LWVSNM PROGRAM

The term “Program” is a term used by the League of Women Voters to denote policy issues that are proposed for study with the goal of reaching a consensus on a position or a concurrence with a position of another League. In addition, the purpose of having a local Program is to educate and empower citizens to be more civically engaged in our democracy.  Yearly, League members will identify and study one-to-three issues important to the local community and will then set relevant advocacy and action priorities.

Local Program Priorities

EDUCATION

The Education Position is undergoing a major revision.  On March 11 and 12, 2024, unit meetings will be held for League members to discuss the draft Position.  Click here to read the proposal that contains an extensive Addendum.  In addition, the unit meetings will allow discussion among members to reach consensus.  Click here for the consensus-building questions that will be used during the unit meetings.

Additional background information is contained within an Education Position Study Guide that contains Terms and References.  Key education terms are particularly important, beginning on page 7.  Click here for the Study Guide.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

In 2023/24, the League began an update to its Affordable Housing Position.  Part of that process is to study the issue and make updates with the input by its members.  Read the “Beneficial Electrification and Affordable Housing Study.”  It will be helpful when consensus meetings on the topic are held in early 2024.

In addition, the LWVSNM Affordable Housing Committee continues to monitor the activities of affordable housing providers in the community, advocates for increases in the amount of such housing including working to identify funding sources, advocates for appropriate changes in city ordinances, and educates the public about housing issues.

Affordable Housing is chaired by Vice-President Beth Bardwell. Contact Beth to serve on the LWVSNM Affordable Housing Committee.

Read the League’s Position Statements, which includes additional information about Affordable Housing.

BRANIGAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

“Review and update the existing position on Branigan Memorial Library in Las Cruces so that it accounts for changes in library services throughout the community over the past 15 years.  Provide input to the development of the Branigan Library master plan.

Branigan Library Program is chaired by Past-President Kathy Brook.  Contact Kathy to serve on the LWVSNM Library Committee.

Read the League’s Position Statements which includes additional information about Branigan Library.

Other Areas of Interest

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

LWV members and others throughout Southern New Mexico can benefit from a better understanding of how county government works.  In particular, counties play a significant role in addressing the needs of underserved rural populations. Hold at least one meeting to discuss how we might approach this topic in a longer-term study.

Read the League’s Position Statements which includes County Government

JEDI: JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

LWVSNM is an organization fully committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policymakers to strengthen democracy. A strategic action plan is being developed with a vision that seeks to prevent and reduce poverty in order to develop a well-functioning democracy. This includes increasing diversity in LWVSNM membership related to ethnicity, age, and needed skills. Advocating for economic and income equity through a variety of elements, such as education, health care, living wages, and job opportunities, is essential to reach the vision goal.

VOTER SERVICES

Provide VOTE411/Voters’ Guides and candidate forums for major elections; engage with legislators before the legislative sessions concerning LWV priorities; update the Who’s Who Directory of Elected Officials.”

The Chair of the Voter Services Committee is Dale Yeo.  Several volunteers are regularly needed throughout the year for this committee.  Contact Dale if you can assist in any way.