Read on to find the latest edition of the LWVGTA Voter Newsletter.
February-March 2025 | |
105th LWV Birthday Celebration
This 105th birthday event honored the work accomplished to empower voters and defend democracy and lifted up LWV's commitment to centering voters’ voices and making our democracy more equitable. CEO Celina Stewart, President Dianna Wynn and a group of State Leaders doing extraordinary proactive and defensive groundwork. Watch the YouTube video HERE
Ways to contact your Senators & Representative to demand action.
US Capital switchboard – 202-224-3121 operator will connect you directly to the office you request.
⭐💥 Watch the very Informative presentation by the League of Women Voters of Michigan, featuring Michigan Deputy Secretary of State, Aghogho Edevbie, discussing the federal SAVE Act and Michigan's HJR B which would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Let's defend democracy together.
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LWVGTA February 2025 Voter Article
From the Prez…
Submitted by CM Schlitt
The League of Women Voters “Empowers Voters and Defends Democracy” and the Grand Traverse League has been directing their efforts to that mission.
At the local level, we cannot prevent federal actions, but we can do our part to mitigate negative impacts. The Advocacy Committee has been leading the charge on the Defending Democracy part of our mission. In collaboration with the Leelanau County League, we held an educational program presented by Immigration attorneys and community organizers about the issues migrants and immigrants now face with the current administration’s deportation directive. They provided a great deal of information and cited many opportunities for us to organize action in support. More details will follow soon about the steps we will take to support our community members. For example, we can encourage people to seek an attorney’s support before ICE knocks on doors. That is not happening now, but it will be coming to Michigan. The recording of the meeting is on our LWVGTA YouTube Channel. Take some time to watch it.
For you to know the realm of our advocacy efforts, please read the LWV Guide to Policy Positons - Social Policy Position on Immigration, page 167:
Every biennial, the state League reaches out to all MI local Leagues to participate in the Program Planning Process, which is a review of state positions. The positions are the basis for advocacy. Without them, we remain silent on an issue. The Advocacy Committee reviewed the positions and made the recommendation for LWVMI to consider addressing homeschooling in the state education position as an update. The delegates at the state convention this May will determine what new studies, updates or adoption by consensus of other state positions will become part of the LWVMI positions.
The LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study consensus meeting will be led by the Advocacy Committee to be held on the 24th of March at 11:00a-2:00p at The Cottage. Contact Peg Townsend at wakulat4@gmail.com to make a reservation by March 17 to participate. This is an opportunity for League members to experience the development of studies into a position to advocate with. This is truly a grass roots project because all local Leagues throughout the nation will submit their consensus responses. The Federal Judicial study committee will use those responses to develop the position.
The national League has been issuing action alerts to let Congress know how their constituents feel about the SAVE Act, which is nothing more than voter suppression. Please go to SAVE Act Talking Points for more information. If the bill is passed, all voters will have to prove citizenship. Yes, YOU too. And if you changed your name in marriage or for any other reason, you will have to provide documentation that the person noted on your birth certificate is the one trying to vote. In addition, the national League has been writing to Congress about the anti-democracy actions taken by this current administration, many of which are not constitutional, and others are illegal and being litigated. Please check the LWV website NEWSROOM to stay abreast.
In this current national attack on democracy, there are many efforts that we cannot protest as a League, but you as an individual, are encouraged to keep your Congressional representatives on speed dial and express your personal opinions. USE YOUR VOICE TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY! As a League, we will be directed of actions to take by LWVUS, LWVMI and we will do what we can locally as a League. But you should not remain silent. Unless directed specifically by one of the three levels of LWV, express yourself as you, the constituent, but not as a League member. And become involved in your community to influence positive outcomes. Attend local government meetings. Know the decisions being made that affect you directly.
I could go on, but instead I would like to leave you with this quote from our late LWVUS President, Dr. Deborah Turner: “Keep on, keeping on.”
We are truly in this fight for democracy together.
In League,
Christina Schlitt, President
League of Women Voters of The Grand Traverse Area
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March 4, 2025
Education Program - 6:00 PM, Dealing with Microplastics in our Environment: NMC students' research gives answers.
On Tuesday March 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, the League of Women Voters-Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) will present a program focused on understanding how microplastics are impacting our environment. In person at TADL, Traverse Area Community Media website livestream, www.TACM.tv/CommunityTvNow, League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (www.lwvgta.org) Facebook page, Community TV Channel 189 with Spectrum cable TV in northwest lower Michigan.
March 24, 2025
Joint Consensus Review - Save the Date. Noon with lunch. The format planned is an educational presentation by LWV Leelanau County member and retired judge, Marian Kromkowski, then lunch followed by answering the consensus questions. Answers to the study consensus questions are due mid-April. The National Study committee will formulate the Federal Judicial Position based on the consensus questions responses from ALL Leagues. This is how “grassroots” work. The Cottage Cafe, 472 Munson Ave, Traverse City. 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. RSVP with Peg Townsend, Advocacy Committee co-chair at wakulat4@gmail.com by March 17. LWVGTA Calendar
March 26, 2025
Board of Director Meeting - Noon. See the LWVGTA calendar.
March 27, 2025
Voter Services Committee Meeting - 12:00 - 1:00 PM. See the LWVGTA calendar.
Voter registration and education is central to League activities. We hold events to assist voter registration, voter education and encourage voter turnout. At election time we gather information for VOTE411, the League’s electronic voter guide with information on candidates and issues, and sponsor candidate forums. Get involved with the behind-the-scene experience of becoming a Board of Canvasser Observer. This is an active and engaging committee. Volunteer with Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com .
May 16 - 18, 2025
LWV Michigan State Convention
Save the Date! The Michigan State LWV Convention is May 16 - 18 in Grand Rapids, MI. Convention Info HERE.
Contact Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com if you would like to attend.
OUR COMMITTEES - PUT YOUR INTERESTS & SKILLS TO WORK
Advocacy Committee - If you like to be involved in taking action, this is your committee. 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. We have subcommittees for the Unhoused and Natural Resources. Call Peg Townsend at 231-392-3847 or email at wakulat4@gmail.com
Voter Services Committee - We hold events to encourage voter registration and voter turn-out, gather local information for VOTE411 and our "They Represent You" publication, sponsor candidate forums, plan educational programs, and participate as observers in the Board of Canvassers certifications. Email Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com
Observer Corps - Observing is a fun way to learn more about the behind-the-scene happenings in the area. They are looking for an observer for the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board meetings. Email Reba Leiding at leidingr@gmail.com to join.
Natural Resources & Environment - This is a subcommittee of Advocacy and active in supporting, preserving, protecting, and enhancing environmental quality through evaluation of local and regional policies and programs. Field trips too!
Communications Committee - Do you like to write, edit or have experience with web-hosted email, social media or graphic applications? Join the communications team and let your creative side show. Email karensuebaker@hotmail.com to join.
Youth Engagement - We are looking for interested members to join and organize this committee.
We are always looking to put your skills to work. Let us know if you have Fundraising, Legal, Financial, Publicity, Organizational, Environmental, Technology, or Smiling-Fun-Welcoming skills.
Are you interested in what's being worked on in the Michigan Legislature? Search the status of Bills HERE .
|  | UPCOMING CHANGES FOR JOINING AND RENEWING MEMBERSHIPS
The national League of Women Voters is changing the process for paying dues, both for new members and renewing members. You now may join or renew online with the League Membership Portal. About a month before your renew date, you will receive an email reminding you to renew on the portal. You still are able to renew and join by check, though. See the LWV MEMBERSHIP PAGE.
We held an informational meeting to review the upcoming changes on Jan 13. Find more information on the lwvgta.org website. The recording of this meeting is available on the LWVGTA YouTube channel. Watch the meeting HERE .
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
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Kristin J Anderson
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Lori Hesprich
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John F. N. Anderson
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Jane Ives
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Marika BeVier
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Mary Mantei
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Elizabeth Dell
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Peter Mantei
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Diane Donley
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Barbara Mendenhall
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Rebecca Filice
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Nancy Postorino Reeves
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| Member Meeting - Joint Immigration Education Presentation
On February 21, 2025 the LWV Grand Traverse Area and Leelanau County presented a joint member meeting featuring legal and community experts about the status of immigrants in our country today with recommendations for the Grand Traverse Area and Leelanau County Leagues to help people during this period of fear and confusion.
The current administrations’ policy agenda to deport immigrants is taking place as we speak. While some of the federal government’s actions are being challenged in courts, our local Leagues can do more to understand the nuances of immigration in this country and to recognize and support migrants and their families in our community in a humanitarian effort. WE CAN DO SOMETHING.
Watch the video recording of the meeting on our YouTube Channel
LWVGTA YouTube Channel
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 Hear ye! Hear ye!
The GTA Nominating Committee is seeking members to fill open Board and Directors positions. In the next month, you may receive an email or phone call from Laura Otwell, Alice Schuman, Ann Swaney or myself, Charlene Krygier, asking you to accept a position on the Board.
Also, please consider naming your capable self or suggesting a member that you believe will be outstanding in a vacant position.
If new to League, don’t hesitate to volunteer. This is a team-spirited organization and seasoned members will assist you in learning the ropes.
We are especially in need of members to be Co-President, Secretary and Advocacy Chair (Co-Chairs), Library Advocacy chair person, needs a chair person.
If you are hesitant about accepting a place on the Board because you are unsure as to the demands, the committee has job descriptions that outline the scope of each position’s responsibility.
Email or phone me with your nominations for 2025-26. Become more active in our important organization. LWVGTA needs many hands on "Board" to continue the work of empowering voters and defending Democracy.
Charlene Krygier
kryc9833@gmail.com
734 355-5207
| Advocacy Committee Report
January 2025
Submitted by Co-Chair, Margaret Goeman
Correction to the January Homeless Committee: 01/27/2025 - The January summary of the discussion of the subcommittee on homelessness mentioned the funding to keep Safe Harbor open year-around. This topic was not discussed. Apologies for the error.
State Position Review: The committee viewed a slide presentation on the State League Programs and Positions. The committee agreed to make the recommendation for LWVMI to consider addressing homeschooling in the state education position and update the environmental position to include microplastics.
Advocacy for Immigrant Community: A joint meeting with the Leelanau League was held on February 21. Discussion involved ways to advocate for the immigrant community.
Advocacy Plans for 2025
Homelessness - Continue to follow the news on the efforts to assist the homeless community. The 1-800 number supporting people about to or experiencing homelessness on the League’s website.
Natural Resources - continue to follow the efforts by Grand Traverse County to create regulations for septic inspections and attend the upcoming public comment hearing. The Girl Scouts will be included in future activities.
Community - Closely follow the effects of the Presidential Executive orders and administration on our state and local community. It was noted that we cannot advocate over national or state issues, but could when the effects hit our community, schools, or businesses.
The State Convention will be held in Grand Rapids May 16-18. GTA would like to send two representatives. If anyone is interested, contact Christina.
|  | | Observer Committee
December-January 2024
Submitted by Chair, Reba Leiding
Traverse City Commission - Cindy Stevens
The Commission authorized $100,000 for transitional beds for discharged jail inmates and purchased 500 tons of road salt due to low supplies. They also relinquished a piece of property for workforce housing.
Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners - Reba Leiding
The Board allocated $200,000 from general funds for 2 years in support of year-round Safe Harbor. SH can now start its application for special use zoning for a year-round shelter and discussed courthouse renovations. They also completed the architectural plan for Project Alpha and began the septic ordinance adoption process. The procedures and enforcement of ethics policy was discussed. Admin/legal counsel will bring a draft policy to a future meeting.
East Bay Charter Twp. Board of Trustees - Jill Sterling
East Bay Charter Twp. Board requested a grant for purchasing The Ridge, a 300-acre parcel that includes woodlands and TART Trail. This grant will cover around 50% of costs with the GT Regional Land Conservancy securing remaining funds. The Twp will hold the conservation easement, protecting the land from development. The township clerk needs additional staffing to manage increased statutory mandates.
TCAPS School Board Meeting - Robbin Stott
TCAPS School Board addressed public comments about the topic of homosexuality in books and student harassment. The Board needs to appoint a new Treasurer following a resignation. Capital bond projects begin next summer with reconstruction of traffic flow at West HS and expansion of Traverse Heights Elementary.
|  | | Additional Natural Resources & Environment Information
Are you confused about what you can Recycle?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR - PROGRAM MARCH 4, 2025
Dealing with Microplastics in our Environment:
NMC Students' Research Gives Answers.
Tuesday March 4 , 2025
On Tuesday March 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, the League of Women Voters-Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) will present a program focused on understanding how microplastics are impacting our environment.
NMC Biology instructor Dr. Nick Roster will discuss how his biology students have spent a year surveying the environment in Grand Traverse County and beyond in search of how microplastics have invaded our environment. The research has a two-fold purpose. One is to assess the level of microplastics in our environment, the other is to expose students to authentic scientific research.
He will be joined by some of his students that have participated in the research project.
The program can be viewed in several ways:
- In person at the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave. Traverse City
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Traverse Area Community Media website livestream, www.TACM.tv/CommunityTvNow
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League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (www.lwvgta.org) Facebook page
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Community TV Channel 189 with Spectrum cable TV in northwest lower Michigan.
Nick Roster is a native of Traverse City, graduating from Traverse City Senior High School (before it was Central). After researching toads at Central Michigan University and Rattlesnakes in Oklahoma, he found his way back to Michigan, through Wyoming where he met his wife. He is currently in his 19th year at NMC and has two sons at TC West Senior High.
| League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area
Serving the people of Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties
PO Box 671, Traverse City, MI 49685
Voicemail: (231) 714- 9763
| LWVGTA Board
Officers: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Officers:President - Christina Schlitt, Secretary - Karen Baker, Treasurer - Ingrid Brophy.
Directors: (elected)
Advocacy Chair - Peg Townsend, Advocacy Co-Chair - Margaret Goeman, Crawford County Unit Lead - Marcia Koppa, Membership Committee - Laura Otwell, Natural Resources and Environment Chair - Ann Swaney, Observer Corps Chair - Reba Leiding, Voter Services Chair - unfilled, Library Chair - unfilled, At Large - Robbin Stott - Facebook, At Large - Nancy Nordfjord - Voter Newsletter Editor.
Appointed Directors: (non-voting, one year term)
Karen Baker - Communication
Consultants:
Linda Crandall, Mary Grover, Jane Watts, Jan Warren, Barb Berry
Nominating Committee: (one year term)
Charlene Krygier (Chair), Alice Schuman and Ann Swaney
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