The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico is a tax-exempt 501(c)3, non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The mission of the League is empowering voters and strengthening democracy.
LEAGUE POSITIONS UNDER REVISION
Two of LWVSNM’s Positions have been undergoing major revisions. All League members are encouraged to read the draft changes. Click on the “Program & Positions” menu at the top of this page to read the proposed changes to the Education Position and the Affordable Housing Position. League members are encouraged to attend unit meetings where the proposals will be discussed. If consensus is reached, the proposed changes will be recommended for adoption at the April 2024 Annual Business Meeting.
KAYLA BLANCHARD SELECTED AS MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK AWARD RECIPIENT
Kayla Blanchard of Alamogordo has been selected for the 2024 Making Democracy Work Award (MDWA) given annually by the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. Blanchard was presented a Certificate of Recognition and a cash award for $250 at the Feb. 10, 2024 meeting of the LWVSNM in Las Cruces, said League Co-President Jo Galván Nash. Kayla is the health equity specialist and coordinator for the Otero County Community Health Council (OCCHC) in Alamogordo. Read the full story here. You can also read about the past honorees here.
LEAGUE MEMBERS DISCUSS UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
LWVSNM was proud to partner with the Doña Ana County Chapter of NAACP and AAUW for the 2023 Legislative Conversation and Holiday Social. Dozens of members from the three organizations heard from Doña Ana County lawmakers who are planning their work for the upcoming session in Santa Fe. The legislators also heard about priorities that the organizations will support. The LWVSNM will advocate for education; modernization of the Legislature by paying lawmakers a fair salary; water resources; gun safety; and amending the NM Constitution to create an independent redistricting commission; among other issues.
JOIN THE LEAGUE TODAY!
If you’ve ever considered joining a group of active citizens who want to strengthen our Democracy, join the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. We are accepting new members, women and men, who want to get involved in activities and civic engagement that will protect our voting rights and so much more. Just click here to fill out a membership form. The yearly dues are only $65; a second member in the same household can also join for $32.50. Enrolled students (16 years and older) can join for free. LWVSNM meets once a month and connects with the community through a variety of activities that focus on voting, elections, education, affordable housing, violence prevention, libraries, and more. For more information, email lwvsnm@gmail.com.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
You may recall “The Hill We Climb,” a spoken word poem written by American poet laureate Amanda Gorman. It was recited by her at the inauguration of Joe Biden in 2021. Just recently, the book version of the poem was tied to a book ban in Miami-Dade County, FL. It has been banned from an elementary school.
Have you ever read the poem? Click here to read it again, or for the first time, in its entirety. Then, ask yourself whether it’s appropriate for elementary students.
NEW LEAGUE OFFICERS AND BOARD SELECTED
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) elected Jo Galván Nash (left) and Kathe Kanim, both of Las Cruces, as the new co-presidents. The non-partisan, non-profit organization, based in Las Cruces, also has several new Board members and officers. Galván retired from the Las Cruces Public Schools in 2018 after serving 31 years as Chief Communications Officer. She now works part-time as a freelance communications consultant. Kanim served as a mathematics teacher in several states and retired from New Mexico State University, finishing her educational career as a manager on state and federally funded projects intended to improve mathematics instruction in public schools. They joined the local League in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Click here to read more.
2023 MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK AWARD WINNER
Otero County Clerk Robyn Holmes has been selected by the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) for the 2023 Making Democracy Work Award (MDWA). Holmes has been the Clerk in Alamogordo for 39 years and will be ending her final term in December 2024. The MDWA recognition is given to an individual or group who exemplifies a citizen who “empowers voters and strengthens democracy,” through their actions. She will receive a $250 award from the League for her professionalism, honesty, and commitment to election processes that strengthen our country’s voting system. Read more about Ms. Holmes and about her actions that led to her selection.
LWVSNM STUDYING BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
The National League of Women Voters has identified a few key areas where local League action can make a critical difference in curbing global climate change. One key action is increasing energy efficiency in buildings through electrification. With this in mind, the LWVSNM Committee on Affordable Housing is looking at amending its current affordable housing position to allow us to support policies that link beneficial electrification to affordable housing. Click here to read more about beneficial electrification from the City of Las Cruces and local energy expert Phil Simpson.
LEAGUE MEMBERS PLAN FOR 2023 and 2024
One of the most important times of the year for the LWVSNM is the annual Program Planning Meeting. It allows the League’s members to reflect on what progress has been made, and what reviews and studies should be conducted over the next two years. Many League members attended the January meeting to discuss what direction the 100-plus member organization will take in 2023 and 2024. After a thorough discussion, it was agreed that the existing Program (goals) of affordable housing, education, and Branigan Memorial Library will continue. Other topics that will be recommended to the membership include gun safety/violence prevention, sustainability/climate change, modernization of the NM Legislature, independent redistricting, and others. The suggestions will be voted on during the League’s annual Business Meeting in April 2023. Visit our Program & Position page for additional information.