Bulletin
League of Women Voters of
Greater Omaha
1941 South 42 Street
Suite
501
Omaha,
NE 68105-2945
Phone: 402-344-3701
League of Women
Voters of Greater Omaha February, 2007
A non-partisan political organization open to all citizens 18
years of age or older Volume 49 No 8
League
Birthday Luncheon
and
“Making
Democracy Work
Awards
Presentation”
featuring Linda D., LWVGO
Lady Gets Arrested for
Voting: A Firsthand Report on the Life and Times of Susan B. Anthony
Wednesday,
February 14th, 11:30
Pasta
Amore - Rockbrook Village - 108th & Center
Reservation
deadline: Friday, February 9th.
See page 7 for
reservation form.
Linda
modestly calls her presentation "Susan B. Anthony Lite",
but that's just because the famous suffragist was more fun than you might
think. In 23 and a half minutes we'll get
all the highlights of Susan Anthony's life, much of it taken directly from her
letters and speeches. Linda will be in costume, so you can truly picture
yourself back in the time when women didn't have the right to own
property, sign a contract, or even be legal guardians of their own
children. Oh, or vote either. Come and find out what people all
over Omaha are learning about Susan Brownell Anthony.
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
Wednesday,
January 17, 7:30 p.m., International Relations Committee. See page 4.
Thursday,
January 18, Noon to 1 p.m., Omaha Press Club:
Nebraska Politics--The Real Stories.
See page 5.
Thursday,
January 18, 7:00 p.m., League program planning for 2007-2008. See page 3.
Saturday,
January 20: Deadline for receiving
applications for LWV Making Democracy Work Award. See page 2.
Tuesday,
January 23, 7:15 p.m., Milo Bail Student Center, UNO. Nebraska Judicial
Networking Coalition lecture, "Anatomy of a Judge” See page 5.
Thursday,
February 8, 9:30 a.m., League office.
LWVGO board meeting. All members
welcome.
Friday,
February 9: Deadline for March Bulletin.
Wednesday,
February 14, 11:30 a.m., Pasta Amore, 108 & Center: League birthday luncheon. See page above and page 7.
Wednesday,
February 21, 7:00 p.m., Reading Resource Group.
See page 6.
Tuesday, March 27, 7:00
p.m., Milo Bail Student Center, UNO, Nebraska Judicial Networking Coalition
final lecture "Civil Rights and the Courts.” See page 5.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Do you make resolutions for the new year? I have not
done it in the past (although I admire those who do and KEEP them) but I do
know several people who do. I wonder if
our congress members make resolutions.
At the risk of suggesting a resolution for others, I wish they would
think about a resolve to join forces with those across the aisle or make a
compromise to accomplish something for the country.
I have been watching the funeral
services for President Gerald Ford. I
have to admit I get a lump in my throat watching the pomp; the stirring
melodies of these kinds of ceremonies move me and make me proud to be an
American
Gerald
Ford served as President of the United States during a very difficult period
when our country was in turmoil and divided by scandal. He is a good example of one who made an
effort of unity. My hope for 2007 is
that today's leaders of our country will be able to bring Americans together
once again. We have become a divided
nation and our strength surfaces when we are not separated. I hope and believe that, with proper
leadership, the citizens of America will be brought together. Without that leadership, citizens will fall
prey to those who are out to divide us.
Unity can be achieved for the good of the country. My hope is that Congress will set partisan
politics aside, work more than 3 days a week, and accomplish great things, not
for their party, but for America. Have a
great 2007!
Barbara T.
President's report - January,
2007
- wrote letter to Public Pulse
upholding the Election Commissioner's timing of releasing polling data.;
- sent Election Commissioner an e-mail
with infractions on the polling sites on Election Day, and offered League's
assistance, especially in recruiting poll workers;
- Sent holiday card to public officials
- mayor, county, city, State senators (local only) and national
representatives;
- Met with Education Fund fund-raisers,
GOTV chair, Right to Vote manager to plan and strategize for 2008 elections;.
- Procured donation for underwriting
expenses associated w/Making Democracy Work award.
RUNNING AND WINNING
I'm pleased to announce that an
exciting project to benefit teen girls is getting off the ground. The
Running and Winning program, newly revised and updated, is a project
that I learned about at convention last summer. In November our
board authorized a committee to organize and implement Running and Winning
here in the Omaha area. We have had our first meeting to do some
brainstorming.
Some points of interest:
Running and Winning:
*is a one-day workshop.
*is for high school
girls; we plan to involve about 35 girls from 3 schools.
*involves elected women
officials for the morning portion.
*allows the girls to learn
about running a campaign.
*will require plenty of
assistance from League members.
*is not the same as
"Ready to Run", a program for adult women.
Our committee consists of Peggy A.,
Virginia B., Sally F., Rita S. and myself, along with
Margaret S. of the Sarpy County League. We plan to hold the first
Running and Winning workshop in October.
Look for more details in a future newlsetter.
Linda D., VP
- Action
Voter Service - Pat H.
and Carolyn I.
If
you are interested in becoming a voter registrant, please call or e-mail Pat H.
or Carolyn I. We plan to hold voter
registration training classes in March and April.
AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARD
The League of Women Voters of
Greater Omaha is seeking nominations to its inaugural LWV Making Democracy Work
Award. The award, which will honor an
individual for her community activism, will be presented February 14, 2007.
The League of Women Voters has had
an impact on national, state, and local issues for decades. We want to honor that tradition and those who
share our passion for making a difference through this award.
Nominations are open to any woman
between the ages of 50 and 65 who is or has been part of the work force and has
contributed to our community in a meaningful way. Nominees can apply themselves or may be
nominated by a friend or colleague.
League members are encouraged to make nominations of members of the
community. However, League members are
ineligible for this award. An
application form can be downloaded from our web site at
<www.omahalwv.org>. All applications must be received by
January 20, 2007.
The winner will be announced in
February in conjunction with the League’s 87th birthday party. The League of Women Voters is the premier
organization where hands-on work leads to civic improvement. The LWV celebrates
community leaders: individuals who have envisioned a way to improve the
community and have mobilized others to work with them to effect a change that has benefited the
broader community. This award will honor
one such individual that has, in the League tradition, helped make our
community strong, vibrant,
and fair.
For
more information, please contact Barbara R., award coordinator or visit our web
site at <www.omahalwv.org>.
League
Program Planning for 2007-2008
Please
join us at the home of Polly G. for wine, cheese, & planning.
Ideas
welcome!
Thursday,
January 18th, 7 p.m.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Polly G. and
Caroline S..
They recently passed the Registered Parliamentarian test of the National
Association of Parliamentarians.
Two Very Good Ways to
Get Involved in Democracy
From Peggy A.
One very good way to get involved in
democracy is to monitor the state legislature as it churns out new laws that
affect all of us in Nebraska. With twenty-two “new” senators (out of forty-nine
total) this should prove to be a fascinating session. The Unicam
has an updated website with lots of useful information…you can email your
senator, watch the floor debate on Unicam Live, yell
at your computer…whatever floats your boat, and in the privacy of your own
home, nobody but Homeland Security will ever know. The new website address is:
<nebraskalegislature.gov>
Another very good way to get
involved in democracy is to contact your state League Action Vice President if
you see or hear about a bill that you feel the League should consider as a
priority bill. You can read one-sentence blurbs about the bills in the Omaha
World-Herald, and also at that fine Unicam website,
<nebraskalegislature.gov>. You can also read the entire bill on the
website, or you can order a hard copy for free
(since your tax dollars have already paid for it), by calling 402-471-2877.
Your
state League Action Vice President is…me…Peggy
A.. I really, really appreciate the input of any and
all League members regarding League priority bills. I'm not a mind reader
(although my kids would vote otherwise), so I need you to actually tell me what bills you think should be
the focus for the League. Thanks in advance for getting involved in democracy.
NOMINATIONS FOR UPCOMING
YEAR
BOARD MEMBERS: If you do not wish to be
nominated for your present position on the board for next year, please contact me by February 5. If you are thinking you would like a
different office, tell me that also so the committee can consider your
wishes. Anyone who is not on the board,
but wishes to be next year,
may also leave me that message.
Thank you.
Pat G., Nominating Committee Chair.
SPAM MESSAGES
As a follow-up to the message
printed in last month’s bulletin, we are aware that members are receiving spam
through our League e-mail group. We are continuing to monitor the
situation but also want to remind our members the best action to take with a
message you believe to be spam is to delete the message without opening
it. If you do not recognize the sender and are unfamiliar with the
subject, the message is probably spam. It is also important that you have
a good virus protection product on your computer. Reminder to e-mail senders: Make sure the subject of your e-mail clearly
identifies the content within so members do not inadvertently delete your
important messages!
Global Climate Change
the Topic of Winter Lecture Series
from Jonah D.
Growing concerns about the impacts
of global changes in climate will be addressed in a series of lectures and
discussions beginning January 21 at the Unitarian Church. The first topic is
The Climate Detective: Unraveling the Evidence for Global Warming, presented by
Prof. Ken Dewey of UNL. All of the
topics provide different dimensions of climate change, including the causes as
we understand them and the potential responses that will help moderate their
impacts. The dates and topics follow. Please feel free to distribute the
schedule below. Thank you.
Jan. 21: The Climate Detective:
Unraveling the Evidence for Global Warming, Ken Dewey, UNL
Jan. 28: Basic Warming Science and
Its Impacts, Clinton Rowe, UNL
Feb. 4: no lecture
Feb. 11: The ANDRILL Project:
Determining 20 Million Years of Climate Conditions, Richard Levy, UNL
Feb. 18: Public Policy and the
Impediments to Concern and Action, Charles Harper, Creighton U.
Feb. 25: Christian Environmental
Worldviews and Implications for Climate Change Policy, Janel
Curry, Calvin College, Michigan
Mar. 4: Tackling Climate Change:
U.S. Potential for Renewable Energy/Efficiency to 2030, Charles Kutscher, Golden, Colorado
Mar. 11: Dinner (6 pm) and Panel
Discussion (7 pm), reservations required, 483-2213
The lectures are free and open to
the public, and will be held at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street. Lectures
begin at 7 pm with a short break and then discussion from 8:15 to 9 pm. For
more information call Karen Dienstbier, Barb Francis,
or Charles Francis. The lecture series is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE JANUARY
MEETING NOTICE
January
17, 7:30 p.m.
The interest shown by our members in
the November meeting was very encouraging.
The guest speaker, Mary K. Meagher, indicated that the subsequent
meeting presenters will be “the really big guns” in the area of subject matter
and speaking. We should look forward to
spending an evening with one of these speakers each month through April.
The January meeting will feature Dr.
L. McVies, Director of “The One World Community” in
Omaha. She has extensive travel
experience in Third World countries. Her
efforts to make Omaha a viable source to educate and inform our area of the
middle west about the needs and value of the Third World neighbors and their
health environment as it impacts our safety will be inspiring.
Meeting
location: Address deleted from web copy
Date: January 17, 7:30 p.m.
Plan to attend and hear
a very challenging set of ideas. Your
usual thought provoking questions will be anxiously received.
THE SEARCH IS ON: LWVGO IS LOOKING FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Our membership
information database does not include the year our members joined, and we are
interested in this information. Listed
below is a partial list showing some information; if your name is on the list, please confirm that what we have is
correct. If your name is not on the list,
please provide the year you joined LWVGO to Hedy A.. Thanks!!
NAME JOINED IN
List deleted from web copy.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to our new League
member, Keri R., who is the new Pro-Choice Coalition President.
SPEAKERS BUREAU UPDATE
The
Speakers Bureau has a new brochure that describes all of the speeches available
for presentation to interested groups. If you need a brochure for your church
group, retirement center, or
civic organization, please call Peggy A.
We
are always looking for a few good women (and men) to join our Speakers Bureau.
If you have an idea for a speech topic, please give us a call.
Nebraska Judicial Networking
Coalition has scheduled their final 2 lectures:
Jan
23, 2007, "Anatomy of a Judge, 7:15 PM at Milo Bail Student Center, UNO.
March
27, 2007 (Final lecture) "Civil Rights and the Courts, 7PM, same location.
In
life, all good things come hard, but wisdom is the hardest to come by. -- Lucille Ball
NEBRASKA POLITICS…THE
REAL STORIES
Allen Beermann
has been on the inside of Nebraska politics for decades. As Secretary of State for 24 years, Beermann has accumulated a wealth of stories about our
elected leaders…and those who were almost elected!
Do you want to know what “really”
happens in politics?
What is the current state of
Nebraska government?
Join Allen at the Omaha Press Club
for what promises to be an informative and entertaining Noon Forum.
When: 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM
January
18, 2006
Where: Omaha Press Club, 22nd Floor, First National
Center, 16th and Dodge
Lunch
and Presentation: $15 per person lincludes lunch.
Reservations: 345-8008 OR e-mail: jeaniec@opc.omahacoxmail.com
(Must
be accompanied by a member number or credit card)
Non-Press
Club Members welcome!
Validated parking in the
Doubltree Hotel garage. Bring your ticket!
READING RESOURCE GROUP
When: Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Address
deleted from web copy.
Discussion will be on the last half
of the book “The Central Liberal Truth:
How Politics Can Change a Culture and Save It From
Itself” by Lawrence E. Harrison-- Chapters 5 through 9, Pages 120 through 225.
This book is about the impact of
culture on a country’s politics and economic development and on how the concept
of progress is viewed.
We welcome new readers.
For more information,
call Jeannette S.
MEMBERSHIP
Hedy A.
Membership
Chair
New National
Members:
List deleted from web
copy.
New e-mail
List deleted from web
copy.
PLEASE
NOTE: Anyone joining now will be a paid member thru April 2008; however,
everyone please note: the upcoming dues April 1will be $60 for a single
membership and $90 for two people in the same household.
If you change your address, phone #,
e-mail etc, please let me know so we can keep our data base up to date.
Please call or e-mail with any of
your prospective members. I will add them to our bulletin list.
Also, please send Hedy your original date of joining League of Women
Voters. We are trying to track our members. See list on page 5.
Pass
this membership application on to a friend:
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LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GREATER OMAHA
MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION
Name
______________________________________________________________________
Address
__________________________________City___________State
_____ ZIP _______
Home
phone ____________________________Work phone ___________________________
Fax
_______________________________________ E-mail ____________________________
____Single
member, $50 ___Family membership,
$75 ___Additional contribution
$_____
Please
make your checks payable to LWVGO and send to:
League of Women Voters of Greater
Omaha
1941 S. 42nd Street, Suite 501
Omaha, NE 68105