An annual activity of the LWVSNM is the “Making Democracy Work Award” (MDWA). The League award of $250 recognizes individuals or groups who conduct projects/activities in Southern NM that contribute to making democracy work. The activities mobilize civic engagement and also promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Nominations are received in December and January of each year and an honoree is selected by February 14, the anniversary of the creation of the national League of Women Voters.

The LWVSNM is seeking nominations for the 2025 Award. The deadline to nominate someone (or a small group of people) is Feb. 7, 2025. If you live in one of these counties – Dona Ana, Otero, Sierra, Luna or Grant – you can nominate someone who also lives in southern New Mexico.

Click here to download the nomination form.

Read about the Award criteria.

Click here to see previous MDWA Honorees

ESTABLISHING A POMEROY MARKER AT PIONEER PARK

League members joined with members of the Progress Club of Las Cruces to erect a Pomeroy Foundation Marker at Pioneer’s Women’s Park in Las Cruces.  It was erected in 2020 as a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s 100th Anniversary, giving women the right to vote.  The marker is one of only three William G. Pomeroy trail indicators in the state.  Read more about influential women in our community’s history in this brochure by the Progress Club.

OBSERVER CORPS

League members are members of the Observer Corps that monitors government entities, including but not limited to the Las Cruces City Council, the Doña Ana County Commission, the Las Cruces Board of Education, the South Central Solid Waste Authority, and the agencies that oversee Public Housing, to identify issues of interest to League members.

Contact one of the Co-Presidents to become a member of the important Observer Corps.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Through a long-standing partnership with area school districts, the League supports development of greater civic engagement by young people.  League members are involved with schools through civics education, registering students to vote, promoting the voting process and  exploring the possibility of young people serving on local government and non-profit advisory boards.

The Committee is chaired by League directors Eileen VanWie, retired educator, and Josie Miller, LCPS content specialist.  Contact either one of them to get involved with the committee.

WOMEN-RELATED ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Women’s History Celebration
Las Cruces, NM, March 2022

NM Listens Project
League Engages with Community Residents, 2022