LWVIL Gathers Virtually for 61st Biennium Convention
Some 130 delegates (including 12 from Chicago) representing local Leagues statewide attended the 61st Biennium Convention of the League of Women Voters of Illinois via Zoom on June 10 and 11. Led by President Allyson Haut, the gathering was held to make decisions that affect our mission and maximize our impact throughout the state.
Delegates voted to accept a proposal by the LWV of Illinois Board of Directors to undertake a study on the League’s Gun Violence Prevention position. The study will consider whether the current LWV of Illinois statement on handgun safety education needs to be broadened and if a more inclusive statement is needed on the types of guns that the position addresses.
Once a statewide committee assembles the pro and con background information, the local Leagues can form their own study committee and move forward until a statewide result is achieved.
Among other meeting highlights:
Delegates reviewed the “three pillars” or priority issues that were proposed for the 2023-2025 Biennium, including 1) voter rights and fair election processes; 2) working to support the equitable and sustainable adaptation to climate change, and 3) equitably meeting basic human needs like healthcare, reproductive health, education, housing, safety and justice.
Delegates voted to accept the LWV of Illinois Board of Directors’ proposed Per Member Payment (PMP), which will remain at $32.00 per member per year of the 2023-2025 biennium. The Board reported that its financial status has benefitted from fiscal prudence, reduced monthly expenditures, and the modernization of the League’s accounting.
Delegates voted to accept the slate of officers and Board members for 2023-2025. New Board President Becky Simon (LWV of Naperville) affirmed she is committed to having the Illinois League remain the pre-eminent nonpartisan source for voter information and a leader in advocacy.
The leadership also includes newly-elected Board member Letina Brady Pettis (pictured). Tina Joined LWV Chicago in 2020. She is the Director of Issues & Advocacy on LWV Chicago’s Board and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Bylaws and Voter Service Committees as well as the Southside Unit. Congratulations, Tina!
Delegates also learned about the Importance of D.C. statehood and an initiative of the LWV of Anchorage to empower young people called Anchorage Youth Vote.
Finally, delegates voted to make the 62nd Biennium Convention in June 2025 a hybrid event, meaning that delegates will be able to choose whether to attend the meeting in person or virtually.