Like all local Leagues, The Mid-Shore League of Women Voters (LWVMS) wanted to have a special event during 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of theNineteenth Amendment and the establishment of the League of Women Voters. The Sash Project came about during a leadership team meeting in January when team members passed around a sash I had purchased online. Everyone liked it. Our co-convener, Glenna Heckathorn suggested that her friend and fellow Yogi, Anne McAnulty, might be willing to make some sashes for the LWVMS. Glenna had served on the Board of Coastal Hospice and knew that Anne’s quilting group had donated several quilts to Coastal Hospice for Veterans on Veterans Day.  Anne’s reaction was immediate. She simply asked, “How many do you need?” 

At our Winter Workshop, Maryland’s Secretary of Planning, Robert S. McCord, impressed us with the vital importance of the information that will be derived from a successful 2020 Census and the vital importance of each citizen’s participation and advocacy.  League members were the right audience for this message and here is why: League members seek to be informed; League members educate; and League members understand the importance of advocacy.

Briefly, an accurate census count of all persons will have a huge impact on our planning for school construction, transportation planning and the distribution of funding for human services and public safety. Secretary McCord noted that each person not counted can represent a loss of $18,350 for local government. Census data is aggregated so that characteristics of the population can be accurately mapped enabling critical planning decisions like the placement of mass transit stops and the kinds of school facilities that will be needed as the makeup of families change.

At LWVMD's 2019 Convention we adopted a study of the initiative process. The initiative process allows voters to place a piece of legislation or a constitutional amendment on the ballot usually through a petition process, thereby circumventing the legislature. The process is allowed in over 26 states. Maryland has a veto referendum, which means, the voters can veto legislation passed by the MD legislature, but voters cannot initiate legislation. The state study will look at the initiative process then the research will be presented to our membership who will eventually evaluate through the consensus process whether LWVMD will take up a position on the initiative process in Maryland.

We are looking for volunteers to join this study! Click here if you are interested in learning more!

NOTE: Studies are open to LWVMD Members Only - Click here to learn more about joining!

June 2018 at the LWVMD Council meeting the board announced the creation of the Nancy Soreng Young Professional Advancement Fund. This fund is now live on our website and open for donations to support LWVMD’s efforts to engaged & advance young professionals in the spirit of Nancy Soreng, who has always provided guidance and mentorship to young League members, ensuring that LWVMD’s work endures for many generations to come.

Click Here to Donate Now