Six members of the Portland League served as delegates to the LWVUS National Convention in Washington, D.C. from June 27-30. In addition to attending the plenaries and representing Portland, they were active in leading programming throughout the convention:
Discussion Units Coordinator Ryann Enger presented at the caucus, Can We Make the Money System Work for Democracy?
Lucy Robb was a panelist in a Friday workshop called Supporting Youth Leaders: A Panel of Youth Members in which youth League members from across the country discussed the ways in which they develop civic leadership skills and youth-led programs while creating change and engaging with their local leagues.
Robin Tokmakian helped lead three activities: a workshop about the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); a workshop on Highlights of our United Nations Work: Connecting the Dots to Impact on Issues; and the LWVUS Climate Interest Group – Actions and Resources.
Vice President Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey presented at a workshop about Portland’s Proportional Representation Success Story.
First-time delegate Lucy Robb reflected on her experience at convention:
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend National Convention in Washington DC this past weekend. I was able to attend workshops, speak on a panel, meet legislative staff, and so much more. One highlight of the weekend was meeting Congresswoman Bonamici and discussing the preservation of Oregonian voting rights. Additionally, I loved meeting youth League members from across the nation. We have already started planning nationwide youth LWV initiatives. I can’t wait to see what will come next!
As part of the convention, League members from across the country lobbied their Senators and Representatives for passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Portland’s letters are available here.