Join us for a panel to explore engaging in civil political discourse among family and friends! The panelists will provide different points of view involving civil discourse, to include: Catherine Forslund, Rockford University Professor of American History, offering historical context on contentious presidential campaigns. Ron Lee, Rockford University Professor of Political Science, will share insights about how to have a political conversation in a civil, courteous manner. Barb Laimins, chair of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) Mis/Disinformation Task Force, will share steps that will help you identify misinformation and disinformation. Charles Stone, state coordinator of Braver Angels, [...]

Don't miss LWVIL's First 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 summer—and the impact those decisions are likely to have on the future of the United States executive branch, the balance of powers, and democracy in general. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=604& This virtual event is free and open to the public. 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 [...]

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=614&

Join the authors at this presentation of their book, I'M SORRY FOR MY LOSS: AN URGENT EXAMINATION OF REPRODUCTIVE CARE IN AMERICA, to be released on September 24, 2024. Doors open at 9:30 AM for coffee and a sweet. You will have an opportunity to speak with the authors, Rebecca Little and Colleen Long, before the program. Insights from other authors who have written on this subject: "Written with compassion and rigorous research, this is a book America needs right now." — Leah Hazard, midwife and author of Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began "This richly reported [...]

Calling all local Leagues! LWVIL is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn session to introduce our Defend Democracy Drop-In program. Defend Democracy Drop-Ins are energizing meet-ups where League members and their friends can get together to take action on issues they care about. Join us to learn more about what a Defend Democracy Drop-In is, why it's an excellent program, and how you can implement them for your local League. Register to attend. https://lwvil.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lwvil/eventRegistration.jsp?event=609& All League members are welcome.

In collaboration with the Gene Siskel Film Center, the League of Women Voters of Chicago presents four cinematic explorations of democracy’s trials and tribulations. Underscoring the League’s dedication to stimulating conversation, enhancing understanding about democratic institutions, and the crucial role of civic involvement, Democracy at Risk features four films that highlight historical and relevant issues shaping politics. Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to civic engagement, Democracy at Risk will deepen your appreciation for democracy's complexities and the vital work that goes into fostering informed and active participation in government. Film Showings: * Monday, September 16, 6:00 pm: PUNCH [...]

League of Women Voters Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area is hosting their Fall Kick-Off as a community education event on National Voter Registration Day. Joy Guscott-Mueller, President of the LWV Lake Michigan Region, will be sharing how and why the LWV is advocating for the elimination of The Electoral College. All are invited to join us at CROYA (Committee Representing Our Young Adults), 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045 at 6:30PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Please arrive early for socializing and connecting from 6:30 to 7PM. The program will begin promptly at 7PM.

The League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area will host a review of recent Supreme Court decisions. LWV La Grange Area board member Janice Goldberg, who has closely followed and reported on Supreme Court decisions for many years, will present another informative review of some of SCOTUS' important decisions during its last session (October 2023-June 2024). Jan will provide a general retrospective on the cases that were before the Court and discuss a few of them in more detail. Among these are (1) Trump v. United States—the "Presidential Immunity" case, (2) Snyder v. US—a corruption case that deals [...]