LWV Newton logo

Visit us on Facebook!

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 Kruskel, Edie Pike, Laila Polk-Thomas, and Rachel Alpert-Wisnia

Register in advance.

 

Categories: Uncategorized

VOTES Act Lobby Day

Save the date – Tuesday, May 11, noon to 1:30 p.m. – for a virtual lobby day.

Plan to participate in a virtual lobby day to support the VOTES Act, Massachusetts proposed legislation which will make permanent election reforms put in place last fall.  Register here to join!

Read more below about the VOTES Act and how you can help to move this bill forward.

Read more →

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:

  • Mail-in Voting

    State Senator Creem
  • 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.

Webinar – Voting Rights: Where Do We Go From Here? May 13 at 7pm

2021-05-13 Gloria J. Browne-Marshall Overdue page no reg link

As part of its Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton series of events, the Newton Free Library in partnership with Historic Newton, will be presenting the webinar – Voting Rights: Where Do We Go From Here?  Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm.

Join Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, author of, The Voting Rights War, for a session that will examine laws posing challenges to American voters — especially African-Americans — from enslavement and woman’s suffrage through current controversies of voter suppression.

Please register here. Space is limited. Registration will remain open until 5pm on Thursday, May 13.

Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton is a coalition of organizations and individuals that aims to equip and empower our community with the understanding, knowledge, and skills to actively fight racism both in Newton and beyond.  They provide residents with opportunities to listen, to learn, and to act in order to dismantle systemic racism within our city.

For more information on Overdue and the session, Voting Rights: Where Do We Go From Here?, visit the City of Newton’s website page on Overdue here.

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