Category: News

News about something happening in the world right now.

Celebrating and Continuing our Work

On Tuesday, June 4, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the US Senate’s approval of the 19th Amendment. This amendment to the US Constitution says, “”The right of citizens…to vote shall not be denied…on account of sex.” It became effective on August 26, 1920, after three fourths of the states ratified it. During the next year, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will be sharing stories on social media using the hashtag #19thAt100. The League of Women Voters will explore the full history of 19th Amendment. We know that it was an incomplete victory. For many women, the fight for suffrage continued. Even now, the League is continuing our work to protect the voting rights of all Americans.

LWV History

On February 14, 2020, the League of Women Voters will celebrate the 100th anniversary of our founding. (Read more about our history here.) As we look back on 100 years of achievements, we also will look forward.  Our volunteers are working every day to help shape a better future for all.

Our work now

Right now, the LWVUS is supporting the “For the People Act” in the US Senate. This legislation would modernize and reform our election system and restore the Voting Rights Act. The LWVOR is working in the Oregon Legislature on many issues. These include protecting the environment, adequately funding state services, and advancing Oregonians’ rights. The Portland League is working to protect the rights of the people of Multnomah County. In addition, for every election, we provide nonpartisan voting information, so voters will know about the candidates and issues.

The League is proud to be nonpartisan. We neither support nor oppose any candidate or political party.  Yet we are always working on vital issues of concern to the public.

Lobbying the Oregon Legislature

The Oregon 2019 Legislative session is in full swing, with committees meeting now to make decisions about state services and the Oregon 2019-2021 budget! Is there a program you want funded? A bill you think should be passed or defeated? Our 18-minute Highlights video on Lobbying the Legislature has many tips for how you can make your voice heard.

You also can learn about what’s happening in the Legislature and the Oregon League’s priorities and advocacy by clicking here and here.

February 12 Panel Discussion – video playback

Rights for Working Women

Fairness, Equality, Safety

Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 7 – 8:30 PM, Multnomah County Boardroom, 501 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland

MetroEast Video Recording Replay Schedule on Public Access stations

The video recording will be available on our YouTube channel and posted on this website on or before February 23.

What is the status of working women in the second decade of the 21st Century? What has changed and what progress is still needed? For years, women have asked for equal pay for equal work, help with childcare and family leave, opportunities for jobs and for advancement in fields that men dominate, and safe workplaces, free from discrimination and harassment. Many women—particularly women of color—still face daunting obstacles to equal opportunities. What can be done and what is being done to level the playing field?

These questions and others were addressed by our panel, including:

  • Moderator: Emily Evans, Executive Director, Women’s Foundation of Oregon
  • Lili Hoag, Political Director, Family Forward of Oregon
  • Patricia Weekley, Director of Equity, Inclusion & Sanctuary, Morrison Child and Family Services
  • Mari Watanabe, Executive Director, Partners in Diversity, Portland Business Alliance

Unfortunately, Kelly Kupcak, Executive Director, Oregon Tradeswomen, was unable to participate on the panel, due to unsafe travel conditions on February 12.

About our programs

The League of Women Voters Civic Education programs are free and open to the public. Programs are designed to inform our community about relevant issues. Please join us for this discussion, and plan to join us for the next program in this Tuesday evening series.

• March 12, 2019 – Climate Justice: How do the impacts of climate change affect different communities?             

MetroEast Community Media records these programs for rebroadcast and online streaming from www.lwvpdx.org.  The Carol & Velma Saling Foundation and the Multnomah Bar Foundation provide funding for the recording through grants.

Parking is available on the street. The Multnomah County Board Room at 501 SE Hawthorne is easily accessed by public transportation, TriMet options include bus lines 4, 6, 10, 14, 15, and the Portland Streetcar

Watch Juvenile Justice Highlights

How can we improve justice for teens who commit crimes – and improve public safety? This 21-minute video has excerpts from a panel discussion on juvenile justice. You can hear the most important points made by the panel. Learn about the impact Measure 11 (passed by Oregon voters in 1994) has had on teens. Recent research shows how Oregon could make changes to help young offenders become law-abiding adults after their release.