The League of Women Voters of Evanston held its annual meeting on April 30 in the Lighthouse Room at the Orrington Hotel. Following a delicious dinner, LWVE President Michelle Jordan introduced LWVIL President Becky Simon who invited those present to upcoming statewide events. Becky emphasized the importance of League involvement during this complex time in our country. She recalled the dedicated suffragists who started the LWV and reminded us that the organization was founded on activism and protest.
Michelle then called the formal business meeting to order.
A change to LWVE Bylaws was approved. The new text reflects the transition to membership and dues collection by the LWVUS rather than by local Leagues. (See the article on
membership and renewal.)
Treasurer Mary Kelly reviewed revenue and expenditures for the past year. Judy Elsass then presented the proposed LWVE budget for 2025-2026, and it was unanimously approved. The budget includes a major fundraiser, and attendees were encouraged to get involved in this effort.
Presentations on our three Local Program projects for the past year were followed by approval of the Board recommendation that all be continued in 2025-2026.
- The Environmental Justice group will continue its focus on the Church Street Transfer Station and will work with other community organizations to support relocation or other actions to resolve issues related to the station.
- The Envision Evanston group will continue efforts to monitor, evaluate, and report on the Envision Evanston 2045 initiative and revisions to the City of Evanston’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.
- The Climate Change working group will continue its work to support the Evanston Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) and the Skokie Sustainability Plan.
A new slate of LWVE officers and directors was elected. Lisa Seegers and Georgia Vlahos will serve as Co-Presidents for 2025-2026, and several new people have joined the Board as officers or directors. The
full slate is on our website.
Kathy Tate-Bradish reported on the LWV Federal Judiciary Consensus Study and associated local activities, including reasons for the study and outcomes of the LWVE consensus meeting. (To learn more, see the article on the
Federal Judiciary Study.)
Michelle encouraged attendees to get involved—in Local Program projects and in other LWVE activities. She then shared her pride in what we accomplished in 2024-2025, including the successful
candidate forums in Evanston and Skokie, and thanked the LWVE office staff for all they do to support our efforts.
Adjournment of the formal meeting was followed by a highlight of the evening: LWVE member Helen Gagel
in conversation with Eleanor Revelle and Melissa Wynne as they reflected on their experiences as longtime Evanston City Council Members.
And finally, as a fitting end to our evening, we thanked Michelle Jordan for her outstanding leadership as president of LWVE these last two years. Thank you again, Michelle! The baton has been passed, but Michelle’s graciousness and her service to our community will be remembered always.