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Women’s History Month

Women's History Month March is Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history

On Tuesday, March 21 at 1:00pm, Gloria Steinem will serve as the featured guest speaker at the third annual Women’s History Month celebration hosted by the Massachusetts Trial Court’s Women’s History Month Planning Committee.  Governor Maura Healy will be a honoree.  See Flyer for more information and registration.

Here is some additional information on Women’s History Month.

Look out for our monthly newsletter for more information on local activities.

 

LWVN Supports Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings

On March 8, 2023, LWVN sent a letter to the state delegation requesting that they advocate for passage of the Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings.

The bill, as summarized by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, supports these goals:

This bill Amends MGL 30A (Open Meeting Law) to require public bodies to provide an adequate, alternative means of public access to their deliberations, such as telephone or video conferencing and that access information be provided in the minutes of all meetings. It provides municipal public bodies experiencing financial hardship the ability to request a waiver of the provision.

You can read the entirety of LWVN’s letter below.

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2023 LWVN Scholarship – Accepting Applications through March 31

The League of Women Voters of Newton (LWVN) will be offering two $2,000 scholarships to students in the high school class of 2023! To be eligible for considerations, candidates must either reside or attend school in Newton, MA and be planning to pursue post-high school education.  Successful applicants will have a strong interest in civic engagement.

Apply now using the 2023 online scholarship application!  The application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2023. For a paper copy of the application please email info@lwvnewton.org.

Learn more about LWVN’s scholarship program.

View the 2023 flyer here.

Join Our Consensus Study Committees

League of Women Voters of Kalamazoo Area PoliciesAt its Annual Meeting held on June 12, 2022, the LWVN membership approved the formation of a Consensus Study Committee to update it’s zoning positions. This will be an intensive study of local zoning, and will be conducted in four stages:  research and study; consensus meetings; preparation of a study report; and determination if an existing position should be revised or deleted, or if a new position is warranted and development of that position.

We are inviting all members to join us in the conduct of this study.  There are lots of opportunities to participate, on whatever level and devoting as much time as you are comfortable with.

City of Gastonia - Applications and PermitsThe study will be focusing on five key areas:

  • review of Newton’s Comprehensive Plan
  • examination of current zoning techniques
  • examination of zoning ordinances that affect housing
  • reevaluation of our support for historic districts
  • examination of transportation goals

Anyone interested in participating should fill out this Form, letting us know what you are interested in and how much time you have to participate.  A LWVN Board member will get back to you with further details.

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LWVN Supports West Newton Armory Project

On January 9, 2023, LWVN sent a letter to the Zoning Board expressing its support for Metro West Collaborative Development Inc.’s request for a Comprehensive Permit, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to redevelop the West Newton Armory into a 100% affordable development with 43 affordable residential rental units, community space, office space, and 33 parking stalls.

Support of this request is in alignment with Newton’s Comprehensive Plan and LWV values and positions.  Given the City’s need for these units, we think that approval of this project should not be delayed and we urge timely approval of this Comprehensive Permit.

You can read the entirety of LWVN’s letter below.