| An update for League friends and subscribers. | | | | Save the Date: LWV-BMC Fall Gathering | | "Save the Date" for the fall League gathering on Tuesday, September 17. The event will take place at Bryan Park, 1001 S Henderson St., Bloomington, from 6:00-7:30 pm. This is an opportunity for both members and friends to meet, socialize, and learn about what activities are coming up. Not a member? No problem! Anyone interested in the League is welcome. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you. Questions? Contact membership@lwv-bmc.org. No need to register for this event...just be there! - Nancy Riggert | | | | Independent Film Explores Threats to Democracy | A locally produced independent film, Democracy's Vital Signs, is now available. The documentary focuses on “informing the general public of the critical dangers our democracy faces today.” The film is 37 minutes long and covers topics such as:
- Local leaders’ perceptions of the problem.
- Who are “we the people”?
- Past problems faced by our democracy.
- Groups trying to engage citizens.
- Issues the public can monitor.
The film is accompanied by a facilitator's guide, which leads the user through the film and will be helpful when showing the film to groups.- Monica Clemons and Ralf Shaw
| | VOTE411.org Use in Primary – We’re Number 3! | | The statistics are in and among Indiana towns and cities, Bloomington had 3,643 users of the VOTE411 online voter guide for the 2024 primary election. Fort Wayne was just ahead of us, with 3,795. Indianapolis took top spot, at 11,522. – Ralf Shaw | | Time Ripe for a Supreme Court Check? | | An article by member Jim Allison was featured in a recent issue of The Limestone Post. An experimental psychologist, Jim retired from IU as Professor Emeritus in 1992. The article describes how a closer look at the Supreme Court decision of Marbury v. Madison, which placed the judicial branch of government above Congress, might make Americans more open to judicial reform. From the article: "Given the unpopularity of recent court rulings in women’s rights, voting rights, and the merchandising of elections disguised as free speech, the time seems ripe [for a legislative check and balance]." - Ann Birch | | | | Vote Center Study Committee Hosts First Public Meeting | | The B Square Bulletin featured the Monroe County vote center project in a recent issue. From the B Square: "At a Wednesday evening meeting, held at Ellettsville’s town hall, four members of Monroe County’s 11-strong vote center study committee hosted a public meeting. They wanted to hear feedback on the concept of converting the county’s voting locations to polling places where any registered voter can cast a ballot. At most a dozen people attended Wednesday’s meeting, many of whom are connected to the local political scene. Attendees did not seem opposed to the idea of converting to vote centers, but some had concerns about the potential for increased waiting times that could arise from a reduction in the number of polling locations. They also wanted county election officials to make sure that there is enough publicity about the change, before it takes place." See the issue for more information. Ralf Shaw, spokesperson for LWV-BMC, is a member of the study committee. | | Opportunity for Youth Environmental Advocates | | Do you know a young person in Indiana who cares about the future of our planet? Are they curious about how to use their skills to create positive change? Our interactive, virtual webinar on Tuesday, August 13, 2024; 5:30-7:00 pm EST, will feature student activists and local champions of environmental causes in Indiana. We will cover the basics of how to craft a strong message, map a legislative strategy, build grassroots support for their cause, and engage both traditional and digital media. They'll meet other young people who are passionate about clean energy, water, and air, and want to learn how to get involved in their schools, local communities, and at the statehouse. Register here to receive a Zoom link, and if you have questions, contact Alex Dresdner at alex@inconservationvoters.org. - Alex Dresdner, Indiana Conservation Voters | |
Writer: Pat Miller
Proofreader: Kristina Lindborg
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