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RECORDING - Empty Chair Forums Workshop
by Judy Ball 24 Aug '22

24 Aug '22

Recording of last night’s workshop has been uploaded and is available at https://youtu.be/XFi_3WjCe6M Also, copy of PowerPoint slides & Empty Chair Policy with Pilot Guidelines are attached. Thank you, everyone who attended & everyone who expressed interest in these materials. Anyone with questions, please free to contact me or Effie. - Judy Judy K. Ball, PhD, MPA 9 Palmetto Drive Morgantown, WV 26508 240.997.1222 (cell) BallJK(a)aol.com

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Reminder: Empty Chair Forums Workshop (8/23); Amendments 2 & 4 - Grassroots Meeting (8/24)
by Julie Archer 19 Aug '22

19 Aug '22

Happy Friday! This is just a friendly reminder about two upcoming events: On Tuesday evening, 8/23, LWVWV will host a virtual workshop on Conducting Empty Chair Candidate Forums under the LWVWV pilot adopted for the 2022 General Election. The workshop will be lead by our Co-President Effie Kallas, and our 2nd Vice President and Election Laws Director, Judy Ball. Details and zoom link are below. On Wednesday, 8/24, the American Friends Service Committee, the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, NAACP-WV and the West Virginia Alliance for Local Control are hosting a grassroots gathering in Bridgeport to discuss Amendments 2 and 4, their potential consequences, and how individuals and organizations can get involved to make sure our friends, family, and communities know what's at stake. If you plan to attend, the RSVP deadline is Monday, 8/22. Details and flyer can be found below. -- LWV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Conducting Empty Chair Candidate Forums Time: Aug 23, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84577274954 Meeting ID: 845 7727 4954 One tap mobile +16465588656,,84577274954# US (New York) +16469313860,,84577274954# US Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 444 9171 US Meeting ID: 845 7727 4954 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kObgGnLj1 -- What's at Stake for Our Communities with Amendments 2 and 4? _On election day, West Virginians will vote on Amendment 2, which would give the state legislature control of $515 million in property taxes that fund our schools and communities. State legislators have already said they plan to use that control to give corporations- many of them located outside of West Virginia- a big tax cut. But what does that mean for our communities, our schools, our local businesses, our parks and libraries?_ _Also on the ballot is Amendment 4, which would essentially give the legislature power to determine school curriculum, further politicize our children's education and have a stifling effect on public education across the board._ _Please join us on Wednesday, August 24th from 10am- 2pm at the Bridgeport Conference Center__ to learn more about Amendments 2 and 4, their potential consequences for our communities, and how you can get involved to make sure your friends, family, and peers know what's at stake. Lunch will be provided._ _If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Kelly Allen at kallen(a)wvpolicy.org__ _ This gathering will be hosted by the American Friends Service Committee, the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, NAACP-WV and the West Virginia Alliance for Local Control. While we'd love to see you in person, we will do our best to provide a virtual or recorded option for those who cannot make it to Bridgeport. -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) (304) 610-9094

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LWVWV OPPOSES THREE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON FALL BALLOT
by Julie Archer 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

LWVWV OPPOSES THREE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON FALL BALLOT On July 15, The League of Women Voters of West Virginia Board voted to oppose 3 of the 4 amendments on the November general election ballot [1]. Oppose Amendment 1: Clarification of Judiciary's Role in Impeachment Proceedings Oppose Amendment 2: Property Tax Modernization Oppose Amendment 4: Education Accountability Amendment 3 concerns the incorporation of religious denominations and churches. The LWVWV has no policy position regarding this issue, and so has no recommendation. The basis for the League's opposition to three of the amendments follows: Amendment 1: Clarification of the Judiciary's Role in Impeachment Proceedings The LWVWV and the LWVUS believe in representative government that all powers of the government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. The League also believes firmly in the individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and that individual rights now protected by the Constitution should not be weakened or abridged. (See pages 10 and 51 of LWVUS Impact on Issues [2]). For these reasons the LWVWV opposes this amendment. This amendment would cut loose future impeachment proceedings of the state legislature from all constitutional restraint, potentially denying a public official faced with impeachment their right to due process, thereby eroding existing checks and balances between the three branches of government and undercutting public trust in the political process. Amendment 2: Property Tax Modernization Amendment This amendment would authorize the Legislature to exempt business related machinery and equipment from taxation. The LWVWV opposes this amendment because of the potential effect on local funding of important services like schools, libraries and parks. Communities in our state should be able to rely on a stable, long term source of revenue (like taxes on personal property used for business activity). Removing this revenue source from localities reduces their options for local investment. This amendment is inconsistent with LWVWV positions to support a state tax system that relies on diverse sources of income and provides an adequate, stable yield, and to oppose any tax reform or change which negatively affects the state's or local government's ability to provide necessary services. Amendment 4: Education Accountability This amendment would make policies by the State Board of Education subject to legislative review. In 1958 the voters amended the state constitution to give general supervisory authority over the school system to the State Board of Education. LWVWV supported that change. The State Board of Education is comprised of citizens from diverse backgrounds and education expertise who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. This model provides stability in terms of educational programming and allows timely response to educational issues. Granting the state legislature authority over state education rules and policies will, in the words of the Board of Education [3], only make our system of education "less efficient, more chaotic and subject to partisan politics." Please keep an eye our for educational materials and event from the LWVWV. In the meantime, you might be interested in the following. SAVE THE DATE: What's at Stake for Our Communities with Amendments 2 and 4? On election day, West Virginians will vote on Amendment 2, which would give the state legislature control of $515 million in property taxes that fund our schools and communities. State legislators have already said they plan to use that control to give corporations- many of them located outside of West Virginia- a big tax cut. But what does that mean for our communities, our schools, our local businesses, our parks and libraries? Also on the ballot is Amendment 4, which would essentially give the legislature power to determine school curriculum, which would have a stifling effect on public education across the board. Please plan to join us on Wednesday, August 24th from 10am- 2pm at the Bridgeport Conference Center to learn more about Amendments 2 and 4, their potential consequences for our communities, and how you can get involved to make sure your friends, family, and peers know what's at stake. Lunch will be provided. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Kelly Allen at kallen(a)wvpolicy.org by Monday, August 22nd. _This gathering will be hosted by the American Friends Service Committee, the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, the West Virginia NAACP and the West Virginia Alliance for Local Control. While we'd love to see you in person, we will do our best to provide a virtual or recorded option for those who cannot make it to Bridgeport. _ _For now, you can read more about Amendment 2 and its potential consequences__ __here_ [4]_ and__ __here_ [5]_._ -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) (304) 610-9094 (cell) Links: ------ [1] https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/Proposed-Amendments2022.aspx [2] https://www.lwv.org/impact-issues [3] https://s3.amazonaws.com/wvmetro-uploads-prod/2022/03/2022-WVBE-HJR102-Stat… [4] https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwvpolicy.… [5] https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvloc…

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Invitation for Empty Chair Virtual Workshop
by Judy Ball 29 Jul '22

29 Jul '22

Mark your calendars!Effie Kallas and I invite you to join us for a virtual workshop on Conducting Empty Chair Candidate Forums under the LWVWV pilot adopted for the 2022 General Election. Event banner and Zoom invitation below. - JudyJudy K. Ball, PhD, MPA9 Palmetto DriveMorgantown, WV 26508240.997.1222 (mobile)BallJK(a)aol.com LWV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Conducting Empty Chair Candidate Forums Time: Aug 23, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84577274954 Meeting ID: 845 7727 4954One tap mobile+16465588656,,84577274954# US (New York)+16469313860,,84577274954# US Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 444 9171 US Meeting ID: 845 7727 4954Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kObgGnLj1

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Special Session Update: Final Vote on Abortion Ban Tomorrow
by Julie Archer 28 Jul '22

28 Jul '22

Yesterday, the West Virginia House passed House Bill 302 [4], which would completely ban abortion in the Mountain State. This bill is moving at breakneck speed through the Senate, a final vote expected to take place tomorrow, Friday, July 29. Here's the latest call to action from the Women's Heath Center of West Virginia [5]: > _Friends,_ > > _Despite public anger and outcries from the chamber gallery, > anti-abortion politicians in the WV House of Delegates forced the > passage of a total ban on abortion yesterday. The process was > fast-tracked in an unprecedented and overtly politicized manner. And we > are disgusted by the callous disregard forced birth legislators have > shown for the lives of West Virginian women and people who can become > pregnant. _ > > _At 1 PM tomorrow, the WV Senate will meet to vote on (and in all > likelihood pass) House Bill 302 - a total ban on abortion [1]. _ > > _This is it. This is our final chance to gather and make legislators > hear our voices before a complete ban on abortion in West Virginia goes > into effect. _ > > _We need you to show up at the WV State Capitol in a bold way tomorrow > morning at 11 AM. Bring your energy, your signs, your passion, and your > voices._ [2] > > _RSVP TO PACK THE CAPITOL_ [2] > > _EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATOR TO VOTE NO! [3]_ > > [Links below to alternative tools for finding and contacting your > Senators] > > _These people work for YOU. They need to know we are not backing down. > Keep calling them, keep emailing them (send a quick one here [3]), keep > sharing our posts on social media, and show up tomorrow._ > > _This is not the end. We will never stop fighting for the abortion > rights of West Virginians. Ever. _ > > _See you tomorrow, _ > > _Katie Quinonez_ > _Executive Director_ > _Women's Health Center of West Virginia_ Can't make it to the Capitol tomorrow? Use these tools from Planned Parenthood to call [6] and email [7] your Senators, or click here [8] to look up your legislators or send an email to every member of the WV State Senate. Follow @PPSATWV [9] and @womenshealthwv [10] on Twitter for live updates. We won't go back and we won't back down. We are in a fight to make sure everyone has the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures. -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) (304) 610-9094 Links: ------ [1] https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB302+ENG.… [2] https://www.facebook.com/events/2330326450452471 [3] https://secure.everyaction.com/p1Yrhdv-cUW_AURCgEVOXA2 [4] https://click.everyaction.com/k/48451817/358317576/-1655958767?nvep=ew0KICA… [5] https://www.womenshealthwv.org/ [6] https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/find-your-leg-wv [7] https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/protect-abortion-wv [8] https://wvecouncil.org/wv-legislature/senate/ [9] https://twitter.com/PPSATWV [10] https://twitter.com/womenshealthwv

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Action Needed: Speak Out Against WV Abortion Ban
by Julie Archer 26 Jul '22

26 Jul '22

As you probably know, last week Govenor Justice called a special session to make cuts to the state's personal income tax. Yesterday, the Governor amended the call to include abortion and lawmakers are moving quickly to completely ban abortion in West Virginia. Here's the latest from our friends from Planned Parenthood along with actions you can take: > State house lawmakers introduced and advanced a bill that would > completely ban abortion in the Mountain state. They are fast-tracking > the bill to make sure it passes by the end of the week. We need to act > NOW. > > We will not sit back while legislators attempt to take away our > personal freedoms. We need to raise our voices, show out, and make sure > our elected officials know that West Virginians do NOT want them to ban > abortion. > > Here's how you can take action: > > * Join us at the public hearing on Wednesday, July 27. The hearing > starts at 9:00 a.m. If you'd like to sign up to speak, arrive at the > Capitol by 8:00 a.m. Click here [1] to get more info and RSVP. > * Call your legislators. Calling is the most effective method of > contacting legislators. Not sure who represents you or how to contact > them? Click here [2] to look up your state legislators and get a sample > script of what to say. > * Send an email to your elected officials and tell them to vote "no" on > abortion bans. Click here [3] to send an email. > > This is an all-hands-on-deck moment like we have never seen before. We > won't back down and we won't stop fighting to ensure our ability to > decide if, when, and how we become parents is protected. > > Are you with us? > > Alisa Clements > Director of Public Affairs > > Emily Womeldorff > Advocacy Campaigns Director > > P.S. This abortion ban will be moving quickly [and will be up for a > final vote in the House] tomorrow [Wednesday, July 27]. Get live > updates on Twitter @PPSATWV [4]. Thank you for taking action. It is critical that we make our voices heard for reproductive choice. In League, Julie -- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) (304) 610-9094 Links: ------ [1] https://www.facebook.com/events/566452918448207 [2] https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/find-your-leg-wv [3] https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/protect-abortion-wv [4] https://twitter.com/PPSATWV

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Volunteers Needed for League Legislative Action Workgroup
by Julie Archer 11 Jul '22

11 Jul '22

Dear LWVWV Members, At our Council meeting in May, the LWVWV Board along with local League Presidents approved a proposal for a new League Legislative Action Workgroup (LLAW). Proposal is attached. The idea behind this initiative is simple. In recent years, our advocacy efforts have been concentrated in the periods just before and during the legislative session when legislators are already focused on their priorities and less likely to listen to us and change course. Our advocacy could be more effective if we mounted more continuous -- we would say persistent -- action throughout the year. LLAW's inaugural focus will be on legislation related to voting. Voting is where success could have the greatest impact in WV and where we can build on an established foundation of prior years' advocacy. How do we make LLAW real? LLAW needs volunteers -- Volunteers from every local League in WV and members at large. The LLAW philosophy is that _everyone is good at something but rarely, if ever, is anyone good at everything_. Therefore, a dedicated group can maximize effectiveness by combining their varied skill sets. As they say, it takes a village. To volunteer, please respond directly to this email and to_ Judy Ball, balljk(a)aol.com by July 25._ If you have questions, Judy is happy to answer them (email or call her at 240.997.1222). She plans to schedule a virtual organizational meeting of LLAW by the end of July. Whether we love Zoom or not, it is more convenient, safe, and economical than driving all over WV. In League, Julie Archer & Effie Kallas Co-Presidents, LWVWV

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We Dissent: Our Lives— and Our Democracy — Are at Stake
by Julie Archer 08 Jul '22

08 Jul '22

LWVWV Members, The League continues to stand in power with our reproductive rights partners and all persons who fear the dangerous consequences of the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion. This is a very scary time for women and all people who may become pregnant. It is critical that we show up and make our voices heard for reproductive choice. I hope to see some of you tomorrow (July 9) in Charleston for the We Dissent: Rally for Abortion Rights [1] at the the State Capitol, 2-4PM. If you can't make it to Charleston, I'm also sharing some additional actions, events, and resources from WV reproductive justice organizations and others for people to feel empowered at home. Thanks for all you do! This battle is far from over. Our lives -- and our democracy -- are at stake. In League, Julie RECORDED EVENTS: 'Let's Talk About Abortion: Your SCOTUS Questioned Answered' [2] - Virtual discussion with ACLU-WV Legal Director Loree Stark and Women's Health Center Executive Director Katie Quiñonez about the recent Supreme Court Ruling, what it means for West Virginia, and what's next. 'Let's Talk About Abortion: Faith and Reproductive Rights' [3] - Virtual discussion with leaders from a variety of faith traditions to talk about the recent SCOTUS decision and how we can respond. RESOURCES & ACTIONS: Women's Health Center is still here but is pausing their abortion services. Click here [4] to learn about the other services they provide and how you can support their work. Then take action by signing their petition to repeal the "crime of abortion" in West Virginia [5]. Activist Do's & Dont's Guide [6] from Liberate Abortion (in particular see post-decision Do's & Dont's on messaging, language and images) Abortion is Essential to Democracy [7] - This pre-decision series of essays from the Brennan Center for Justice series provides fresh takes on the importance of lawful abortion access coming from the democracy angle (distinct from the reproductive rights and justice angle) and focusing on issues like money in politics and the power of state courts to fight back. Several pieces, such as "The Danger of Laws Criminalizing Pregnancy Outcomes" may be of particular interest in this new post-_Roe_ climate. --- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President, LWVWV (304) 610-9094 Links: ------ [1] https://www.facebook.com/events/717324863019741 [2] https://www.facebook.com/ACLUWV/videos/742865630357216/?__cft__[0]=AZU8HLp6… [3] https://fb.watch/e8cfi6P9vu/ [4] https://www.womenshealthwv.org/ [5] https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/west-virginians-support-access-to-abort… [6] https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6190838c98732d54b730968a/t/629e2870a… [7] https://msmagazine.com/abortion-is-essential-to-democracy/

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SCOTUS Has Overturned the Right to Abortion: Vigils Tonight Statewide
by Julie Archer 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

LWVWV Members, As you have probably already heard, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned _Roe v. Wade_ [1]_. _See the message below from Dr. Deborah Turner, LWVUS President. This is a very scary time for women and all people who may become pregnant. For anyone who experiences pregnancy, our basic freedoms depend on our ability to control our reproductive health. It is critical that we show up and make our voices heard for reproductive choice. If you would like to stand in solidarity and community with others who value and support the freedom of abortion rights and access, vigils are planned across the state tonight: * Charleston, Robert C. Byrd US Court House, 8:30pm * Beckley, Robert C. Byrd US Court House, 7pm * Lewisburg, Greenbrier County Court House, 7pm * Morgantown, Mon County Court House, 7pm * Shepherdstown, Main St. at Shepherd University, 7pm * Parkersburg, Planned Parenthood Vienna, 7pm * Wheeling, Heritage Port, 7pm To help ensure West Virginians can continue to get the abortion care they need, you may also want to consider making a donation to the Women's Health Center of WV Choice Fund [2]. In League, Julie --- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President, LWVWV (304) 610-9094 -------- Original Message -------- SUBJECT: SCOTUS Just Overturned the Right to Abortion DATE: 2022-06-24 18:17 FROM: "Dr. Deborah Ann Turner @ League of Women Voters" <lwv(a)lwv.org> TO: julie(a)wvcag.org REPLY-TO: lwv(a)lwv.org A devastating decision with immediate consequences Julie, In a decision that will impact millions of women and child-bearing people, the Supreme Court of the US ruled 6 - 3 to overturn the constitutional right to abortion [3]. Today's ruling, which fails to even say the word "women," sends a terrifying message. When women and other childbearing people can no longer control their own bodies, they are no longer equal in our democracy. Further, this decision threatens the status of other constitutional rights, such as those protecting marriage equality, intimate conduct, and the right to contraception. The League continues to stand in our power with our reproductive rights partners and all persons who fear the dangerous consequences of this decision -- many of whom are already organizing a response [4]. We will use our anger to fight in the legislatures, in the courts, and in the streets. This battle is far from over. Our lives -- and our democracy -- are at stake. In coalition, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner LWVUS Board President Read our statement [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036 Unsubscribe [10] Links: ------ [1] https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/politics/dobbs-mississippi-supreme-court-abo… [2] https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/SZoCjtuFoOb1r-pEN87_eA [3] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=xHo2%2FtR%2Bf3kTTQ9… [4] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=N6tNIRtwNK6JBGaIOav… [5] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=VZaVod0h2JNnMdXNc3X… [6] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=rXlKs8oZtz7AfmFTfic… [7] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=pPM8eou207Jp5eq5KHF… [8] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=HL%2FhWnMl9%2BRuY4J… [9] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=DXcOakmAYy3EbYaryne… [10] http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BaHJ8CtHhY3FC3pPjSH…

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Thursday Event - LWVUS Convention 2022
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 22 Jun '22

22 Jun '22

It's LWVUS Convention time, again! The Thursday evening "Women Power Democracy Panel" event is open to everyone, including those not registered for Convention and non-members, and will be streamed on Facebook from 8pm - 9pm. You do not need a Facebook account to view the event, just visit the webpage at https://www.facebook.com/events/1326106187798575 . Synopsis: Since the 2020 election, we have seen new barriers to voting and continued attacks on our democracy - and women are continuing to lead the fight to protect voting rights through advocacy, litigation, and organizing. This panel discussion will feature key partners of the League who are working towards the four pillars of Women Power Democracy: build more trust in our elections, grow our electorate with equity, create fairness for voter access, and ensure community districting truly reflects our population. The conversation will discuss the challenges of anti-voter laws, the continued mis- and disinformation, as well as the solutions for reaching voters and ensuring impacted communities are prepared to make their voices heard at the polls in 2022. Speakers: Noelle Damico, Director of Social Justice, The Workers Circle Nicole Melaku, Executive Director, National Partnership for New Americans Christian Nunes, President, National Organization for Women Allison Riggs, Director, LWVUS Board (moderator) -Jonathan

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