Quick Links to Articles in this Issue

President's Message
Save the Date
Membership
Voter Services
Advocacy
LWVAZ News
LWVUS News

Why the League Matters Right Now

February is often a quieter month—tucked between the urgency of January and the energy of spring. But this year, February feels different. There is nothing quiet about this moment for our democracy.

Across the country, we are witnessing escalating attacks on voting rights, truth, and democratic norms. Many people are asking the same question: What can I do? At the League of Women Voters, we know the answer—because this is exactly why we exist.

As a volunteer-led, grassroots organization, the League was built for moments like this. We are nonpartisan, but we are not neutral about democracy. We educate, we advocate, and we empower voters—every election, every year. And we do it together.

Over the past month, our League has been busy preparing members to engage in meaningful ways: learning about public policy positions, gearing up for state advocacy, strengthening voter education and Vote411 efforts, and creating space for honest conversations about the challenges we face. None of this work happens without volunteers stepping forward—often quietly, always with purpose.

If you are new to the League, I want you to know this: you do not need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to care. Whether it’s attending training, making a phone call, helping a voter, or inviting a friend to learn more about the League, small actions add up to real impact.

And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you. Your steady commitment is what makes our work possible—and what gives me hope.

This is the time to lean into your League. To stay engaged. To stay informed. To show up for democracy in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable for you.

Because democracy is not self-sustaining—and together, we are stronger than the challenges before us. Our February Members Matter is full of ways to take action, so let’s get going!

In League service,
Kara Pelletier
President, LWV Metro Phoenix

Members Matter: Showing Up for Democracy—Together

At our recent All-Member Meeting, one message rose above the rest: this is a critical moment for our democracy—and the League is meeting it head-on.

President Kara Pelletier opened by acknowledging what many members are feeling. Voting rights are under pressure, trust in institutions is being tested, and the stakes could not be higher. But this is exactly why the League of Women Voters exists—to turn concern into informed, nonpartisan action.

Arizona League President Emily Bridson shared updates on national efforts and reminded us that across the country, people are pushing back against authoritarianism and standing up for democratic values. The League—and its members—are part of that growing movement.

Members learned about several ways to get involved now, with highlights of upcoming Public Policy Boot Camps that prepare members to engage with League positions and participate in a national survey shaping future priorities. Also opportunities to learn and advocate through Virtual Lunch & Learns and Legislative Lobby Day at the Capitol. Check out the New Members Guide as well, full of great information for all Members on how to engage with the League

With the 2026 election cycle approaching, the need for volunteers is urgent. The League is preparing for expanded Vote411 (add volunteer survey and recruitment flyer links?), voter registration, and community outreach efforts—and there is a role for everyone.

The meeting closed with breakout conversations and a reminder that leadership matters too—five board positions will be open next term. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care. Send your interest in leadership opportunities to: infolwvmp@gmail.com

The QR code includes the full presentation along with multiple links to help you take action and defend our democracy. Now is the time to lean into your League—together, we can push back against authoritarianism and protect the democratic values our country depends on.

Save the Date

When you click on the calendar link, for the month of February.

Note that some of the events are for members only, requiring login.


Event Calendar

Save the Date

2/22-2/28  LWVAZ Legislative week Lunch and Learn. Register here: https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn

2/25/2026 LWVAZ Legislative Lobby day at the capitol. Feb17, deadline to register. Register here: https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn

3/6/2026 6:00 p.m. Voter Services Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UeSZH9yQQg6M54dxwdVwUg 

Opportunities to volunteer:

3/4/ 2026 ASU West Campus Advocacy Fair

3/10/2026 One in Ten LGBTQ Center Link - Youth Registration Virtual Link

3/12/2026 A Civics Learning Day at the Capitol

3/23/2026 Metro Tech High School Workforce

Voter Services Needs You Now!

This is not a drill.

Voters in our community are facing real and growing barriers, and the League’s Voter Services team is on the front lines. But we cannot do this work without you. The upcoming weeks and months are critical, and every delay means fewer voters reached, fewer questions answered, and fewer rights protected.

If you are a League member, you are needed now.

We have immediate opportunities to support voter registration, voter education, and election protection. Training is provided. Time commitments are flexible. What’s not flexible is the moment we’re in.

Democracy is being tested in real time. The League was built for moments exactly like this. Please don’t wait to be asked personally — this is that ask.

Volunteer Opportunities! 

Your Action is Requested:

Attend the March 3, 2026 at 6pm (only 1 hour) Voter Services Committee Meeting  to learn about volunteering for League events, meet other dedicated members and start making a difference. Registration Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UeSZH9yQQg6M54dxwdVwUg 

Sign up for an upcoming Voter Services event today. Commit to at least one action. 

Step up. Get involved. Protect the vote.

March Voter Services Events - Send your interest email to infolwvmp@gmail.com

(registration links will be available soon on MP Website Events, as many details are in progress) 

March 4, 2026 ASU West Campus Advocacy Fair - LWV MP Annual Event.

March 10th at 5pm Virtual - One in Ten LGBTQ Center Link Youth Registration Virtual Training session. The League is providing voter registration training and information to partner organizations for High School Students to register their peers. 

AZ Civics Learning Day at the Capitol March 12 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM). Adrian Fontes speaks at 12 noon. Come table with the League and other community civic organizations.

March 23, 2026 Metro Tech High School Workforce event in Phoenix. 1800 Students event LWV MP is invited to provide voter registration and election information.

Lush Cosmetics - Corporate partnership to register youth in their stores this Spring. 4 locations in the Valley. Lots of actions, fun energy, really make a difference interacting with young people about why voting is important and defending our democracy.

We need your help - Defend Democracy: Be the Eyes and Ears of Your Community!

“Defending democracy requires action.”

League of Women Voters Condemns President Trump’s Call to “Nationalize” Elections

👉 We encourage you to contact your Congressional representative today, alerting them to their “responsibility to uphold the Constitution and protect our elections.”

Save the date! 

For the next No-King’s Day event on March 28th. More information will be coming available as this event develops. Know that the League of Women Voters US  is a National Partner.

League Advocacy Issue Teams

As we move into this year’s critical stage with the AZ Legislature, we encourage all members to join one or more of these statewide issue teams, which have a broad impact at the State and Local levels - Learn More Here

Thank You for Making Democracy Work

We want to say thank you for your continued support of the League of Women Voters of Metro Phoenix. Your membership helps make democracy work at a time when protecting voting rights is more critical than ever.

Your dues directly support voter education, advocacy, and nonpartisan election protection efforts in our community. Because of you, the League remains a trusted voice fighting for fair elections and an inclusive democracy.

Help Us Grow the Movement

Local action is where real change happens, and we invite you to help us grow our impact by encouraging your networks, family, and friends to join LWVMP. Membership starts at just $20 per year, making it easy for anyone who believes in voting rights and civic engagement to get involved.

To learn more about the League and help spread the word, you can share this resource:
👉 Learn more about the League here

Get Involved: Membership Committee

Want to be part of this critical work? The Membership Committee plays a vital role in retaining and expanding our membership. Without our members, our work simply could not happen. If you’re interested in helping build the League’s future or want to learn more, please email membershiplwvmp@gmail.com.

Thank you for standing with us and helping strengthen democracy — together, we make change happen.

Nominating Committee
Leadership Opportunities for League Members

Call for Applications: LWVMP President, President-Elect, Treasurer,

 and Two Board Director Positions. 

We invite you to submit your name for consideration for open positions on the LWVMP Board of Directors. Join a dynamic team committed to empowering voters and safeguarding our democracy. As a Board member, you have the opportunity to  strengthen your connection to the League and enjoy a truly enriching leadership experience.

President

Nominations are currently being accepted for the office of LWVMP President for 2026–2027.

The President provides leadership and general oversight of LWVMP operations and membership; serves as spokesperson; executes legal documents as needed; and presides at all organizational and Board meetings. The President holds supervisory and management authority associated with the office and performs additional duties as designated by the Board.

To learn more about this vital leadership role, please review the detailed President Position Description . 

President-Elect

Nominations are currently being accepted for the office of LWVMP President-Elect for 2026–2027, who will assume the Presidency for 2027–2028.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with the current President and an experienced Board, providing strong preparation for assuming the Presidency. The President-Elect role ensures continuity in the event of a vacancy and supports a smooth transition of essential actions and policies approved by the Board.

For more information, please review the detailed President Elect Position Description.

Treasurer

Nominations are now being accepted for LWVMP Treasurer for 2026–2028.

Key responsibilities include: presenting monthly financial statements to the Board; preparing the annual budget; preparing and presenting fiscal reports to members; ensuring dues and other income are received, deposited, and recorded; and preparing and filing all required operating fund, legal, and tax documents with the appropriate government entities. To learn more about this position, please review the detailed Treasurer Position Description.

Board Director(s)

Two elected positions are open for the 2026–2028 term.

General responsibilities include upholding the League’s nonpartisan policy; attending all Board meetings; contributing to strategic planning and decision-making; promoting League activities; and fulfilling specific assignments, which may include chairing a committee. For additional details, please review theBoard of Directors Position Description 

Application Process

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Candidates must be League members in good standing.

Interested? Please submit a brief personal biography or résumé, including your relevant experience and skills—to Suzanne Miller, Nominating Chair, at  infolwvmp@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, March 4, 2026. All candidates will be interviewed by the Nominating Committee via Zoom.

Invest in Democracy: Support the League

At the League of Women Voters, we know democracy doesn’t defend itself—it takes people, passion, and resources. Every voter registration table, candidate forum, youth program, and advocacy effort is powered by members and supporters like you.
This year, LWV Metro Phoenix is expanding our reach like never before. We’re mentoring the next generation through the new Ambassador Corps, engaging thousands of students at community events, and showing up in force for National Voter Registration Day and National Voter Education Week. These efforts matter—and they depend on your support.
When you give to the League, you’re making a direct investment in protecting voting rights, empowering young leaders, and ensuring every voice is heard at the ballot box.
Here’s how you can help today:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online.
Ask your employer about matching gifts.
Honor a friend or loved one with a gift in their name.
Together, we can keep democracy strong in Metro Phoenix and beyond. Thank you for standing with us.
Kara Pelletier, President
LWV Metro Phoenix   
 

LWVAZ’s 2026 LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day | February 25

All League members are invited to join us at the Arizona State Capitol for LWVAZ Legislative Lobby Day on Wednesday, February 25. The day begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a robust morning program starting with representatives from the Governor’s Office at 10:00 a.m. to kick off the event, followed by 

remarks from legislative leaders, including Senate President Warren Petersen, Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, and House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos. In addition, members of the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition will share an overview of the proposed Arizona Voters First Act legislation, offering important context for League advocacy this session. 

A boxed lunch is provided, and in the afternoon members are encouraged to attend House or Senate committee hearings to observe the legislative process in action.

Advance registration is required. Registration closes February 17.
Register here: https://linktr.ee/lwvazlunchandlearn

Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a required form.

You must complete this form so we can place the lunch order.

Lunch is provided at no cost to members.

The League’s 106th Birthday 

The League of Women Voters marks 106 years of organizing, resisting, and defending democracy in moments when it has been under real threat. This is not a milestone for celebration, but a moment to ground ourselves in what this work has always required. To support Leagues in recognizing this moment, we’ve shared birthday graphics and language to use that reflect our history and reaffirm our enduring commitment to fight for democracy.

No Kings Mobilization 

LWVUS is joining No Kings as a national partner on Saturday, March 28. Leagues are welcome to lean in locally and participate in activations with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner. For Leagues who decide to mobilize for No Kings, please utilize our Protest Safety Guidance and Guidance for Leagues About Nonpartisanship and Partnerships.   

Program Planning Survey Response Form Deadline is March 10th!  

The online program planning survey form is now available for Leagues to use to submit their responses following their program planning meetings. Leagues can visit our Program Planning 2026-2028 LMS page for the link, additional resources, and webinar recording information.  

LWVUS National Convention

The 2026 National Convention will take place June 25 through June 28 in Columbus, OH. Registration is now open! Attendees can find all relevant information on the Convention website here or by contacting events@lwv.org.

Bylaws Amendment Proposals Accepted Through Feb. 27 

One of the many important business items at LWV’s National Convention is the review and possible amendment of the LWVUS Bylaws. The amendment proposal process is now open and closes on February 27. Visit the League Management Site to learn more about the submission process — watch the recorded presentation (passcode: 9.@sug4v), review current LWVUS Bylaws, and access the submission form. Questions can be directed to the Bylaws Committee at bylaws@lwv.org.