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SBT Viewpoint: St. Joseph County leaders failed their constituents with 'back-office politics'
Published On 4/13/2022
Read this Opinion article by Elizabeth Bennion and Geri Pawelski, published 2/12/22 in the South Bend Tribune:
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/opinion/2022/02/12/lack-transparency-has-defined-redistricting-st-joseph-county/6664760001/

"Members of the St. Joseph County Council and Board of Commissioners failed their constituents when they refused to promptly disclose requested electronic communications pertaining to the required 10-year redistricting of local political boundaries."
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LWVSBA Advocates for Sunday Voting at Election Board Meeting
Published On 3/28/2022
Thanks to League members and friends who showed up at the March 25 Election Board meeting and submitted to the Board urging the inclusion of Sunday voting hours, consistent with past practice, for the 2022 Primary Election in St. Joseph County. Click to read the League's letter to the Election Board and the article in the South Bend Tribune.
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LWV Calls for Transparency & Accountability in St. Joseph Co’s Redistricting Process
Published On 11/11/2021
Non-Partisan Civic Group Urges All Commission and Council Members to Attend Public Meeting

In the wake of strong public opposition to the undemocratic local redistricting process and proposed district maps for the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners (Commissioners), and in advance of a public meeting on redistricting called by members of the St. Joseph County Council (Council), the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area calls on all Commissioners and Council members to attend Monday’s public meeting and work together to compare the maps submitted by the public with maps proposed by Commission-selected and Council-selected, taxpayer-funded law firms. The group urges elected officials to lead the public in a discussion of the pros and cons of each map.

Click to read more
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Viewpoint: League of Women Voters heartened by local leaders' efforts to help the homeless
Published On 8/24/2021
Four action items are encouraged:

(1) Learn more about the causes of homelessness and the solutions or best practices that have worked elsewhere and that we might adapt for our local efforts;

(2) Support wholeheartedly local agencies and groups who provide invaluable direct services and expertise;

(3) Track and participate in the budget process that is now underway at all levels of government;

(4) Contact local representatives and urge their support for cooperative endeavors to help our unsheltered neighbors.
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Watch Hoosier Environmental Council talk about climate action in Indiana
Published On 5/22/2021
Can Indiana really make a dent on climate action through public policy? Hear an energetic talk by Hoosier Environmental Council E.D. Jesse Kharbanda & then take action!
https://fb.watch/5EToLDmnj0/
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The next President & Congress must enact democracy reform
Published On 11/2/2020
The American people are tired of a government that serves only the wealthy and corporate interests. We demand a democracy that works for all of us.
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LWV of the South Bend Area

Lunch with the League: Cultivate Food Rescue
Published On 4/20/2024
Join us on Zoom on May 10 at noon!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84314341623?pwd=bVFrTmxoVEl5Y1VsOUlyN3A1a0V4dz09

Cultivate Food Rescue- No neighbor hungry. No food wasted.

As the only food rescue organization in the region, Cultivate Food Rescue is rapidly growing and expanding its physical presence in northern Indiana. Our country wastes 40% of our food resources, while 35 million people face food insecurity, many of them children. Cultivate offers a unique solution to these challenges through perishable food rescue and redistribution.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Legislative Update from the Office of Senator Todd Young
Published On 4/16/2024
Watch the recording on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/IgyJavu5ix4
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Lunch with the League: Legislative Update from the Office of US Senator Todd Young
Published On 3/28/2024
Join us on Zoom, April 12 at noon!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87638572004?pwd=R0dWNURqTmhIaGZXejg5dkdCdFVCQT09

Join Regional Director, Jose Diaz, as he delves into the latest developments in this 118th Congress, highlighting key legislative initiatives from the Office of US Senator Todd Young. From crucial policy decisions to recent legislative victories, he will cover valuable legislative insights and analysis so you can stay informed and engaged on how Senator Young is serving our state.  He will also answer questions.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Dismas House and the South Bend Community Re-Entry Center
Published On 3/28/2024
The recording of March's Lunch with the League is now available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/twZW5qXdfog
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Lunch with the League: Dismas House and the South Bend Community Re-Entry Center
Published On 2/24/2024
Join us on March 8 at 12pm on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89964330458?pwd=MEJmU0xmc3l2R0JrZlEydmJtNDVudz09

Speakers: Maria Stancati, Executive Director, Dismas House; and Maria Kaczmarek, former Executive Director of Dismas House and Community Involvement Assistant for the South Bend Community Re-Entry Center

The speakers will share with us what their work entails and discuss their organizations' history and future plans.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: One More Citizen, Inc
Published On 2/12/2024
The recording of February's Lunch with the League, featuring speaker Nanci Flores, is now available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/QLbPtlVTBVw
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Lunch with the League: One More Citizen, Inc.
Published On 1/19/2024
Join us at noon on February 9th for Lunch with the League!

One More Citizen, Inc.: Building Community One More Citizen at a Time

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87869603314?pwd=WElYTmlSNHFlbXQ0RytjbTR4UVFoZz09

Our speaker will be Nanci Flores, Co-founder of One More Citizen, Inc.

One More Citizen was established in August of 2023 to help expand much needed access to citizenship preparation programming for legal permanent residents seeking assistance in studying for the USCIS Naturalization exam and interview. One More Citizen is committed to building community through working together with immigrants who qualify for naturalization by providing bilingual support in a welcoming classroom that includes quality English language learning with accredited instructors who also prepare immigrant students with the U.S. history and civics learning and interview skills needed to pass the naturalization exam.
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Recording of Lunch with the League: South Bend Heritage Foundation
Published On 1/15/2024
The recording is now available on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/_fYV4peAJD4
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Lunch with the League: South Bend Heritage Foundation
Published On 12/22/2023
Join us on January 12 at noon for Lunch with the League!

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82426461463?pwd=TVhIV1ZsYzNEd1FVdEZpZ1RVUW9jdz09
Meeting ID: 824 2646 1463
Passcode: 704500

South Bend Heritage Foundation: A little history, and a lot about what the South Bend Heritage Foundation has done and is doing for the betterment of South Bend.

Speaker: Gladys Muhammad

South Bend Heritage Foundation was established in July 1974 to help reverse the physical and social decline taking place in South Bend neighborhoods. It is committed to the stabilization and empowerment of our neighborhoods with the purpose to enhance the beauty and value of neighborhoods and to empower residents, through collaboration, physical transformation, advocacy, and education. Speaker Gladys Muhammad will discuss the Foundation’s activities and how is our the community is benefiting from the work being done.
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Recording of Lunch with the League: Food Bank of Northern Indiana now available
Published On 11/13/2023
Watch the recording of Feeding Hungry Neighbors for 30 Years – 10 Things You Need to Know about the Food Bank of Northern Indiana

https://youtu.be/koyCIWE6Mtc

Speaker: Marijo Martinec, Executive Director and CEO of Food Bank of Northern Indiana.
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Lunch with the League: Food Bank of Northern Indiana
Published On 10/30/2023
Feeding Hungry Neighbors for 30 Years – 10 Things You Need to Know about the Food Bank of Northern Indiana

Join us on November 10 at 12pm on Zoom!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87079229440?pwd=UDNkckVqc0lvdVFyQ0FZc3Y4TFBuQT09

Speaker: Marijo Martinec, Executive Director and CEO of Food Bank of Northern Indiana.

Biography: Marijo Martinec provides vision and leadership to ensure the Food Bank’s programs and resources reach as many hungry neighbors as possible throughout northern Indiana.
 
Martinec joined the Food Bank in 2010 and held various positions in the organization including Marketing and Events Coordinator, Director of Community Impact and Associate Executive Director. She was named to her current position in September 2018.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Lead Poisoning Prevention in St. Joseph County
Published On 10/13/2023
Watch the recording of October's Lunch with the League on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/ycgy-Zd56ho

Lead Poisoning continues to be a significant and devastating problem in our community, especially among very young children. The focus of the presentation is three-fold: (a) to educate the community about lead poisoning, (b) to share recent, important policy changes in Indiana that will help children and families, and (c) to provide information about resources that are locally available. After viewing this presentation, participants will have a deeper understanding of the lead poisoning problem in our community and be able to advocate for community and organizational action.

Speaker: Heidi Beidinger-Burnett, Associate Professor of the Practice at the Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame.
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Lunch with the League: Lead Poisoning Prevention in St. Joseph County
Published On 9/20/2023
Join us on Zoom on October 13 at noon! Our featured speaker will be Heidi Beidinger-Burnett.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85224444542?pwd=Lzd2Y2pwNU9tV1F2cG9VUU1GNDgzUT09

Lead Poisoning continues to be a significant and devastating problem in our community, especially among very young children. While great strides have been made to educate and create awareness about this problem, children are still not being tested for lead poisoning and families are unaware of available resources. The Lead Affinity Group, a community coalition of civil servants, health providers, educators, researchers, and community leaders, will be conducting community presentations this fall to raise awareness and education. The focus of the presentation is three-fold: (a) to educate the community about lead poisoning, (b) to share recent, important policy changes in Indiana that will help children and families, and (c) to provide information about resources that are locally available.
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Lunch with the League: IU South Bend: Building a Brighter Future for Our Region
Published On 8/28/2023
Join us on Zoom on September 8 at noon! Our speaker will be Dr. Susan Elrod, Chancellor, Indiana University of South Bend.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83883886268?pwd=cDU5USsvQml0THVCQkdacVBRM29vUT09

IU South Bend is the only public university in the region, and serves an 8-county region in Indiana and several southwestern Michigan counties. As a comprehensive university, IU South Bend offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that help residents in our region get the education they need to transform their lives and the lives of those around them. This talk with provide an up-to-date overview of the university, its current priorities, and significant community engagement initiatives.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Featuring Author Aaron Helman
Published On 8/12/2023
Watch the recording of August's Lunch with the League, featuring author Aaron Helman!

https://youtu.be/gk89HjtdzqQ

Adventurer, historian, storyteller, and author Aaron Helman shares stories about some of the fascinating and forgotten figures in Michiana's history.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County: Serving Our Local
Published On 7/15/2023
Watch the recording of yesterday's Lunch with the League on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/YbzDGpJOFSs

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County: Serving Our Local Youth, with Lety Stanton-Verduzco.
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Lunch with the League: Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County: Serving Our Local Youth
Published On 6/28/2023
Join us on Zoom on July 14th at noon! Our Lunch with the League speaker will be Lety Stanton-Verduzco from the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86780067447?pwd=dVhEdUN0MXpVbWI5TENXUkthUkl0UT09

Lety Stanton-Verduzco is Director of Mission Integration for the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County.

Lety will share what the Clubs are currently doing to serve the youth of St. Joseph County as well as their vision for a community where youth are loved, safe and thriving.
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Lunch with the League: Forgotten Fathers of Michiana,  with Aaron Helman
Published On 6/28/2023
Join us on Zoom on August 11th for Lunch with the League: Forgotten Fathers of Michiana!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86364962145?pwd=U3oyMWdhQWlBVEtubE4zV3JldXAvdz09

Aaron Helman is an adventurer, historian, storyteller, and author. He will be sharing stories about some of the fascinating and forgotten figures in Michiana's history, including Richard Carlisle, Edward Bonney, and Pierre Moran.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Bend
Published On 6/12/2023
The recording is now available on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/WQU5iUS9LF8

This presentation by Professor Michael H. Morris explores entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty. Notre Dame's South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program will be introduced. Experiences in working with over 300 disadvantaged entrepreneurs from the local area over the past four years will be shared. We will discuss ways in which the community can support and nurture these entrepreneurs.
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Lunch with the League: Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Bend
Published On 5/18/2023
Join us on Zoom on June 9th, at 12pm, for Lunch with the League with Professor Michael H. Morris.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469909237?pwd=bzBLcnh3cVU4d1pWS0ZMeGNFM1IzQT09

The City of South Bend suffers from a poverty rate of over 21%, almost double the national average. Another 10.5% have income below 50% of the poverty level. Further, the rate of poverty experienced by the local African American community is close to 40%. This presentation will explore entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty. Notre Dame's South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program will be introduced. Experiences in working with over 300 disadvantaged entrepreneurs from the local area over the past four years will be shared. We will discuss ways in which the community can support and nurture these entrepreneurs.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Legislative Recap with Rep. Maureen Bauer
Published On 5/12/2023
State Representative Maureen Bauer gives “A Legislative Recap” of the most recent House session. She will talk about being a female representative, about actions that were taken in the legislature, about bills that did not pass and about issues for the future. A question and answer period follows her remarks.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: REAL Services
Published On 5/1/2023
Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/fo_nC5nPelM

Julie Olson-Tobias, Director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), gives an overview of the services available through the Community Action Program, Area Agency on Aging, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana.
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Lunch with the League: Legislative Recap with Representative Maureen Bauer
Published On 4/28/2023
Join us on May 12th at 12pm on Zoom!

Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83934896477?pwd=V2VzaW5rM3NxaEk3cGhmYk82UFlFdz09

Our speaker will be State Representative Maureen Bauer. Her talk will be “A Legislative Recap” of the most recent House session. She will talk about being a female representative, about actions that were taken in the legislature, about bills that did not pass and about issues for the future. There will be a question and answer period following her remarks.
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Watch District Debates recording on YouTube
Published On 4/24/2023
District Debates from Friday, April 21, are now available to watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/iLQhqLxugnI

Participating Candidates:
District 1: Nick Hamman and Canneth Lee
District 2: Jordan Giger and Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers
District 3: Drew Duncan and Sharon McBride
District 5: Sherry Bolden-Simpson and Patrick Reighter
District 6: Bruce Mitchell and Sheila Niezgodski

Sponsored by the American Democracy Project of IU South Bend, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area, and the St. Joe County Public Library.
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Lunch with the League: REAL Services
Published On 3/25/2023
Join us on April 14 at 12pm on Zoom!

Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82184242783?pwd=MVRCZXNldEtjalM4aTMrREppNjg5Zz09

Julie Olson-Tobias (she/her/hers), Director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), will give an overview of the services available through the Community Action Program, Area Agency on Aging, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana.
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Watch Recording of Lunch with the League: Women Who Tell Our Stories
Published On 3/17/2023
The recording of March's Lunch with the League, celebrating Women's History Month with "Women Who Tell Our Stories," is now available to watch on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/rX-B0wfmVf8
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Lunch with the League: Women's History Month - Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
Published On 2/25/2023
Join us on Zoom on Friday, March 10, at 12pm!

Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88483520808

This month we will celebrate women - some known, some unknown to most - for and with the help of our own members. Join us to this special program showcasing women who have made a difference!
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Past, Present, and Future of the South Bend Kroc Center
Published On 2/17/2023
The recording of Lunch with the League: Past, Present, and Future of the South Bend Kroc Center is now available on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/ebkrk7jArgU
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Lunch with the League: Past, Present, and Future of the South Bend Kroc Center
Published On 1/31/2023
Join us on Zoom on Friday, Feb. 10, at 12pm!

Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89782247309?pwd=MHV5UEdxYVpURmwzbVZSQmYzQXk4UT09

In this talk, Neil will discuss the origins of the Kroc Center, touch on the development of current arts and education class and program offerings, and the future of the Kroc.
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Statement On Resolution R-1-C-2023 Consolidating the Board of Voter Registration
Published On 1/31/2023
STATEMENT OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE SOUTH BEND AREA

Consistent with our previous statement, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area is not taking a position for or against the resolution (R-1-C-2023) to consolidate the Board of Voter Registration and designate the Circuit Court Clerk as the voter registration officer of St. Joseph County.

Please click to read the full statement.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Reparations and Restorative Justice
Published On 1/14/2023
https://youtu.be/Dore_z3H5zY

Our featured speaker is be Dr. Darryl Heller, Director of the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center and Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at IUSB.
Dr. Heller will speak about Reparations and Restorative Justice: A Path Towards Racial Healing. The general point of Dr. Heller’s talk is that reparations, as part of the process for healing racial injustice, is most meaningful when regarded within a restorative justice framework.
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Lunch with the League: Reparations and Racial Justice, with Darryl Heller
Published On 12/27/2022
Use this link to join the meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83842480109?pwd=VXNlUTRGVW10QVV0MFpvYk02Z1JiZz09

Our featured speaker will be Dr. Darryl Heller, Director of the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center and Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at IUSB.

Dr. Heller will discuss how reparations, as part of the process for healing racial injustice, is most meaningful when regarded within a restorative justice framework.
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Happy Holidays from LWVSBA!
Published On 12/9/2022
We had a wonderful time at our holiday party at Traditions on December 8. Click to see a photo!
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: The Case for Reparations
Published On 11/11/2022
https://youtu.be/a5x1esb8TAo

Our featured speaker is Nimbilasha Cushing, Vice President, South Bend Reparation Working Group (SBRWG). Monica Tetzlaff and GlendaRae Hernandez are also featured.

This month they spoke with us about Reparations and why they believe Reparations are called for. One definition of Reparations: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury. This group is guided by their mission statement which is: to advocate for reparations at the local, state, and federal level as a way of acknowledging and repairing the harm caused by historic and current injustices experienced by African American descendants of slavery and its aftermath.
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Lunch with the League: The Case for Reparations
Published On 10/26/2022
Use this link to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88012795176?pwd=Q0dDeC9tdmQwQ3B3NmtlNG9yWWNFUT09

Our featured speaker will be Nimbilasha Cushing, Vice President, South Bend Reparation Working Group (SBRWG).

This month she will speak with us about Reparations and why she believes they are called for. One definition of Reparations: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury. This group is guided by their mission statement which is: to advocate for reparations at the local, state, and federal level as a way of acknowledging and repairing the harm caused by historic and current injustices experienced by African American descendants of slavery and its aftermath
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: What You Need to Know about the 2022 Midterm Election
Published On 10/22/2022
https://youtu.be/AeJ5H6qvey0

Our featured speaker is Elizabeth A. Bennion, Chancellor’s Professor of Political Science and American Democracy Project (ADP) Director at Indiana University South Bend. Bennion is joined by several students who are serving the ADP as Democracy Fellows. They share important information about the upcoming midterm election – information we need to get cast informed votes and help others do so, too!
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Lunch with the League: What You Need to Know about the 2022 Midterm Election
Published On 10/6/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81741713064?pwd=MEUrNkFGblhhUDFCbHNVcTlqc2U3QT09

Friday, October 14 at 12pm

Our featured speaker will be Elizabeth A. Bennion, Chancellor’s Professor of Political Science and American Democracy Project (ADP) Director at Indiana University South Bend. Bennion will be joined by several students who are serving the ADP as Democracy Fellows. They will share important information about the upcoming midterm election – information we need to get cast informed votes and help others do so, too!

Don’t miss this non-partisan educational opportunity to learn about local resources to become an informed voter.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: South Bend’s Symphony
Published On 9/10/2022
https://youtu.be/P69TCqLX0mE

Conductor and Music Director Alastair Willis will provide insights into the South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary season, with a look back at the SBSO’s glorious history in South Bend.
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Lunch with the League: South Bend’s Symphony: A Historic Institution and Community Partner
Published On 8/31/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87142340697?pwd=c2oweXhkSkhRajc3Ny90akQveisydz09

Friday, September 9, at 12pm.

Conductor and Music Director Alastair Willis will provide insights into the South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary season, with a look back at the SBSO’s glorious history in South Bend.
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Watch recording of Lunch with the League: Preparing for 21st Century Climate Change in Indiana
Published On 7/11/2022
"Preparing for 21st Century Climate Change in Indiana: An Overview of the IN Climate Change Impacts Assessment"

https://youtu.be/kcXfL6fYwXw

This talk will give an overview of the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment, highlighting some of the most important impacts of climate change on our region, including extreme heat and humidity, river flooding, and urban stormwater impacts.

Our speakers are Alexandro Bazán, Sustainability Project Manager for City of South Bend, and Dr. Alan F. Hamlet, Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame.
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Margaret Dennison Kenney, June 18, 1929 - June 26, 2022
Published On 7/2/2022
We are sad to report that long-time League member Margaret Kenney passed away on June 26, 2022.

Margaret was a charter member of our modern organization, which began in May of 1971. Her signature, as well as those of 40 other women, is on a document dated May 17 that was created to celebrate the launch of the local League which had been dormant since the Spring of 1966.

Margaret remained a member of the local League until her death.

You can read Margaret's obituary here: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25249742/margaret-dennison-kenney
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Lunch with the League: Preparing for 21st Century Climate Change in Indiana
Published On 6/28/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816470039?pwd=LajLjjeHyNb4Urk26XuXPjhvMrLW4B.1

Friday, July 8, at 12pm

"Preparing for 21st Century Climate Change in Indiana: An Overview of the IN Climate Change Impacts Assessment"

This talk will give an overview of the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment, highlighting some of the most important impacts of climate change on our region, including extreme heat and humidity, river flooding, and urban stormwater impacts.

Speakers:
Alexandro Bazán, Sustainability Project Manager for City of South Bend.
Dr. Alan F. Hamlet, Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame.
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May and June Lunch with the League recordings now available!
Published On 6/13/2022
Recordings from May and June's Lunch with the League can be found on YouTube at the links below.

May: The Robinson Community Learning Center
https://youtu.be/gxJl5BFULfc

June: La Casa de Amistad, Serving Our Community Through Programs and Advocacy
https://youtu.be/nqYRxthB9TI
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Voter Suppression Walk ‘n Talk - Weds., June 29, at Howard Park Public House
Published On 6/10/2022
Talk at 7:00 • Walk at 6:30 p.m. or Whenever You Want

Take a walk along the beautiful St. Joe River near downtown South Bend, then join us at Howard Park Public House for an informal discussion of the podcast, “United States of Anxiety: A History of Voter Suppression.” Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, LWV Voter Services Chair, will guide the discussion.

This is an informal meetup but we do ask you to RSVP so that we can reserve space at the Public House. Click Here to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgQUjLyU68n5dM1clYrH85BQy2qqsGTjPy5GRaMZtePz3Lcg/viewform?usp=sf_link
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Lunch with the League: La Casa de Amistad: Serving Our Community Through Programs and Advocacy
Published On 6/7/2022
Click here to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85958592506?pwd=UzE2YzRrQU9wdmMrVTFjRzB3YnZtQT09

In June, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area will welcome Juan Constantino, Executive Director of La Casa de Amistad, for Lunch with the League on Zoom. The event takes place on Friday, June 10 at 12:00pm.

The mission of La Casa de Amistad, a youth and community center, is to empower the Latino/Hispanic community within Michiana by providing educational, cultural and advocacy services in a welcoming, bilingual environment, and Constantino will speak about the broad range of programs and services offered by La Casa as well as its newly renovated facility and changes over the past year.
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Lunch with the League: The Robinson Community Learning Center
Published On 5/4/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86794712846?pwd=S2hlS3lLbFZSVjdTVDlGZzVEUFhyQT09

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 AT 12 PM

The Robinson Community Learning Center: Changing Lives One Relationship at a Time
An initiative of the University of Notre Dame, the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) provides educational programs that reach thousands of youth and adults in the South Bend community each year and has engaged hundreds of college student volunteers since its inception in 2001. It has recently moved into a new facility, right across the street from its original location in the Northeast Neighborhood.
The speakers will provide an overview of RCLC programs with a particular focus on the Robinson Shakespeare Company, which has been empowering local youth for more than a decade!
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Watch Recording of Lunch with the League: Community Gardens Grow into More Than Free Veggies
Published On 4/12/2022
Watch here: https://youtu.be/MA5oBQ96NSM

The Unity Gardens is a local non-profit dedicated to connecting our community to fresh produce, nature and each other, through 35 open gardens, free classes, and other programs. In this talk, Unity Gardens Executive Director Sara Stewart will talk about the many benefits of the Unity Garden model – benefits that extend far beyond provided no-cost fresh veggies to local consumers.
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Meet the Candidates Forum Recording
Published On 4/9/2022
The recording of the Meet the Candidates Forum on March 31 can be found here: https://fb.watch/chqO_pgVzZ/

This forum featured mini-debates and statements by candidates appearing on the 2022 Democratic primary ballots in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
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Meet the Candidates Forum, Mar. 31
Published On 3/29/2022
Join us in the auditorium of the St. Joe County Public Library in downtown South Bend, or virtually, at 6pm on Thursday, March 31.

You'll have a chance to meet the St. Joseph County Democrats who are running in Indiana's May 3rd primary election. The candidates will give statements and participate in mini-debates.

Attend in person: https://sjcpl.libnet.info/event/6388890
Watch virtually: https://fb.me/e/4oQ02TqjC
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Lunch with the League: Community Gardens Grow into More Than Free Veggies, with Sara Stewart
Published On 3/22/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81983418435?pwd=V2RyYnpHSWp0NlhnL0QxcHB1UHRLdz09

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022 AT 12 PM

The Unity Gardens is a local non-profit dedicated to connecting our community to fresh produce, nature and each other, through 35 open gardens, free classes, and other programs. In this talk, Unity Gardens Executive Director Sara Stewart will talk about the many benefits of the Unity Garden model – benefits that extend far beyond provided no-cost fresh veggies to local consumers.
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Watch Recording of Lunch with the League: What You Need to Know about St. Joseph County’s 2022 Prima
Published On 3/15/2022
Go to this link to view: https://youtu.be/NB9t5MyiiFs
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Lunch with the League: What You Need to Know about St. Joseph County’s 2022 Primary Elections
Published On 2/21/2022
Join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82133279298?pwd=Nnc2K3ZmWWJ4dHArZ0RXZVp0MGdjUT09

Friday, March 11, 12pm

Students from Indiana University South Bend will discuss what they have learned about Indiana’s 2022 primary and general election, including key registration and voting deadlines, important rules and regulations, who’s on the 2022 primary ballot, which races are contested, and how to learn more about the candidates on your ballot before you cast your vote. Join the American Democracy Project’s @IUSBVotes Team to learn everything you need to know as a voter and partner in making democracy work!
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Lunch with the League recording with Dan Graff is now on YouTube
Published On 2/12/2022
Go to this link to view: https://youtu.be/sCX-hC53Yac
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Lunch with the League: Promoting a Just Wage Economy, with Dan Graff
Published On 1/21/2022
Join us on Zoom!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81481551387

Our February speaker is Dr. Dan Graff, Director of the Higgins Labor Program at the Center for Social Concerns and Professor of the Practice, Department of History, University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Graff will address the long-term labor crises confronting our country, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and he'll introduce the Just Wage Framework, an online tool for multiple economic stakeholders to deploy with the aim of producing a fairer, more inclusive, and more just economy.
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Lunch with the League recording with Dr. Kent Laudeman is now on YouTube
Published On 1/15/2022
Go to this link to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k88cVqwr-2Y
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Lunch with the League recording with Aaron Nichols is now on YouTube
Published On 12/22/2021
Go to this link to view: https://youtu.be/KK5tGB6xCps

Aaron Nichols, Executive Director of the South Bend Civic Theatre, discusses the August Wilson Project, an 11-year project begun in 2019 by the South Bend Civic Theatre. The CIVIC is producing all ten August Wilson plays, each speaking to consecutive decades of the African American experience in the 20th Century. This ambitious initiative includes extensive integration into the South Bend schools and partnerships with many community groups. Nichols also discusses the CIVIC's commitment to public health during the pandemic, including a vaccine mandate for all our indoor productions until COVID-19 and its variants have been defeated.

You can see watch even more past Lunches with the League on our YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVKZqvXVZoZvdDTZfqTCPA
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Lunch with the League: Mental Health-Suicide Prevention, A Crisis in our Nation w/ Dr. Kent Laudeman
Published On 12/20/2021
Join us on Zoom on Friday Jan. 14 at 12:00 PM
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88520671655

Dr. Kent Laudeman, Director of United Health Services, Suicide Prevention Center, will be our speaker. Dr. Laudman will discuss some challenges and his thoughts regarding Mental Health and Suicide; national, state, and local statistics; warning signs we can watch for; and various programs as resources such as the crisis line and text line. The presentation will include a free downloadable iPhone app(s) that can be used by youth or adults. Everyone in our community has a role in stopping this most preventable form of death!
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2021 Friendraiser! October 27 at 7pm
Published On 10/14/2021
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82850548043?pwd=RVdqOXJLUWVLVU5BdlFsalliTlpjZz09

Please join the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area at our virtual Friendraiser! We will present the 2021 Making Democracy Work Award to Karen White, who will join Elizabeth Bennion for a conversation on a range of topics, including diversity, leadership, education, and politics. The entire community is welcome at this free event, where we’ll share news about the League’s work and treat you to a performance by Jessica O’Brien and music by Kevin Scott Joiner and Abby Joiner of The Ember Jar. Guests will also have the option of visiting in small virtual groups following the program.
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Lunch with the League: Women and the Constitution with Patricia Hackett
Published On 10/7/2021
Join us on Zoom on Friday, Oct 8 at 12:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87945000442?pwd=UUhjQ0F4ZVUydkdwb0pFcFBZWDBOQT09

This Friday's Lunch with the League will feature Patricia Hackett, President of the law firm Hackett & Associates, P.C. She will speak with us regarding current 21st Century efforts through the law to silence women and, thus, destroy our Constitutional Republic and the more perfect union to which we aspire.
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Watch Recording of Lunch with the League: Affordable Housing Homelessness, & Budget Priorities
Published On 10/6/2021
The recording is now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mxoXwaeZxI8
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Lunch with the League: Affordable Housing, Homelessness, & Budget Priorities in St. Joseph County
Published On 9/27/2021
Join us on Zoom, October 1 at 12pm!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86069352513?pwd=bFhNcmsxcG1ha3dZVTI0Q0t1bk5aQT09

We are rapidly nearing the FY 2022 Budget deadline for local governments. Decisions will soon be finalized for planning on affordable housing and care for the homeless. The window for citizen input will soon close!
The Advocacy Committee on Equitable Housing League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area has invited a panel of city and county speakers for an extended “Lunch with the League” event via Zoom. The discussion open to LWV members and the general public with time for questions and answers after brief comments from local government officials.
Speakers will will provide a summary overview of expenditures, programs, special projects funding sources directed to homelessness and affordable housing for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022, plus projections for 2023, if known.
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Lunch with the League: What’s Next at the St. Joe County Public Library, w. Deb Futa
Published On 8/30/2021
Join us on Zoom, September 10 at 12pm!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86328543189?pwd=191393

Debra Futa, Executive Director of St. Joseph County Public Library, will talk about the Main Library project. Although the finished spaces will be truly beautiful, the library has much more to offer than the building itself. Deb will share her ideas about where SJCPL would like to take their services in the next few years.
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Lunch with the League: Healing & Transformation: Restorative Justice in South Bend, w. Dalila Huerta
Published On 8/4/2021
Join us on Zoom, August 13 at 12pm!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83920037189?pwd=dHNYQlhvcGthaFNhOVJzR0tYY1VqQT09

The past year exacerbated and brought to the forefront the pain and oppression that has plagued our communities for ages. In the midst of so much suffering and injustice, how can we build a new world?
This virtual talk invites us to explore the foundational tenets of Restorative Justice and abolitionist work, and will highlight stories of Restorative Justice in action here in South Bend. As a way to build relational accountability, Restorative Justice can provide a path that centers dignity, shared power, and mutual concern for the transformation of harm.
Dalila Huerta is an educator and Restorative Justice consultant living in South Bend.
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It's time to make your voice heard--so it will be heard during the next 10 years!
Published On 8/3/2021
The Indiana Legislative public hearings scheduled for August 6, 7, and 11 are an opportunity to speak out about criteria to be applied to drawing NEW LEGISLATIVE DISTRACT MAPS that will be with us for the next 10 years.

Please identify one of the hearings you can attend. Click the article to see all times and locations.

Then join us on August 4th to prepare for these hearings. The All IN for Democracy coalition will hold a webinar on Wednesday, August 4th at 8 p.m. EDT to discuss what we can expect at these hearings and the kinds of testimony that will be helpful.

REGISTER HERE; https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_YFq3PptuRWakzeZr9Q_z_w

Too often in years past, the new maps have been assembled almost entirely behind closed doors, giving the public little opportunity to weigh in. These public meetings are an important step toward transparency. But they will make a difference only if many of us, average citizens, pay attention and participate.
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Recording of "Redistricting Changes, with Ranjan Rohatgi & Leigh Morris" (July Lunch w. the League)
Published On 7/9/2021
Watch the recording of our July Lunch with the League conversation with Ranjan Rohatgi and Leigh Morris on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yqdRHXNeK9Y
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Lunch with the League: Redistricting Changes, with Ranjan Rohatgi and Leigh Morris of ICRC
Published On 6/28/2021
Join us on Zoom, July 9 at 12pm!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81359524226?pwd=UUtNcjYvQnNnRTFqL1pkRituVHBUZz09

Leigh Morris and Ranjan Rohatgi are our District Two Republican and
Democrat members of the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission Indiana (ICRC). The ICRC advocates for redistricting reform in Indiana. It was formed in December 2010 by Common Cause/Indiana, Downs Center for Politics at IPFW, the League of Women Voters of Indiana, and AARP Indiana. The ICRC is a diverse and multi-partisan group of Indiana voters composed of nine members: three Republicans, three Democrats and three members who are neither Republican nor Democrat. We will learn what has gone on until now, what to anticipate from this commission going forward, and how we can benefit and help!
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Recording of "Making South Bend More Livable & Lovable, with Aaron Perri" (June Lunch w. the League)
Published On 6/11/2021
Check out the recording of our June Lunch with the League conversation with Aaron Perri on YouTube: https://youtu.be/geZmbGSzjjA
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June Lunch with the League: Making South Bend More Livable & Lovable, with Aaron Perri
Published On 5/22/2021
Join us on Zoom, June 11 at 12 noon: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86321652322?pwd=ZG9YZFZmMkxJZ3NPOCtkQ0tQdjRzQT09

Our guest speaker will be Aaron Perri, Executive Director of South Bend Venues, Parks and Arts.

He will discuss the underlying strategies and models that inform our public placemaking efforts here in South Bend - including examples of recently completed and pending projects. You’ll leave with a bit of information about South Bend programs and facilities, including much of the “why” behind what VPA does.
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May Lunch with the League: The Future of Local News, with Alan Achkar
Join us on Zoom, May 14 at 12 noon: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82106308403?pwd=290830

Our guest speaker will be Alan Achkar, executive editor of the South Bend Tribune.

Newspapers and other local media outlets have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. The South Bend Tribune, other newspapers and other local news outlets have reacted to the Digital Age with a host of changes. How can they carve out a future in the era of mobile phones, social media and changing consumer habits? Can traditional news platforms, such as a printed newspaper, survive? How can impactful journalism still be produced and delivered to you? And what does a digital news future mean to readers?
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April Lunch with the League: Indiana Legislative Session 2021 with State Senator David Niezgodski
Published On 3/29/2021
Join us on Zoom on April 9 at 12pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88952890807?pwd=MlIvcnRLSUY5Qk5GT3NSSktQYktFdz09

Senator Niezgodski will talk about bills he is involved with that impact the St. Joseph Community.
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Lunch with the League: Rightsizing and Academic Transformation, with Dr. Todd Cummings
Published On 2/23/2021
Join us on Zoom, March 12 at 12 noon: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82130775896?pwd=d1JaUXo1NjRPRDNYdU5Ic0NlbVRVdz09

Our guest speaker will be Dr. Todd Cummings, superintendent of South Bend Community School Corp.

This remote conversation will offer current information about the proposed plans to close Hay and Tarkington Elementary Schools at the end of this academic year and recommendations to create an Innovation Network Zone for two other elementary schools, Muessel Elementary and Marquette Montessori Academy.
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2021 Citizen's Guide now available
Published On 2/22/2021
The LWV's Citizen's Guide to Representative Government for St. Joseph County, 2021-2022, is now available on the LWV website.
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Lunch with the League: Dr. Mark Fox on the COVID-19 pandemic
Published On 1/26/2021
Join us on Zoom ( https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87052823187?pwd=V0RsOG5OSHl4NUMzOE4zWW9TK2k0UT09 ). Our guest speaker will be Dr. Mark Fox, deputy health officer for St. Joseph County.

Dr. Fox will give an update on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in St. Joseph County, with attention to disease prevalence, data on testing, and vaccination efforts. The impact of emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigation efforts will also be discussed.
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Lunch with the League: Barbara Tully, president of Indiana Vote by Mail
Published On 1/4/2021
Barbara Tully, president of Indiana Vote by Mail, will be our guest for the next Lunch With the League on Friday, Jan. 8 from noon to 1 pm via Zoom. To join, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83101823328?pwd=bk1WTlJXVHN2VEtBbDJYQWJLa0dCdz09

Barbara will present "Voting in Indiana: Turning All Hoosiers Into Voters." Come learn about how the voting process works in Indiana and ways that Indiana could work to make voting more accessible. This program will highlight best practices for voters and for election administrators to consider as they engage in this most basic right in a democracy - the right to vote. This nonpartisan presentation will leave you informed, engaged and excited about voting!
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LWVIN

Redistricting Update--time to act!
Published On 12/1/2020
All IN 4 Democracy, our coalition for redistricting reform in Indiana, is calling for applications to the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC). The ICRC will demonstrate how the redistricting process in Indiana should be conducted. It will show that a politically balanced group of citizens working transparently and in cooperation with citizens can devise districts that will serve the public interest, not the interests of politicians.
The ICRC will hold a series of virtual public meetings in January and February of 2021 to take public testimony on what redistricting criteria should guide the map-drawing process....They will also sponsor a map-drawing competition and serve as the judges for that competition.... Reports and maps will be submitted to the IN General Assembly (IGA) and we will lobby for adoption of the maps drawn through a transparent process by a politically balanced group of citizens. More...
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