LWVOR Has a Very Active Action Team!

Norman Turrill and Marge Easley, Action Chair and Vice-Chair
The first two months of the 2007 Legislative Session have been a refreshing experience.  The action team is happy to report that, for the first time in a very long while, the mood at the Capitol remains positive and purposeful, and we just might see the passage of important and much-needed legislation in many different areas.   We are delighted to have a talented legislative coordinator, Brena Moyer Lopez, who has jumped into the fray with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.

Because this session will end on June 30, the pace of committee hearings has been accelerated, causing us to furiously churn out LWVOR testimony on key issues such as the Healthy Kids Initiative; recommendations from the Public Commission on the Legislature (PCOL) and the Oregon Law Commission; measures related to the "kicker" laws, rainy day fund, minimum corporate tax, sales tax and initiative reform; and natural resource issues such as Measure 37, water measurement, and the parks budget.  Also, our new position on homeless youth has allowed us to directly comment on the shortfalls for preventive services in the governor’s budget.

The action team urges you to keep abreast of our legislative advocacy efforts by reading the “Legislative Report”, which is available in both electronic and hardcopy formats.  Just call Rebecca at (503) 581-5722 if you haven’t been receiving your copy.  The action team meets at the LWVOR office in Salem on alternate Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and we welcome any League member who wants to learn more or help out on specific bills.  Just contact Norman Turrill at the LWVOR office for details.  Also, don’t forget to sign up for Day at the Legislature on April 19, which promises to be an interesting and in-depth look at the key issues of the session.

Save The Date!
LWVOR Day at the Legislature
Thursday, April 19, at the State Library in Salem

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President's Column

The new year has started with a flurry of activity for LWVOR. As reported on page 1, our Action Team is working feverishly to keep up with all the proposed legislation that is being considered in the 2007 legislative session. At the same time, we have just adopted two new positions (See pages 10,11). We have just completed the second report of the Judiciary Study Committee, which is included with this Voter. We have a new Legislative Coordinator (See page 3), a new Office Assistant, and a new Legislative Intern, and they all need help to learn about the League and our processes.
In addition, our Voter Service Co-Chairs are gearing up for a possible Special Election in May. Our Development Committee is working on the Raffle and planning fundraising for our citizen education activities in 2008. Finally we are preparing for our 2007 state Convention and thinking about how we can use that opportunity (and others) to help our members meet challenges in their local communities.

In the midst of all this busyness, it is wonderful to get recognition. A gratifying tribute to the work of Oregon League members came in mid-February in the form of a check for $21,750 to our Education Fund from the newly formed Carol & Velma Saling Foundation. This unsolicited grant recognizes LWVOREF's work in promoting the relationship between citizens and government.
Carol and Velma Saling lived quietly and unostentatiously in SE Portland until their deaths. However, they shared a great concern about the future of the world and the United States. They believed that solving the world's problems requires knowledgeable, informed citizens and established a foundation to support citizen education. The League is one of the first six beneficiaries. The LWVOREF Board of Trustees is actively discussing how best to use this grant to help continue our educational programs. We have used part to pay for printing the enclosed report, The Oregon Judiciary: Challenges for the 21st Century.

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Study of the Oregon Judiciary Part II Included in the Issue

Jane Gigler, Program Chair
The Oregon Judiciary state study committee is pleased to send with this Voter their report on second part of their two-year study. The committee hopes that members in all local Leagues will read the report, discuss it at general or unit meetings and then complete the consensus questions and return them to the state office by the end of April.  With that data in hand, a member agreement committee will write a position statement.  The position statement will be used for advocacy in this legislative session and future ones.

Along with printing Part II of their study, The Oregon Judiciary: Challenges for the 21st Century, the committee has reprinted extra copies of Part I, An Overview of the Oregon Judiciary, which was mailed to members last year.  Part I will be available for new League members and will be distributed with Part II to all legislators, presiding judges and trial court administrators who helped with the study, editorial boards of local papers, all libraries, and members of various legal associations, among others.  To obtain copies of Part I or Part II for new League members and for other citizens in your community, please email the state office at lwvor@lwvor.org with the number needed.  We will be happy to mail them to your League.  Enjoy your discussion of the Oregon Judiciary!

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Thoughts from the Legislative Coordinator

Brena Moyer Lopez
It is quite exciting to be a member of the Action Committee during this busy legislative session.  My background is as an attorney for Legal Aid Services of Oregon, so I have experience working with laws, but I never gave much thought to the excitement and drama of the legislative process which produces our laws.  I feel so lucky to be guided and informed by a team of people who have politics running through their veins.  The Action Committee members are some of the most dedicated volunteers I have ever met.  Each one has developed a special expertise and is respected at the Capitol as a leader in his or her field.

When I meet people through this job and mention that I am supporting the League of Women Voters, it is always so nice to receive the positive comments about our organization which inevitably follow.  At times, the pure volume of bills makes our work seem overwhelming, but it is wonderful to be guided in our priorities by the positions our membership has worked so carefully to develop.  We are guided by these positions and work hard to share the impact that proposed legislation would have on the areas we have studied.  The fact that our committee members are frequently invited by legislators to testify at hearings and serve on work groups is the result of the reputation earned by the League’s deliberative and consensus-building process.  Unlike so many other advocates, we have no other aim but to promote the public interest.  It is a pleasure to be part of such a noble pursuit.

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Day at the Legislature

Come hear what is happening, and help us by adding your voice to ours in lobbying your senator and representative. (We suggest you make an appointment with your legislators for the afternoon. To find their phone numbers, see www.leg.state.or.us or call the Capitol, 503-986-1187 in Salem or 1-800-332-2313.)

REGISTER HERE

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LWVOR 2007 Convention Set for Edgefield

Susan Foster, EMCO
The 2007 Convention is at McMenamin’s Edgefield, located in Troutdale, the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  With the close proximity of the Columbia River, the Sandy River, a large natural area of over 1000 acres, the city of Troutdale, and the Gorge, you have a wonderful opportunity to explore, hike, visit historic sites, hunt for antiques, golf or immerse yourself in the wonderful history of Edgefield itself. 
Built in 1911, Edgefield served as the Multnomah County Poor Farm and a self-sufficient community for several decades..  Residents raised hogs and poultry and grew a large variety of fruits and vegetables. They operating a dairy, a cannery, a meat packing plant and worked in the laundry, kitchen or hospital.  The farm operations were eliminated in 1952. In 1962, it was renamed Edgefield Manor and served as a nursing home, eventually closing in 1982. 
The McMenamin brothers, famous for their careful restoration of historic sites, bought the Manor in 1990.  They transformed Edgefield into a European-style village with extensive gardens, which still provide produce used in the delicious dinners served in the Black Rabbit Restaurant. It's a wonderful place to have fun and meet friends.

The Ad House, the original administration building, is now a bed and breakfast with some very interesting supernatural inhabitants.  Guests have reported being awakened by a woman at the foot of the bed, shaking their feet!  This spirit apparently resides in the Althea Room on the top floor of the house. 
The Power Station is now a pub with its own “presence” that watches diners and staff.  The building also houses a movie theater. 

The main building is a Georgian-revival style Manor, a national historic site that dominates the village.   The Manor is surrounded by various small buildings that house a winery, a brewery, meeting rooms, a distillery, and a golf course and in the summer an informal beer garden. 

The buildings, inside and out, showcase the artwork of local artists who celebrate the history of Edgefield and the Columbia River Gorge.  The site is located on about 38 acres, which include walks, sculptured grounds and interesting garden art.  There are opportunities to watch a glass blower and potter, as well as get a massage. 

Troutdale, a short jaunt down the road, has been revitalized with a historically redesigned, pedestrian-friendly downtown. There are art galleries, a world famous bronze foundry, home and gift shops, antique stores and a wonderful old-fashioned general store.

Captain John Harlow, a sea captain from Maine, settled and planned the original Troutdale in 1882.  Captain Harlow’s house serves as a wonderful historic museum available for tours.

From downtown Troutdale, you can explore the Old Columbia River Highway past many famous falls to Multnomah Falls for either hiking or dining.  You can travel to Corbett high on the Gorge walls to visit the Vista House and Larch Mountain. For those interested in shopping there are outlet stores as well.

There is so much to do and see in and around the Edgefield that you may want to come a day before the convention or linger after it is over.  

Be sure to put May 18-20 on your calendars for the 2007 LWVOR Convention and notify your local League president that you would like to attend.

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Nationally Known Speakers Featured at Convention

Professor Scott Burns, a geologist at Portland State University, will be the banquet speaker on May 19 at the LWVOR Convention.  Dr. Burns is the area’s foremost expert on landslides and his expertise is often sought by the news media to explain the frequent landslides in and around Multnomah County and Vancouver.  His other interests include environmental, groundwater and engineering geology and he is an author and contributing author of many books on these topics.  He will speak on “Natural Hazards in Oregon Geology:  Past, Present and Future.”   Dr. Burns has received countless honors during his career including recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award and Teacher of the Year Award.  Besides his teaching and research activities at Portland State he is president of the Association of Engineering Geologists. 

As announced in December’s Voter, Mary Wilson, 17th president of the LWVUS, will be the Saturday, May 19 luncheon speaker at convention. She will speak about “The League in 2007 and Beyond.” Ms. Wilson will talk about the State of the League at the present time including projects being completed as well as those on the horizon as we lead up to Election 2008.  Additionally, she will facilitate a workshop on recruiting members and volunteers as well as be available throughout the convention to network with individuals and groups on League action and processes.   Ms. Wilson was elected president at the 2006 LWVUS Convention in June.  She has held leadership positions at the national, state and local levels.  Professionally, Ms. Wilson is an attorney and small business owner.  She resides in New Mexico. 

The LWVOR Convention will take place at McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale on May 18-20.  Reservations should be made for overnight accommodations as soon as possible at the Edgefield by calling 1-800-669-8610 or at a nearby Comfort Inn, phone 1-800-824-6824.  Ask for the League of Women Voters Block of rooms. 

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Raffe 2007 Update

Robin Wisdom, Development Chair
Local Leagues can make $$ with the LWVOR Raffle! Proof: In 2005, Portland made about $750; even a small League like Umpqua Valley made $122 in 2005.

Tickets were mailed to local Leagues in the first week of February. Each LWVOR Board member received at least 10 tickets to sell as well.
Each local League’s newsletter editor has been emailed two different flyers to include in their newsletters. Suggestion: Use one in March and the other in April newsletters. Let us know if you need hard copy flyers. We’ll be glad to physically mail them to you.

**Note regarding the Prize choices: one flyer only mentions flight coverage from Portland, but LWVOR will cover flight expenses for two from Portland, Seattle, Eugene, Redmond or Medford.

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New Structure Set for State Board

Helen Scholom and Jean Milgram, Nominating Committee Chair and 2nd Vice President
The board of directors of the state LWV is making a change in the way its top leadership is structured. The functions of advocacy and education have for some time been kept separate. Now they will be further separated by having different leaders: a President of the League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) and a Chair of the League of Women Voters of Oregon Education Fund (LWVOREF). Both leaders will serve on the boards of both organizations.

Advocacy and education are “two hats” of the League of Women Voters and this sometimes leads to confusion about our nonpartisan policy. Not only the general public but sometimes even our members do not understand how we can proclaim our “objectivity” in researching and studying “all sides of an issue” and then take a public stand opposing or supporting proposed legislation.

However, our advocacy on issues follows logically from our purpose. The League is a nonpartisan political membership organization because it is all about political issues and not political parties. League members research all sides of issues that we consider important for good government; the membership then studies this information and develops a consensus. We then educate the public about League findings to empower people to shape better communities. At the same time the League educates and lobbies legislators to promote positive solutions of these issues.

From the League’s inception in Oregon until 1980, both education and advocacy were carried out by one organization, the League of Women Voters of Oregon. But in 1980 our Education Fund was created as a discrete 501(c) (3) organization under the federal Internal Revenue Code, allowing tax-deductible contributions to our strictly educational programs. The Education Fund never advocates or lobbies but exists to provide impartial information to Oregonians.  LWVOREF’s finances are kept strictly separate from LWVOR’s.

The Education Fund is a trust with its own board of trustees, chosen by the board of LWVOR, and its operations are governed by a Declaration of Trust unrelated to the parent organization’s Bylaws. League members are not “members” of the Education Fund, since it has no members. However, League members can donate to the Education Fund through their local League, and the local League can then use that money only for educational programs.
From 1980 until 2007, the LWVOR board has chosen to name themselves as trustees of the Education Fund and to make their state president its chair. This year they unanimously chose to try an experiment, first proposed by the nominating committee, and instructed that committee to recruit a nominee for the LWVOR board whose function and title will be Chair of the Education Fund. Both the LWVOR president and the EF chair will serve as members of the LWVOR board of directors as well as the EF board of trustees.  There are two purposes for this innovation.

One aim is to further separate advocacy and education by having different people represent the League in these two different activities, hoping to reduce confusion about the League’s “two hats.” Under this new structure, the LWVOR president retains oversight of action, membership, organizational fund-raising, and the administration of the organization and the office. The LWVOREF chair will oversee all educational programs, including services to voters and studies, and will also be responsible for developing funds for these activities. Both the president and EF chair will be responsible for publicity and events in their areas. The League will therefore have two public representatives, one for action, the other for education and voters’ service.

The second purpose of the new structure is to reduce the very heavy load on the LWVOR president. As the League has grown in size and stature in Oregon, the job of the state president has become too heavy for one person. Recent state presidents have found themselves working as much as 60 hours a week during times of heavy workload, which can be most of a year.

This change should not directly affect local League operations, but sometimes structure can impact activities in unforeseen ways.  Members should feel free to ask questions and express opinions to the state board members. The state Convention in May will present opportunities for discussion about the new state board structure. This two-year experiment does not require any change to the LWVOR Bylaws or the LWVOREF Declaration of Trust, so it seems worth trying.

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League of Women Voters in 10 Years?

Sarah Koski, Former LWVOR Intern
The role of the League of Women Voters – as well as the Education Fund – marks significant advances in public interest, media connection, and distribution of materials, action, and information.  Since the League is a non-partisan organization, it relies on the principles of education and neutrality to inform Oregon constituents.  Members of the League hope that reports such as the Voters’ Guide will result in a more informed voter population, as well as a higher rate of citizen participation within state and local politics.

Although the current status of the League is proud of its direct public and political impact, it carries the burden of an elder, senior membership.  Thus, visions for the future are unclear.  When attempting to envision the League in the next ten years, volunteer lobbyist  Liz Frenkel states,
There’s a huge [advantage] that the League is volunteer.  They can’t accuse us of being partisan and, because of that, it is hard for people who don’t like what we are saying to castigate us as they usually do with their opponents. After all we are volunteers and we aren’t doing it for any benefits beyond our beliefs.  It gives us a halo, but there is a problem and the problem is, it takes a lot of time and energy (Personal Interview, 29 April 2006).

Time and energy is necessary in an organization such as the League.  However, many current leaders within the League of Women Voters of Oregon believe that their membership will be maintained, as the “baby boom” population begins their transition into retirement. 

In order to survive as a political organization in the future, members and leaders within the LWVOR and LWVOREF must identify and solve the many challenges facing this non-profit.  Issues such as volunteer time commitments, online communication, and public relations must be in the forefront of League discussions.

Below are four alternatives to current League practices.  These “updated methods” are tailored to affectively usurp the low-cost benefits of the internet while tailoring League objectives to reach the largest possible audience.
Current method:  Video PSA’s broadcasted on community television.
Updated method:  Public interest web-casts (internet video) to be placed on the League website and on You-Tube.
Current method:  Legislative Reports sent via mail and e-mail
Updated method:  I-tune podcasts available free on the League website and sent to high school civics teachers to distribute to students.
Current method:  Traveling to Salem or other locales for board/committee meetings.
Updated method:  Web and video conferencing.
Current method:  Volunteer League lobbyists researching legislation, writing floor letters, traveling to Salem, and spending substantial time at the State Legislature.
Updated method:  Specialization of labor.  (College/high school students surfing the internet for bills/hearings, volunteers to write floor letters and e-mail to the state office for approval, etc.)

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Welcome to Kathy Greysmith, New Office Assistant

It was thirty years ago that I came to Oregon and found my slice of paradise in the Eola Hills of West Salem.  This is where dreams come true. I share my farm with a nationally recognized herd of Nubian dairy goats, two huge dogs, two playful cats and several exotic peafowl. It is hard to imagine that I once was a very shy, quiet little girl when I look at the numerous occupations I have had. Some highlights are, owning a medical illustration/graphics art business before coming to Oregon, working for the National Dairy Goat Association and developing a breeding program for my Nubian herd, owning and managing a coffeehouse/deli and currently working at a local winery in sales and marketing. 

During the 60’s and 70’s I was very politically active.  Those roots are with me. So, you can imagine my delight after all these years to find myself working for the League of Women Voters of Oregon.  I am thankful for this opportunity and hope that I will be an asset helping Rebecca and the League.

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"Something's Wrong?" Join LWV!

Jan Markee, Membership Chair
All citizens are political.  They either maintain the status quo, or they say, "Something's wrong; let's change it for the better." The LWV offers the opportunities for all of us to be effective politically. As we work with a wide variety of organizations that reach out to provide assistance to those who suffer economic injustice, we come to see that while these services remain essential, it is the lack of real opportunities for many that is our problem, and it is only by addressing the legislation that has failed to create justice and opportunity and creating more enlightened, effective legislation that we can begin to make possible a government that truly offers "liberty and justice for all" as well as protection of our natural resources.

As individuals, our donations to many organizations often make a very short term difference, and they are needed, but we also need to look at the causes of economic and political injustice ... and speak truth to power through our representatives in the state legislature as well as in Washington DC.

If you are recognizing that "Something's wrong; let's change it for the better", become more active in your local League and invite others whose voices needto be heard.  We need the concern, wisdom, and "street smarts" of as many men and women as possible to empower our efforts for reform.

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November Election Day Web Site Hits

Jean Milgram, Publicity Chair
Last summer we printed a graph of hits on our web site (www.lwvor.org) during the week preceding the May 2006 Primary Election.  The most notable feature of that graph was that the largest number of people accessing our web page that week was on the day before the election and on Election Day. The numbers of hits, which on normal days run under 100, were 765 on that Monday and 849 on Tuesday.

The table (shown below) for the hits during the November 2006 election week is considerably different. For one thing, the numbers are much larger - over 2,000 a day on Monday and Tuesday, which were still our most popular days. But the preceding Monday was also a 2,000+ day for hits.  The data indicate that most people visited us only once during a day. The total number of visitors to our web site during the week of Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 was 13,921 with 6,044 first time visitors.

Daily statistics for www.lwvor.org from statcounter.com

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LWV of Portland Studies Neighborhoods

Pat Osborn, LWV of Portland
When the Portland League voted to update its study on Neighborhood Associations, members had little idea how timely and important this update would become.

The city’s 32-year-old neighborhood system consists of 95 Neighborhood Associations (NAs) which are independent entities but receive city support to work for neighborhood livability and engage citizens in civic issues. The Portland League last studied this system in 1974 and 1975, so the membership decided at its 2004 convention that an update was needed.

The neighborhood system is controversial. At its onset it was lauded for its citizen-led accomplishments. But since the late 80’s and 90’s, news coverage has reported battles between NAs and city government. Instead of proactive involvement in neighborhood planning and city budget decisions, NAs were seen as reactive, objecting to decisions made without adequate neighborhood input.

First-term Mayor Tom Potter, elected in Fall 2004 and generally seen as supportive of citizen interests, initiated an examination of the workings of city bureaus, including the city’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement, within months of taking office. The League study committee’s work has been of great interest to the city group, now called “Community Connect,” which is exploring ways to revise the neighborhood system. The League has produced a history of the neighborhood system, a survey of 38 of the 95 city neighborhood associations, and finally in Fall 2006, a 24-page report on how the neighborhood system functions today. These materials, all available on the LWV of Portland website (www.lwvpdx.org), were completed through literature review, site visits and extensive interviews with people involved in the neighborhood system.

NAs are criticized for a general lack of diversity of involvement. Since they are participatory rather than representative, the people who show up to meetings are the ones who set the direction of the group. The city has many newer citizen-initiative groups that speak for “communities without borders” and these groups believe they are equally deserving of the organizational support given to NAs by the city.

At the same time the politics of city government are vastly different today than they were in the mid 70’s. In an era of limited public dollars and more concern for the health of the economy, many of the city measures that successfully integrated the work of NAs with city government have been eliminated.

The League’s study has ensured that a comprehensive look at the current NA system is part of the conversation about reforms. A community panel discussion was held in November and League units held discussions for consensus. The League’s new position, adopted by its board in January, is supportive of the city’s NA system. It states, in part, that “Neighborhood Associations must be integrated into city networks of communication and decision-making, and they must be adequately supported by city funding and services. Neighborhood Associations, in turn, need to consistently invite and include all residents in their operations.” With this new position, the Portland League can take action to help shape the future of Neighborhood Associations in Portland.

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Listen for New Ideas, Alternate Views!

Jan Markee, Membership Chair
As Leagues, we sometimes operate too easily as "insiders" -- We need to listen to newer members and give them opportunities to participate... and even lead. Their new ideas deserve welcoming, and where there are conflicts with LWVOR procedures, we can gently explain and often find alternative ways to channel their concerns and inspirations.

Let's open up, welcome new perspectives, and help them find appropriate ways to address issues, keeping within League discipline.

As leaders, we sometimes just ask newcomers to fit in and follow along, when they might learn more by trying on leadership roles with guidance and support. "Making Democracy Work" means avoiding a "top down" regimen to the exclusion of fresh approaches to addressing issues.

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Homeless Youth In Oregon Statement of Position

Adopted February 2007
Parents are legally responsible for their children. When parents are unable to fulfill that responsibility, the League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that communities and governments at all levels have a responsibility to provide programs and services to meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth. 
In order to help families stay together, prevent youth homelessness, and reduce the need for more expensive future services, the LWVOR supports providing services such as family crisis counseling, child care, parenting education, mental health and addiction treatment, low-cost housing, and health care.
When youth are separated from their families, the LWVOR supports providing services to these youth, such as shelter, food, education, health care, mental health and addiction treatment, plus outreach to encourage youth to use services. Older youth need additional services, such as assistance with independent living skills and with finding employment and more permanent housing.

These services may be provided by government or by private organizations that receive government and/or private funding. Coordination of these services is necessary to avoid duplication and service gaps.  Youth should be served regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

All levels of government should have funding responsibility for preventive and supportive services to families and homeless youth. Private organizations are encouraged to provide funding and services.  Government funds should be adequate and allocated according to demonstrated need.   Agencies must show that their programs are effective.

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Local Leagues Rate Strengths

Dorthea Petersen, Local League Liaison
To grow stronger, it is a good idea from time to time to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses. This fall and winter, state board members surveyed local Leagues to learn how we all can improve and how the state Board might help.

Local Leagues rated their program and advocacy activity highest, with forums and similar events scoring medium to high as well. 
Thirteen of Oregon’s sixteen local Leagues and the state’s one ILO took part in the just completed survey.  Those participating included Ashland, Clackamas County, Columbia County, Corvallis, Columbia River Region Inter-League Organization, Curry, Deschutes, East Multnomah County, Klamath County, Lane County, Portland, Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley Leagues.

The survey of activity in program areas such as advocacy, educational programs, forums/events, studies and media outreach/relations placed most leagues in medium and high ratings.  Debates were rated the lowest, with five with low ratings and three with a medium rating. 
LWVOR’s liaison system to Leagues was evenly mixed from high to low ratings.  Results of the survey showed that all 13 leagues received regular email and the state Voter.

Among the major strengths listed by Leagues surveyed were large, dedicated memberships, financial stability, members experienced in governmental processes, and participation in studies.  Several Leagues held forums for the public on local issues.  Focusing on issues of regional interest and high visibility, with community involvement and successful Voters’ Guide fundraising, were reported as helpful by one League.

Among major challenges continuing to face Oregon Leagues were finding leadership (ten Leagues) and volunteers (seven Leagues).  The next greatest challenge was financial health, rated as somewhat of a challenge for eight Leagues
Noted strengths included:

• Columbia County: sponsoring scholarships to Girls State and distributing Voters' Guides to other counties.
• Portland: passing on information to new presidents and willingness to work with other Leagues
• Lane County:  Civics 101, holding monthly public forums, setting up and maintaining its website and unit structure
• Curry County:  advocating for local issues, predominantly water sources and uses.

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"Develop-mentally Speaking!"

Robin Wisdom, Development Chair
Raising money for local League projects always takes creativity and work, but it is not as hard as some members think.
Did you know your local League may use unrestricted, tax-deductible contributions made to the national LWVEF, a 501(c) (3) organization, on behalf of your League to pay up to half (50 %) of your national per member payment (PMP)? This allows your League to keep a larger portion of member dues for your own local projects.

You can also use tax-deductible contributions to LWVOREF for payment of 25 % your state PMP. Or you can solicit tax-deductible contributions for your League's general educational purposes and have the money held by the state Treasurer in your Local League Grant Fund for local projects.

If a donor restricts the gift for some specific purpose (e.g., publication of a local voters' guide), your League may not use any portion of that gift to satisfy your League's state or national PMP obligation. But it certainly benefits your League!

Please keep your eyes and ears open for new funding sources in your community. Let us know if you need help approaching donors. We can arrange to attend meetings with potential donors or provide advice.

We realize the state’s efforts can be viewed as competitive with the local Leagues, but it is really our intention to be of assistance to League at all levels.
The state Development Committee is constantly looking for new ways to fund projects that benefit all Oregon Leagues. We are planning to get help evaluating our fundraising practices to find ways to improve them. What we learn should benefit local Leagues as well as the state.

Did you know that LWVOR spent more than $75,000 to publish and distribute the General Election Voters’ Guide throughout Oregon? We’ve done better than ever, distributing more Voters’ Guides than ever to a larger audience in more counties.  More local guides were printed and distributed too and the local Leagues contributed more to the effort than ever before. We are good!

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Redistricting in Oregon Position, Adopted March 2007

Congressional and legislative redistricting should advance the fundamental purposes of representative democracy and a republican form of government by affording the people a meaningful choice in electing their representatives and holding the government accountable to the people.
The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the Oregon legislative and congressional redistricting system should be efficient, adequately funded, based on well-defined criteria, subject to a reasonable and effective timetable, and have an open and public process.

1. Adhere to all federal constitutional and legal requirements such as that every district should have equal population, be contiguous, and meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act;
2. Promote competitiveness and partisan fairness such that voters are effectively able to hold their public officials accountable, responsible, and responsive; and
3. Comply with other criteria such as respect for political subdivisions, communities of interest, and geographic barriers.

B. The redistricting plan should be developed by a nonpartisan redistricting authority that functions independently of the Legislature and that may afford the Legislature the opportunity to review the plan and accept or reject it. 

C.  The Oregon Supreme Court should promptly review and rule on any challenge to a redistricting plan and require adjustments if the criteria have not been met.

D.  Oregon should conduct redistricting only once during each decade following the federal census.

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