Observer Corps

·       Observer Corps members regularly attend a governmental meeting in person or virtually, and report back what happens at the meeting afterward on a brief online form which is compiled monthly and shared with membership in our newsletter.

·       Given the loss of local news reporting, the local news supplied by Observers to members is welcomed to better understand what's going on in our counties, cities and neighborhoods.

·       The program also educates members on how government works, how decisions are made and how the League might advocate on verified issues important to League values.

To learn more: Email Reba Leiding at leidingr@gmail.com

Voter Services



·       We hold events to encourage voter registration and voter turn-out

·       Gather information for VOTE411, the League’s electronic voter guide with information on candidates and issues

·       Publish and distribute “They Represent You” a citizens guide to the representatives in their county. We currently do this for Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Crawford. We would love to add Antrim and Benzie.

·       Sponsor candidate forums for races where there are several candidates.  See our website for links to prior programs.

·       Observe the final vote inspection and certifications done by the county Board of Canvassers for elections and recounts.

To learn more: Call Christina Schlitt at 313-310-2144 or email at BCSchlitt@aol.com

Advocacy: Overview



·       The League is non-partisan, we don't take sides for or against any party and its candidates. However, the League does carefully research topics on issues that will affect voter participation and the strength of our democracy; adopt positions based on that research; and then advocate for measures that will implement those positions.

·       The LWVGTA advocacy positions are on our website.

·       This committee works to develop and promote our advocacy positions.

To learn more: Call Peg Townsend at 231-392-3847 or email at wakulat4@gmail.com

Advocacy: Natural Resources & Environment Committee

·       We support preserving, protecting, and enhancing environmental quality through evaluation of local and regional policies and programs.

·       We will review and comment, when appropriate, on projects and activities in the Grand Traverse Area related to water resources, energy solutions, waste management, land use and air quality.

·       We believe local governments should promote environmentally sound practices, institute ordinances to enforce them and provide transparency in natural resource decision making.



To learn more email Ann Swaney at aswaney@acegroup.cc

Educational and Advocacy Programs

·       We do monthly educational and advocacy programs from September to May each year. See our website for links to prior programs.

·       We decide on a topic, contact the speaker/s and help develop the publicity and act as moderators, interviewers, and greeters.

·       Everyone is welcome to be a part of our “live studio audience”. Our presentations are broadcast via FaceBook, YouTube and Traverse Area Community Media (Channel 189) – it is very important that we have an engaged listeners!

To learn more leave a message for Cheryl Naperala at

231-714-9763 or email info@lwvgta.org

Social media, website, newsletter

Work with us to get the word out about League activities and important information about elections and issues.

o  Help support our social media presence on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter (X)

o  Start a presence for us on LinkedIn or other sites

o  Support website updates

o  Assist the newsletter editor

o  Make suggestions about other ways to share our information and to collaborate with other groups

To learn more: Leave a message for Karen Baker at 231-714-9763 or email info@lwvgta.org

Fundraising



The money from annual dues covers about 40% of our LWVGTA budget. The remainder comes from donations and fundraising activities.

·       We collect receipts from Oleson’s; you can help by saving your receipts or helping us with the collection process.

·       We have a holiday wreath sale; you can help by buying wreaths and/or garlands, asking your friends and neighbors, helping with the order process and wreath delivery.

·       We volunteer at Parade of Homes each year for a donation to our local League; you can help by signing up for a time to welcome visitors to a house on the tour.

And of course, donations are always welcome, either to our general fund and/or to our education fund (eligible for tax deduction)!

To learn more: Call Ingrid Brophy at 231-499-4173 or email at iebtc97@aol.com  

Membership



Our League members are the foundation of everything that we do. We have members from many backgrounds with a variety of skills and interests. Please let your friends, neighbors and co-workers know about us!

Here are some other ways that you can help:

·       Organize our summer social

·       Host informal membership meetings

·       Spread the word to other organizations you are involved with

·       Participate in new member orientation meetings

·       Send email updates to members about upcoming events

To learn more leave a message for Laura Otwell at 231-714-9763 or email at membership@lwvgta.org