in this issue
League on the Front Page
Revising the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan has Started - Chapter by Chapter
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Racial Justice & Belonging: A Community Conversation with Local Leaders
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month - May 2024
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First 2024 League Social Spring Walk
Ed Fund Luncheon and Silent Auction
Let's Talk about Multicultural America
Member Spotlight: Loretta Seppanen
Why Race Dialogue... Why Does it Matter?
National Convention - Request for Financial Support
Donating to a Charity Using a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your Retirement Account
Thank You for Joining and Renewing | | | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Racial Justice & Belonging: A Community Conversation with Local Leaders, Apr. 18, 6-8:00 p.m. at the Thurston County Board Meeting Room, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia 98501. In-person and via zoom.
The first 2024 LWVTC Social Spring Walk, Tues. Apr. 23 at 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Pioneer Park parking lot, 5801 Henderson Blvd. SE, Tumwater.
LWVTC Annual Meeting: May 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center.
Spring Education Fund Luncheon: May 11, 11:30 a.m. at Indian Summer in Lacey. Our guest speaker will be Mary Yu, Washington State Supreme Court Justice. Contact Karen Tvedt, tvedtkl@msn.com or 360-584-4526 to contribute items for the silent auction. | | State Council--June 1-2 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey. Co-sponsored by the Thurston and Mason Leagues. Volunteers are needed to help with this event…stay tuned for more information.
Let’s Talk about Multicultural America, June 11 at 6:30 pm at Susan Fiksdal’s home. The group is reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Contact anniecubberly@gmail.com for more information.
Provide input on the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan. See article by Loretta Seppanen.
Volunteer to help with primary and general election candidate forums. Contact VallieVallieneedham@gmail.comneedham@gmail.com.
Coffee and Breakfast with the League: Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at River’s Edge Restaurant, Tumwater. | | | League on the Front Page
By Susan Fiksdal
In this major election year, we hope to raise the League’s profile in the media in many ways. Thanks to Rhonda Porter and Barbara Buchan for their advocacy on March 20 at a rally in support of tenant rights. They are in the front row, first and second from the left. Carol Goss, Carolyn Byerly and Kay McGraw also were in attendance.
| | | | These LWVTC members participated at a rally supporting previous decisions by the Olympia City Council and asking for more action and made the front page of the Olympian. The League is listed as part of a coalition to adopt a Landlord Fairness Code. The coalition also includes Olympia for All, Olympia Education Association, and the Tenants Union of Washington. Learn more here. | Revising the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan Has Started - Chapter by Chapter
By Loretta Seppanen
Local governments express their vision, goals, and policies for the coming 20 years in their Comprehensive Plans. The responsibility for this work does not rest only on elected officials and the residents who volunteer on planning committees. Adding our voice as these documents are updated is a civic responsibility just as important as voting. Now is the time to share your experience and wisdom as Comprehensive Plans are updated.
Thurston County has started releasing draft chapters of the county’s plan and invites us to give chapter by chapter input starting now with additional chapters released monthly throughout this year. The county is starting with two “easy” chapters first. By “easy,” I mean these chapters contain fewer goal statements than the other plan chapters.
This is an opportunity to become familiar with the review and input process. You can tap on the links to the two red-line versions of the Introduction and the Archaeological and Historic Resources chapters. County staff invite us to download the word documents, pull up track changes, add our comments, save, and return your edited file using the Comp Plan survey form. The form requires your name and email, the topic, and on the second page of the form, question 9 permits uploading your edited file.
This track change and submit process is a new process that facilitates staff and Planning Commission review of all community comments. Alternatively, if you don’t use word or typically download and upload files, you can send an email or call the person listed on the Thurston 2045 web page.
Many LWVTC members are committed to the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant habitats as well as water resource protection. Relevant policies are in the Environment, Parks, and Open Space chapter. A heads-up announcement - the red-line version of that chapter will be listed on the Thurston 2045 web page by Earth Day, April 22. On that day, scroll down the page to the Chapters Ready for Review section. Look for the Environment, Parks, and Open Space chapter and start reviewing. Fulfill this civic responsibility by contributing your insights to make this chapter best reflect the future vision for our community. | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Racial Justice & Belonging:
A Community Conversation with Local Leaders
What Jurisdictions Are Doing to Create a More Equitable Thurston County
6-8 p.m. Thursday April 18
Thurston County Board Meeting Room
3000 Pacific Avenue S.E.
Olympia, WA 98501
In-person & on Zoom
Join this lively and informative panel presentation and conversation that is co-sponsored by the LWVTC, APIC/SPS and Hispanic Roundtable.
Thurston County Board of County Commissioners declared racism a crisis in 2021. Learn what Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County are doing to address barriers to racial equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the county. Moderating this impressive panel is Bill Fishburn, President, Hispanic Roundtable and IT Project Management Office Manager with Washington State Department of Health. Panelists include:
- City of Lacey: Shannon Kelley-Fong, Assistant City Manager and members of the Lacey Commission on Equity
- City of Olympia: Tobi Hill-Meyer, DEI, Social Justice & Belonging Programs Manager; and Kelli Drake, DEI Programs Coordinator.
- City of Tumwater: Debbie Sullivan, Mayor; and members of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Cabinet.
- Thurston County: Devi Ogden, Equity and Inclusion Manager.
Seating is limited, so registration is recommended. Register here.
Please let us know if you plan on attending in person or by Zoom, and/or if you have any questions, by emailing Membership@LWVthurston.org. | Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month - May 2024 | A New LWVTC Vision
By Darlene Hein
The calendar and weather are now promising that spring is upon us. Warmer weather comes a few days here and there, promising more soon. Flowers are starting to bloom with the daffodils leading the way. It is the time of year where I start thinking of swimming in cold lakes and tomatoes ripening in the garden.
It is the time of year where I start thinking of swimming in cold lakes and tomatoes ripening in the garden. It is also the time of year where I am hopeful as we move forward in a very contentious political year of our League’s ability to assist in providing all community members thoughtful information and discussion. | | | We depend on our members to do so much. We are all volunteers trying to make our community a better and more equitable place. With that in mind, the Board has been busy undertaking a strategic plan. This means taking the time and putting in the effort to look at what we are working on and what we need to accomplish with our work.
Our Mission is the mission of all LWV leagues: Empowering Voters Defending Democracy. It is the backbone of what we do. We decided that a vision was needed to guide us in our work. The vision statement we decided on is: We envision a democracy where all Thurston County community members have the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate equitably in public life.
Embedded in this vision is the belief that we, as a League, can work with the members of our community to make positive change. It is what I hold onto as we move through and work toward encouraging all to vote and for all of us to become more informed voters. |
First 2024 League Social Spring Walk
1 p.m., Tuesday, April 23
Pioneer Park
Meet at the parking lot
5801 Henderson Blvd. SE
Tumwater
Join us for a walk through Pioneer Park. We will gather in the parking lot. Join us and enjoy the view of the Deschutes River as we casually walk and take in the park surroundings. Restrooms, water and benches are available. Dress prepared for the changing Northwest weather. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
| | | Ed Fund Luncheon and Silent Auction
Silent Auction Contributions Needed!
May 11, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
After five years, the LWVTC Education Fund Luncheon and Silent Auction is returning on May 11 at 11:30 am at the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club. Washington Supreme Court Justice, Mary Yu, will be our keynote speaker.
During the Luncheon, we will do a silent auction to support the voter education efforts of the Thurston League. Please consider donating a special item or items for the sale. Donations that have brought multiple bids in the past have included jewelry, a wine basket, tour of Lacey, a blown glass vase, a Japanese kimono, and a stained glass kaleidoscope.
Please contact Karen Tvedt at tvedtkl@msn.com or 360-584-4526 with questions and to donate. We are willing to pick up your donation prior to the luncheon. | Let's Talk about Multicultural America
June 11, 6:30 p.m.
The LWVTC book group meets every other month to read about people of various cultural, economic, indigenous, ethnic, racial, gender, and immigrant backgrounds to better understand the diversity around us. After our discussion, members suggest books they've read and appreciated for the next time. Join us for our next gathering at Susan Fiksdal’s lovely home and garden. Text Susan at 360-870-1488 to RSVP and she will send you her address.
James McBride’s book, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, is an adult historical fiction/mystery novel. In 1972, a skeleton found in an old well unravels the hidden secrets of Chicken Hill, a Pennsylvania neighborhood where Jewish and Black communities coexist amidst racial tensions. Chona Ludlow is the Jewish owner of the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which shapes the destinies of various characters over the decades.
| | | James McBride is a National Book Award winner, and the novel explores themes of community, survival, and justice.
This delightful book is an easy read. You can get it through the library, in print or on Libby. Listening to it on audible was quite entertaining! For more information about the group, email anniecubberly@gmail.com. | thoughts on league Issues | Member Spotlight: Loretta Seppanen
Thurston County Comprehensive Planning participant, Farmer, Diversity, Tribal Sovereignty, Ag Advocate, and great researcher and convener of significant actions on behalf of the LWVTC.
Loretta says, "One thing leads to another. After retirement I first supported the local food system by raising the flag at Coffee with the League, leading me to learn about the Thurston County Ag Policies and Programs project. Leading next to the role of city and county Comprehensive Planning. I still like preparing local food, but also engaging people in county planning."
Loretta is the daughter of farmers who transitioned to organic methods and direct marketing - decades before farmers markets were reestablished and the Farm-to-Table movement. Their 300-acre farm in Minnesota sold beef, wheat, flour, breads, and produce to folks who drove out to the farm, as well as wheat, beef, and dairy to the commodity market.
| | | | Interest in Comprehensive Planning fits with Loretta's farmer heritage. Organic farming has a long-term focus on the health of the soil – not the shorter focus on the act of planting or harvesting. She realized that voting and following politics is the equivalent of a focus on shorter-term planting or harvest part of farming. she notes that the long-term civic role is contributing to policy and vision – the comprehensive plan. | | Four years ago, the LWVTC diversity book group changed my reading habits and led me to enhance my understanding of racism in our institutions including the LWV. The reading and discussion led me to the LWVTC DEI & Justice Committee, Tribal Update Team, and the Untold Story Project. The Untold Story of Women of Color and the League of Women Voters was written by Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins, president of the LWVUS from 1998-2002. A brief performance based on the book was performed at Thurston Community Media on Feb. 24. See photo at left.
| | | Photograph by Carolyn Byerly. The Untold Story of Women of Color and the League of Women Voters, written by Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins, was presented Feb. 24. | Why Race Dialogue … Why Does It Matter?
By the DEI & Justice Steering Committee
Type an online search for "Race Dialogues" and you’ll likely see all sorts of titles and resources.
At the recent 5th Annual Race Dialogue Change the Dynamics conference: “What’s Power got To Do With It,” presenters and attendees reflected on the barriers and benefits of race dialoguing. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition SPS, the conference provided opportunities to hear stories, share experiences and gain a better understanding of the difficulties navigating systemic racism. | | | Unless you’ve had “the talk” – you know the talk …the one that mostly Black and Brown families have when their children venture out in the world – you may not understand what it means to be stopped when “driving Black,” being denied housing, and encountering inaccessibility to resources and other injustices. George Floyd’s murder by police in 2020 was a clarion call broadcasted to the world, leaving no more excuses for turning away. Mr. Floyd’s story was not new – it’s older than the United States.
How can we work together to achieve racial justice in our community if we can’t talk about it?
For many of us, race was not discussed at home or in school. With Senate Bill 5462, Washington public school boards in 2025 are required to adopt age-appropriate and instructional materials that recognize the history and contributions of LGBTQ individuals. Also included will be “historically marginalized people from racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.” See more in The Olympian here.
Accurate teaching of Black history, understanding what it’s like to mobilize yourself in an ableist world or learning about gender through something other than a binary lens, i.e. man and woman, can lead to really seeing each other rather than relying on outdated information.
It’s not too late to educate ourselves - there are many ways. Get some local and national resources here. | National Convention-Request for Financial Support
By Vallie Needham
Hello fellow League members! My name is Vallie Needham and I have had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside many of you. I moved to Washington in 2020 and am still a relatively new member to Thurston County. I am also serving my first term on the Board of our League.
I have an opportunity to attend the League’s National Convention in Washington D.C. in June, and I am asking for your financial support to help me. $500 has been pledged already, and we need another $1500 by May 1 so I can attend.
Attending the National Convention would allow me to become more familiar with League practices and be more effective as a member of our Board. It will also allow me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Washington and Thurston County on issues such as the decline in local news and the changes to membership structure within the League.
As I prepare for this trip, let me know what you want me to advocate for as I represent the Thurston League. Please email me at valliedneedham@gmail.com and let me know what is important for you. I will also be putting together a presentation of my trip for the League after I come home. You can donate by going to www.lwvthurston.org/donate, choosing The Advocacy Fund and putting Vallie in the comment box.
Thank you so much for your support and let’s continue our work of defending democracy and empowering voters here in Thurston County! | Donating to a Charity Using a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your Retirement Account
Tax time is a good time to consider making a 2024 qualified charitable distribution to reduce your income tax liability. To be eligible for this tax savings, you must be over the age of 73 (as of 2023) and subject to making a required minimum distribution from your retirement account. The contribution must go directly to the charity from your IRA trustee or the custodian of your retirement account.
Normally, distributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are taxable income even if you subsequently donate that distribution to a charity. However, qualified charitable distributions can be tax free when they are paid directly to a charity of your choice. You do not have to file your taxes with itemized deductions to use this tax provision.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund qualifies as a 501 (c)(3). For more information about using Qualified Charitable Distribution, check the LWVTC website donate page or consult your tax advisor. | Thank you for Joining and Renewing!
By the LWVTC Membership Committee
Cheers and welcome to our new and renewing members since January! | | | Garth Cowan
Leatta Dahloff
Melissa Denton
Rachel Dreon
Tayshia Farra |
Diane Gasaway
Wendy Goodwin
Jacqueline Jacobs
Bonita Jacques
Judith Langhans
Tish Levee |
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Vanessa LaValle
Margaret Lott
Nicole Miller
Leslie “Lee” Montecucco
Dave & Maria Peeler
Eleanor Walters & Wally Fraser |
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Renewing
For many of us, May is the month to renew and continue supporting the great work of the League. If you’re wondering when your membership expires, contact Membership@LWVthurston.org and we’ll get you the info. You can access your member profile via the website under member login. Setting up your account provides access to member resources and up-to-date member contact information.
In case you haven’t renewed yet, please know that your dues of $75 (for individuals and $100 for households) continues the legacy of promoting voting rights, civic education, and nonpartisan advocacy on issues affecting us in locally, in the state and across the country. We offer full and partial subsidies ($0) and ($25). No financial information required. Thanks to the generosity of our members contributing to this fund, the LWVTC pays the state and national portion of member dues.
1. To renew on-line: click here and then click “JOIN THE LEAGUE.”
2. When you log on, please take a moment to respond to the survey questions (if you haven’t yet) about how you might like to get involved and other interests and skills/experiences. No commitment required. With juggling busy schedules, we want to maximize your involvement at the level that works best for you.
Your LWVTC renewal gives you membership and voice in your local League, state League and national League. We are grateful and thank you for joining and renewing with the LWV!
| EMPOWERING VOTERS. DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Copyright © 2024, League of Women Voters of Thurston County, Washington
Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 2203
Olympia, WA 98507
http://www.lwvthurston.org/ | |