The President's Message
Dennis Mar, President, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula
The LWVMP has well-established avenues of participation: be a member, read the VOTER, come to the luncheon meetings, serve on a committee, volunteer at candidate forums, register voters, become a board member, discuss the issues at a consensus meeting. But I’m trying to brainstorm: what else can our members do?
Bring someone to a meeting
I belong to a lot of organizations. Some have informative programs I’ve never gone to. Why? It’s not part of my routine unlike the second Wednesday of the month. So if you know other League members, who you don’t see at the meetings, give them a call and offer a ride.
Introduce yourself
It’s fun seeing friends at the luncheon meeting especially if you haven’t seen them since the last meeting. But breakaway for a moment and greet someone you don’t know. It’s not easy doing this. In fact it’s a skill you have to learn. But the more you do it, the better you get at it, and your actions make the League friendlier and more inclusive.
Watch the videos
If your schedule precludes your attendance at the monthly meetings, you can watch the program over the Internet. The League web site offers video on demand thanks to Bob Evans for handling the technology. If you want to watch the informative Carmel Valley incorporation pros & cons panel or any earlier presentations, go to www.lwvmp.org/lunch_videos.html.
Virtual observers
All levels of government have established a presence on the Internet. If you have a particular unit of government you are interested in, follow it online. Read the agendas, the minutes, and the reports at your computer. If items don’t get posted in a timely manner, send the League an e mail, and we can take action. Once a year, go in person to see everyone in the flesh.
Organize a field trip
If there is some place you want to see (waste water treatment? dunes restoration? juvenile hall?), organize a field trip through the League. A request from the League can sometimes open doors.
Serve on government boards
Elective office is the pinnacle of participation in government. But you can serve in government through appointment too. Citizen panels are connected to government everywhere from library boards to the civil grand jury. In fact, the civil grand jury is recruiting:
www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/GrandJury/.
Send in your suggestions
I hope you have more ideas for involving our members. Call me or send me e mail. Thanks to all who make LWVMP a vibrant organization.
