Easley Elected 2007-2008 LWVOR President

Compiled from Board Reports and press release

Marge Easley of the Clackamas County League was elected LWVOR president at Convention 2007, held May 18-20 at McMenamin's-Edgefield in Troutdale.  Janet Calvert of Lane County was elected to serve as a LWVOR director and will chair LWVOR Education Fund.  Reelected were Norman Turrill, LWV Portland, 1st Vice President and Kate Culbertson of LWV Ashland, Secretary.  New Board members are Deanie Anderson, Sandra Smith Gangle and Rose Lewis from LWV Marion/Polk Counties.  Lewis was elected for a one- year term to complete a vacancy, while the others will serve two-year terms,

Delegates to the convention voted to authorize two complete state studies.  Water Resources of Oregon will encompass water quality, quantity and planning.  Initially, the Lane County League proposed updating two previous LWVOR water positions, but at the convention, delegates and the committee members determined that the scope of the studies should be expanded and then combined into one large study on water resources.

With this larger task, the delegates also felt the study committee might require more time to explore this topic and extended the time of the study to 30 months. The need for a new look at the quantity of available water in Oregon, as well as its quality, was strongly advocated by delegates from Oregon’s coastal areas as well as residents of Willamette Valley cities. 

Convention delegates then voted for an 18-month study of election methods covering such topics as fusion voting, partisan vs. nonpartisan elections, and top two open primary elections.  Delegates also voted   to   review   and   revise  language only in the Adult Mental Health and the Mental Services for Children and Youth position statements. Since both these positions were written, the terminology of mental health has changed considerably and LWVOR’s position needs to reflect current language.  

Attending the convention as a visitor was Mary Wilson, president of LWVUS, who spoke at an Honorees luncheon on Saturday about the current and future state of League. Ms. Wilson was interested in learning more about Oregon's vote-by-mail elections as she prepares for the 2008 LWVUS convention to be held in Portland. 

Speaking at Saturday night's banquet was Dr. Scott Burns of Portland State University, an expert on landslides, speaking on “Natural Hazards in Oregon: Past, Present and Future"

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President's Column

As your next LWVOR President, I look forward to the next two years with excitement and the usual amount of trepidation.  However, my nerves are calmed when I look around at the wonderfully supportive people I’ll be working with.  First, I’m delighted to be sharing responsibilities with Janet Calvert, who as LWVOREF chair will oversee all education fund activities.  Also, I’ll have the benefit of Margaret Noel’s excellent example, a very capable board, experienced off-board chairs, a tireless action team, and the tremendous help of Rebecca Smith in the office.  That’s the beauty of League--it’s definitely a cooperative endeavor.  I’m continually reminded of what a special organization it is.

On June 8, I’ll be heading to my first LWVUS Council in Washington, D.C., accompanied by Norman Turrill (LWVOR 1st Vice President), Carol Cushman (President, LWV Portland), and Betsy Pratt (Portland Chair for the 2008 LWVUS Convention).  I’m looking forward to bragging about some of our accomplishments in the roll call of states, including the fact that over 120 of our members participated in three state studies, which involved over 300 interviews, terrific publications, and the adoption of three new advocacy positions.  Besides that, our state action team presented testimony at over 90 legislative hearings, keeping members updated with a weekly Legislative Report.  PLUS, our 2006 Oregon Student Mock Election project will be receiving a special award for its efforts to involve a diverse group of students and teachers. That’s pretty impressive by anyone’s standards!

Our state board retreat on July 5-7 will give us an opportunity to make some important decisions about the coming year.  Please let us know if there are specific issues you would like us to discuss.  I shared one of my ideas at convention—to facilitate networking possibilities between local Leagues with the use of conference calls, when face-to-face meetings aren’t practical.  I have a new appreciation for this medium, since it has proved successful for state board meetings, and with sky-high gas prices, it’s a great alternative to traveling long distances.  It’s also important to remember that email, although an indispensable communication tool for many of us, is not universally used by Leaguers and may not be the best way to have an inclusive and meaningful discussion.  That said, the key thing is keeping the lines of communication open, so please don’t hesitate to contact me any way you’d like; if you have concerns or questions, contact me through LWVOR office at lwvor@lwvor.org or by phone at 503-638-7023.

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A Leadership Experiment

By Janet Calvert, LWVOREF Chair
The health of the League of Women Voters at every level is depends on our willingness to explore new ways to make leadership jobs more manageable and enjoyable.  The League of Women Voters of Oregon Board decided that for the 2-year term 2007-2009, they would experiment with the state board’s structure. They divided the presidency into two positions:

• a president for LWVOR to lead the advocacy and most administrative functions, and
• a chair of the Education Fund to coordinate League program, citizen education and voter service.

In July, the LWVOR Board will elect me to serve as chair of the Education Fund Board of Trustees. I will be the spokesperson for all Voter Service activities including Voters’ Guide, debates, program development and fund raising or development for all these activities. Besides reducing the work load for the president, this new structure will help create a clearer separation between League’s advocacy activities and voter education.
I believe this experiment has great potential to make League stronger. But it will require a lot of communication between the president, the chair of the Ed Fund and the board. When local League leaders have questions about voter service or program, they should continue to contact the chair of those activities or me. As always, the effectiveness of the LWVOR and LWVOREF depends upon the willingness of local League members to participate in state League activities and studies.

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Why I'm Glad I Was President

Margaret Noel, President LWVOR, 2003-2007
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2007 State League Convention. The only time I felt at all nervous was during my final address to the delegates. Probably that was because I wanted so much to meaningfully convey my gratitude for all that being League president has given me.
Several weeks ago, I had spoken to the EMCO League about "Why would anyone want to be president of the League?" I had five answers. First, there's the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of very interesting people—not only politicians, community leaders and activists, but also especially League members. It has truly been my privilege to know and work with some extraordinary, dedicated people.

The second thing that I gained was consistently getting wonderful help from other League members. I learned that when I have an issue that needs resolving and questions that need answering, League members always come through with ideas and answers.  The League is set up so that we work together as a team. That is what makes us as powerful as we are. None of us acts alone.

Third, there is the tremendous amount of learning that can be gained from being a League member and a League leader. Learning is what makes life fun and constantly a new adventure.

Fourth is the respect that we all get for being members of the League and especially for being president. The reputation of the League commands a great deal of respect. That is of course because of the work over the years of many Leaguers, and we not only have the responsibility to protect our reputation, we also benefit from it.
Finally, and most important, working as leaders in the League gives us the tools and the power to really make a difference in our communities, in Oregon and even in the nation and the world. The League empowers us and we in turn can empower other people. We can use the League's influence to make government better.

As I leave the presidency, I look forward to the progress the League will continue to make in the years ahead. I am excited about the new 2007-08 LWVOR Board. I am confident that your new leaders will have new and exciting ideas. With all of you, I am looking forward to seeing the League become even stronger. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to work as your president in the past four years. I have been honored, pleased and proud to be identified with the League of Women Voters of Oregon.

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It Makes Cents

Robin Wisdom, Development Chair

The LWVOR Raffle drawing finally happened at Convention 2007 Saturday evening and Top Raffle Ticket Sellers were announced. The top sales award went to Marolyn Tarrant of the Corvallis League who sold 71 tickets! Marolyn will be receiving two tickets to the Oregon Shakespearian Festival in Ashland.
Our second Top Raffle Ticket Seller was Dorthea Petersen of the Curry County League who sold 70 tickets! Dorthea’s prize was a beautiful hand crocheted rug made from Pendleton wool by rug artist Nancy Roth from Roseburg. The next highest sales came from Portland at 41 tickets sold.

Congratulations to both Top Ticket Sellers! All efforts toward this important fundraiser are applauded and very much appreciated by LWVOR. This event helps to cover convention and council costs and keeps delegate costs down. Although both prizes were donated, the trip to Maui is paid for with funds raised through the raffle.

And the winners are … Richard and Pat Marshall from Erie, Pennsylvania, who are thrilled to have won and have chosen the trip to Maui! The winning raffle ticket was pulled out of the ‘hat’ by LWVUS President Mary Wilson.  Congratulations to the Marshalls!

Also at the convention Voters’ Guide distribution awards were given to local Leagues who worked very hard to raise enough $ to completely cover their Voters’ Guide publishing and distribution costs for the 2006 election cycle. The following Leagues were honored with a special Certificate of Excellence: Ashland, Columbia, Lane, Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley, Corvallis and Curry. Congratulations on huge achievements which represents years of work and dedication.
Because they did such a huge job in fundraising and distributing the most Voters’ Guides ever, the Portland League also was awarded a Certificate of Excellence. In 2002 they distributed 25,000, in 2004 63,000 and in 2006 they produced and distributed 84,000 Voters’ Guides! WOW! Tremendous job, Portland!
As my term ends on the state board, I leave you with good points that were raised in “Fundraising's Four Magic Questions: Answer These and the Gift Is Yours,” an article by Jerold Panas in GuideStar (Panas, Jerold, “Fundraising's Four Magic Questions,” March 5, 2007 http://www.guidestar. org /DisplayArticle.do?articleId=1108), a fundraising online journal for nonprofits.  Panas explained how a negative answer can be useful.  For instance, after having taken time, talked with a potential donor and finally made the “ask”, you find you are turned down.  Someone whom you thought might be open simply said “no”. Why? Panas writes of four reasons why this could occur and what you could do next. He suggests you ask:

• Is there no great feeling or involvement with the institution?
• Is there is a lack of interest in the specific project?
• Did I ask for too much?
• Is the timing a factor?

By asking these questions, you’ll learn much and possibly come away with another promise or opening in the future. Just ask!

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New Position on the Oregon State Courts Adopted

By Barbara Fredericks, Judiciary Study Chair
At last, we have a new position following our study of the Oregon judiciary.  After carefully reviewing responses to consensus questions, the Membership Agreement Committee drafted the following new position titled “Oregon State Courts.”  Delegates at state convention adopted the new position by unanimous vote.  It replaces the position titled “Judicial System,” adopted in 1979.  (Subpart E of the Governance position titled “Constitutional Provisions” remains intact.) Link here to see the position.

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Getting Tax-Deductible Contributions for Your Local League

By Al Wilson, LWVOR Treasurer
It is easier to obtain contributions if they are tax-deductible. Unfortunately, except for the Portland League, no contributions made directly to local Leagues are tax-deductible. The purpose of this article is to explain how the League of Women Voters of Oregon Education Fund (LWVOREF) can help your League obtain and use tax-deductible contributions to finance its educational activities.

LWVOREF was created to accept tax-deductible contributions to benefit the state League and all local Leagues. All activities funded by LWVOREF are impartial and educational. LWVOREF funds voter service and studies to educate the voters. No LWVOREF activities involve lobbying or promoting League positions, either statewide or locally. These efforts must be funded by LWVOR or by local Leagues.
Your local League can benefit in two ways by soliciting contributions to LWVOREF:

1. Up to 25% of your league’s annual Per Member Payment (PMP) obligation may be paid by contributions to LWVOREF.
2. Contributions to LWVOREF can support your local League’s educational activities.

Local Leagues pay PMP assessments quarterly to LWVOR to support state League activities. Many Leagues pay their PMP from membership dues and from other funds raised by the local League. These funds  are   not   tax - deductible.   If   you   obtain contributions to LWVOREF you may use these tax-deductible contributions to pay up to 25% of your League’s PMP obligation. Doing so allows your League to retain the other funds it raises so that they can then be used for any purpose including lobbying and position support.

Your League may also obtain contributions to LWVOREF to support its own educational activities by using Local League Grant Funds (LLGF). LWVOREF maintains an LLGF for each League. Leagues can solicit contributions for their LLGF account at any time. They may then draw upon these funds to support any educational activity. For example, you can raise tax-deductible funds from local citizens and businesses this year to support next year’s voter forums and voters guides. Many people support these League activities. They will be far more likely to contribute financial support if it is tax deductible.

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An Intern’s Perspective

By Terra Ashford, Legislative Intern
I consider myself to be a very lucky woman.  I had the pleasure and honor of working these past two terms as the Legislative Intern at the League of Women Voters of Oregon office.  I am just finishing my junior year at Western Oregon University in Public Policy and Administration, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to apply my in-class experiences to the real world.  My time here with the LWVOR has provided me with exciting opportunities to learn about the legislative process, to understand the dynamics of the Oregon democratic system, and to see close-up the incredible work that a grassroots organization can do.  I’ve had the chance to help with the Legislative Reports, visit with legislators and attend committee hearings at the Capitol, develop a project around a study, attend theConvention and a board meeting, and be a part of the Action Committee meetings.; It has been amazing. As I prepare to leave the LWVOR office, I take with me this incredible awe of the dedication, heart, and passion that each and every member has. It is very clear to me now why this organization is so well respected throughout the nation, and I am so proud to be a member. I look forward to continuing to work with the League through both the state office and my local League Marion/Polk Counties. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this extraordinary opportunity.

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League Processes Workshop, LWVOR Convention 2007

Notes from the Saturday League Processes Workshop, organized by Bea Epperson, produced a wealth of ideas for League members.  Delegates were assigned to l of 4 groups: Leadership, Membership & Volunteers, Publicity & Public Relations and Fundraising. Following are their ideas:

Group I: Leadership/ Development/ Recruitment
Facilitator: Pat Osborn; Recorder: Sandra Gangle

• Basic Need: Ten leaders to help recruit people with experience.
• Use questionnaires to discover members' interests
• Be as specific as possible when outlining the role you hope to fill and do call back if they are hesitant.
• Present requests as "opportunity" or "privilege".
• Bolster the prospective leader's self image to increase confidence.
• Write a personal letter to individuals and/or groups which provides more specifics and time to consider -- the letter may follow a phone call, or the letter may come first, then the call.
• Ask a volunteer to chair a committee --- perhaps co-chair with more experienced member.
• Build their confidence by mentioning their leadership potential.
• Look for more men -- many may not know that they can be active leaders.
• Widen our vision by encouraging diversity -- many minority groups share our positions.
• Prepare to mentor and train persons with less experience -- and make tasks specific, clear.
• Encourage new leadership through phone calls, e-mails, notes.
• Visit other civic groups and collaborate with minority organizations. Co-sponsor events when/if appropriate.
• Invite members to help with studies.
• Consider co-presidencies.  Having a new member/president may work well with past president staying on board.
• Get acquainted with your town/ city by attending decision-making board meetings. (Observer Corps)
• Define your expectations, but invite new approaches.
• Avoid "League-speak" jargon.
• Create a new leader video tape or disk... and create workshop time for new leaders.

Group 2: Membership and Volunteers
Facilitator: Mary Wilson; Recorder: Diana Bodtker

• Incorporate membership aims into activities.
• Recruit retirees.
• Sponsor a formal tea-- invitation only--for prospective members.
• Glean prospective members' interests, do follow up.
• Call national members and offer rides to events.
• Ask members to take on specific tasks.
• Study groups should ask experts to participate--and invite them to become members.
• Remember that phone calls work--call quickly after new members join.
• Offer book groups which provide fellowship with members and serve as good lead-ins.
• Offer discounts for new members.
• Look at candidates' lists and contact those NOT elected.
• Look for women with children just entering school.
• Give gift memberships to speakers.
• Be sure to follow up on first invitations.
• Read newspaper Letters to the ´Editor for new names of concerned citizens.

Visibility:

• Establish League identity--"branding" with a consistent message.
• Wear League pins/ badges--it makes a difference. 
• Get meetings/ events into paper.
• Make sure membership information is included in Welcome Wagon kits / baskets.
• Use visual media to attract younger members.
• Visit social justice groups; identify yourself as a LWV member.

Group 3: Publicity and Public Relations
Facilitator: Jean Milgram , Recorder: Rose Lewis

Press Releases

• Call the Editor and follow their guidelines/ rules.
• Establish common concerns and working relationship.
• Try for a local "hook" for statewide issue stories.
• Get local president to make a statement to go with state president.
• Invite local members to help with press contacts.
• When you get a call from a reporter or news staff asking for a quote on a short deadline, be sure to call back -- even if it's past the deadline -- keep relationship intact.
• Buy time if needed.
• Cell phone may help make response timelier.
• It is League policy that only the president can speak for the League -- OR someone she designates. All new stories should have the president's okay.
• Protect the League from overzealous reporters -- but keep their loyalty and interest.
• Other Media: Radio, TV, Newsletters -- Use all appropriate venues.
• Photos help ---send with a long caption.
• Rent a table to display LWV materials and news accounts at local fairs, related conventions. --.

Blogs

• Be careful about League jargon, terminology that may be misunderstood by the public on blogs like Blue Oregon.
• "Put it all in the headline ETC.”
• Digital camera coverage helps publicity.
• Use community television -- get camera persons, program producers for League programs/ speakers.
• Contact related organizations interested in common specific issues.
• Co-sponsor events... If a participating group is questionable, check with state president.

Group 4: Development and Fundraising
Facilitator: Kris Hudson, Recorder: Roz Shirack

• Draft an effective letter of request for donations.
• Compile a list of prospective donors-- Check precinct lists for voters.
• Use lists of donors from other groups that share LWV concerns. Local and state lists show members, businesses, supporters.
• Hold events -- raffles, garage sales, grapefruit sale, etc.
• Remember that annual consistency helps build consumer participation.
• Make personal contacts with League-friendly likely donors, and specify how money will be used--and tell success stories.
• Look for useful advice in the Local League Planning Guide.
• Co-ordinate dates of proposed events to avoid conflicts.
• Use media to increase awareness of public League activities
• Combine raffle, auction with League meetings.
• Schedule annual special event fundraiser.
• Use "Planned Giving" -- See Local League Planning Guide.
• Remind members about Travel concepts/ $50 per member.
• Seek out a group or business to co-sponsor a study, education meeting.
• Sell donated or League-created items on e-bay.
• Set up a Thrift Shop account. (They sell donated items, keep track of sales for LWV).
• Offer B&B rooms for LWVUS convention/ state convention.
• Gift certificates/ scrip. Share with League.

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A Day of Inspiration, Information, and Fun

Speakers, Workshops highlight a busy Saturday at Convention

Articles and photographs by Pat Russell, LWVOR Voter Editor

League presidents and state board members were honored at the Saturday afternoon Honoree Luncheon.  Then Mary Wilson, president of the national League, spoke on the state of League.  “The League of Women Voters has a long history—and we want to have a long future,” she told convention delegates.  “We are a real grass roots organization—not ‘Astroturf’,” she added, as she wove together compliments and concerns about League in 2007 and beyond.

Leadership and membership recruitment are major concerns for League, she pointed out, explaining the Membership Recruitment Imitative project (MRI) is helping five pilot Leagues to increase their membership by 5% a year. She noted that Oregon’s membership, up 9.8%, shows how active, resourceful Leagues can integrate membership into everything we do. Wilson applauded LWVOR for its recent study on Redistricting, saying it’s important for members to stay involved and work to inform the public. We watched what happened when (redistricting) reforms came up and people did not understand the effects or the need for reforms.” 

The No Host Social started out with entertainment by the ‘Awesome Aunties’, an impromptu singing group who turned some old favorites into tunes highlighting League’s many roles (read one of their songs).

Then banquet attendees turned to a more serious subject—Oregon’s natural hazards—and learned that floods, earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis volcanoes and radon gas are some of the hazards of this state, according to Dr. Scott Burns, Professor of Geology at Portland State University.  Burns has become a familiar face to media-watchers, as he is often called upon to explain the latest landslide or effects of increasing rainfall. 

Earthquakes are a favorite topic for his popular classes, as he explained the three different types—with those in subduction zones being the most powerful (and most deadly).  These occur about every 450 years, and Oregon experienced one 307 years ago, he noted.  Burns also talked about radon, a radioactive gas which comes from granite in old fluvial material.  Parts of North Portland and Clark County, sited on material from the Missoula Flood event, have a higher percentage of radon potentially present--22 % as compared to a 4 % danger level in most of the rest of the state.

We’re the League of Women Voters
(sung to the tune of I’ve been working on the Railroad)
We’re the League of Women Voters
Suffragists are we
We are working for good leaders
In this democracy
Join us now to do some planning
For the coming year
We’re the League of Women Voters
Lend an ear, my dear
Help us in our work, Help us in our work
Making this a better world
Help us in our work, help us in our work
Making this a better world
Some of us are into good schools
Others the environment
Some work for social justice
But we all want good government

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LWVOR Mock Election Wins National Award

By Rebecca Smith, Oregon Student Mock Election Coordinator
The LWVOR Education Fund has won the League of Women Voters Award for increasing parent and community participation in the Mock Election and in the General Election.  The award will be presented this month to Oregon leaders at the LWVUS Council meeting in Washington, D.C. 

LWVOR’s efforts to include voters who are sometimes disenfranchised were especially inspiring to the award committee.  The balanced, carefully researched Voters’ Guide, which is traditionally printed on paper, has been expanded over the past 8 years to include an increasing number of alternative formats in order to serve more voters and potential voters.  The Voters’ Guide is now published in an easy-to-read version  for  people  with  lower  literacy  levels,  in Spanish for people who find it easier to understand election information in their native language, in audio for those with limited sight, and in html for people who may be unable to leave their homes to find a printed version. 

The alternative versions also make it easier for people throughout Oregon to access the Voters’ Guide and allow busy people faster options to access this information.

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Homeless Youth Presentation Created, Soon To Be Online

By Terra Ashford, Legislative Intern
A new approach to the distribution of information from a study has been developed through the use of a PowerPoint presentation, including slides and a script.  The Homeless Youth Study and Discussion Leaders’ Guide were translated into PowerPoint to create a presentation that can be used as a tool to showcase the study and its findings. The presentation is still being fine-tuned, but will be available for download from the LWVOR web site this fall.  League members who want to share the findings of our study with their communities can use this easy presentation tool with either a digital projector or the traditional overhead.

This project was coordinated by Margaret Noel, produced by Terra Ashford, the LWVOR Legislative Intern this session, with scripting recommendations from Karen Nibler and Jean Lasater.  The Homeless Youth Study Committee provided guidance and support for the direction of the presentation.

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Action Committee Report: Stay Informed about the Oregon Legislature

By Norman Turrill, Action Chair
Your Action Committee has been extremely busy during this Legislative Session. Besides meeting weekly at the Salem office, Action members have testified on, promoted or followed almost 90 priority bills so far during this session on subjects from annexation to water. To see this impressive bill list and our positions, see the online matrix of bills at http://www.lwvor.org/documents/ActionBillMatrix.htm.

The Legislature will likely refer to the voters several issues including a Measure 37 fix, a partial repeal of the double majority, and perhaps a tobacco, beer and wine, or corporate minimum tax. Most likely, not all these issues will be on the November 2007 ballot because of considerations about voter turnout. Look for some of them in a special election in September or next May.

Because of the planned special session of the Legislature in February 2008, you can expect that the interim period will be much different. Speculation has it that most of the committees will likely continue hearing, writing and pre-filing bills for the special session.

Our Day at the Legislature was a tremendous success, thanks to the organizing of our Legislative Coordinator, Brena Moyer Lopez.  Members gathered in the morning for refreshments at the Oregon State Library. We listened to action issue updates and a computer demonstration on how to access information on the Legislature's website and video and audio streams of legislative hearings and floor sessions. During lunch Senator Morse briefed us on Senators Morse, Schrader, Deckert, and Westlund's proposals for reforming the state's revenue system. In the afternoon, groups of members met with legislators and their aides to lobby directly on priority issues for the League.

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LWVUS Climate Change Advocacy Statement

Marge Easley, LWVOR President
Those of us who testify on environmental issues were happy to see that the LWVUS natural resources committee recently came up with an advocacy statement on climate change.  This statement is not a new national position, but was pulled from several existing positions to maximize the effectiveness of League action on this issue.  It can now be used for League advocacy at the national, state, and local levels.

Climate Change Advocacy Statement
Global climate change is a phenomenon directly influenced by human activities.  Global Climate Change threatens the integrity of the earth’s climate system, and there is a need to act without delay to substantially reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
To reduce the likelihood of severe damage to both human societies and natural ecosystems the League supports:

• The preservation of the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the ecosystem and maximum protection of public health and the environment.
• Energy goals and policies that acknowledge the United States as a responsible member of the world community through sound use of energy resources with consideration of the entire cycle of energy production and emphasis on conserving energy and using energy-efficient technologies.

In addition, the League believes that policy makers must take into account the ramifications of their decisions on the nation as a whole as well as on other nations.

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