The President's Message
Dennis Mar, President, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula
I begin my first President's Message with a disclaimer: the following are some personal observations and are not necessarily representative of League positions.
I am honored that the League members have elected me president. But I have to wonder how I got here. I originally joined the League because I wanted to learn more about county government. The LWVMP seemed like the only group paying attention to it.
But I stayed because I found the League to be so much more. As the child of immigrants, I am conscious of the opportunities that this country has given my family. As a way to contribute, I think the League offers the best vehicle for working towards improvement of government and the community.
I have had wonderful teachers in the League. I got a lesson from Judy Higgerson on how to recruit people. I was a new League member, and Judy was membership chair. Every time I saw Judy, she would ask me what League job I wanted. There's the lesson -- be persistent!
You need mentors because the League has its own way of doing things: consensus, studies, positions, Pros & Cons, and more and more. You have to learn and practice "the League way."
And who hasn't heard that phrase? I first heard it while I was a member of a LWVMP study chaired by Louise Stuart about libraries. I suggested some course of action, which prompted wise Dorothy Newton to say, "Now that is not the League way."
The "League way" is integral to the credibility of the LWV. It is humbling to hear messages on the League office answering machine. People often say that they are calling because they highly value the League's opinion. As members of the League, it is our responsibility to maintain that credibility.
I am looking forward to this coming 2009-2010 League year. We have an experienced and enthusiastic board. We have a knowledgeable and engaged membership. There are a lot of possibilities.
As for the question about how I feel being the male president of an organization that has the word "Women" in its name, I am comfortable with that. At this point, there is no need to rename the organization the "League of Informed Voters" or something like that. "The League of Women Voters" is just fine. When the day comes that the Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, then we can talk.
