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LWVN Observer Corps

Observers: the Eyes and Ears of the League

Effective League activity in a community relies on an understanding of how local government works.  A League Observer is the eyes and ears of the League, learning how government works and about issues that are, or may become, items for local study and action.  Consistent League presence at these meetings also adds to the League’s visibility and credibility.

The Open Meeting Law ensures “the right of all citizens to have advance notice of and to attend all meeting of public bodies at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon, with certain limited exceptions to protect the public interest and preserve personal privacy.”  Consistent with this purpose, the general requirement of the law is that “all meetings of public bodies shall be open to the public at all times.”

As an Observer, you are exercising that recognized right to be present at any public meeting.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor governmental bodies for information of importance to the League and the community/state.

Functions/Advantages of the Observer Corps:

  • Enables greater coverage, information gathering
  • Can provide early warning of upcoming issues of concern
  • Trains future leaders
  • Increases the League’s visibility
  • Assists with networking with other groups

Responsibilities of Observer:

  • Awareness of LWV positions and areas of concern
  • Attend assigned meetings, arriving promptly
  • Take notes/fill out observer report form
  • Report to the board
  • Advise the board of opportunities for action based on League positions

If you are interested in becoming an Observer, or would like more information about our Observer Corps, please email LWVN at [email href=”info@lwvnewton.org”]info@lwvnewton.org[/email].

2021-2022 Observer Corps

Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
Judy Jaffe, Marcia Johnson

Elections Commission 
Lisa Danetz, Sharyn Roberts

Municipal Finance
Open

NewCal
Pat Acton

State Legislative Liaison
Jack Lovett

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Upcoming Events

Feb 7
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

LWVN Member Meeting – Vote on Newton’s Override Proposal

Feb 15
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Webinar with Congressman Auchincloss

Feb 19
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

2023 State Program Planning

View Calendar

Election Info

Newton Special Election - March 14, 2023

  • Register to vote
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2021 LWVN Member Handbook

An electronic version LWVN Member Handbook is now available.  Expect an updated handbook for 2022-23 in the late Fall.

LWV Mass. & US

LWV MA LWV US

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: City of Newton Override 2023
  • The League Presents: The Newton Energy Coach Service with Stephen Grody, Newton Citizens Commission on Energy
  • The League Presents: Zoning Redesign Part 2: MBTA Communities
  • The League Presents: A Conversation with Carol Moore, Newton’s City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council
  • The League Presents: Zoning Redesign, part 1

All past programs

Take Action & Contact Your Legislators

  • Support An Act Promoting Community Immunity
  • Support Public Health Measures 
  • Support Racial and Gender Parity

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  • ACT – Action & Advocacy
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  • City of Newton Info
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Cover for League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
416
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

6 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 by March 1, 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
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Don't miss your chance to vote! The last day to register to vote in the 2022 MA elections is Saturday, October 29!FACT: It takes an average of two minutes to register to vote and tomorrow is the deadline! Go to registertovotema.com to register or update your information now. ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Your voice matters!Newton voters can vote early at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave:Saturdays - 9am to 3pmSundays - 11am to 5pmWeekdays - 8:30am to 5pmGot weekend plans? 📢 Early voting sites open tomorrow! Find your local polling hours and locations: www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx⁠👉️ Before you head to the polls, check out our nonpartisan voters' guide at VOTE411.org to compare candidates side-by-side by reading their views on major issues in their own words. Our guide also includes information on the state-wide ballot questions. ... 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.

© 2023 League of Women Voters® Newton | P.O. Box 610207, Newton, MA 02461 | info@lwvnewton.org

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