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Transportation and Climate Initiative – May 20th at 4:00PM

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Join League members from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island for this special, tri-state League sponsored event to learn how we can all help reduce pollution that causes respiratory diseases such as asthma while investing equitably in modern, clean, regional transportation solutions.

When: Thursday, May 20th, 2021 from 4:00-5:00pm

RSVP at: tinyURL.com/lwv2021tci

Cosponsors: League of Women Voters of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Transportation Team of LWV US Climate Interest Group, The Acadia Center, Ceres, Green Energy Consumer Alliance, and Transportation for Massachusetts

 

Voices of the Next Generation: A Youth Panel on Civic Action – May 25th at 7:30pm

It’s been 50 years (this July) since the 26th amendment was ratified, empowering 18 year-olds with the right to vote. Join us for a conversation with Newton’s younger generation as we explore the issues surrounding youth engagement in civic action.

Some of the topics that will be addressed include…

  • why is it important for our younger generation to be civically involved?
  • what motivates young people to take action?
  • how can the younger generation get more involved?
  • what impact does civic engagement have on young people? others in the community?
  • what obstacles may be in the way of greater youth civic engagement?
  • what can Newton leaders and organizations do in order to better engage our youth?
  • should the voting age drop down to 16?

This conversation will be facilitated by Nickki Dawes, PhD
Director of Center for Community-Based Learning & Associate Professor of Psychology, Lasell University

Panelists include: Emma Applbaum, Ethan Dhadly, Cristian Gaines, Elianna Kruskal, Edie Pike, Laila Polk-Thomas, and Rachel Alpert-Wisnia

Register in advance.

 

Categories: Uncategorized

What You Should Know About Congressional Apportionment

Capitol building at night with street and car lights, Washington DC USA

Every 10 years, populations counts from the decennial census determine how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Apportionment is the process of distributing the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states.

The 2020 Census population counts used for apportionment include the number of people who live in each state, plus overseas military and federal civilian employees and their families living with them who can be allocated back to heir home state.

Preliminary figures from the 2020 census have been released and the process of apportionment is beginning.  The League will be keeping a close eye on this process.  We hope you will too.

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Redistricting in Massachusetts: Training Opportunities

The Massachusetts redistricting process is underway.   Training opportunities conducted by Drawing Democracy and CHARGE designed for all levels of expertise are now available.  At these trainings, you will learn about how to engage in redistricting with other community members and how to use presentations and materials provided to you to help organize your community.

The CHARGE Redistricting Community College training is designed for all 50 states.  The Drawing Democracy training is Massachusetts specific.  Either training is valuable for anyone interested in working on redistricting in your communities or region.

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The VOTES Act with State Senator Creem

Given the national focus on voting rights and suppression and our mission — Empowering voters. Defending democracy — the League thought it was important to provide more information on legislation put forward by State Senator Cindy Creem and State Representative John Lawn.  Therefore, we invited Senator Creem to join The League Presents to tell us about An Act Fostering Voting Opportunities, Trust, Equity, and Security, or The VOTES Act.  It is supported by the LWVMA, which notes that the Election Modernization Coalition has called it “the most comprehensive next step for Massachusetts elections.” The legislation includes the following components:

State Senator Creem
  • Mail-in Voting
  • Early Voting
  • Same Day Registration
  • Jail-based Voting Reforms
  • Risk Limiting Audits – the Gold Standard
  • Automatic Voter Registration

It is important to note that we also talked about the fact that others are in the process of putting forward legislation that would restrict voter access.  We all need to become educated and active relative to the passing of this important legislation.  To learn more please view this episode of The League Presents: The VOTES Act with State Senator Creem.

Watch the video now!

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The League Presents: The West Newton Armory Project

Amanda Berman

Recently, Marcia Johnson had the opportunity to learn more about the West Newton Armory project by having a conversation with members of Newton’s Planning & Development Department: Amanda Berman, Director of Housing & Community Development and Eamon Bencivengo, Housing Development Planner.

The City has been given the opportunity to acquire the West Newton Armory from the state, for $1.00, for a 100% affordable housing project.  Please take a moment to watch this informative program and learn more about:

Eamon Bencivengo
  • History, current state, and next steps of the project.
  • The Joint Advisory Planning Group (JAPG) process
  • Information on the four affordable housing options to be considered.
  • What it means for Newton to be designated as a Housing Choice Community.
  • Important aspects of this project for the Newton community
  • Importance and benefits of a public-private partnership

Watch the video now!

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