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.  

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

Jo Galván Nash and Kathe Kanim will serve two year terms from May 2023 to April 2025.

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 is 2019 and 2021, respectively.  Click here to read more.

IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR 2023/24 MEMBERSHIP DUES

Women and men (and students who are at least 16 years old) can become a member of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico.  Simply pay the annual dues during May through July.  Dues are $65 per person (students enrolled in school are free); if there are two household members who want to join, the second member’s dues are $32.50 for the year.   The LWV fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30 of each year.   If you support the mission and goals of the League, and you find the newsletter and our programs useful and interesting, please Click Here to complete a membership form and remit your membership dues. Keep in mind, there is also a unit of LWVSNM that exists in Otero County.  Those members are members to this organization and dues are paid at the same link above.

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.