Chemical Trespass in Illinois Ecosystems (LWVIL)
2025-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
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

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
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
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.
