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Date: 1/24/2026
Subject: The VOTER Newsletter - January 2026
From: LWV of Johnson County


Volume 78, Number 1 | January 2026
match ready world cup

PLANNING FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP IN KC
 

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City this summer! As the host city to 3 teams for their base camp and the host of 6 different matches throughout the summer, the metro area is going to be full of players, coaches, training staff, and of course...fans! Come learn how Johnson County is preparing to be on the world stage and get Match Ready for 2026! 

Saturday February 7th at 9:30 am (Doors open at 9am)
Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church
9400 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215

We'd love for you to share the League information with a friend! Share this email, our social media posts, or invite them to join you at an upcoming event. 

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CSW63 - Opening of the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Photo: UN Women/Ryan B

LWVJOCO REPRESENTATIVE AT
UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 

The League of Women Voters of Johnson County is honored to announce that our Membership Chair, Colette Panchot, will be one of the women from the League of Women Voters US to attend as an Observer the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations! The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. 
 
Colette will be traveling to New York City in March for nearly two weeks to hear discussions from world leaders and organizations on this years priority theme of "ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers". Colette plans to return and present the findings of the commission with our local league later this spring. 

This is a tremendous honor that will also come at a significant financial cost to attend. The LWV Johnson County board would like to support her efforts in going. Any members who would like to financially contribute to assist Colette in attending this unique opportunity may do so by donating directly to our local league with the designation of "UN trip" or "Colette Panchot" in the comments. 
 
 
 
 
Image Credit: CSW63 - Opening of the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

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UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Whether you are a potential, new, or existing member of the League of Women Voters, we invite you to learn more about the history and mission of the national organization and the varied volunteer opportunities with our Johnson County, KS, chapter.

 
Sunday February 1, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
 

 

LEGISLATIVE COFFEES

Discover what's percolating in the Kansas Legislature. Representatives and Senators will discuss the new legislative session, followed by Q&A. You bring the questions! This series is presented in partnership with the Johnson County Library. Click below for more information.
 
 
 
 

ANNUAL MEETING

Our annual meeting will take place on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 beginning at 9:30 am at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church. It is important that all members plan to attend this meeting where we will vote on new board members, updates to the bylaws, and the budget for our 2026-2027 cycle.
 
 
Check the Events Calendar to see or register for all upcoming events!

 
 
OBSERVER CORPS REPORTS
obs corp logo 2025
Find out in this month's observer reports:
1. How the JOCO Board of County Commissioners is using a new pilot program for meetings.
2. What property tax relief options are available to older adults in Johnson County.
3.How Prairie Village is supporting its sister city in the Ukraine.

 
 
The Observer Corps has open spots for the Board of County Commissioners, JCCC Board of Trustees, Olathe School Board, JOCO Parks & Rec Board, Olathe City Council, and Lenexa City Council. Email observercorps@lwvjoco.org if you can help!

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PRESIDENTS UPDATE
Our board was sad to learn of the passing of long time member, Laurel Mace, in December of 2025. Both Laurel and her husband Bill were active members for many years and we thank them both for their service to our league. Please click here to view her obituary.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
January 2026 New Members
Important Information about Annual League Membership Dues

We welcome new members to our chapter. The suggested annual League membership fee is $75, but a minimum of $20 may be paid to fit your circumstances. Please go to www.lwv.org. This is the national league's website, which processes all dues. You may renew your annual membership the same way. Renewing members receive email reminder notices 30 and 60 days before their membership expires. At any time, you can check the national site to access your account or create one if you are not yet a League member. 

If you need assistance to establish or renew your membership, or just don't feel comfortable with the online process, please come to the check-in table at Saturday meetings, and we will be happy to assist you. 

To help us succeed, donations to our Johnson County chapter are most welcome and appreciated in addition to membership fees. Donations in any amount may be made on our website, www.lwvjoco.org. Please look for the donate button. 

With questions, please contact membership@lwvjoco.org.
STAY CONNECTED
   
Our monthly newsletter, The VOTER, provides information on League programs and events. Get it delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free!
 
 View past issues of our newsletter. 
 
 We welcome your feedback! Please contact The Voter Newsletter Editors
 
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