Introductory Remarks from Mark Kendall, LWVOR President

Our new LWVOR President, Mark Kendall, began his term on September 1. We’re happy to share his introductory remarks to League members below.

Dear members,

It is with humility and honor that I have accepted this opportunity to coordinate the efforts of and provide leadership for the League of Women Voters of Oregon.  As a League colleague said, these are “very unprecedented times”.  My motivation is derived from concern for the viability of our democratic system of governance, seeing decades of progressive social reform overturned and looking into the eyes of my 12 year-old granddaughter as I see her civil rights being eroded and abridged on a daily basis.  This unconscionable transformation of our democracy must not stand. It is contrary to the League's core principles and adopted positions.

My objectives in this appointment are to; 1) amplify the League's voice both in Oregon and as empowered nationally, consistent with the “one voice” condition supported by rigorous consensus positions, 2) faithfully and vigorously implement the Oregon LWV Board strategic plan that focuses on eight priorities many of which are of perennial interest to our members across Oregon, 3) champion the ongoing excellence of the League of Women Voters of Oregon core mission contributions to voters rights, equity, inclusion, civil rights, social justice, and 4) provide leadership of transparent, nimble, accountable and actionable governance. 

I can’t promise more at this juncture.  We have daunting tasks ahead.  It's not that we have to do more, we define principled social justice action in all our works, we simply need to grow alignment, grow our ranks, amplify our very resonant messages, and engage in strategic meaningful influence with allies, of which there are many.  With that I can help.

Mark Kendall began serving as LWVOR President on September 1, 2025.

LWVOR is up to these tasks and challenges.  In just a couple weeks of networking and stepping into this role, I am buoyed by our remarkable capacity.  The Board and committees are wrapping up the planning and preparation of a multi-year strategic plan.  What serendipity to begin to lead from our best thinkers’ new plans.  LWVUS is just now initiating the Unite and Rise campaign to broaden our reach.  And the Oregon Membership and Communications committees are already well coordinated and underway. And how opportune that LWVOR is now recruiting for a state-wide membership chair! With Unite and Rise underway, increased interest in membership, and a new unit in Union County, our new Membership chair will start with the tools and momentum to be successful from the start.

Ongoing work is vibrant as well.  Our able Action committee continues to rigorously study state-level legislation and support coalition partners in statewide campaigns. Our Voter Service team engages candidates and researches measures all while informing our electorate in our trusted nonpartisan way.  Nonpartisan voter registration work is being challenged nationwide and we are stepping up commensurate to those challenges.  The Oregon Youth Council is vibrant, growing and its leadership recognized nationally.  Allied associations with common interests, complimentary capabilities and influence of their own are reaching out and inviting our council and collaboration. 

We have reason for hope.  We can, we will, we are.  With that I too can help.

Mark W. Kendall,

President, League of Women Voters of Oregon