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The Bellingham Public Library in partnership with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and the LWV of Bellingham/Whatcom County will be holding a series of three sessions on Sept. 24, Oct. 8, and Oct. 22 titled The Art of Community.

Get the latest updates on the HCF

Although the League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and never will endorse a candidate or endorse political parties, we often take positions on policies. This year the League of Women Voters of Washington has decided to oppose three state initiatives being brought forth for the Nov. 5th election.

The LWVWA has taken a “Vote NO” position on I-2117. The Initiative would prohibit enforcement of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and would allow more pollution across Washington. I-2117 would cut investments in and devastate programs to protect our air, water, forests and farmlands.

There has been much information shared about the Healthy Children’s Fund (HCF) and the initiative to repeal it. The purpose of this article is to provide an update on the League’s involvement.

The first fall forum will be for candidates for the Washington State Legislature from the 40th and 42nd districts. It will be held at Bellingham High School on Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. The forum for candidates for Congress from the 2nd District will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. Both events will be covered live and rebroadcast by BTV.
The forum for Public Utilities District candidates will be by Zoom, on a date still to be determined.

The League of Women Voters is strictly nonpartisan but strongly supports citizen involvement in government at all levels and two local League members recently ran for and won races. Elaine Hornal won 264 Precinct Committee Officer-Democratic and Nancy Sheng is 234 Precinct Committee Officer-Democratic. Thank you for running and congratulations!

In the general election in November, each Whatcom County voter will be voting for three candidates to fill seats on the 15-member Charter Review Commission. What’s that, you say? A double video posted on the Civics Education page of the League’s website will tell you the basics.

Join us September 25 to discuss Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, by Seattle writer, Timothy Egan.

The book group had another lively and intensive discussion about guns in our culture, how the interpretation of the Second amendment has changed over time (and could change in the future) as well as the League’s policy position about gun ownership. Our next book will be Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Seattle writer, Timothy Egan.

LWV will hold two candidate forums by Zoom, and an in-person forum at the Bellingham High School, in a unique collaboration with high school students.

The latest video from the Civics Education Committee is on the power of voting.

A new documentary titled “Lynden; a Portrait of a Small Town, Divided”, has been showing in various venues around Whatcom County. The film looks at Lynden’s March for Black Lives in 2020, organized by Lynden High School student Amsa Burke, whose experience with racism growing up in Lynden inspired her to provoke a local conversation about race.

Grab yourself a drink and catch up with new and old League friends. Either one of these gatherings is a great place for new members to learn about what is going on and how to get involved.

Longtime League member Jo Ann Hardee Collinge passed away on June 15, 2024. Several League members share their memories of volunteering with Jo.

The Healthcare Issues team will host a presentation from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on what living with mental illness is like.

The GOTV team has been busy and we have many events coming up. Everyone can be an advocate for voting, learn more about opportunities to get involved!

July was busy, fun, and energizing for LWV members promoting voter registration. We held 12 events plus a training event for 18 people. We had a variety of events in July: Jam on the River (Ferndale), Blaine Arts Festival, Sunnyland Stomp, Birchwood International Market, Lighthouse Mission, Maple Alley, and three different food banks (Ferndale, Bellingham, and Maple Falls). As you see we are getting around Whatcom County.

There are so many opportunities for great League programs, but not enough League organizers to make them happen. It's not as hard as it might sound. Consider contributing some of your time to bringing fascinating and educational programs to our community.