Juneteenth Celebration (LWVIL)
2025-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 | IL
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 | IL
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

Immigration and Due Process: Panel Discussion (LWV Elgin Area and LWV Central Kane County)
2025-08-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
Don’t understand US immigration policy? Join attorney Sarah Dady and a panel of experts in this non-partisan educational program co-sponsored by area Leagues of Women Voters and AAUW groups.
This program will feature legal and policy experts on U.S. immigration law, enforcement practices, and their impact on communities in Illinois. The panel will include: Sara Dady, Immigration Attorney and Principal of Dady Law Group, LLC; Fred Tsao, Senior Policy Counsel, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR); Jamie Mosser, Kane County State’s Attorney.
Please register to attend. https://attend.gailborden.info/event/13761611

Power of Protest in Global and Local Politics (LWV DeKalb County)
2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Visitor Center at Ellwood House Museum,420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA, https://www.ellwoodhouse.org/calendar
Ches Thurber, Professor of Political Science at NIU, will discuss what we know about protest movements from US history and from around the world. What does it mean at this moment in United States political history? This free event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Ellwood House Visitor Center at 420 Linden Place, DeKalb. The program is free and there will be time for questions and discussion. Registration for either virtual or in person is encouraged here https://book.peek.com/s/ee79b363-72d6-4abe-bd4d-c4968b3128a4/vzyyx or at https://www.ellwoodhouse.org/calendar www.ellwoodhouse.org/calendar https://www.ellwoodhouse.org/calendar .
The Arts in Action Exhibit at the Ellwood House Museum will be available for viewing before and after the presentation. Both the art display and a presentation about protests explore ways for the people to channel and lift their voices. Please join us as we gather information and engage in conversations, making democracy work better for all of us!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan national, state, and local organization whose mission is to “Empower Voters and Defend Democracy.” Arts in Action is a collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and the DeKalb County History Center, with support from Healing Illinois.

Climate Solutions For All (LWV Elgin Area)
2025-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Hawthorne HIll Nature Center, 28 Brookside Dr, Elgin, IL, United States
Sandy Kaptain, Climate Chair for the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area, will speak on the 10 Actions to Tackle Climate Change we can all do. And Jessica VanDyke, Sustainability Coordinator of the City of Elgin, will talk about the proposed Elgin Climate Action Plan! Join us for an engaging discussion of this crucial topic.

Ethics In Government (LWV Palos Orland Area)
2025-09-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S 71st Ave, Palos Heights, IL, United States
The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area is hosting our next event for voter education: “Ethics in Government” on Saturday morning, September 13, 2025 at 10am
Join us for coffee and conversation at 9:30am. At 10 am, after announcements, hear our local mayors discuss ethics in government in a digital age.
Mayors Jim Dodge of Orland Park, Robert Straz of Palos Heights, Jerry Bennett of Palos Hills and Nicole Milovich-Walters of Palos Park will speak and respond to questions.
League of Women Voters member and award-winning author of Good Digital Citizen (under the pen name: Kori Kastell) will moderate the panel.
Free for everyone and no registration is required.

From Head Start to High School: Protecting Public Education (LWV Glen Ellyn)
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:15 | IL
Hear from our expert panel of state and local level leaders engaged in shaping education in Illinois, as they discuss current threats to public education and what can be done to protect our schools, programs, faculty, students and families.
* Ann Courter, Education Issues Specialist, LWVIL
* Shauna Ejah, Illinois Action for Children
* Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, Executive Director Illinois Head Start Association
* Sarah O’Donnell, Executive Director Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center
* Jessica Santee, Superintendent of Schools, Glenbard District 87
Moderated by Erica Nelson, LWVGE
Via Zoom Sept 18th 7pm-8:15pm
COMMUNITY MEETING – ALL ARE WELCOME.
Register to attend. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ov3M_VFrQKi2LrBfQd1V8A#/registration

ENERGIZE Leadership Training
2025-09-20 01:00 - 16:00 | IL
It’s time for LWVIL’s annual leadership training! This virtual event is open to all new and experienced leaders of Illinois local Leagues, as well as any interested members. We will learn about hot topics Leagues are facing and gain tools for moving forward.

Becoming An Informed Citizen (LWV Palos Orland Area)
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Lemont Public Library District, 49 E Wend St, Lemont, IL, United States
The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area (LWVPOA) is hosting our next event for voter education: “Becoming An Informed Citizen” on Wednesday evening, September 24, 2025 at 6:30pm.
Co-President of LWVPOA, Elaine Savage, and Vice-President, Sheryl Szot Gallaher, will present some tools to prepare your approach and evaluation of the information received in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. Questions and discussion will follow.
Free for everyone and no registration is required.

Defending Democracy: An Interactive Forum (LWV Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle)
2025-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Three Corners Grill and Tap, 7231 Lemont Rd, Downers Grove, IL, United States
What does democracy mean to you? How can we work to keep it? We need your feedback to drive our efforts to defend democracy in our community and country. This will be an interactive forum welcome to all people ages 16 and older. Appetizers provided; other food and drinks available for purchase.

Community Meeting: Women in Educational Leadership (LWV Glen Ellyn)
2025-11-05 18:45 - 20:00 | Glen Ellyn Police Department, 65 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL, United States
Ms. Santee, one of only a few women Superintendents of a major school district in Illinois, will discuss the critical importance of women’s leadership in education.
This event is sponsored by LWV Glen Ellyn.

Separation of Church and State: History, Law, and Democracy (LWV Roselle-Bloomingdale)
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 | https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P69ev-3sQ5ibHFpO-2xbdA#/registration
Join the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale for a discussion on faith and freedom.
As our communities face growing divisions that strain both our social fabric and representative democracy, civic education is more important than ever. The principle of separation of church and state ensures government neutrality in religious matters—yet it is increasingly in the news. Recently, a federal judge ruled that Texas’s SB10 law, requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom, likely violates both the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment. At the same time, the Internal Revenue Service announced that houses of worship may endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, a dramatic shift from longstanding practice.
Our keynote speaker, Sheldon Nahmod, Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus at Chicago-Kent College of Law, is a nationally recognized expert in constitutional law. He will provide historical context on the Founding Fathers’ differing views, review key constitutional provisions, and discuss today’s political interpretations of church-state separation.
Following his presentation, panelists from three faith-based organizations will share how their work addresses issues of religious freedom, democracy, and bridging divides: Dr. Vincent Bacote, Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College, Chris Crawford, Senior Director of Civic Strategies at Interfaith America, and Terry Kyllo, Lutheran Pastor and Executive Director of Paths to Understanding. A moderated Q&A session will close the event.
Register to attend. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P69ev-3sQ5ibHFpO-2xbdA
This event is open to the public, and attendees do not need to become a League member to attend. The program will be recorded and posted on the League’s website, http://lwvrb.org , for later viewing as well.

Fair Voter Maps in Illinois (LWV Palos Orland Area)
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S 71st Ave, Palos Heights, IL, United States
The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area is hosting our next event for voter education: “Fair Voter Maps in Illinois” on Saturday morning, November 8, 2025 at 10am.
Join us for conversations at 9:30am. At 10 am, after announcements, Dr. Kate Donovan, a member of the Redistricting Data Hub will join our in-person group by Zoom from New York State. Dr. Donovan will explain how and why maps for federal, state and local districts are created.
In Illinois, a bi-partisan effort to draw fair maps for the state legislative districts has until this spring 2026 to get enough at least 328,171 signatures to place an amendment to the Illinois Constitution on the ballot. Traditionally, supporters try to seek double the minimum number of signatures. We will have an opportunity to examine this proposal.
Free for everyone. This is a hybrid event. To join this presentation by zoom, please send your name by email to palosorlandlwv@gmail.com mailto:palosorlandlwv@gmail.com . A invitation to join the Zoom event will be sent by November 6, 2025.
Check us out at our new website: https://palos-orlandil.lwv.org/

Observer Corps Training
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 | IL
The League’s trained 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.
Interested in being a member of the League Observers Corps? Have you been an observer for more than two or three years and are looking to refresh your trainingand learn about the latest trends? This training will go into the WHY we observe our local legislative bodies as much as the best practices to do so.
This training is open only to League members. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=854&

Lunch & Learn: The Electoral College (LWVIL)
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
Our monthly Lunch & Learn series will feature a virtual presentation from LWV Chicago Vice President John Engle on the Electoral College on Wednesday, November 19 at noon.
This virtual meeting is open only to League members. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=859&

Affordable Housing in our Local Communities (LWV La Grange Area)
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | La Grange Public Library, 10 W Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL, United States
People in our western suburbs are clamoring for more affordable housing. Where are the reasonably priced homes, condos, and apartments?
That’s LWV La Grange Area’s question for Tina Rounds, CEO of BEDSPLUS. Tina will help us all understand the extent of the concern, and the solutions she’s found. Since she began as Chief Executive Officer of BEDS PLUS in 2012, she’s gained a deep understanding of the housing challenges facing struggling area residents. With help from her board, staff, and donors she’s found accommodation for thousands of residents needing emergency, interim, transitional, and supportive housing in our local communities. Always resourceful, Tina has learned to deal with landlords, building owners, and zoning boards to create, repurpose, or redevelop existing housing.
