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The League of
Women Voters
of Kentucky
2005-2007
Officers
and
Board
President
Caty Mercer
Vice-Presidents
Joan Peoples
Pat Bingham
Lilialyce Akers
Treasurer
Carolyn Filzer
Board of Directors
Virginia Krueger
Sally Sue Brown
Emma Smith
Betty Higgins
Mary Gant
Off Board Director
Cindy Heine,
Nominating
Committee Chair
Laura Weinstein, Co-
Membership Chair
Kentucky Voter Editors
Leah Newton, Co-Membership Chair
Caty Mercer, President
Contact Information
Website:
www.lwvky.org
E-mail:
cmlwvky@aol.com
Address:
Suburban Park,
Bldg. D, Suite 103
1009 Twilight Trail
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 875-6481
The League of Women Voters encourages the informed and active
participation of
citizens in government,works to increase understanding of major
public policy issues, and influences public policy
though education and advocacy.
Upcoming Events,
October-January:
October 14th –
Civic Literacy Initiative Forum at Owensboro Community and Technical
College (http://civicsky.nku.edu/)
October 17th
– Civic Literacy Initiative Forum at Murray State University (http://civicsky.nku.edu/)
October 18th
– Civic Literacy Initiative Forum at Eastern KY University
(http://civicsky.nku.edu/)
October 22nd-State
Board Meeting in Frankfort
October 29th
–Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee Meeting
November 5th-
“The People Speak” Meeting at Lexington League
November 20th
– Louisville League 85th Anniversary Celebration
December 3rd
– Lexington League Holiday Brunch and Auction
December 11th
– Berea League Open House
January 21st-
State Board Meeting in Frankfort
*Please forward all local event listings for Winter/Spring Voter to
cmlwvky@aol.com.
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From
the President…
In the past few months since being named the president of
this respected organization I have been extremely busy trying to help
propel projects into fruition. I have started writing several grants
that will allow our organization to host some extremely relevant and
exciting events, such as an essay and mural contest in 2006. This
statewide contest would focus on getting middle school students to write
about the voting process and would encourage
Kentucky artists’ growth in more communities. In August I was appointed
to the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee. Our charge is to
ensure that ethical practices are upheld in judicial races throughout
the state. I look forward to updating you soon as to the progress of
these initiatives.
The tragedy of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still fresh
on the minds of Americans. As a native of Mississippi, I have been in
close contact with my family and understand the heartbreak that comes
with such a tragedy. On the second page of this edition of the
Kentucky Voter there is an article about the “Books 4 Bucks”
initiative that is being sponsored by the Louisiana League. I encourage
you to participate in this cause and “spread the word.” I will have
more information available after our October board meeting regarding
Kentucky League involvement.
My dream is to see the state League create a signature event
that addresses community involvement and voter access that can both
raise funds and educate individuals and community leaders about the
importance of voting and the electoral process. There is no better
place to start than the state of Kentucky. More to come! Thanks!
Meet
the Interns…
Although the interns were only slated to work for the League this
summer, they have continued to be an asset to our progress…
Grants
and Fundraising Internship:
Kyle Longton is a sophomore at Centre College from Louisville. He plans
to declare a major this year in either Government or International
Studies. He has worked as a Pollster and has participated in Mock Trial
competitions.
Marketing Internship:
Shea Tankersly is a senior at Centre College and hails from Signal
Mountain, Tennessee. She is a History major and is also pursuing a
minor in English. Shea has a definite interest in political histories
and much of her coursework reflects this fact.
Community Outreach and Policy Initiative Internship:
Liz Lawrence is a senior at Centre College and calls Louisville home.
Liz’s major is Government, and she worked for a government agency over
the summer break in addition to performing her League research. She is
also a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Meet
the Board…
In each issue we will highlight the biography of one of our board
members.
Bio:
Betty Higgins has been a member of the Lexington League for 10 years.
Betty was elected to the state board at 2005 Convention. She is
currently the editor of the Lexington Voter.
From Betty Higgins:
My
background is news reporting and public information work which I've used
in recent years in League work, currently as editor of the Lexington
Voter. I've also been involved in advocacy work with the Alzheimer's
Association for a number
of
years. I serve on the local Alzheimer's Public Policy Advocacy Committee
and am co-chair of our committee's team in
this year's Memory Walk in Lexington. I enjoy yoga and teach a
beginner's class for the Yoga Health and Therapy Center in Lexington.
Best of all, I'm the mother of one daughter, Leah, who does public
relations work for a Washington D.C. firm.
Bucks
4 Books…
Excerpt from a letter sent by Louisiana State President, Jean Armstrong:
Due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many students (K-12) in the
Gulf States (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) have been driven
from their homes and schools. The League of Women Voters of Louisiana
Education fund has approved the "Bucks 4 Books" campaign to raise
funds to support the displaced children from the Gulf States in their
new school districts, whether those school districts are located
elsewhere in their native state or in any other of the 48 contiguous
states. The LWV of LA Ed Fund needs your support and help in the
following tasks: Helping to raise the funds to support this project by
spreading the word about this initiative, whether it be League, League
allies and partners, the Parent Teacher Organizations, and everyone in
your personal e-mail address book(s) AND help the LA League to identify
the school districts in Kentucky that have taken in the Hurricane
evacuees and encourage the school districts to write for a grants
application for financial support of those children's education
materials. Since this is a 100% flow through of funds, all solicitation
for this campaign will be by e-mail and no expenses may be charged
against the donations. All checks should be made payable to: LWV of
Louisiana Education Fund, P. O. Box 4451, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4451
The League of Women Voters is uniquely positioned to meet this
challenge with local League presents in all states. Please help us to
help our children and the very generous school districts that have taken
them in. Please encourage your Local Leagues, Friends, Neighbors and
Allies to enthusiastically embrace this very special project, "Bucks
4 Books." We must measure up for our youth.
*For more information please contact Jean Armstrong at
LWVLA@cox.net
or Caty Mercer at cmlwvky@aol.com.
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