The State League pays monthly for a Pro Zoom account, which lets us host meetings of up to 100 participants with no limit on meeting time. State Zoom account is available on a first come, first served basis. Default meeting time is one hour - please contact us at lwvor@lwvor.org if you need more time.

If your League has local events that you would like listed here, please send them to Andrea Capere to be included below. ⭐LWV of Clackamas County LWV of Clackamas County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Coos County LWV of Coos County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Corvallis LWV of Corvallis Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Curry County LWV of Curry County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Deschutes County LWV of Deschutes County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Klamath County LWV of Klamath County Events ⭐LWV of Lane County LWV of Lane County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Lincoln County LWV of Lincoln County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Linn County Unit LWV of Linn County Unit Facebook page ⭐LWV of Marion and Polk Counties LWV of Marion and Polk Counties Events Page ⭐LWV of Portland LWV of Portland Website ⭐LWV of Rogue Valley LWV of Rogue Valley Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Union County Unit LWV of Union County Unit Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Umpqua Valley LWV of Umpqua Valley Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Washington County Unit LWV of Washington County Unit Events Calendar

Barbara Klein, LWVOR 1st VP / Communications Chair At several state League events, Mark Kendall has distributed motivational quotations compiled by Marianne Germond (LWVOR Voter Service). Recently, the phrase placed at my chair read: “Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup” (source unknown) As lead of the LWVOR strategic goal on Burnout-Avoidance, I thought this was a perfect theme. The Burnout Committee* has worked to establish a simple blueprint for local Leagues, units, state League, committees, staff and members. To produce this guidance, we’ve listened to local leaders and members, as well as borrowing from other organizations and research from various companies. We are presenting those ideas here. Nevertheless, we are always open to other suggestions. I’d simply ask that before making your suggestion, (and to avoid duplication or labors of perfection), that you re-read the Top 8 to evaluate if your idea is already covered in some way (perhaps in different language/terminology). Still, if you wish to propose your concept to be incorporated, contact me, Barbara Klein at Communications@lwvor.org Organizational Blueprint for Avoiding Burnout My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night - Frankie Eleon LWVOR strives to cultivate an atmosphere that protects members and staff from uncivil behavior, overcommitment and feelings of burnout. We endeavor to approach burnout-protection proactively by providing role descriptions, expected terms of service, staff resources, when appropriate, as well as avoiding unrealistic expectations or assumptions of volunteer jobs which may lead to burnout and increase turnover of leadership or membership. Understanding that most members are aware of steps for self-care, there still may be times for personal outreach, offering appropriate tools for self-care or venues to share concerns. Above and beyond all, we encourage members to take courage and draw energy in our shared League Mission. Top 8 Actions to Avoid Burnout Use these Top 8 actions to avoid volunteer burnout and keep volunteers engaged, supported, and sustained. Keep it simple—focus on clarity, support, and sustainability. These few consistent practices can significantly reduce burnout and improve volunteer retention. The best way to sustain your mission is to sustain the people who make it possible. 1. Provide Training Preparation and training reduce anxiety. Well-trained volunteers feel more confident, and more resilient. Give your volunteers information, including task-specific skills, before they begin. Offer support and supervision on an on-going basis. 2. Define Roles Clearly Lack of clarity breeds stress and duplication. Strive to eliminate uncertainty and ambiguity. Provide volunteers with a clear role. Keep a record of the process for all jobs (reduced to tiny steps). Descriptions should include time commitments and expectations. Provide regular feedback when possible, and structured guidance if needed. The more volunteers understand their role and how they are performing, the more secure and effective they will feel. 3. Listen More Ask for Feedback and act on it. Feedback is a two-way street. Regularly ask volunteers what support they need, what’s working, and what isn’t. Showing that you listen - and respond - reinforces that their voices matter. This not only helps prevent burnout but strengthens trust and engagement. Make lists of recommendations for possible action from members. 4. Work in Committees Volunteers who work independently can feel isolated over time. Committees (even if just 2 or 3 members) accomplish more than one person working alone. Provide time to work together (regular check-ins, team meetings, or debrief sessions) to maintain connection, communication, and morale. Define and prepare tiny chores for committee members. Perhaps rename a ‘committee’ to the more friendly ‘team.’ 5. Foster Relationships Members want to socialize and learn but also need to feel welcome and connected to a purpose. Develop a simple and ongoing process to make members feel part of the whole. Let them know they matter and recognize their contributions. Building friendships (through activities or projects) will provide personal guidance for handling emotionally demanding or stressful situations. Consider positive and fun elements to an event to make it more celebratory. Having more fun should be a vital part of League. Strong personal relationships and time for interaction reduce stress. 6. Strive to be Good Role Model to Manage Workload Plan meetings with clear objectives – define your “container” (scope) of the meeting. Keep meetings on time. Avoid overcommitment by rotating projects and sharing the load. Create clear start and end dates of projects to provide a sense of accomplishment. Regularly check workload and adjust if needed. Take steps to manage and diminish communications and excess email. 7. Protect Members’ Well-being Preventing burnout isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of care. The best way to sustain our mission is to sustain the people who make it possible. There are infinite ways to approach this. Some examples include: avoid overloading your most reliable volunteers (‘workers’); encourage volunteers to take time off and enjoy vacation without guilt; allow for easy leave and re-entry; check-in regularly about workload; learn what someone wants to do (their ‘super power’) and employ that; give them a chance to be heard and share with others. 8. Consider Capacity – NOT Perfection Do not demand perfection. As the saying goes “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” When reasonable, be satisfied with the work of others; there is no need to reword or rework everything that is done. The latter leads to duplication of efforts, which we hope to avoid. Regarding “duplication” - whenever possible, think of the word “Repurpose.” Consider reusing materials or efforts in a variety of ways. Encourage members to understand that a ‘wish-list’ is not a ‘to-do’ list. *“Burnout Avoidance Committee” includes lead, Barbara Klein (LWVOR 1st VP/Communications), Lisa Bentson (former LWVOR president), Mimi Alkire (LWVOR Secretary), Annie Goldner (LWVOR nominating committee chair), Kathleen Hersh (MLD or Membership, Leadership and Development Chair) and Abby Hertzler (LWVOR Administrative Director) as well as Mark Kendall, LWVOR President

Jean Pierce, Action Chair Help us build a strong statewide chapter. We are in need of immediate assistance. Here are some ideas for how you can get involved with LWVOR. Shadow the Action Chair so that you could take over or become a co-chair. The time commitment depends on how many of the tasks below are assumed by others Help edit Legislative Reports: 1-4 hours per report (depending on the number of issue areas you select). Legislative Process Day (hybrid in Salem In January) - 5-10 hours Lobby Day (in person, before the LWVOR convention even years in Salem - 6-10 hours Coordinate local League legislative interviews -10 hours Communication – 1 hour per each Write articles for The Voter (due 15th of the month to LWVOR Communications Coordinator, Andrea Capere) Write press releases - as needed Compile information for social media - as needed Share information with local leaders Help Youth Council members advocate - 3 hours per student Provide or collect information to update Action publications: Action Tool Kit - 5 hours Issues for Action - 2 hours Website - 2 hours Plan how to create and update a database of League members and their legislators - 5 hours Collect and communicate information to update Quorum Legislation Tracker -1/2 hour per week during the legislative session With your assistance, we will continue to protect democracy through non-partisan observation and reporting. Please contact advocacy@lwvor.org about the time and tasks for one of these following efforts.

The League of Women Voters of Oregon seeks to empower voters to understand governmental issues and to participate in the political process. STAY INFORMED! Sign up for all League communications and newsletters here! Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Youth Civic Engagement Join the League Legislative Reports Read Our Studies Latest News League Promotional Items For Sale League Updates September 2026 Local League and State Unit Events Top 8 Ways to Avoid an Empty Cup Read More LWV Urges Congress to Exercise Its Authority Read the Letter To become a member, join one of 15 local Leagues and Units in Oregon. Learn more about join ing Oregon's Sanctuary Law: Know Your Rights Learn more Attend An Event See Events Check out upcoming public events happening around the state. Events are hosted by LWVOR and other Oregon Leagues.

The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. K-12 Study About the Study The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. The purpose of these reports is to provide background information so that League of Women Voter members in Oregon can reach consensus on issues regarding: Exceptional Learners School Safety Career and Technical Education The ultimate goal is to create positions which the League can use to advocate for or against legislation in the state. K-12 Exceptional Learners K-12 Exceptional Learners PDF K-12 Exceptional Learners Video K-12 Safe and Healthy School Resources K-12 Safe-and-Healthy Schools PDF K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Video K-12 Exceptional Learners K-12 Exceptional Learners Consensus Form (Click on the link to download the Word document) K-12 Exceptional Learners Video ( Passcode: K96m^=@o) K-12 Safe and Healthy School Resources K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Consensus Form (Click on the link to download the Word document) K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Consensus Statements K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Video Previous Next

Read our recent LWVOR studies and related resources. / Studies / Studies Recently Published K-12 Study The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. Recently Published Assessing the Recall Process In Oregon The League of Women Voters of Oregon conducts voter education and pro-democracy advocacy, and believes it is critical to understand the potential consequences of the recall process as part of our elections framework. Recently Published Childcare Methods Study Update 2023 The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. Recently Published Election Methods Study Update 2023 The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here. Recently Published Privacy and Cybersecurity 2020 We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. Recently Published Pesticides and Other Biocides 2021 The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. Recently Published! We study issues... Because we need detailed, reliable, carefully researched information. So LWV members and citizens can reach their own conclusions. To develop advocacy positions that can be used by our Action Team. To request a hard copy of any of these reports, contact LWV of Oregon at lwvor@lwvor.org . Reports are free; however, there is a small charge to cover shipping. Some quantities may be limited. Many college and community libraries have copies as well. You can find additional League studies, including national and other state studies, at the LWVUS Study Clearinghouse website . Looking for more? Find our complete list of studies online. Study Archive Sign Up For Email We Need Your Support Today! Donate Your donation empowers voters and defends democracy.