THE OPENING
Jinky Gardner, the action coordinator, introduced the program planning session. The criteria members followed when proposing an issue of emphasis for the upcoming League year of 2025-26 was as follows.
- Why is the proposed issue important?
- What role does the League play in uniquely having impact and moving the issue forward?
- What are the League positions that support taking action?
- Who will work on it?
- What is the plan for the future?
LOCAL EMPHASIS
This year there were four issues of emphasis chosen. These issues included making democracy work, with a focus on mis and disinformation, climate and sustainability, DEI-focus on health equity and criminal justice. Below is the breakdown of the advocates who argued for each issue of emphasis.
Sharon Goldfarb, highlighted the significance of health equity, linking it to global warming as well as other issues. She emphasized the need for a pro-health stance, especially in light of political changes.
Christine Wenrich, Chair of the Criminal Justice Team, expressed interest in criminal justice, particularly in the context of juvenile justice.
Hank Abrons, Co-Chair of the Healthcare Team, suggested considering the potential involvement in housing and expressed reservations about making healthcare an issue of emphasis.
Sherry Smith, former League president, questioned whether these issues were truly local concerns, arguing that every issue affects everyone locally.
Eric Arens, Chair of the Climate Team, discussed the importance of addressing wildfires and electrification in their local area.
Diz Swift and Arens agreed to continue working on climate change and other related issues.
Wenrich suggested that the League of Women Voters could write letters expressing their views on climate issues, as their opinions carry weight.
Arens and Kandea Gandhi, League president, confirmed the League had already written a letter about an energy-saving ordinance and sent it to the city council. Overall, the members agreed on the importance of their active involvement on these issues.
The members discussed the potential differences in health outcomes across different zip codes in Berkeley, with a focus on race and economic standing.
Goldfarb suggested that there could be significant discrepancies, and Elise Mills, League secretary, agreed, noting that local issues such as pollution and toxic waste could also impact health outcomes.
Abrons suggested that the local League could play a role in promoting and collaborating with other organizations focused on health equity, but should not expect to drive significant change.
Abrons also suggested considering housing as a potential issue, but Gandhi clarified that there were no volunteers to focus on this issue at the local level at present.
Smith emphasized the importance of the League’s unique role and the need to focus on League issues.
The conversation ended with the understanding that the League should focus on issues where it can make a significant impact.
STATE EMPHASIS
The meeting then focused on a motion proposed by Gardner to the California League, which was seconded by Smith. The motion was to recommend that the League of Women Voters of California focus on these four issues: making democracy work – with a focus on mis and disinformation, climate and sustainability, housing and homelessness, and criminal justice. The members unanimously agreed to support the motion. Gandhi suggested discussing the framing of “strengthening democracy” at the board level, which was agreed upon. The team also discussed the overlap between democracy and inclusion. The motion was passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.
Next, the outcome of program planning was reviewed by the board and submitted to the League of Women Voters of California. At the annual meeting in June, the entire membership will be invited to take a vote on the outcome of program planning.
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