League of Women Voters^®
of Nashville

What a great finale to our year! The LWVN Annual Meeting on May 16 in the elegant Founder's Room at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center was full of good food and great conversation. Members approved the 2013-2014 proposed slate of officers and board of directors, public policy priorities, and budget. Thanks go to the Nominating Committee, chaired by Representative Brenda Gilmore, for providing us with this talented slate--now elected and enthusiastically welcomed. Our thanks also go to the dedicated board members who have completed their terms.

Author Jim Stovall gave a fascinating overview of his book, Seeing Suffrage: The Washington Suffrage Parade of 1913, Its Pictures and Its Effect on the American Political Landscape. His photojournal records this early and, in many ways successful, effort by suffragettes to use media as an effective tool of communication and is an important lesson for the League to remember as we continue to lend public voice for contemporary issues.

We also had the opportunity to recognize three of our members who have reached the extraordinary 50 year milestone of Lifetime Membership in the League of Women Voters. We are so honored to have the benefit of the wisdom of Margaret Norris, Anne Roos, and Rachel Touchton!

During the recent statewide LWVTN Convention in Knoxville, the state league adopted public policy priorities for 2013-2014. The action included a vote to concur with the Nashville position, adopted in 2013, opposing public school vouchers. When this issue is re-introduced on Capitol Hill during the continued 108th Legislative Session in January 2014, our position will be strengthened by having statewide advocacy support from League members across Tennessee.

Locally, we continue to play an important role as well. Diane DiIanni has been appointed to fill the LWVN's seat (one of five) on the Metro Council Board of Ethical Conduct. This board is charged with reviewing citizen complaints of misconduct by council members.

Although there are no elections slated in Davidson County during 2013, the Davidson County Election Commission has been of considerable interest recently with the firing of administrator Albert Tieche and the resignation of Commissioner Jim Gotto. We look forward to opportunities to work with the election commission to ensure that the election process in the county proceeds smoothly in the future. This is an ideal time to call again for the introduction of verifiable paper ballots prior to the next election cycle.

Debby Gould, President League of Women Voters of Nashville

WE NEED YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NASHVILLE

Consistent Voter Services

League members can impact the election process by volunteering to help educate the citizens of the community and provide opportunities for voter registration. Voter education and voter registration opportunities are continuous but peak during election years. Get involved by:

• Planning and participating in candidate forums
• Conducting voter registration drives at events such as the All About Women Conference and the Mayor's First Day of School Festival and assist other groups with drives
• Speaking to groups on the voting process: community associations, schools, and GED classes
• Working with others, such as the Tennessee Disability Coalition, to ensure access to the polls
• Serving as poll observers on election days
• Observing meetings of the Davidson County Election Commission
• Monitoring and studying the election process
• Supporting adequate resources for the election process

Strategic and Effective Issue Advocacy

League members can impact public policy by educating the public about issues important to good government and community well-being, and advocating for League positions on key issues. Because we live in the state capital, Nashville League members work on both local and state issues. We also answer calls to action from the LWVUS when issues are pending in Congress. Whatever your interests, you can get involved!

Specifically, the League advocates for access to health care; education to prepare students for responsible citizenry and the economy of the future; good stewardship of our natural resources; election processes that are fair and secure; and ethics and transparency in government. League members interested in issue advocacy can participate by:

• Educating our members and the community by writing articles in the Voter, submitting op-ed columns, or planning and conducting public forums
• Advocating for League positions on critical issues by writing or talking to elected officials

The League is a grass roots organization, guided by positions adopted by its members at all three League levels--local, state, and national. To learn more about the issues identified and supported by members, go to our ISSUES Page.

Please tell us how you would like to become involved by calling (615) 297-7134 or sending an email to info@LWVNashville.org or president@LWVNashville.org

To join the League, click here: Membership to jump to our membership page where you will find our on-line or mail-in membership options. As a member you can serve on one of our committees, volunteer to work a voter registration booth, organize a candidate debate, write letters to your elected officials, work at the polls, etc. We encourage you to let us know your interests and area(s) of expertise. There is plenty to be done and we welcome your participation!

If you prefer to donate to us without joining our organization, we would appreciate your support. Your donations help the League provide voter services, sponsor forums, participate in community events and be a strong advocate for good government policy.