Annual Meeting 2023 Report
Proceedings of the 2022-2023 Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of Chicago began with a virtual credentials check-in and social time, during which President Jane Ruby introduced her three-month-old son, Sean, to the membership. Following this social gathering, the Annual Meeting was formally called to order.
Held on Saturday, June 24, the meeting served as a forum to acknowledge outgoing Board members and elect incoming Board members, approve amended bylaws and a budget for 2023-2024, and present the annual Greensfelder-Elam Award. Members also voted to adopt a position in favor of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for municipal elections.
You can watch the full meeting and view meeting materials on the Annual Meeting site. Below are the meeting highlights.
Below are the meeting highlights.
Keynote Speaker: State Representative Kimberly du Buclet
Following President Jane Ruby’s address to the membership, Illinois State Representative Kimberly du Buclet, serving the 5th District, was introduced and expressed her gratitude for being invited to address League members at their Annual Meeting.
“For over a century, LWVC has been instrumental in making every Chicagoan’s voice count,” she said. “We owe our progress to women who shattered glass ceilings, securing the right to vote and leading the way for women to hold public office.
“As a woman and woman of color, I am acutely aware that my role extends beyond my legislative district. I have the privilege of amplifying the voices of those who often struggle to be heard. We stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us and owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to women who fought tirelessly for women’s suffrage.”
She praised the League’s efforts in environmental justice—an issue, she said, that too often affects Black and Brown people. Of equal importance is a commitment to a balanced budget. “We are making intelligent financial decisions,” she added, “that will enable Illinois to weather future challenges.”
She continued that the state legislature has stabilized the Illinois pension systems and noted that “we did this while making a historic investment in early childhood education” to ensure that all students have a good educational foundation.
She concluded with additional words of praise for the League of Women Voters. “Your work often goes unnoticed by the general public, but I want you to know that I recognize the profound impact you make by registering voters and providing them with valuable information about elections,” she said, “Ultimately it’s the voters that empower us to bring about change. I look forward to a continued partnership as we work to build a strong Illinois.”
Action Items: Budget
Vice President Catherine Mardikes spoke about the success of the 2023 spring Capital Campaign, stating that the League had reached its goal of $25,000! She said another capital campaign may coincide with the State of the City annual fundraiser to be held in person this fall.
A discussion ensued about the annual budget. Beginning in January 2024, LWVUS will change the way it collects Per Member Payments (PMP) as part of its Structure Transformation Plan. Approximately 64 percent of dues collected will go to the U.S. and Illinois Leagues with two percent to the Cook County League. LWVUS and LWVIL will disperse a share of the amount collected to help Chicago pay its expenses. Several League members supported asking LWVIL to address how the PMP from Chicago is allocated.
To address the budget changes and challenges, the Chicago League in its 2023-24 annual budget was able to negotiate a lower amount it pays to LWVIL for the sublease of office space and the amount it pays in fees to the Chicago League’s consultant.
Position Request: Ranked Choice Voting
Voter Services Committee Chair Helene Gabelnick requested that the LWV Chicago membership adopt a position in support of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for municipal elections in the City of Chicago. The item was on the agenda of the Annual Meeting.
If adopted, members could advocate for Ranked Choice Voting on behalf of the League as part of the larger Fair Vote Illinois project already underway to achieve Ranked Choice Voting for Chicago in time for the 2027 mayoral and city council elections.
Immediate action is recommended, she said, because of the momentum building on this issue following the recent Chicago mayoral and city council elections. Both the 2019 and 2023 municipal election results showed flaws in the current system.
LWV Chicago should be able to participate in changing the current Chicago runoff system. It was noted that LWVUS and LWVIL have positions approving the use of RCV for elections. They do not support or oppose the process itself. Further, LWV Chicago members have been informed about Ranked Choice Voting through seminars and newsletter articles.
In conclusion, members voted to adopt a position in favor of Ranked Choice Voting. A committee has been formed to begin work on this important endeavor.
New Board Members Elected
The proposed Nominating Committee Report was adopted, welcoming new members to LWV Chicago's Board of Directors. Learn more about our Board members.
Anne Jamison Receives Greensfelder-Elam Award
Helene Gabelnick, on behalf of Karen Sandrick (who received the award in 2022), announced the recipient of the 2023 Greensfelder-Elam Award given each year at LWV Chicago’s Annual Meeting.
Established in 1981, the award has been presented to a member who has demonstrated extraordinary long-term dedication and effectiveness in League work. It was named after Olive Greensfelder, a child welfare activist and a charter member of the League, and Elinor Elam, a former Chicago League President who played a crucial role in identifying a budget error.
LWV Chicago awarded the Greensfelder-Elam award to Immediate Past President Anne Jamieson, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and served as an ambassador to external communities.
Anne Jamieson joined LWV Chicago after the 2016 election to engage in local elections and was attracted to the League's nonpartisanship and research focus. She became actively involved in League activities, including serving as the chair of the North Side Unit and organizing forums for candidates running for office. In 2019, she assumed the presidency and faced the challenges of running an organization during a pandemic. Despite the difficulties, Anne and the League successfully adapted to virtual board meetings, forums, and events, featuring notable speakers such as former mayor Lori Lightfoot and Watergate attorney Jill Wine-Banks.
The transition to virtual programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed Anne to reach out to more voters through their groups and organizations in preparation for the 2020 General Election. One notable event was her virtual visit to FBI headquarters in Chicago, where she spoke about the League and its activities in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage.
During her term as president, Anne effectively balanced her responsibilities as a full-time librarian while leading LWV Chicago. Under her leadership, LWV Chicago collaborated with 80 organizations to advocate for legislation granting voting rights to incarcerated individuals in state prisons. We also established the Committee on Civilian Oversight to promote police reform and public safety; organized programs on environmental sustainability; launched a “Zooming with the Alderman” virtual interview program, and conducted voter registration drives at various venues.
Thank you, Anne, for your outstanding contributions during your presidency!