“This has been the most productive year,” said League member Colleen Reynolds. “This is the most work I’ve seen in several years since I’ve been a member." Colleen made the comment during the Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of McLean County held on Thursday, July 16th.
Chad Kahl, 2025-26 president, welcomed members and guests to the meeting. He listed the work that was done last year such as Voter Services reaching out in events such as Downtown Bloomington’s Farmers Market and ISU’s Annual Charity Drag Show. The league co-sponsored America 250 Deliberative Dialogue series with the McLean County Museum of History and the Not In Our Town film event “Join or Die” Documentary.
The league was represented at several rallies such as No Kings 2, International Women’s Day and No Kings Protest. Members also volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank and Prairie Pride Coalition Legislative Town Hall.
From a league standpoint, members toured the Project XV Museum and worked with LWVIL to help raise more than $1,000 in donations for the museum. We held a consensus meeting on Gun Violence Prevention proposed positions for LWVIL and participated in the LWVUS Convention, LWVIL Issues Briefing and LWVIL monthly leadership meetings.
Chad remarked, “We can be especially proud that we reached so many people, including over 1,600 people just through our voter services team involvement in community events.”
Chad recognized the 2025-26 Board Members and thanked them for their input, expertise and time for the league. The elected officers and board members were voted on for the 2026-27 term. The budget was approved and bylaw revisions were adopted.
Faith Russell presented the 2026-27 proposed Program categories for advocacy and action. The four topics include: Unite and Rise 8.5, Student Civic Ambassador Program, Affordable Housing, and Immigration. This was approved; more information will be released during the year.
Several members reported on current work efforts. Janine Toth reported on the Observers Pilot, the training and how they will continue to refine the observers corps. They are still looking for people to observe government meetings. Harriett Steinbach gave an update on the Election Authority Study, which includes conducting a community survey and some research/fact finding of current status and what other Illinois counties with multiple election authorities have been doing. Harriett said the work would continue through the rest of the year.
Caitlin Bradford apprised members on the planning for a new Student Civic Ambassador Program for McLean County. She talked about the need to engage students so they become registered voters and actually vote in elections. The Voter Services committee has had several tabling events at local high schools and witnessed interest from students wanting to get involved in voting and the league. She detailed next steps, which include reaching out to potential partners to devise a program.
Cathy Lust reported on the Gun Violence Prevention study team committee work that was done in support of a LWVIL statewide effort. They considered proposed updated positions and held a consensus meeting on it. The state league is still reviewing the input.
Judy Buchanan talked about the Mental Health Services work that is ongoing among Bloomington, Normal, McLean County and the mental health professional community. She said there is an upcoming audit to be completed by the end of July about mental health services funding.
More information will be covered on each of these areas in future months.
Incoming President Faith Russell rallied members to get involved in whatever level of activity they can do. Read her entire comments, link below.
“I anticipate a year when we make some significant contributions to our community and our country, when we truly empower voters and defend democracy,” said Faith. “The LWV is needed, you’re needed, and you’re going to look back and be proud you were part of this work.”
|