Issues
Action Alerts (Illinois League of Women Voters)
A major part of the League's mission is to influx public policy through education and advocacy. Member involvement is vital to the League's work. League members rely on Issue Specialists following specific bills and legislative activity in Springfield. When a specialist sees that members should be involved, an action request is sent out as a TFA (Time for Action). The TFA contains the bill number and title; Issue Specialist and Issues VP contact information; the action that needs to be taken; and background on League’s position. This is a vital part of being informed and active members of our democracy. For more information, visit the Illinois Take Action page. Or go to their Grassroots Advocates page to sign up for the League to alert you when key decisions are pending on the issues you care about.
County Governance Study
This League chapter is doing a consensus study to examine this question:
Of the options under the statutory requirements (55 ILCS/5) for the organization of county government, what option(s) create the most efficient, professional and democratic management model for the day-to-day- operations of the County? This study will to determine whether to modify LWVCC's official position on this issue.
Why do a study? To change a position, the League normally does a consensus study. For more information, see LWVCC current positions and information on the League's consensus study process.
Why this study now? Over the past several years, various referenda concerning County Government have been presented to the voters of Champaign County. These have included abolishing several elected offices (Recorder, Coroner, Auditor) and making changes in the form of County government. Because LWVCC did not have a specific position in program positions, we could not publicly advocate for a yes or no vote on these referenda. We could and did provide educational information We believe that future referenda are possible and would like to be in a position to advocate for specific action. Therefore, a change to our official positions (called our Local Program), based on a consensus study, is necessary.
For more information: See the County Governance Study webpage or contact the team chairs: Trisha Crowley and Deb Busey..
Of the options under the statutory requirements (55 ILCS/5) for the organization of county government, what option(s) create the most efficient, professional and democratic management model for the day-to-day- operations of the County? This study will to determine whether to modify LWVCC's official position on this issue.
Why do a study? To change a position, the League normally does a consensus study. For more information, see LWVCC current positions and information on the League's consensus study process.
Why this study now? Over the past several years, various referenda concerning County Government have been presented to the voters of Champaign County. These have included abolishing several elected offices (Recorder, Coroner, Auditor) and making changes in the form of County government. Because LWVCC did not have a specific position in program positions, we could not publicly advocate for a yes or no vote on these referenda. We could and did provide educational information We believe that future referenda are possible and would like to be in a position to advocate for specific action. Therefore, a change to our official positions (called our Local Program), based on a consensus study, is necessary.
For more information: See the County Governance Study webpage or contact the team chairs: Trisha Crowley and Deb Busey..
Misinformation About Elections: Task Force
LWVCC members who are concerned about the misinformation, distortions and confusion bombarding us in social media and on the internet, as well as in traditional media, have formed a task force to plan effective responses. The task force seeks bolster confidence in the democratic process by getting the facts out and educating the community about voting and elections. The goal will be to share accurate information widely, ideally before misinformation can take hold. See the Misinformation About Elections page for more information about this team, their actions and the resources they have prepared.
Observer Corps
League Observers are the eyes and ears of the League. By attending meetings of governmental boards and commissions. the League of Women Voters tries to send a representative to every public board meeting in the county. We find that public involvement in our public institutions is an important part of making democracy work. We want to know what our governing officials are up to!
With advent of the need to maintain social distance, many of these meetings are being held online. Observers learn how government works and about issues that are or may become items for local study and action. They advise the LWVCC board of opportunities for action on League positions. Consistent League presence at these boards can add to the League's visibility and credibility and build relationships with local officials. League observing promotes transparent and responsive government in the community.
See the current list of observers and boards for which we need observers by going to this Observer Corps page. If you'd like more information, or you are interested in becoming a League observer, send a note to info@lwvchampaigncounty.org (with Observer Corps in the subject line).
With advent of the need to maintain social distance, many of these meetings are being held online. Observers learn how government works and about issues that are or may become items for local study and action. They advise the LWVCC board of opportunities for action on League positions. Consistent League presence at these boards can add to the League's visibility and credibility and build relationships with local officials. League observing promotes transparent and responsive government in the community.
See the current list of observers and boards for which we need observers by going to this Observer Corps page. If you'd like more information, or you are interested in becoming a League observer, send a note to info@lwvchampaigncounty.org (with Observer Corps in the subject line).
Our Positions
The League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) has positions on many issues of political import in the broad areas of human resources, natural resources, local government and the judicial system. Our 2016 - 2021 program positions are on the Our Positions page or downloadable as a pdf. To support these positions, we host public forums throughout the year with the aim of bringing useful, timely information to the community and sponsor other activities.
