Letter to the Editor - Janet Milkovich
Our LWV Johnson County president, Janet Milkovich presents her letter to the editor regarding the November election constitutional amendments on the ballot. LWV JoCo strongly recommends a NO vote.
|
Bridging the Gap: A Dialogue on Social Equality
Join the conversation with local LGBTQ+ leaders and activists as we discuss ways to be a better ally and break through societal norms.
Panelists:
Inoru Morris is the founder of the Midwest Rainbow Research Institute, a nonprofit working in the Midwest to make public institutions more inclusive to LGBTQIA populations and a PhD student at KU's School of Public Affairs and Administration researching the policies, practices, and programs law enforcement utilize in cases of rape, sexual assault, and violent hate crimes. He currently sits on the Johnson County Public Health Leadership Council and is a Trauma Support Specialist for First Responders with Mid-America Regional Council.
Taryn Jones is a licensed social worker at Jewish Family Services as a volunteer manager. She is a community activist and serves on the Board of Directors for Equality KS and Midwest Rainbow Institute. Taryn was the first openly LGBTQ candidate to run for Overland Park City Council.
Heather Rubesch is a long-time manager in computer software solutions. She is a community activist having served as an advisor for Q-Space. Heather has served on the Board of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Commission and currently serves as chair. She led the movement to include gender identity and gender expression in policies on non-discrimination and DEI. She is the mother of an out transgender adult.
Moderator:
Amanda Glass is an associate professor of chemistry at Johnson County Community College. She's a member of the DEI committee leadership team, and a co-advisor for the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) on campus. This past year, Amanda has led a team in the reintroduction of SafeZone workshops back to JCCC. SafeZone is a national allyship training curriculum designed to educate and help create safer spaces for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Amanda is a fierce advocate for racial, social, and environmental justice. She's also a member of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County.
When: Saturday, November 5, 2022 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Where:Tomahawk Ridge Community Center - Summit Room
11902 Lowell Avenue | Overland Park, KS 66213
|
A Very Merry Berry Holiday Social
Sunday, December 4 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Thompson Barn |11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa 66219
Honoring Johnson County and Wyandotte County Election Office Staff Members
Light holiday treats and surprises
Put a star on the day so you don’t miss this festive event!
Bring a friend!
Make your reservation by Thursday, December 1st!
| Fall Favorites: Pumpkins and Voting Plans
As we sip our pumpkin lattes and indulge in pumpkin treats, we must be mindful that our work as League members continues to be vitally important.
In August, we witnessed what informed and passionate voters could accomplish when residents voted in record numbers. League members and partners worked extra hard to inform citizens and get them to the polls.
We need to work just as hard to promote voter education and turnout for the high-stakes November 8 election!
Please encourage every voter you know to have a plan for casting their ballot. Do they know they can vote early and where to go? If they are voting by mail, are they allowing plenty of time for their ballot to reach the election office? Or do they know about secure ballot drop boxes? Remind them to check their polling place location if they plan to vote in person on November 8.
Lastly, encourage everyone to study the ballot ahead of time. The language of proposed constitutional amendments can be very confusing. We must always ask if a constitutional amendment is necessary and in the best interest for ALL Kansans. Why has the Kansas constitution has been amended just 98 times in 161 years yet the Legislature has proposed three amendments in 2022?
Before every election, I get calls from friends, neighbors and even strangers asking me questions about what’s on the ballot. I send them the links to our YouTube programs about the elections and candidate forums. And to Vote411.org and KSvotes.org.
By all means, enjoy your pumpkin treats! What a great time to invite people to join you for coffee and talk to them about why the LWVJoCo is suggesting a NO vote on the proposed amendments. Amending the constitution should never be taken lightly because every amendment affects every Kansan.
Thank you for your boldness and commitment.
|
DEI Moment
What does it mean to be an ally? An ally is a person who supports and encourages people around them, but most importantly, takes action when they see discrimination. The Human Rights Campaign and others suggest the following actions:
-
Practice using inclusive pronouns. Encourage your family and friends.
-
Do your own research rather than relying on an LGBTQ+ community member.
-
Become familiar with current language and terminology. For example, transvestite and transsexual are outdated and offensive. Queer is a term that some in the community are taking back for themselves but can be an insult when used by others.
-
Understand that effective allies are intersectional. Racism, sexism and xenophobia compound discrimination towards members of the LBGTQ+ community. Use your privilege to advocate.
-
Advocate for workplace policies that support the full range of gender expressions and identities. Update forms, documents, healthcare policies and dress codes.
-
Support organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
-
Work with elected officials to pass nondiscrimination policies and laws.
-
Consider online training to give you tools to safely intervene as a bystander when you see harassment of any kind. Bystander Intervention - Right To Be
-
Learn more: Human Rights Campaign: Be an Ally - Support Trans Equality - Human Rights Campaign
-
Equality Kansas: Equality Kansas
| | Member Spotlight: Amanda Vega-Mavec
Voter outreach and LWVJoCo’s focus on Diversity, Education and Inclusion (DEI) are important to this Leaguer raised on the importance of civic engagement.
| Observer Corps Reports
Catch up on the actions, decisions and proposals of our local public officials.
Following local politics as a League Observer is a great way to stay informed on the issues you care about. Contact Eileen Marshall to find out where you might plug in, and read our latest reports.
- Public comments becoming contentious
- What local city has a sister city in Ukraine?
- Who has the best-tasting water in the US? (or among the best, anyway)
| Board and Committee Briefs
🗳️ Nov. 8: General Election. Encourage family and friends to Make A Plan to Vote. Find your polling place, look up your ballot, and more at VOTE411.org.
⚖️ The League of Women Voters of the United States and League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief in the Moore v. Harper case before the Supreme Court.
📣 Your Voice, Your Vote 2022: KS Secretary of State | Tuesday, November 1, 2022, live at 7 p.m.
The League of Women Voters of Kansas is sponsoring this forum, featuring candidates for Secretary of State of Kansas: Republican candidate, Scott Schwab and Democratic candidate, Jeanna Repass. Bob Beatty, Washburn University Professor of Political Science, will moderate. See the listing in the KTWU Program Guide.
💰 M.R. and Evelyn Hudson $10,000 Grant
The LWVJoCo was awarded a $10,000 grant from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation to help fund monthly educational programs, forums, and voter info events at local high schools and colleges. We are grateful to League member Amy Coopman for inviting us to apply for the grant.
📰 Stay current: Read about latest work of Leagues throughout the state in the latest issue of LWVK’s VOTER Notes newsletter. | Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Check our Events page.
Keep current on developments through our Facebook page.
Find out more about what the Kansas League is doing.
We welcome your feedback! Please contact the newsletter editor.
View past issues of our newsletter.
Our monthly newsletter, The VOTER, provides information on League programs and events. Get it delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free! | |