Issues
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 current issues 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.
Criminal Justice Study
The League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) is participating in an update by the Criminal Justice Position of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL). The state committee is proposing consensus questions in fourteen sections which deal with: impoverished communities, bias, gender issues, the need for data collection and transparency, criminal justice coordinating councils, policing and more.
Locally, a group of League and community members in Champaign County will review the current Criminal Justice position and work with materials and questions sent from the state committee. The responsibilities of the local team are to: keep our membership informed, respond to consensus questions, serve as presenters/facilitators for the consensus discussion, and share its results with the state so that a final position can be crafted.
See more details on the state and local updates on the Criminal Justice Study Update page.
Locally, a group of League and community members in Champaign County will review the current Criminal Justice position and work with materials and questions sent from the state committee. The responsibilities of the local team are to: keep our membership informed, respond to consensus questions, serve as presenters/facilitators for the consensus discussion, and share its results with the state so that a final position can be crafted.
See more details on the state and local updates on the Criminal Justice Study Update page.
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!
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.
*** Please note: With advent of the need to maintain social distance, "being there" may mean attending a meeting electronically. ***
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) or contact coordinator Sue Phillips directly at suephillips1018@att.net
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.
*** Please note: With advent of the need to maintain social distance, "being there" may mean attending a meeting electronically. ***
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) or contact coordinator Sue Phillips directly at suephillips1018@att.net
Public Presentations
The League of Women Voters of Champaign County sponsors informational public programs with guest speakers. Topics presented so far in 2019 - 2020 include: Census 101, Guns and Society and Ranked Choice Voting. See the League Calendar for announcement of future meetings.
*** Please note: With advent of the need to maintain social distance, the League is planning ways to offer these presentations online. Watch the League calendar for announcements of new, virtual presentations. There will be a contact person for obtaining an invitation. And, if you miss a presentation, it may be recorded on the League's YouTube channel. ***
*** Please note: With advent of the need to maintain social distance, the League is planning ways to offer these presentations online. Watch the League calendar for announcements of new, virtual presentations. There will be a contact person for obtaining an invitation. And, if you miss a presentation, it may be recorded on the League's YouTube channel. ***
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.