Convention 2008: reaching new heights together

National Voter, Oct, 2008

Nearly 800 League members, including voting delegates from 49 states and the District of Columbia, gathered in Portland, OR, to reach new heights together at Convention 2008.

From morning to long past sunset, the Portland Hilton corridors buzzed with activity on June 13-17. At all hours of the day, you could find League members networking, learning about new issues, discussing important topics, deciding the League's course, and, as always, having fun! Convention attendees had a variety of workshops, caucuses, forums, networking sessions and social activities to work into their schedule. The five days flew by quickly.

Delegates who arrived in Portland the day before the Convention's opening plenary got a treat: "THE League--How to Stand Out and Be GREAT in 2008," a workshop led by LWVUS staff. To top it off, League members were invited to an opening reception, sponsored by Nordstrom in their scenic top floor meeting room.

DAY ONE

Convention came to order Saturday morning with delegates getting a huge lift from the National Anthem as sung by Margaret Carter, president pro tempore of Oregon's state Senate.

League delegates were then welcomed by LWVUS Convention Planning Chair Donna Lauffer, and introduced to the wonderful city of Portland by LWVOR President Marge Easley and Portland League President Betsy Pratt.

Delegates were treated to a speech by Barbara Roberts, former Oregon governor, 1991-95, and the first and only woman elected to that office to date.

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The remainder of the opening day included time for the delegates to amend and adopt the Convention Rules and the order of business, followed by the introduction of various committees, the President's address, the Nominating Committee report and a partial Roll Call of States.

DAY TWO

To start the day's session, LWVUS Resolutions Committee Chair Linda Lalley presented the Resolutions Committee report.

LWVUS Program Planning Chair Carolie Mullan presented the proposed 2008-2010 Program. This included amending the Principles by adding "The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that all powers of the U.S. government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial" and adoption of a health care program to educate members and communities in order to be better prepared to carry out health care advocacy as needed.

On this first day of the three-day Program adoption process, delegates began discussion of not-recommended items, including updates on the positions for redistricting, climate change, etc.

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Over the next two days, energetic discussion and lively debate took place before the adoption of the amended 2008-2010 Program. Major changes included the adoption of a health care program, a multi-level education and advocacy campaign to fight climate change, and a study of the national popular vote method of electing the U.S. President.

Also on the second day, LWVUS Treasurer Elaine Wiant presented the proposed FY 2008-09 LWVUS/EF Budgets. Delegates had opportunities to ask questions during plenary and during three Q&A sessions scheduled throughout Convention. On the final day of Convention, delegates approved a PMP rate of $28.00 for FY 2008-09 and a PMP rate of $29.20 for FY 2009-10, and unanimously approved the proposed 2008-09 Budgets.

Delegates were able to take a pause from the business of Convention to hear former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's moving and informative speech on our nation's health care crisis.

Four Leagues were presented awards during Sunday's plenary. Citizen Engagement Award: LWV of Murfreesboro/Rutherford County, TN; Voter Education Award: LWV of Orange County, FL; Diversity Award: LWV of Minnesota; Reform Award: LWV of Florida.

The day concluded with a report by Elisabeth MacNamara, chair of the LWVUS Bylaws Committee, and debate and adoption of amendments to the LWVUS Bylaws.

DAY THREE

On Monday, the floor was opened for further debate and adoption of the National Program for 2008-10. A number of former national League leaders were welcomed back to the Convention floor. The session hosted a distinguished panel of experts on global climate change.

During Monday afternoon, delegates were able to take advantage of workshops, ranging from growing membership to citizen diplomacy to media outreach.

At the banquet that evening, former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Love Kourlis addressed the importance of keeping our courts free from outside influence and maintaining the system of checks and balances created by U.S. Constitution. The following LWVUS Awards were presented during the dinner. Pioneer Awards: LWV of Mountain Lakes, NJ and LWV of the City of New York; Web Site Award: LWV of San Francisco, CA; Membership Award: LWV of LWV of Escondido, CA and LWV of Montgomery County, MD.

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DAY FOUR

On the final day of Convention, Mary G. Wilson was reelected as the League's 17th president. The entire nominated slate was also elected. Outgoing Board members Sarah Diefendorf, Xandra Kayden, Donna Lauffer, Odetta MacLeish-White and Marlys Robertson were recognized for their service to the League. Delegates wrapped up adoption of the 2008-10 national Program as well as the 2008-10 PMP and the LWVUS Budget.