In This Issue
May Unit Meetings: Home Remedies for Disheartening Days
Report Card for Earth Day 2025
President's Message: Invitation to a Revolution of Caring
Positions on Posters: A Sign-Making Party
LWVTPC Action - Immigration | |
Are You Receiving These Messages?
Hands Off Low-Income Housing
Affordable Housing Week
Ballot Curing Project Award
Membership Meeting
All-Member Annual meeting - June 14, 2025
Observer Reports
| | | May Unit Meetings: Home Remedies for Disheartening Days
Staving Off Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
by Lucinda Wingard
It is disheartening to me to hear certain politicians insist that reaching their political goals justifies undemocratic means. In such times, when the door to dialogue and compromise in our government seems slammed shut, I look for something I can do close to home, something to turn my dismay into determination.
So, for the May Unit meetings, LWVTPC turns from the national scene to Pierce County. What “home remedies” can we apply to our natural environment which also help assuage the ills of climate change?
May Units will emphasize hope. The guest speakers will be from Pierce Conservation District, Pierce County Office of Resilience and Climate Action (ORCA), Great Peninsula Conservancy, Tahoma Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and more. They will talk about local actions that restore abundance to damaged Pierce County ecosystems while sheltering us from extreme effects of climate change.
|  | The current LWVTPC position on Biodiversity Conservation in Pierce County gives all of us an action plan:
“The LWVT-PC finds that the work of retaining biodiversity is not reserved for rural areas and open spaces alone. We support residents in urban and suburban areas:
1. Educating themselves and their elected representatives on biodiversity conservation in land use; and
2. Providing native wildlife habitat in urban spaces.”
I believe the crisis in climate change and biodiversity loss fundamentally threatens good governance. I’m pleased that our position goes on to encourage “Planting native species wherever possible when designing or redesigning public spaces.” I encourage everyone to do the same for the spaces around our own homes.
Your Unit Coordinator will soon let you know which specific speakers will be visiting your group. Bring your questions and concerns. Conversation about conservation is a key action for this critical issue.
The May Unit Meetings will be held at the following dates and times:
| | Tacoma Unit
Thursday, May 8, 1:00-2:30 pm
Kandle Park Police Substation
Conference Room
5140 N 26th St.
Tacoma, WA 98407
| Puyallup/East Pierce Area
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Wesley Bradley Park (the Clubroom in the Brownstone building;
It is the first building on the left)
707 39th Ave SE
Puyallup WA 98374
Gig Harbor Area
Saturday, May 10, 1:00-2:30 pm
Herons Key
4340 Borgen Blvd.
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | | | Report Card for Earth Day, 2025
By Chuck Jensen
So much is going on in the world of our climate and environment these days, it is hard to do justice to a single topic in a few words. Here, is a snapshot which we will term the "good, the bad, and the ugly".
The "good" is the amazing development in battery technology which will soon allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles in five minutes or less. And the range in the newer batteries will be 500 miles per charge, with development reaching towards 1000 miles. China is leading the way with many of these projects.
The "bad" news is that China is also the major supplier of the 17 rare earth metals - and the sole provider of six. . These metals are used throughout global industries and are critical in electric vehicles, military hardware, clean energy, etc. . Current US capacity is far short
of meeting the needs of US industry.
The "ugly" is that 156 millions Americans -- 46% -- are living in areas with unsafe levels of pollution. And this while the current administration is rolling back environmental standards enacted over the past several decades. Adding to that, the administration plans to restart many of the closed coal power plants, in spite of campaigning on "clean water and clean air".
| President’s Message: Invitation to a Revolution of Caring
By Rosemary Powers
In their 1974 book Revolution and Evolution in the Twentieth Century, US activist philosophers Grace Lee Boggs and her husband Lee Boggs asked, “What time is it on the clock of the world?”
| | | In answer, they imagined the past 3000 years of human history on a traditional clock face with each minute counting for 50 years. Looked at this way, the age of revolutions began only 4-5 minutes ago. In 1974 the US Civil Rights Movement began a mere 15 seconds ago.
They emphasized that while protest and rebellion against oppression are necessary to mobilize for change, a different mindset is required for the revolution required to create a new society. In 2012, three years before her death at age 100, Grace published her last book, titled “The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twentieth Century." Drawing on seven decades of activist experience, much of it focused on Detroit, MI, she offers important insights that move beyond protest to the kinds of daily engagements and community-based solutions that can foreshadow transformed structures.
When I encountered the work of Grace Lee Boggs, I was deeply moved by her tireless advocacy for what Martin Luther King, Jr. called “the beloved community.” She insists that “the only way to survive is by taking care of each other.” I am especially inspired by those who, right now, are confronting threats to democracy by promoting mutual aid and economic solidarity.
Unite and ‘Rise 8.5
Protests are essential, as foundational elements of our democracy are under siege. Declaring that we are in a constitutional crisis, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, and Dianna Wynn, president of the League, announced on April 17, 2025, that “starting May 1, the League will launch the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. Unite and Rise 8.5 will showcase the many ways voters can drive change, including through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement. The initiative is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign.”
Whatever we take up over the next months, we should continue to ask, “What is the time on the world’s clock?” and “How does this action support stronger community relationships?” Whether making protest signs, showing up together for local demonstrations, or exploring how to support state and national initiatives to defend democracy, we can all participate in the work of transformation. Grace Lee Boggs kept on until her hundredth year. Whatever time we have, if Grace is right, we will survive through a revolution that makes caring for one another the priority. | Read Rosemary Powers' Thoughtful Blogs
Check out more from Rosemary Powers here. She combines time-relevant messages with poetry that is inspiring to all who read them. | Positions on Posters: A Sign-Making Party
Have you been attending the grassroots “Hands Off” protests and rallies organized by local volunteers with the national 50501 movement? The National League is encouraging our participation. If you’d like to show up as a member of the League, with League signs and other signifiers, consider joining a group of us on Wednesday, May 7. betweem 10:00 am and 3:00 pm,at the League office, 621 Tacoma Ave South (First United Methodist Church of Tacoma)to make signs and talk about actions we could take as we respond to the deepening threats to democracy.
Come when it works for you. We’ll have the supplies you need but also welcome any additions (like clear packing tape, wide permanent markers, and creative slogans). If you’d like to join a future sign-making activity or have questions or supplies to share, contact Rosemary Powers at rpowers@eou.edu. | LWVTPC Action - Immigration
On April 23, the state League Board adopted a position on Immigration. This was formed from the consensus discussion information sent in by local Leagues following the study, Welcoming Immigrants to Washington State. Read the position here. Based on this brand new position, Rosemary Powers was able to send a letter on behalf of LWVTPC to the Pierce County Council supporting proposed resolution 2025-139s, titled "Affirming Pierce County's Commitment to Public Safety, Equity, and Inclusive Access to County Services for Immigrants, Refugees and All Residents". Read the letter here.In spite of many opposing comments from the public, the County Council did adopt the resolution on April 29, on a vote of 4 to 3. Read the resolution here. | Are You Receiving These Messages from LWVWA? | | | At this time of constitutional crisis, LWVUS and LWVWA are stepping up to take action in support of Democracy. This LWVWA email is sent on a periodic basis to help League members understand what is going on and how to get involved.
If you do not already receive it, sign up here. | Hands Off Low-income Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports affordable, safe housing through rental assistance, homeownership programs, community development projects, and fair housing enforcement. The proposed 2025 federal budget includes significant reductions to HUD’s operating budget. Specific proposed cuts include:
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Cutting HUD’s workforce by 50% over the next two years
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Reducing Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
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Ending the Emergency Housing Voucher program
Lawmakers will debate the budget over the coming weeks, and decisions on HUD funding are expected by early summer 2025. No state in the US currently has an adequate supply of low-income housing, and HUD programs are critical to maintaining the existing options.
How difficult is it to find low-income housing in Washington State? Check out the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Gap Report here.
Looking for an easy way to contact your representatives about this? Check out the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Advocacy Hub.
For a local connection, join the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium for Affordable Housing Week (May 5-9). Some events require tickets, but many are free to the public. The full schedule is available here. | Affordable Housing Week
Our league has a strong position in support of affordable housing, and engaging with others to ensure safe and secure housing for all residents in Tacoma is a priority action. | | | We can learn more and find ways to support our position by participating in “Affordable Housing Week” sponsored by the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium.
During the week of May 5-9, 2025, the Consortium offers virtual and in person events, with most at no cost. The planned activities invite us to seek new ways to collaborate and deepen our relationships with those who share our belief in the human right to shelter. Take a look at the program here and consider what our League might do to further our support for housing that is both affordable and attainable. | Ballot Curing Project Award
Thank you, Pierce County Elections Department | | | | Last Summer, LWVTPC partnered with Pierce County Elections in a project to resolve the problem of rejected ballots, the Ballot Curing Project. Each election many ballots are rejected because the signature on the ballot does not match the Voter's signature on file. Pierce County Elections makes several attempts to contact the Voter to correct their signature. Many times the correction does not happen. | | | This year, Pierce County Elections prepared voter lists by geographic area. Each voter on the list had their ballot rejected more than once in the last 4 years. LWVTPC Volunteers, in teams of two, visited each voter to try to correct his or her signature.
We learned from Emma White, our partner at Pierce County Elections that The US Electoral Assistance Commission has awarded Pierce County Elections an honorable mention in the 2024 Clearies competition category for advancing best practices in Communications projects by Large Jurisdictions!
The project description Emma wrote and submitted to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission for award consideration highlights LWV-TPC. See the honorable mention here. When Emma receives the certificate of the award, she will get a nice copy made so that we can hang it in our office.
Congratulations to all the Volunteers who participated in this great project! And thank you, Emma White and Pierce County Elections! | Membership Meeting
The monthly Membership Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 12, from 2:00 - 3:30pm at the League office (621 Tacoma Ave So. Suite 202). The meeting is open to all members interested in helping us plan for ways to make sure new and continuing members feel welcome and equipped with what they need to participate in League projects and events. For more information contact Joanne Mansfield at yanahana@hotmail.com. | All-member Annual Meeting June 14, 2025
Building the Future Together
Each June, all members of our Tacoma-Pierce County League invited and encouraged to come together to connect with friends, meet new League members, vote on budget and program for the coming year, elect new officers, and conduct any other business we determine. Our mission to defend democracy and empower voters has special urgency in this time of rising authoritarianism, and we gather to recommit ourselves to the work.
The 2025 Annual Meeting is on Saturday, June 14, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (Basement level off the alley), 621 Tacoma Ave. South. It begins with a potluck lunch from 12 noon to 1:00 pm. The business meeting will convene at 1:00 pm and conclude at approximately 3:00 pm.
The Annual Meeting booklet containing the agenda and supporting documents will be sent to members at least 20 days before the meeting date. Expect these materials in the latter part of May. If you have any questions, contact Rosemary Powers at rpowers@eou.edu. | Observer Reports
By Lydia Zepeda
Do you want to find out what is going on in your local city or county government? Do you want to let others know? Do you want to use your writing skills? If so, join the LWVTPC Observer Corps! We need volunteers to report on their activities. This is how we ensure an informed community. This is how we hold our elected officials accountable.
Being an Observer involves attending at least one public meeting a month and writing up a meeting summary. Plan on a minimum of 3-4 hours a month. As an Observer you choose what meetings and issues to follow. You can attend in person or watch remotely. While you cannot participate in the government meetings, but you can inform others what issues are being discussed, what laws and policies are being implemented, and how your local government is spending taxpayer money. It is a great way to learn about local government to prepare yourself and others to be better advocates to promote League positions.
If you are interested, please contact Lydia Zepeda at zepelow@gmail.com We can set up a time to chat about your interests and set up training.
Here are the recent reports:
Pierce County Council Study Session April 15, 2025
Puyallup City Council, April 1, 2025
Puyallup School Board, April 1, 2025 | League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County
621 Tacoma Ave. S.
Tacoma, WA 98402
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