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Observer Corps Update

If you live in Clark County and care about what affects you every day, it is extremely important to pay attention to the work of the Clark County Charter Review Commission and the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan update.

Unfortunately, too few people are even aware of these two governing processes. The Charter Review Commission may be putting as many as 12 amendments on the November ballot. Will our voters know what they are about, or will they just give up and not vote on any of them? It is vital that we be prepared to explain the pros and cons of these amendments to inform our voters.

You can learn about the commission’s work on our website. The Observer Corps has been publishing blog posts and we have a section on our home page with information about the commission.

In June, the commission is hosting three town halls to hear from the public. Look for the dates in our “Save the Date” section at the top of this newsletter. You can find more information at the Clark County Charter Review’s website.

The Comprehensive Plan update has a completion date of Oct. 23. With recent decisions, will the County Council meet this already late date? It is doubtful that another extension will be granted by the state. Why is this important? Please read the Comprehensive Plan recap in the Observer Corps blog. Don’t be one of those who suddenly say, “Why is there a development here? What happened to that farm? They are cutting down those trees? I don’t want an apartment, or retail, next door to me!”

The County Council is just one of many boards and commissions that the Observer Corps reports on. Observers spend many hours keeping our members and the public well informed. Good governance happens when community members pay attention and give their input.

If you are new to the League, dip your toe in the water of civics and become an observer.  It's a great way to learn more about how our government works on the local level. For further information, contact Nancy Halvorson.

No Hate in WA State

LWVWA endorses No Hate in WA State, and opposes two initiative measures that will be on the ballot this fall. We will be discussing them at our June Coffee with the League:

Initiative Measure IL26-638 intends to keep “biologically male students from competing with and against female students in athletic activities.”  Girls who want to participate in school sports would need a statement signed by the student’s health care provider that verifies the student’s biological sex, relying on the student’s reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels. This is a complex issue that requires case-by-case solutions, as allowed by Washington's successful policy in place since 2007, not a blanket ban.

Initiative Measure IL26-001 would undo student protections signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson in 2025 (HB1296) and could lead to disclosure of counseling or other medical records that are currently protected by state and federal law. Students facing violence, sexual abuse, bullying, or depression would be less likely to seek help from trusted school counselors, who would be required to release students’ confidential information, including to unsupportive families.

Let’s walk or drink and talk together this summer

Let’s meet up at places like the Salmon Creek Trail, Lacamas Lake or your favorite wine bar to connect and find interesting people and exciting topics to talk about.

Tracy Reilly Kelly is looking for members to help her coordinate fun events! Get in touch with her here.

LWVUS Monthly Update

LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart announced the appointments of Chief of Staff Haley Griffin and Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications Shonali Burke. “Their decades of experience across advocacy, communications, and strategy will be critical as we position the League to meet this moment – and win for voters nationwide,” Stewart said.

Several states now require voters to have documentary proof of citizenship to either register to vote or to request a ballot. Brady Horine, legislative and policy coordinator for the LWVUS Advocacy Team, writes, “These requirements are attempting to solve a problem that doesn’t exist while creating real barriers for eligible voters.”

LWV has had observer status at the United Nations since 1945, when President Harry Truman invited the League to serve as a consultant to the U.N. The LWVUS U.N. Observer Corps attended the 70th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women.

Stewart and LWV President Dianna Wynn honored former president Ruth Hinerfeld in a news release. Hinerfeld was LWVUS president from 1978-1982, overseeing the landmark 1980 debate between President Jimmy Carter and challenger California Gov. Ronald Reagan.

Letter Writing Workshop

Have you ever wanted to write a letter to the editor of your local paper, or send your thoughts to your state and national representatives, but just didn't know how to get started? Learn all about it by joining the Action and Advocacy committee on Friday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the eating area of Chuck's Produce,13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd. 

First, we will talk about the "rules" of letter writing. Did you know there are rules? Fortunately, they are easy ones: word limits, frequency (for The Columbian), tone, and of course, focusing on a relevant topic. We also will share some tips and guidelines to increase your chances of your letter being published or making its way to your representative. 

Grab some food and drink or something from the bakery and join us in the eating area. Please bring something to write on, or your tablet or laptop if that works best for you. 

Questions? Email the Action and Advocacy committee.

Tabling Season: Volunteers Needed!

It’s summertime, and with it comes all those outdoor community events. Those events often invite the League to come and host a table. We will be tabling for at least nine events this summer, starting with Flag Day at Esther Short Park on June 14. We need volunteers. It’s easy and fun! We provide the materials, the swag and the candy. Please sign up for slots that are already on our website (members can log in to see slots). And when you have done your shift, pat yourself on the back; your hours will be automatically logged!   

Partner up!

The League of Women Voters has established several partnerships that our local League has participated in over the last year, including Girl Scouts, Cyndi Lauper's “Girls Just Wanna Defend Democracy,” tour and Lush Cosmetics.

In addition, LWVCC has teamed up with other Leagues. Mary Schick recently partnered with the League of Women Voters of Oregon and Girl Scouts at a voter registration event at Lush Cosmetics. The Girl Scouts took the lead, recruiting their peers to register to vote at Lush Cosmetics locations in Bridgeport Village, Clackamas Town Center, and Washington Square.  

Support these business partners and let them know you appreciate their partnership with LWV.

If you are interested in recruiting Girl Scouts for your events, contact Mary Schick. She can connect you with the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Program Team. If you would like to coordinate a League event with one of our partner organizations, check out the League’s corporate and organizational partnerships.