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2020-2021 LWV Newton Program


The following program was approved at LWVN annual Meeting on June 14, 2020

The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Newton recommends adoption of the following program for 2020-2021:

1. All program positions approved by the membership at the June 2020 Annual Meeting and listed on lwvnewton.org/action/lwvn-program-and-positions.
2. Continuation of outreach, observation, education, and advocacy regarding changes to the Newton City Charter.

The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Newton recommends the following local action priorities for 2020-2021:

1. CPA: Review CPA (Community Preservation Act) applications. It is our intent to place a greater focus on CPA proposals and establish a more flexible and consistent methodology in how we accomplish this goal. In addition, the League will review how CPA funds are being utilized by the city in relation to the purpose and intent of the Community Preservation Act.

2. Observer Corps: Expand our Observer Corps.

3. Municipal Finance (chairperson needed)

a) Review the municipal budget to show how the City is obtaining, spending, and investing funds
b) Educate the community about how the Mayor’s office and the Finance Committee of the City Council set priorities and how the decision model impacts budget decisions.
c) Engage members and inform Board on issues related to LWVN municipal finance positions.

4. Education

a) Build on the successful efforts of our 2020 Civics Challenge by organizing and promoting community-wide civics challenges annually. The goals of the civics challenges are to foster a greater understanding of government, increase voter participation and engagement, and build community on a non-partisan basis.
b) Explore the possibility of a civics challenge oriented around the secondary schools which would have the added benefit of educating our younger citizens about their civic responsibilities, preparing them for their roles as future voters, and encouraging greater civic engagement.
c) Engage members and inform the Board on local, state, and national education positions related to goals of the League.

5. Environmental Issues and Transportation

a) Support reducing vehicle miles traveled with transit-oriented development, improvements in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and in public transit.
b) Support reducing pollution from transportation.
c) Support transition to sustainable energy, i.e. minimize reliance on the gas grid, detect and repair gas leaks, insulate more buildings, and mandate electrification of new buildings.
d) Educate and update our community on issues related to trash and recycling.
e) Lobby for environmental legislation with other local Leagues and grassroots organizations.
f) Hold educational forums on environmental and transportation issues.

6. Elections

a) Attend meetings of the Newton Election Commissioners.
b) Help to publicize new early voting options.
c) Hold a poll workers’ party to thank the workers after the municipal election.
d) Work to ensure transparency regarding the work of the commission.

7. Voter Service

a) Organize and manage forums for contested state offices in the 2020 election. We will partner with NewTV to continue updating our approach and incorporate technology into the format.
b) Continue efforts to register new voters through attendance at various events around Newton, including the Farmer’s Markets, village days, high school, and college events.
c) Create opportunities to help people to engage in issues and advocacy at local, state, and national levels, e.g. voting by mail, shortening the registration deadline to 10 days before the election, pushing forward more early voting options for all elections, removing all barriers for absentee voting, etc.

8. Land Use and Housing Committee

a) Champion local zoning reform in harmony with established local, state, and national League positions.
b) Work with city officials to ensure transparency and effectiveness relative to the establishment and implementation of Newton’s Inclusionary Zoning lotteries to ensure that the disadvantaged communities have equal access to affordable housing.
c) Stay informed of local land use and housing proposals, be prepared to make comments, ask questions, support, or oppose according to LWV positions.
d) Examine and work with the state League to support state level housing and zoning legislation.
e) Assess effectiveness and relevance of LWVN housing and land use positions.

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Watch “The League Presents…”

The League Presents... is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.

  • The League Presents: Zoning Redesign Part III; Village Center Overlay District Ordinance
  • The League Presents: Pride Month Edition – A Conversation with Newton Youth
  • The League Presents: Mental Health – A Community Conversation, Part 1

All past programs

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
National Voter Registration Day is Sept 19!Make sure you're #VoteReady in 2023 by checking your voter registration status on MA's online voter registration site, especially if you haven't voted in awhile or your life has included any of the following:🚚 a move💍 name change🇺🇸 new US citizenship🎂 an 18th birthdayAnd, this is a good day to remind your family, friends, and neighbors to register & vote in the upcoming local elections! ... See MoreSee Less
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

1 week ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In this month's episode of The League Presents, learn about the Village Center Overlay District Ordinance from Jennifer Caira – Deputy Director, Planning & Development Department and Councilor Deb Crossley – Chair Zoning & Planning Committee. ... See MoreSee Less

The League Presents - Zoning Redesign 111

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Marcia Johnson, Jennifer Cairo and Deb Crossley discuss the Newton Zoning Redesign.

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
The preliminary election for Ward 2 and 6 is September 12. Mark your calendar and make your voting plan. Learn about the candidates and get voting information here: lwvnewton.org/2023/08/newton-preliminary-election-tuesday-september-12-2023/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In the last few days of Pride Month, check out these two informative programs by the League of Women Voters of Newton, MA1) The League Presents... Pride Month Edition - A Conversation with Newton Youth: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/the-league-presents-pride-month-edition-a-conversation-with-newton-youth/ 2) LGBTQ+ Backlash: What you can do to push back. View the recoding here: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/video-presentation-anti-lgbtqia-backlash-what-can-you-do-to-push-back/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

4 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Anti-LGBTQIA+ initiatives are taking root throughout the country and Newton is not immune. Hear from the ACLU’s Ruth Bourquin about the context, consequences, and responses to the anti-LBGTQIA+ backlash at this month’s virtual topic meeting. This meeting is free and open to the community. Register in advance: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuyhrzwtGNTYlmG-GpCBxTa1Z5MS81Ga#/registration ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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