LWV

Communications Roundtable (LWVIL)
2025-03-13 18:00 (America/Chicago)
LWVIL invites local League communications chairs and volunteers to gather and share ideas. During this roundtable, we will give an overview of Canva resources that LWVIL has for all local Leagues and present a Canva tutorial for those new to the graphic design tool.
This roundtable is only open to League members. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=749&

Working Women and the Wage Gap (LWVIL)
2025-03-18 18:30 - 19:30
In recognition of Women’s Equal Pay Day, our Democracy and Equity Series will feature a presentation from Sharmili Majmudar of Women Employed about working women and the wage gap. Register. https://pj67ludab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_EgAfxSkARr4nGkQQuP0f279te1Dm3Dd-P4uK17aA5It1MZLlmvq4_U_63M-doxrEtO-3IIN8CvbYE3o7hW6zuW3OgWVwx4LSvtYiuijQj5qIJDR6CHOG_pm7awwj9Lobht14uBqkdlyhz52oCU9zdnPxsVuwI91kIX_iOs1wI3f5T3rQLQCVQRdGWAbSPwhex4qBNH-9zccseuOkyyOzbxUb4JNARTiod9o4jMf0BETAz5mJp8CVg==&c=kAadBWtljs1fpx7z4v6ZjjlipeEebkKN-342p0TjqvSjEVxKlLqpPw==&ch=Zg55m4VXssm9FXLlTmLCWI0r5sJVhPVTiLfBFzaf0dqDJuGC701zqA==
This event is free and open to the public.
About the Speaker
Sharmili Majmudar is Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research for Women Employed. She oversees Women Employed’s development and implementation of strategic policy and systems change priorities advancing economic justice for women. She heads the organization’s advocacy efforts for the voluntary implementation of aspects of good quality jobs so employees can achieve economic stability, developing and leading WE’s collaborations with employers. In partnership with employers seeking to advance gender equity, she also advocates for best practices on sexual harassment, equal pay, and other issues of gender bias that create barriers for women in the workplace.
Sharmili also serves on the Board of Directors of the Crossroads Fund, a public foundation that supports grassroots organizations doing racial, social, and economic justice work in the Chicago area. She was featured as one of 2014’s National Asian Pacific Women’s Forum’s Everyday Sheroes, is a recipient of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Impact Award, and was honored at the Chicago Woman Magazine’s International Women Leaders Luncheon in 2017.
Before joining Women Employed in 2017, Majmudar served for almost a decade as the Executive Director of Resilience, formerly called Rape Victim Advocates (RVA), whose mission is to ensure that survivors of sexual assault are treated with dignity and compassion. Under her leadership, RVA established impactful collaborations with schools, hospitals, universities, public officials, corporations, and other partners.
Majmudar earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago’s Graduate School of Social Work.

Democracy and Education: School Leaders in Challenging Times (LWVIL)
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a virtual panel discussion featuring academics and activists committed to public institutions that empower young citizens with critical knowledge and skills of analysis and discernment.
Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=764&
Our guest panelists include Albert Chan, social studies teacher at Niles North and Niles West High School, advocate for the TEAACH Act, the nation’s first school code amendment ensuring that Asian American history is taught in all Illinois elementary and secondary schools; Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, President and CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, which produces the Bud Billiken Parade and Festival; and Veronica Arreola, inaugural director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
This program is sponsored by LWVIL’s DEI Committee.

Hands Off! (LWV Greater Rockford)
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Haight Park,451 La Fayette Ave., Rockford, IL
LWV Greater Rockford is partnering with Stateline Indivisible on the Hands Off! day of democracy action on Saturday, April 5. Like the Light For our Democracy event, LWVUS is an official sponsor of the Hands Off! event.
Please join League members and use this link to sign up: https://mobilize.us/s/LpVkDG https://mobilize.us/s/LpVkDG?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3EQvwfUczVlISkAKWFvGty7kp5Z2wHjkp3tAVKtDyUmnt3Fsw3Lz-Ty3E_aem_Oy6eCWD2kxDbskfeNBzHYA
We will meet at the park, there will be a march for those who are able, and a return to the park for a rally – bring your signs! LWVGR Immigration Chair Sara Dady will be one of several speakers.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Rockford is fighting back! They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy . Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.

Observer Corps Training (LWVIL)
2025-04-08 13:00 - 14:00 | https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=639&
The League’s Observer Corps play a key role in community education and engagement. Trained Observers help their communities stay informed about decisions that impact them locally, while encouraging government transparency and accountability. Learn more about the Observer Corps. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb87706d3837677cd92bc85/t/5f501303c3d245426c596b10/1599083268675/observer-program-090220.pdf
Join us for this virtual session to become a trained Observer!
Observer training is open to League members only. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=639&

Electoral College Discussion with Rosemary Heilemann (LWV Palos-Orland)
2025-04-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S 71st Ave, Palos Heights, IL, United States
Rosemary Heilemann is a founding member of the LWV Deerfield Electoral College Committee, which has been working since 2017 to educate the public about the Electoral College. This presentation will help explain how the Electoral College impacts our presidential elections. Rosemary will outline the LWV’s position on the Electoral College. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.
This event is presented by the League of Women Voters of Palos-Orland.

Lunch & Learn: UN's Commission on the Status of Women (LWVIL)
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
LWVIL Issues & Advocacy’s monthly Lunch & Learn series will next feature a presentation from the members of the Illinois League who participated in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This worldwide movement is as important today in the US as ever before.
This virtual program is open only to League members. Register. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=759&

Domestic Violence and the SAFE-T Act (LWV La Grange Area)
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N la Grange Rd, La Grange Park, IL, United States
The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area will sponsor a program on the SAFE-T Act and its impact on Domestic Violence cases. Madeleine Behr of the social service organization, CAASE (Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation) will be addressing changes in how cases of Domestic Violence are prosecuted since the SAFE-T Act went into effect in September 2023. She will also answer questions about how Domestic Violence is handled in Illinois. Domestic Violence is still a problem in our community. Come and learn what we, the public, should know.

Chemical Trespass in Illinois Ecosystems (LWVIL)
2025-04-22 18:30 - 19:30
Chemical pesticides can stray from their target areas and impact protected natural areas. What legislative options are being offered to help address the problem? Join us on Earth Day to hear from Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Director of Ecological Health for Prairie Rivers Network.
Register to attend this virtual program. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=754&
Kim Erndt-Pitcher works with numerous partners around the state and nation to protect biodiversity and natural habitats from the threats such as climate change, pollution, harmful land use practices, and habitat loss. She also leads PRN’s pesticide and pollinator habitat conservation programs.
This event is part of our Democracy and Equity Education Series, brought to you by LWVIL’s Issues & Advocacy Committee.

Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Key Updates on Illinois Legislation (LWV Elgin Area)
2025-04-24 18:30 - 19:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QY6ZvYLMTxChhCGn78U-IQ
April is Earth Month, and this year, the focus is on environmental protection and celebrating our planet, with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” and a push for renewable energy. To celebrate, the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area is hosting an engaging virtual program on climate change and environmental justice.
Illinois continues to lead the charge with significant climate legislation. Building on the successes of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA, 2016) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA, 2021), the state is now advancing three new legislative pillars: the Comprehensive Renewable Generation Act (CRGA), the Clean Energy Transition Act (CETA), and the Clean and Healthy Buildings Act (CHBA), focusing on power, transportation, and buildings.
This program will provide an overview of these transformative policies, exploring how they shape our communities and pave the way for a greener future. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact of past legislation, such as FEJA and CEJA, as well as the promises of upcoming bills. Learn actionable ways to support these initiatives and advocate for meaningful change in your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!
Our featured speaker, William “Bill” Koehl, is a seasoned expert in environmental policy and advocacy. With extensive knowledge and experience, Bill excels at breaking down complex legislative efforts to make them accessible and actionable. As an Issues Specialist for LWVIL, he has dedicated the past several years to collaborating with communities across the state to advance impactful climate legislation.
Register Now!

Mental Health 101 (LWV Jo Daviess County)
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Galena Center for the Arts, 971 Gear St, Galena, IL, United States
Join the League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County for this presentation from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on understanding mental illness. We will hear first person stories from NAMI clients.

Lobby Day (LWVIL)
2025-05-07 | Springfield, IL
League of Women Voters members across the state are invited to join us for Lobby Day at the Illinois State Capitol during the 2025 spring legislative session.

Under Attack: The State of Democracy Around the World (LWV Naperville)
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:00
Is the world’s democratic moment coming to an end? What does the future of democracy hold? Join the League of Women Voters of Naperville for our May Ideas Forum featuring Dr. William Muck, Professor of Political Science at North Central College.
Professor Muck will explore global trends in democracy, highlighting data showing that in every region of the world, democracy finds itself under attack. He will explore the implications of this democratic decline and focus specifically on the case of American democracy. How do you know when your democracy is in danger and how should you respond? He will also reflect on the dramatic actions taken by the Trump administration and offer thoughts on how they fit within this broader anti-democratic moment.
William Muck is the chair of the Political Science Department as well as the coordinator for the College’s Global Studies program. He teaches a variety of courses on international politics and foreign policy. His scholarship focuses on international security, the practice of military intervention, and the pedagogy of promoting civic engagement. He has been active in presenting research at various international studies conferences around the world. In 2018, Bill was named a Ruge Fellow by North Central College for his contributions to teaching and learning on campus. He is co-author of the book, Technology and Civic Engagement in the College Classroom as well as other articles on international security and higher education pedagogy. If you are in the Chicago area you may have seen Bill on ABC 7, CBS Chicago, Fox 32 Chicago, or WGN Evening News offering political analysis. He is also a regular guest host for WCPT 820am radio. You can also listen to him on his weekly podcast, The Politics Lab http://www.thepoliticslab.com/ .

VOTE411 Training (LWVIL)
2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:00
This year, LWVIL will transition to a new voter guide across the state: VOTE411. LWVUS manages http://VOTE411.org, a nationwide voter education resource that serves millions of diverse voters every single year. National staff manage many aspects of VOTE411, including the technical needs, marketing the site, and promoting partnerships with other organizations and media partners.
During this 90-minute virtual session, LWVUS VOTE411 Senior Manager Megan Brown will provide a brief introduction to the voter guide and a high-level review of how the rollout in Illinois will progress. This will be followed by a live demonstration of working with the software to add candidates and races to a local League’s voter guide. We encourage any interested member to attend this session.
You must be a League member to attend. Register here. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=789&

The SAVE Act: What It Means for Women in Illinois
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v9Ille4iTLu_Nyc8YTIqXA#/registration
Don’t miss this program about the possible ramifications of the SAVE Act. It will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Register for this program presented by the Illinois National Organization for Women HERE. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v9Ille4iTLu_Nyc8YTIqXA#/registration

Buffalo Grove Pride Parade (LWVIL)
2025-06-01 10:30 - 12:00
LWVIL is headed to the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on June 1. We invite you to join us as parade walkers! This is a family-friendly event with plenty of good energy to go around. Sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0449A4A822A1F58-56636151-2025#/ to show your support this Pride Month.

Communications Roundtable (LWVIL)
2025-06-12 18:00 - 19:00 | https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=794&
LWVIL invites local League communications chairs and volunteers to gather and share ideas. During this roundtable, we’ll introduce our new Communications Toolkit and discuss tips for expanding your League’s social media presence to Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.
Registration required. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=794& This roundtable is only open to League members.

Juneteenth Celebration (LWVIL)
2025-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 | https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=799&
Celebrate Juneteenth with LWVIL and special guest Van Gilmer, civil rights activist, renowned vocal soloist, composer, choral director, and music director at the Bahai House of Worship. Come to hear inspirational music and Mr. Gilmer’s stories of civil disobedience at the Greenville South Carolina lunch counters in the 1960s. Join together with League family in fellowship for this virtual program to commemorate the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War.
Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=799&
About the Speaker
Van Gilmer’s participation in the sit-ins at the Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina in the 60’s began his longtime involvement in working for Equal Justice for all people. Mr. Gilmer graduated from NCA&T State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering and worked for the United States Navy Dept where he also served several years as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer. After 37 years, Mr. Gilmer retired and accepted a position as Music Director at the Bahá’í House of Worship for the North American Continent, located in Wilmette, Illinois. He continues to be involved in Civil Rights and Racial Justice movements as a member of the Wilmette Village Human Resources Commission, Race Awareness in the North Shore (RAIN), Healing Everyday Racism in our Schools (HEROS) and as a board member of Together Is Better Alliance (TiBA).

LWVIL Convention 2025
2025-06-21
It’s convention time! LWVIL gathers in June for our 62nd Biennium Convention—where we will determine the focus of our power, making decisions that affect our mission work at the grassroots level and maximize our impact throughout the state.

Annual Meeting (LWV Jo Daviess County)
2025-06-26 18:30 - 21:00 | Galena Center for the Arts, 971 Gear St, Galena, IL, United States
Join the League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County for their Annual Meeting. The featured speaker is Steven Schwinn, professor of law, University of Illinois Chicago.

SCOTUS Recap (LWVIL)
2025-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=809&
Don’t miss LWVIL’s Second Annual SCOTUS Recap! Steven Schwinn, Professor of Law at the University of Illinois Chicago, will join us to speak on major decisions made by the Supreme Court this session. The presentation will provide insight into how the court’s decisions will influence the interpretation of the US Constitution and our country’s understanding of everything from separation of powers and executive authority to individual freedoms and state’s rights.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=809&
About the Speaker
Steven D. Schwinn is a Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. He teaches Constitutional Law, First Amendment, Comparative Constitutional Law and Human Rights, and Lawyering Skills.
Steve is founding editor-in-chief of the American Constitution Society Supreme Court Review and founding co-editor of the Constitutional Law Prof Blog. He regularly writes for the American Bar Association’s Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases and is a frequent commenter on issues related to constitutional law and human rights.
Professor Schwinn earned his B.A. from Michigan State University and his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law. He previously taught at the University of Maryland School of Law and George Washington University Law School. He practiced full time in the Office of the General Counsel at the Peace Corps.

Good Trouble: John Lewis Day of Action (LWVIL)
2025-07-17
On July 17, we honor the anniversary of the passing of civil rights hero John Lewis, not with ceremonies, but with action. We encourage all League members and supporters to attend a rally near them https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lwdNYuXBQCehqZ-PQ2vgWTE3GIT-gUEb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113265459533045378718&rtpof=true&sd=true in support of his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.
LWVUS and LWVIL will attend the rally at Chicago’s Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St, 5:30-8:00 pm). LWVUS Chief of Activation and Justice Marcia Johnson and LWVIL President Becky Simon will be featured speakers. LWVUS will have League swag (t-shirts and pins) for members joining us there! We will all gather at 5:00 pm outside 69 W Washington St.

Good Trouble Lives On Shine a Light on Due Process (LWV Glen Ellyn)
2025-07-17 18:00 - 19:00 | St, 46 N Main St, Glen Ellyn, IL, United States
An interfaith vigil as we gather to learn, reflect, and act to protect the dignity and rights of all.

The Balance of Power between the Federal Branches (LWV Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg Areas)
2025-07-22 07:00 - 08:00 | Schaumburg Library – Main,130 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA, ZOOM
The League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg Areas and Schaumburg Library will host Professor Steven Schwinn from U of I Chicago. He will discuss the current state of the balance of power between the three branches of the federal government. Professor Schwinn is an expert in Constitutional Law.
Register to attend. https://www.lwvpalatinearea.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=255645&item_id=2657629

Chicago Disability Pride Parade (LWVIL)
2025-07-26 10:30 - 13:00 | Harold Washington Library, 401 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL, United States
March with us on Saturday, July 26! The League of Women Voters of Illinois is joining the Chicago Disability Pride Parade from Harold Washington Library to Daley Plaza. This year’s parade takes place on the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act. 🎉
League members and friends will meet up on the west side of the library at 401 S. Plymouth Court at 10:30 am. Look for the purple balloons! Parade begins at 11:00 am. Non-marchers can celebrate with us at the parade end point in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington.
Sign up to join us. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084EACAA238-57607979-march#/

Meet, Mingle & Make a Difference
2025-08-12 18:00 | Gail Borden Public Library – South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, IL, 60177, United States
Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community?
Join the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area for an evening of connection, civic engagement, and community impact!
Whether you’re passionate about voting rights, local issues, or simply want to be more informed and involved, this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded neighbors and learn how the League empowers everyday people to shape their government.
Why Attend?
✅ Learn what the League is all about – and why it’s more important than ever
✅ Meet members of the LWV-Elgin Area
✅ Discover easy ways to get involved in your community
✅ Bring a friend – all are welcome!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that has championed democracy since 1920. We do not endorse political parties or candidates – we work to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
🎉 Let us know you’re coming!
Please RSVP to Brenda Rodgers.

Annual Legislative Luncheon (LWV Evanston)
2025-08-19 11:30 - 13:30 | The Lighthouse Room at the Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL, United States
Join fellow League members and your guests at the League of Women Voters of Evanston’s Annual Legislative Lunch where we will be honored to feature our retiring US Representative Jan Schakowksy. In addition, the LWVE will award our annual scholarship to an ETHS senior, this year to Marin Ubersox, during the luncheon program.
Get tickets. https://www.lwve.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=303977&item_id=2679119

Guns & Responsibility: Finding Common Ground
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:30 | http://bit.ly/45Bx9ck
The Leagues of Women Voters of: Deerfield-Lincolnshire; Highland Park-Highwood; Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area; Grayslake, Round Lakes, Waukegan; and Lake County will host a Webinar Panel via Zoom titled Guns & Responsibility : Finding Common Ground.
This event is for League of Women Voters members only. Register to attend: http://bit.ly/45Bx9ck

Civic Awareness Series: The National Popular Vote Bill (LWV Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg Areas)
2025-08-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Schaumburg Library – Main,130 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA, ZOOM
LWVPA and Schaumburg Library will host Professor David Faris from Roosevelt University. He will discuss the National Popular Vote Bill and the current presidential election process called the Electoral College. Join us to learn more about the history of the electoral college and its impact on government as our country continues to grow.
Register to attend. https://www.lwvpalatinearea.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=255645&item_id=2657636
