League News Archive
LWVAL COUNCIL 2020 NOW SCHEDULED FOR
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 ON ZOOM
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon!
REGISTER NOW
[Non-members are welcomed to
attend but must also register.]
Register here online
or…
Send an email by c.o.b. May 15th with
- your name,
- your email address,
- your local league affiliation or indicate non-member, and
- if so, indicate that you are a delegate from your local league or state board.
We are disappointed and saddened by the health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic but found it necessary to postpone our "in person" EqualiTea and all Council 2020 activities previously scheduled for April 24-25. Our concern for the health and safety of our League members and friends comes first.
LWVAL Council 2020 will be held via Zoom online web conference on May 16, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Be sure to register by close of business May 15. (See registration instructions above.) The EqualiTea is further postponed until a time when we can safely meet together.
All council registration fees previously paid to LWVAL will be refunded in full. All EqualiTea registration fees will be refunded in full or carried over and applied to the rescheduled EqualiTea (TBA), whichever you prefer. Send email to LWVAL Treasurer Kristen De La Fuente to let her know your preference.
STAY TUNED to council2020.lwval.org for updates! Keep your distance, wash your hands, don't touch your face, and care for one another. We will see you soon!
"Environmental Justice:
It's About Democracy"
League of Women Voters of Alabama
State Convention 2019
Here's what's in store! View the video!
Early Arrival Fun Friday, May 17 then…
Convention May 18-19
Embassy Suites by Hilton
2410 University Boulevard
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Convention registration has ended.
Not registered but still want to come?
We invite all, including the public, to attend the luncheon on Saturday, May 18 (without the meal) and the Saturday afternoon panels - without registration and free of charge! Come learn and discuss environmental justice with keynote speaker Ms. Catherine Coleman-Flowers and our many other outstanding expert panelists.
Registered or not, here's what to do next.
We look forward to seeing you in Tuscaloosa!
Visit the LWVAL Convention website
convention2019.lwval.org
for all convention information.
THANK YOU HOST
LWV of Greater Tuscaloosa!
LWVAL 2019 LWVAL Transparency in Government Award
Read the media release
In 2015 the League of Women Voters of Alabama (LWVAL) created the Transparency in Government Award to recognize efforts to bring greater transparency to governmental decision-making in Alabama at any political level. Nominations for the award may be submitted by any individual or organization in Alabama or any local league, MAL unit, or member. This biennial award will be presented at the 2019 State Convention in Tuscaloosa, May 18-19, 2019.
LWVAL and its members believe that transparency in government is one of the major mechanisms for making government accountable to the people. It aids in creating an open and inclusive government and in enhancing public trust in government officials and their decisions.
Those nominated may include local and state political leaders, elected or appointed, and citizens and members of nonprofit organizations who have championed transparency in government.
Submit a nominee for the 2019 LWVAL Transparency in Government Award
OTHER LWVAL AWARDS
The Joyce Woodworth Memorial Award and the Jane Katz Public Service Award will also be presented at the 2019 LWVAL Convention in Tuscaloosa. LWVAL members, local leagues, or MAL units may make nominations for these awards.
- Read about these prestigious awards.
- Submit a nominee for the Joyce Woodworth Memorial Award
- Submit a nominee for the Jane Katz Public Service Award
The deadline for submissions for all awards is March 15, 2019.
The state board makes the final selection for all awards. Direct questions to Kristen De La Fuente (awards@lwval.org).
LWVAL Members and Current Leaders, the Nominating Committee is looking for bright, energetic women and men who love the League of Women Voters and want to lead our state league in 2019-2021. If you are such a person or you know someone who should be considered, please answer this survey! This is a VERY exciting time to be in the "driver's seat!" It is a time of historic milestones - the 200th Anniversary of the State of Alabama in 2019 and the 100th birthday of the League of Women Voters and woman suffrage in 2020. What is your vision for our league? How can you make that happen? Please respond by January 23, 2019.
ANSWER SURVEY
NOTE: Survey is for LWVAL members and leaders ONLY.
or any day, please
support the LWVAL as we
Grow, Empower, and
Protect the Vote!
(Still not too late to give!)
Your generous gift will support this work…
Thank you to Don Dailey, anchor of APT's Capitol Journal for the opportunity to discuss the work of the League of Women Voters and the importance of voting. See the interview of LWVAL President Barbara Caddell on Oct. 12, 2018.
LWV Montgomery President Louvenia Graham has passed away.
From Louvenia's obituary in the Montgomery Advertiser, "Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 12:00 noon from Mobile Heights Baptist Church. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery." Read her obituary here.
The LWVAL sends its deepest sympathy to Louvenia's family and many friends in the Greater Montgomery area. She will be greatly missed by many in our organization.
LWVAL Council 2018 Livestreamed Events are Online!
Did you miss LWVAL Council 2018 livestreamed events on Saturday, April 14? Not to worry! Archived videos of guest speaker former U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, the State of the State panel, and the Alabama Public Transportation panel are available @LWVAL on Facebook.
MANY THANKS!
…to the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham for hosting an inspirational, educational, and FUN LWVAL Council in the Magic City and to the administration and staff of the Birmingham-Jefferson-County Transit Authority who made that happen!
And many thanks to our featured guest speaker, former U.S. Attorney and MSNBC Commentator Joyce White Vance who spoke on "Election Law and Voter Suppression." See her address on LWVAL's Facebook livestream.
We also thank our outstanding panelists:
PANEL I: STATE OF THE STATE
See this panel on LWVAL's Facebook livestream.
- Jim Carnes, Policy Director, Arise Citizens' Policy Project
- Trisha P. Crain, State Education Reporter at al.com
- Frank Knaack, Executive Director, Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Inc.
- Cindy Lowry, Executive Director, Alabama Rivers Alliance
PANEL II: ALABAMA PUBIC TRANSPORTATION
See this panel on LWVAL's Facebook livestream.
- Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, District 20, Alabama Senate
- Ruby Davis, J.D., Chair Board of Directors, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
- Dr. Darrell O'Quinn, Councilor for District 5, Birmingham City Council
- Christopher Ruffin, Interim Executive Director, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
Ruth L. Wright has passed.
We
The citizens of Alabama have made their voices heard!
Thank you for turning out to vote on Nov. 6, 2018, Alabama. Here are Alabama election results (unofficial):
Statewide Results
County Results - Choose your county
Did you vote a provisional ballot? Find the status of your ballot. You may be required to provide proof that your ballot should count, for example, present valid photo voter ID. If so, you must settle the question at the county court house by Friday, November 9.
The League of Women Voters is
"Connecting, Engaging and Leading
for 2020 and Beyond:
A Transformational Journey"
League of Women Voters of Alabama Supports the
Women's Suffragist Memorial!
You can, too!
HONOR THAT SPECIAL WOMAN
IN YOUR LIFE!
(Mom doesn't need another scarf. Just sayin'.)
Remember that special, inspirational woman in your life with a gift to the LWVAL Women's Suffragist Memorial Fund. You can specify your gift as an honorarium or as a memorial gift. Click the "Donate" button below to make your gift, and then tell us about your honoree and whom we should notify about your generous gift.
OR… Would you rather mail your gift?
If you would rather mail your donation, make your check out to "LWVAL Education Fund" and note in the memo line "LWVAL Women's Suffragist Fund." Mail your check to:
LWVAL Education Fund
c/o Lella Lowe, Treasurer
2609 Shay Court
Mobile, AL 36695
If your gift is an honorarium or memorial please submit this information form or include a note with that information so that we can inform the honoree or loved ones. Your donation is 100% tax deductible.
Architects' Rendering of the Women's Suffragist Memorial.
ABOUT THE MEMORIAL
The League of Women Voters of Alabama is collecting and donating funds for the construction of the Women's Suffragist Memorial to be located in Occoquan Regional Park and the National Register listed DC Workhouse and Reformatory Historic District. This site is adjacent to the Occoquan Workhouse where Alice Paul, Lucy Burns and 211 other suffragists were imprisoned for picketing on behalf of women's suffrage at the White House gates. It was in the Occoquan Workhouse that the suffragists went on a hunger strike in protest of their treatment and the continued practice of denying women the right to vote. These women were force fed repeatedly during their stay. The United States Supreme Court later ruled all 213 arrests to be unconstitutional in violation of the First Amendment. A donation from the League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund in the sum of $1000 will ensure Alabama Leagues are recognized on the donation wall of the Memorial. Please help us reach this goal by donating to our Women's Suffrage Memorial Fund. Your donation is 100% tax deductible.
We will remember their sacrifice for our right to vote!
Thank you for your donation!
Don’t miss LWVAL Convention 2017!
You do not have to be a delegate to attend.
ALL members are welcome and encouraged to attend!
League of Women Voters of Alabama
State Convention 2017
April 28 Early Arrival
April 29-30 Convention
Hampton Inn & Suites
Mobile Downtown Historic District
62 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Register for LWVAL Convention 2017
Register by April 15.
Cancelations accepted until April 17.
Make hotel reservations.
Reserve by March 28, 2017
for special LWVAL Convention rates.
League of Women Voters Accepting Nominations for Its 2017 Transparency in Government Award
Download the Nomination Form
Nomination are due by January 25, 2017 and may be submitted by any individual or organization in Alabama.
Media Release, Dec. 28, 2016
League of Women Voters Accepting Nominations for Its 2017 Transparency in Government Award
In 2015 the League of Women Voters of Alabama (LWVAL) created the Transparency in Government Award to recognize efforts to bring greater transparency to governmental decision-making in Alabama at any political level. Nominees may be elected or appointed government officials, citizens, or members of nonprofits who have worked to increase transparency.
This biennial award will be presented at the LWVAL's 2017 State Convention in Mobile, April 29-30, 2017.
State President Dr. Anne Permaloff explains: "LWVAL and its members believe that transparency in government is one of the major mechanisms for making government accountable to the people. It enhances public trust in government officials and their decisions and is essential in making democracy work."
According to the Congressional Research Service, transparency in government includes giving the public access to relevant information used by decision makers, with the information presented in a comprehensive format and with opportunities for the public to analyze and respond.
Nominations for the LWVAL 2017 Transparency in Government Award are due January 25, 2017 and may be submitted by any individual or organization in Alabama. The nomination form is available on-line at the LWVAL website: www.lwval.org
###
League of Women Voters of Alabama to hold informational meeting in Montevallo, AL
How do we “Make Democracy Work” in Alabama? The League of Women Voters of Alabama grows, empowers, and protects the vote! This video shows exactly how we get that done. Like us on Facebook @LWVAL. Follow us on Twitter @LWVAL. And JOIN US to help make that happen!
LWVAL goes forward to study a pressing public issue, examines state of voting rights and media relations
A look at LWVAL Council 2016
Delegates and guests discussed voter registration and ID and issues concerning voting accessibility with expert panelists. Panelists were Ed Packard, Director of Elections, Election Division, Office of Alabama Secretary of State; Stephen Stetson, Policy Analyst (Consumer and Human Rights Issues), Alabama Arise Citizens’ Policy Project; and Geron Gadd, Senior Staff Attorney, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP). The panel was moderated by Hattie Kaufman of the League of Women Voters of Greater Tuscaloosa.
In the afternoon, attendees heard from renowned Alabama journalists. LWVAL leaders were interested to learn about best practices for interaction with the media, garnering event coverage, and the current state of print, broadcast, and online journalism. Guest panelists were Charles L. “Chuck” Dean, Journalist, Alabama Media Group and The Birmingham News; Carol Nunnelley, Journalist and Founder, Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism and Birmingham Watch.org;Rachel Lindley, News Director, WBHM, 90.3 FM (NPR Birmingham); and Troy Turner, Editor, Opelika-Auburn News. The panel was moderated by Jean Johnson of the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham.
Many thanks to LWV of Montgomery, host League, for your warm hospitality, and to LWVAL Board for an outstanding council.
See the photos.
See LWVAL 2015 Convention News,
including Criminal Justice Symposium video/audio and audience questions to the panelists.
Thank you to all who made the LWVAL 2015 Convention in Auburn, AL, May 1-3, 2015, a success, especially to the LWVAL Board and LWV of East Alabama who made it all happen!
Thank you, also, to our special guests and panelists who came from far and wide to share their expertise and insight:
- Terry Dunn, former PSC Commissioner and recipient of the LWVAL 2015 Transparency in Government Award, and his family and staff
- Peggy Appler, LWVUS Board Member and Liaison to LWVAL
- Haley Richards, LWVUS Shur Fellow to all Alabama Leagues
- Alabama Department of Corrections (ADC) Commissioner Jefferson S. Dunn and
- ADC Deputy Commissioner Jefferey Williams,
- Assistant Executive Director of AL Board of Pardons and Paroles Darrell Morgan
- Managing Attorney Maria Morris of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s AL office
- Jefferson County Circuit Judge Teresa T. Pulliam
- Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) Founder Miriam Shehane and
- VOCAL Executive Director Janette Grantham
- Criminal defense attorney Joel Sogol,
- Executive Director Bennet Wright of the Alabama Sentencing Commission, and
- Retired Jefferson County District Judge O. L. "Pete" Johnson
And last, but not least, thank you to all the delegates whose careful deliberation and input are essential to the ongoing excellence of our grassroots organization!
LWVAL announces 2015 Transparency in Government Award, calls for nominations
Get a LWVAL Transparency in Government Award nominating form.
Link to this media advisory here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2015
CONTACT: Gina Finnegan
ginaofinnegan@gmail.com 251-656-0130
MEDIA ADVISORY – LWVAL Announces Transparency Award
Mobile – The League of Women Voters of Alabama announces its first ever transparency award, honoring political leaders who have championed open and inclusive government in Alabama.
"Like many states, Alabama has some work to do to truly let the sun shine on its workings," said LWVAL Co-president Leonette Slay. "But we also know that we have political leaders who have demonstrated remarkable integrity and courage in their push for open and honest government. We want to celebrate and recognize those individuals. It is so often thankless work."
Citizens and political organizations are encouraged to submit their nominations for the award. The state league leadership will consider all applications, which can include local and state political leaders, elected or appointed. LWVAL will also accept recommendations for citizens and members of nonprofit organizations who have championed transparency in government. The nomination form is available at the LWVAL website www.lwval.org. The deadline is March 21, 2015.
Honorees will be recognized at the Alabama league's biennial state convention on May 1-3, to be held in the Auburn/Opelika area this year.
"Transparency is just a core piece of who we are as a nonpartisan, political organization. We hope we can prompt more public officials to understand their role in serving the citizens of Alabama through open government by making this award part of the state's political scene. It
matters, and it makes a difference," said LWVAL Co-president Scarlett Gaddy.
Nominations should be mailed or e-mailed to: League of Women Voters Awards Committee, Post Office Box 40602, Mobile, Alabama 36640 or lslay@lwval.org.
The League of Women Voters, a national, nonpartisan, political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
###
Back to LWVAL Convention 2015 news.
First Call to LWV Council 2015 has been issued. Our state League may send two delegates. Read more...
LWVAL Members and Guests...
JOIN US AT THE 2014
A-MAZE-ING
LWVAL COUNCIL
Yes, it was! Thanks to all who attended for your input, spirit and enthusiasm! Report on Council coming soon. 
Saturday, April 26, 2014
10:00-3:30
Bluff Park United Methodist Church
733 Valley Street, Hoover, AL 35226
cartoon used with permission
Sisters Across the Straits: A Delegation Visit to Cuba
As a member of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, you are invited to participate in a rare cultural and educational exchange opportunity.
From the LWV of Florida…
This fall, the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund is continuing sponsorship of the Sisters Across the Straits visits to Cuba, providing League members with a unique chance to learn more about the nation’s history, culture and developing political scene. The six-day trip provides delegation members with the chance to forge relationships with civic organizations, academics at the University of Havana and members of Federación de Mujeres Cubanas -- important steps toward improving relations and building partnerships.
UPCOMING TRIPS
Find out more from LWVFL.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the LWVAL at 205 871-8194 or email LWVAL Co-President Leonette Slay at lslay@lwval.org. She has participated in a delegation and would be pleased to discuss this opportunity with you.
LWVAL Convention 2013 focuses on health care, energy and water, constitutional reform
Thanks to all who attended for your input, spirit and enthusiasm! See the photos here. (Slow loading? See a sampling of photos here.)
Congratulations to Mary Lynn Bates on receiving the Joyce Woodworth Memorial Award. LWVAL extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to Mary Lynn for her outstanding service to the League in the area of program and advocacy.
Congratulations to LWV of Mobile on receiving the Phyllis Rea Membership award for the greatest percent increase in membership over the past two years. LWVM grew its ranks by 40%! We should all observe their methods and heed their advice closely!
“We are honored to have Dr. Leigh Ann Poole, Coordinator of the NP Concentration: Mental Health and Primary Care for Rural Populations at UA Capstone College of Nursing as our Saturday Luncheon Speaker,” said Dr. Byrd. “She spoke on Health Care in Alabama. Her presentation addressed many of the topics in the LWVAL’s recently published Facts and Issues: Health Care in Alabama, an objective study of issues involving health care in our state, as well as a discussion of proposed solutions to various problems.
Another highlight of the convention was a panel discussion of Energy and Water in Alabama. Participating in the panel were Michael Churchman, Executive Director of the Ala. Environmental Council; Cole Walker, President of Redstone Energy Group; Heather Elliott, JD, Assoc. Professor of Law at UA and author of a 2012 Alabama Review article on Alabama's Water Crisis, and Vaughn Williams, JD, Assistant Attorney General in the Natural Resources Section in Colorado, who has been a participant in State Water Planning process and formerly Water Resource Specialist at the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
A wine and cheese reception welcomed delegates and guests to the Saturday evening banquet. The group was entertained by concert pianist, bandleader, composer and LWVAL Director Jeanine "Dr. Jazz" Normand.
Robert McCurley, former director of the Alabama Law Institute (1969-2013) and member of the Alabama Constitutional Revision Commission spoke at the banquet. Mr. McCurley’s experience working directly with the legislature for so many years provided us with insight into some of the controversial actions during the present legislative session. The audience learned much about the progress and future plans for reforming the antiquated 1901 AL constitution and about the shifting sands of Alabama politics.
These convention speakers and panelists were well received by delegates and guests. The League of Women Voters has long held health care and clean air and water as important topics for study and has advocated reform of the Alabama constitution.
Congratulations to new co-presidents Leonette Slay and Scarlett Gaddy (pictured here) and all of the incoming LWVAL board on their election. Many thanks to former president Kathy Byrd and the outgoing board members who have served the League so well in the past biennium.
Many thanks to Laura Newland Hill, member LWV East Alabama and LWVAL Secretary, and to LWVAL member and "First Gentleman" Gene Byrd for sharing their LWVAL Convention 2013 photos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/95329932@N05/sets/72157633368757933/
"Flaggin' the Train to Tuscaloosa"
LWVAL Convention
April 26 - 28, 2013
UA, Tuscaloosa, AL
Find out more!
Get the information you need to know NOW!
Some deadlines as early as 3/14/13!
The Role of the Federal Government in Public Education
A LWVUS Study
In June, 2010 the delegates to the League of Women Voters Convention proposed and passed a study of the role of federal government in public education in the United States. The study was completed in March 2012 and, if consensus can be reached, a national League position will be published on this issue.
Study Background Information
Read the unbiased information gathered in the process of this study.
Alabama Leagues in LWVUS News 8/14/11...
Alabama Local Leagues Trained in Organizational Growth Best Practices!
Read
LWVGT and LWVAL Board Member tells her League story...
Scarlett Gaddy Featured in LWVUS "League Storybank"
Read
LWVEA Board Member tells her League story...
Marilynn Garrett Featured in LWVUS "League Storybank"
Read
LWVUS chooses Scarlett Gaddy and Charlotte Ward for Education Study Committee
Scarlett Gaddy, Tuscaloosa Leaguer and Second Vice-President of the LWVAL, has been selected to be on the newly formed LWVUS Education Study Committee. A new study on the federal role in education was adopted at June's 2010 National Convention. Attendees heard Scarlett speak eloquently and effectively about adoption of the study at the mike in Atlanta.
Scarlett is one of several LWVAL leaders chosen in the past year to work at the national level of the League. Last year as part of the national Membership Recruitment Initiative, Mary McGinnis, president of the LWV of Mobile, and Debra Butler, vice president of the LWV of Mobile, were selected as development coaches for the state of Alabama. They are assisting local Leagues with recruitment and leadership development. Joyce Lanning of Birmingham is the LWVAL representative on the Joint Legislative Committee on Energy and is a member of the national Climate Control Task Force.
Congratulations, Scarlett! Alabama continues to be well represented on LWVUS committees and in national League projects.
UPDATE! 9/16/10
Charlotte Ward of Auburn and LWVAL Co-President has also been selected to serve on the LWVUS Education Study Committee. They will both be working on the Common Core and Assessments section of the study. Congratulations again to both Scarlett and Charlotte!
