leagues for their generous gifts to LWVMA:

  • Acton Area
  • Boston
  • Cape Cod Area
  • Grafton/Shrewsbury
  • Harvard
  • Lexington
  • Plymouth Area
  • Needham
  • Newton
  • North Shore
  • Northampton Area
  • Wellesley
  • Winchester
Read more →