Pre Convention Kit 2025 | League of Women Voters New York

61st Biennial Convention

JUNE 20 – 22, 2025 THE DESMOND HOTEL ALBANY, NEW YORK

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW YORK STATE

A Message from Your State League President

TO: Convention Delegates

FROM: Nancy Rosenthal

The League of Women Voters of New York State Convention will be a wonderful opportunity for our members to gather in person and for delegates to take an active role in moving the League of Women Voters forward for the next two years. All Leagues have been encouraged to send their allotted number of delegates. All members are encouraged to attend convention, either as a delegate or as a visitor.

This Pre-Convention packet is designed to help you get ready to participate as fully as possible. It includes the Convention schedule, the proposed LWVNYS 2025-2026 budget, board recommended bylaws changes, the proposed program, and the proposed slate of officers and directors. It also includes the tentative schedules of workshops, caucuses and informational meetings. We strongly encourage all delegates to read these materials beforehand. We will be holding a pre-convention zoom meeting for delegates in the next 6 weeks. The materials in this kit along with the Zoom meeting will help prepare you for the convention. Those who have attended previous in-person conventions know how busy Convention can be and how preparation beforehand allows for a greater understanding of what is happening, what questions they want to ask, and which workshops and meetings they want to or need to attend. We hope that those who have never attended a state Convention can see how much will be offered and how much will be accomplished in three days. It may appear somewhat overwhelming, but we will be helping you prepare so you can arrive at Convention feeling confident and ready to take full advantage of all the opportunities to network, learn more about the LWVNYS and all we do, applaud our successes, hear about future plans for LWVNYS and LWVUS, and be able to cast informed votes in moving us forward for the next two years.

This is your chance to meet and talk with your state board and staff as well as with other local League leaders. Whether in the hospitality room, at meals, or in the more formal settings, we will all benefit from personal interaction. I look forward to seeing many of you again and many more for the very first time. Make sure you register, prepare, and then come to Convention ready to learn, network, party, and of course play an important role in moving the League forward! Together we will Stand Together and Defend our Democracy!

2025 Convention Tentative Schedule

	Event	Room
Friday	Office	Suite 112
12:00 - 1:30	Board meeting	Suite 156
2:00 - 8:00	Registration	High Street Courtyard
5:00 – 6:00	Welcome dinner	Fort Orange Ballroom
6:30-7:30	Speaker: Dianna Wynn, LWVUS President	Fort Orange Ballroom
7:30-8:30	Let’s Talk: Dialogue and Discussion Breakout Groups	Fort Orange Ballroom
8:30-10:30	Sales/Exhibit Room	Suite 120
9:00-10:00	Evening Caucuses	TBD
9:00-10:30	Hospitality Suite
Saturday
8:00 - 11:30	Registration	High Street Courtyard
7:30 - 8:30	Breakfast	TBD
8:30 - 9:00	A word from Dianna Wynn	TBD
9:15 – 10:00 and 10:15 –11:00	Workshops
	Building Momentum: Strengthening membership through community relationships and political action	7 Fort Orange
	Tools for Pushing Back	Town Hall
	A New Look at Get Out the Vote	5 Fort Orange
	Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access	9 Fort Orange
11:15 – 12:15	Let’s Talk: Dialogue and Discussion Breakout Groups
12:30 – 2:00	Lunch with Speaker: Olivia Hill	2,4 King Street
2:15 – 5:30	Plenary	Town Hall
5:00-6:30	Sales/Exhibit Room	Suite 120
5:30-6:30	Registration	High Street Courtyard
6:00 – 7:00	Reception	Koi Pond
7:00-8:30	Dinner with awards	Fort Orange Ballroom
9:00-10:00	Evening caucuses
	Vermont Privatization Concurrence	Town Hall
	Learn about Plastic Pollution	28 High St.
	Member Town Hall	Shaker Room
	LWVNYS Proposed Budget	Suite 111
8:30-11:00	Hospitality Suite
Sunday
7:00-10:00	Sales/Exhibit Room	Suite 120
7:30-8:45	Breakfast	5,7 Fort Orange and 9 Fort Orange
9:00-12:00	Plenary	Town Hall
11:30-12:30	Sales/Exhibit Room	Suite 120
12:30-3:00	New board meeting with lunch	Suite 156

To register for Convention, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdeh3ynz

Featured Speakers

Leading the League
Friday, June 20th, 6:30 PM
Dianna Wynn, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States

Dianna Wynn will join us to talk about the League in this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. How will we move forward as an organization and what role does the League have to play in maintaining our democracy.

Dianna Wynn was elected president of the League of Women Voters of the United States in 2024. Dianna was originally elected to the LWVUS Board in 2022 and served as its vice president and on the Governance Committee, the Transformation Team, and the Executive Committee. Prior to joining the LWVUS Board, Dianna was president of the League of Women Voters of Wake County in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she previously served as the Communications Director and chaired the Strategic Planning, DEI, Redistricting, and 100th Anniversary committees. Read more about Dianna’s accomplishments here: https://www.lwv.org/about-us/staff-leadership/dianna-wynn

Luncheon Speaker A Call to Action
Saturday, June 21st, 12:30 PM
Olivia Hill

Hear from Olivia Hill who will share her experiences as a candidate for office, a member of the military, and the first openly transgender person to be elected to public office in the state of Tennessee. She will discuss the impact of her transition and how her drive to advocate for what’s right led to her run for public office.

Council Member at-Large, Olivia Hill was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. A Navy veteran, Olivia served in the engineering division for ten years, seeing combat in Desert Storm. While serving her country, Olivia gained unique expertise in electrical engineering, a set of skills she utilized to become the Senior Supervisor of the Vanderbilt University power plant, managing a 24/7 operation with a budget of over 100 million dollars. In recent years, Olivia has served as a community leader, educating the public about the difficulties faced by women and the LGBTQ+ community. Olivia was elected to a four year term on the Council in September 2023 as the first openly transgender person in the state of Tennessee.

Information Sessions and Caucuses

Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, 9:00 PM AND 10:00 PM

During these sessions, local Leagues are encouraged to share successful programs and discuss new ideas; caucuses can also be scheduled to line up support for your recommendations for League priorities or study topic. If you would like to lead a session, please contact the state office to reserve your room.

Workshops

Saturday 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM

All sessions will be offered twice so that attendees will have the chance to go to two.

Building Momentum: Strengthening membership through community relationships and political action
Ann Marie Pendergast, LWV Saratoga and MaryKate Owens, LWV Albany

It’s not who, it’s what we support! The combination of the League’s nonpartisan policy and our position on issues creates a unique space amid heavily partisan rhetoric. Come to this workshop to identify ways to expand and activate membership, foster partnerships, and lead with League values. We will speak about the role of a nonpartisan organization at this time, what members are hoping for, and the League’s purpose in the fight for democracy.

Tools for Pushing Back
Erica Smitka, Executive Director and Clyanna Lightbourn, Campaign Director

Learn how to effectively advocate at all levels of government. This workshop will highlight lobbying, letters to the editor, testifying, and grassroots movement building.

A New Look at Get Out the Vote
Nick Doran, Vice President of Voter Service and Judy Esterquest, LWV Port Washington/Manhasset

Join us to hear more about the technology and services we have to more effectively get out the vote. We’ll talk about VAN, canvassing, and phone banking.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
Regina Tillman, Vice President of DEI and Olivia Hill, Council Member at Large

Join us for a panel to discuss how we can continue to prioritize DEI in all of our work amidst the national push back. Prioritizing this work is vital for engaging all community members to participate responsibly and effectively in a diverse and strong democracy.

EXHIBITS AND SALES

Convention will bring together creative League members ready to share ideas and techniques that work! Your exhibits and/or products may offer the perfect solution to another League’s problem. Keeping in mind that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the State League encourages you to bring products and publications to sell and exhibits to share at Convention.

If your League wishes to sell any publications or merchandise, it should be prepared to staff its own table and cover any additional charges for special equipment rentals and/or AV charges. All exhibits must be labeled with the local League name. All products and/or exhibits must be picked up by 2:00 PM on SUNDAY, June 22nd.

Sales/Exhibit space is limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Contact Erica Smitka at the State Office if you’d like to reserve space in the Exhibit Room at erica@lwvny.org.

2025 Proposed Convention Rules

A motion to adopt these rules will be made shortly after Convention opens and a quorum has been declared. Amendments to this motion can be made at this time and require a majority vote for adoption. The rules as a whole (either amended or as given below) require a majority vote for adoption. A 2/3 vote is required to change them after they have been adopted.

1. Admission to the Convention floor shall be limited to those displaying authorized badges. Doors are closed promptly when each session convenes. They will be opened periodically. Doors will be closed during a vote, and no one may enter or leave.

2. Seating in the Convention Hall shall be divided into two areas: one for VOTING delegates and one for NON-VOTING delegates and VISITORS. All persons in the hall during sessions are requested to sit in their designated areas.

3. Announcements from the platform shall be made only by the Chair and shall relate only to Convention business or the welfare of the delegates. Notices to be announced must be given to the secretary in writing.

4. Delegates – Only delegates and members of the state board may make motions and vote.

5. A Credentials report shall be given by the Credentials Chair at the beginning of each session. The report shall include the number of delegates, alternates, and visitors. The credentials report shall be updated as requested by the presiding officer of the Convention or upon motion of the Convention.

6. Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at Convention shall be participation by one tenth of the total number of authorized delegates.

7. Alternates shall vote only when taking the place of a regular delegate, wearing a delegate’s badge that has been assigned by the Credentials Chair, and sitting in the delegate section.

8. Privileges of the Floor – Delegates, state board members and those designated by the delegate body may speak.

9. Motions shall be made only by accredited delegates and members of the state board of directors. The mover shall obtain a motion form from the Page at a microphone, complete the form, and return it to the Page for distribution to the Chair, Parliamentarian, Secretary and staff member for display to the audience. The motions or amendments shall include the name and local League of the mover. There shall be no discussion or action on a motion until a copy is in the hands of the Chair. The Chair may waive this requirement.

10. Debate and discussion shall be limited to those granted the privileges of the floor. Only those standing at a microphone shall be recognized to speak. The Chair shall designate “pro” and “con” microphones at appropriate times and alternately recognize delegates standing at them. Each speaker shall be limited to two minutes. This time may be extended or shortened by a two-thirds vote of the delegate body. No one shall speak for a second time on a question until all who wish to speak have spoken once. No one shall speak more than twice on a question.

11. Voting – Only accredited delegates and members of the state board shall be entitled to vote. Delegates may vote by proxy as outlined in the LWVNYS bylaws; a proxy form will be available from the state League office and must be signed by the local League President and submitted to the Chair at Convention. The Chair, unless otherwise directed by the delegate body, will decide which of the following methods of voting shall be employed:

a. By Voice – Delegates vote by saying aye or nay

b. By Hand – Delegates raise hands for aye and nay

c. By Standing – Delegates vote by standing

d. By Division of House – Delegates stand and count off

e. By Card – Delegates submit red and green cards indicating their vote and Elections Committee counts the cards

When a vote is in process, the doors to the Convention hall shall be closed and no one may enter or leave.

12. Action Motions – An action motion is a means for the delegate body to speak in concert on a matter of importance to the organization. It proposes action on a legislative or administrative matter at the state level and directs the League to take a specific action (e.g., sending a letter to the Governor). Action motions shall be referred to and considered by the Action Motions Committee appointed by the Chair before the first plenary session of the Convention.

a. Action motions must be completed and submitted by 5:00 pm on Saturday. Action Motions must be emailed to erica@lwvny.org.

b. To be recommended by the Committee, the action motion must:

i. be consistent with League positions and

ii. must not conflict with ongoing advocacy work.

iii. The Committee may also consider whether the action will help further an adopted League priority and

iv. whether the proposed action is likely to have a measurable impact on the outcome of the matter.

c. Action motions recommended by the Actions Motions Committee require a majority vote for adoption.

13. The Action Motions Committee and Process: At least four weeks before the Convention, the LWVNYS President shall have appointed an Action Motion Committee consisting of one member of the LWVNYS Board of Directors and one registered Convention delegate.

a. The Action Motions Committee shall meet on Saturday evening to consider whether each submitted action motion meets the criteria, timing, and process requirements. The time and location of the meeting will be announced with the Convention schedule. A representative of the League submitting an action motion shall have an opportunity to explain the action motion to the Action Motions Committee if the representative so requests.

b. The Chair of the Action Motions Committee will announce the recommendations of the Committee to the Convention during the 2nd plenary session. Any action motion reported affirmatively to have met the criteria for resolutions or action motions by the Action Motion Committee may be moved for consideration of the Convention.

14. Miscellaneous Motions – A speaker may request a Page at a microphone to use a colored card to request a point of order, a point of information, a parliamentary inquiry or a question of privilege.

15. Introduction of Proposed Program: The proposed LWVNYS Program shall be moved for adoption by a member of the LWVNYS Board. Debate and action on the Proposed Program shall take place during the 2nd plenary session at a time designated by the Chair. During the times specified in the agenda for Program consideration and Program debate, the Chair will divide the time equally among the program items that have been granted consideration.

16. Consideration of Non-Recommended Program Items: Any delegate may move for consideration of non-recommended Program items at the first plenary session immediately following the introduction of the Proposed Program. Presentations shall be limited to five minutes. No additional motions or debate are in order at this time. If a non-recommended item is moved for consideration, any delegate may request a statement from the LWVNYS Board, limited to five minutes, giving the reasons for not recommending the item.

a. After all non-recommended items have been moved for consideration, a vote for consideration of each shall take place in the order in which the items were moved for consideration. No additional motions or debate are in order at this time. A majority vote is required to consider a non-recommended item.

b. Debate and action on non-recommended Program items shall take place at the same plenary as debate and action on the proposed Program as designated by the Chair.

17. Adoption of Program: shall take place at the second plenary session.

a. Action on the proposed Program, concurrence proposals, and any non- recommended program items voted for consideration by the delegates and moved for adoption shall take place at a time designated by the chair. Proposals for concurrence are debatable but not amendable.

b. A majority vote is required to adopt the proposed Program.

c. A 3/5 vote is required for adoption of non-recommended items.

d. Amendments to wording for editorial purposes, clarification, or emphasis may be made at this point but may not change the scope or meaning of the item.

18. Nominations: Any candidate who is nominated from the floor shall give consent and be allowed to address the delegates for one minute immediately after their name is placed in nomination.

19. Elections – The Credentials Chair shall present a final report to the Convention or the election committee before the election procedure begins.

20. Promotional materials may be distributed only by delegates and alternates wearing badges and only before or after a session. Official Convention materials and promotional materials relating to Convention issues may be placed on the chairs or tables prior to the beginning of a convention session.

21. Rules – After adoption, these rules may be amended or suspended by a two-thirds vote. Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will govern all matters not covered in the rules or in the bylaws.

22. Minutes – The minutes of the LWVNYS Convention shall be approved by the LWVNYS board of directors upon recommendation of a Minutes Review Committee appointed to review and correct the minutes.

Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance

TO DO THIS	YOU SAY THIS	MAY YOU INTERRUPT SPEAKER?	MUST YOU BE SECONDED?	IS THE MOTION DEBATABLE?	VOTE NEEDED
Adjourn the meeting	I move that we adjourn	No	Yes	No	Majority
Recess the meeting until…	I move that we recess the meeting until…	No	Yes	No	Majority
Complain about noise, room, temperature, etc.	Point of privilege	Yes	No	No	No vote
Suspend further consideration of something	I move we table it	No	Yes	No	Majority
End, limit, or extend debate	I move (that) the previous question	No	Yes	No	2/3 vote
Postpone consideration of something	I move we postpone this matter until…	No	Yes	Yes	Majority
Have something studied further	I move we refer this to committee.	No	Yes	Yes	Majority
Amend a motion	I move to amend this motion	No	Yes	Yes	Majority
Introduce business (a primary motion)	I move that…	No	Yes	Yes	Majority
Object to procedure or to personal affront	Point of order	Yes	No	No	No vote: chair decides
Request information or Parliamentary Inquiry	Point of information	Yes	No	No	No vote
Ask for a rising vote to verify a voice vote	I call for a division of the house				No vote
Ask for a vote count to verify a rising vote	I call for a vote count	Yes	Yes	No	Majority
Object to considering some matter	I object to consideration	Yes	No	No	2/3 vote
Take up a matter previously tabled	I move to take from the table…	No	Yes	No	Majority
Reconsider something already disposed of	*I move we reconsider action on	Yes	Yes	Yes	Only a majority if original quest. was debatable
Consider something not in scheduled order	I move we suspend the rules and…	No	Yes	No	2/3 vote
Vote on a ruling by the chair	I appeal the chair’s decision.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Majority
Division of question (voting separately on parts)	I move to divide the question.	No	Yes	No	Majority
Consider seriatim or consider by paragraph (amend each & then vote on the whole)	I move we consider by paragraph.	No	Yes	No	Majority
Rescind (repeal)	I move to rescind the motion which was adopted…	No	Yes	Yes	2/3 vote

* Must be done by someone who voted on the prevailing side and must be done the same or following day.

Thanks to the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts for providing the basis for this memo.

Tips for Delegates

This workbook contains the information necessary for full and informed participation in Convention debate and decision-making.

Convention Conduct: Sessions begin promptly. The Order of Business (Agenda) adopted at the opening session will be closely followed. In order to fulfill your responsibility to interpret and report Convention action to your own League and to represent it accurately, you should be seated before the opening time of each session and remain until recess or adjournment.

Delegates are uninstructed and make decisions based on their best judgment in the light of Convention discussion. As a representative of your local League, however, you should know the thinking of your members. You should see that their opinions are adequately and fully presented during debate.

Discussion and debate are the most important parts of a League Convention. However, delegates should exercise self-discipline if the time schedule is to be maintained. If a previous speaker makes your point while you are waiting to speak, either sit down or say, “I agree with the previous speaker.” A delegate wishing to address the Convention should go to a microphone, wait for recognition, and then state her/his name and League.

All motions must be in writing and handed to the Page at the microphone for transmittal to the Chair before the motion is made. Help the secretary to prepare Convention minutes by giving the Page copies of your statements. Proposed non-recommended items must be properly worded so delegates understand what is involved and what the implications are for state program.

Caucuses are an exciting part of Convention. Attend one or more of them. Rooms will be available on Saturday evening for caucuses and other informal meetings. Contact the Convention registration desk in order to arrange for a caucus room. State board members do not attend caucuses; if you would like one or more state board members to attend your caucus, you must invite them.

Exchange of ideas and information among the delegates is most valuable. Split up your delegation when attending caucuses and other meetings.

Program adoption begins during the first Convention session with the presentation of the program proposed by the state board. Questions for clarification only (e.g., the extent, meaning or timing of the item) may be asked at this time. The Chair will rule out of order any discussion on the merits of the item.

After the state board’s proposals are presented, delegates may move consideration of non- recommended items submitted by local Leagues during the program making process. A delegate moving a non-recommended item is limited to five minutes for its presentation.

Editorial changes in recommended items (changes in language which do not change the meaning or scope of the item) should not be proposed at this time. If necessary, the Chair will rule as to whether a suggested wording constitutes an editorial change or a non-recommended item.

A delegate wishing to drop an item on the recommended program should vote against No motion is necessary.
Any expansion of present recommended items involving new study or redirection must be moved as a non-recommended This can only be done if the expansion is included in the list of non-recommended items circulated in this workbook.

All program motions will be voted on during the second session in the following sequence:

The state board’s recommended
Non-recommended items voted for consideration in the order in which they were presented to the Convention.

When an item is brought up for final debate and vote, motions to amend its wording may be made. These changes may be editorial, for clarification or for emphasis, but may not limit or enlarge the scope of the item. A majority vote is required to amend and the proposed amendment is acted on before the final vote on the item is taken. If a delegate intends to move an editorial change, it would be helpful to indicate this during the free discussion period.

2023 – 2025 Board of Directors

OFFICERS PRESIDENT

Nancy Rosenthal – LWV of Albany | nancyrosenthal9@gmail.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT, ISSUES AND ADVOCACY

Sally Robinson– LWV of the City of New York | sally.s.robinson@gmail.com

2nd VICE PRESIDENT, VOTER SERVICES

Kathy Meany – LWV of Rivertowns | kzmeany@gmail.com

3rd VICE PRESIDENT, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Regina Tillman – LWV of Albany | rmt370@gmail.com

SECRETARY

Pattie Garrett – LWV of Saratoga County | pattiemgarrett@gmail.com

TREASURER

Nancy Agen – LWV of Utica/Rome | winniewi10@gmail.com

DIRECTORS

Michele Lamberti – LWV of Port Washington/Manhasset | mclamberti@yahoo.com

Jane Colvin – LWV of New York City | janecolvin914@aol.com

Kate Doran – LWV of New York City | kateadoran@gmail.com

Nick Doran – LWV of Broome Tioga County | ndoran33@gmail.com

Mary Croxton – LWV of Chautauqua County| mcroxton51@gmail.com

Marjorie McIntosh – LWV of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties MAL Unit)|

cattarauguslwv@gmail.com

Patty Macleish – LWV of Cooperstown| pmacleish@verizon.net

ISSUE SPECIALISTS

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Sally Robinson – LWV of New York City | sally.s.robinson@gmail.com

CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE, CO-CHAIRS

Rigodis Appling – LWV of the City of New York | RTAppling@legal-aid.org

Richard Rifkin – LWV of Albany County | richardrifkin54@gmail.com

EDUCATION FINANCE

Marian Bott – LWV of New York City | sydneymab@aol.com

ELECTION LAW

Kate Doran – LWV of New York City | kateadoran@gmail.com

ENERGY, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIR

Beth Radow – LWV of Larchmont/Mamaroneck | enradow@gmail.com

HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE, CHAIR

Judy Esterquest – LWV Of Port Washington-Manhasset | esterquest@gmail.com

MEDICAL AID IN DYING

Barb Thomas – LWV of Saratoga County | bkoeppicust@gmail.com

RURAL CAUCUS COMMITTEE, CHAIR

Kathy Stein – LWV of St. Lawrence County MAL Unit | kstein1@twcny.rr.com

Nominees for the 2025-2027 Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of New York State

OFFICERS

President	Nancy Rosenthal LWV of Albany County
1st VP Issues and Advocacy	Sally Robinson LWV of New York City
2nd VP Voter Services	Jane Colvin LWV of New York City
3rd VP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion	Regina Tillman LWV of Albany County
4th VP Local League Support	Marjorie McIntosh LWV of Cattaraugus/Allegany MAL Unit
Secretary	Chris Alexander LWV of Saratoga County
Treasurer	Nancy Agen LWV of Utica – Rome

DIRECTORS

Mary Croxton LWV of Chautauqua County

Crystal Joseph LWV of Rivertowns

Patty MacLeish LWV of Cooperstown

Carla Michalak LWV of Broome Tioga

NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chair Judie Gorenstein LWV of Rivertowns

Member Kate Doran LWV of New York City

Member Lori Robinson LWV of Buffalo/Niagara

Get to Know Your New Board of Directors

Nancy Rosenthal – President

Nancy joined League in 2008 after attending a monthly general meeting and being asked by longtime League member Marjorie Latz to join! Soon after, Nancy found herself President of her local League, Southwest Nassau, and later Co- President and then President of the ILO of Nassau County. Nancy has worked at the national level with the LWVUS Governance Committee, 2016-2018, and the LWVUS Working Groups (data). For LWVNYS, Nancy has served on the Budget committee as both a member and chair, as Vice President of Voter Service and as a member of the Nominating Committee. She is the current President. Nancy’s #1 pet project is vote411.org.

Nancy retired in 2022 from a metals business in Brooklyn, NY that her father-in-law started in 1948. She began her journey to New York, starting in Northern California then to Kansas City, Missouri, and in 2004 to Hewlett, New York (Long Island). While in Kansas City, Nancy was President for several years of the Westport Citizens Action Coalition. Her background includes a few teaching credentials, teaching the blind and visually impaired, and then as a Feldenkrais Practitioner (a form of physical therapy). Nancy has two children, both physicists, working to change the world through science!

Nancy enjoys her free time. When not pursuing her full-time passions of League and building community, you might find her hiking, cross country skiing, gardening, birding, kayaking, snow shoeing, or simply walking out her back door.

Sally Robinson – 1^st Vice-President, Issues & Advocacy

Sally is from a small town in Texas and was the first person in her family to go to college. After graduating from college and law school on the East Coast, she moved to New York City and eventually Scarsdale where she and her husband raised their family. She started her work with the League there and served as the local League President while simultaneously a member of the LWVUS Task Force on Trade Policy Update. After that she was New York State League Grassroots Lobby Director and then 1^st Vice President/Advocacy and Issues in 2003-04. She has held that job againsince 2009 and served as State League president 2012-2015.

Sally is currently a member of the New York City League where she moved back in 2006. She lives on the Upper East Side with her husband. She enjoys traveling, golf and skiing with her husband, a college and law school classmate.

Jane Colvin – 2^nd Vice President, Voter Services

Jane E. Colvin joined the League of Women Voters of the City of New York in 2006, one of the first things she did after selling her house in suburbia and moving into New

York City. She immersed herself in NYC League activities, becoming a member of the Legislative Action Committee and the Development Committee, and working on the Inside newsletter and other publications. She served as a member of the Management Team from 2008-2010, as Secretary from 2012 – 2014, and as Treasurer from 2014 – 2018. She joined the LWVNYS State Board in 2019 and is a member of the Voter Service, Local League Support, Budget, and Investment Committees. In 2021, she was elected to the LWVUS UN Observer Team where she focuses on the activities of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

After 31 years of working in international and private banking at Bankers Trust/Deutsche Bank, Jane determined that in the not-for-profit world, there were greater rewards than those associated with earnings per share. She joined The HealthCare Chaplaincy as Director of Marketing and Communications and subsequently, worked for The Interfaith Center of New York as a Development Associate in charge of special events and fund raising.

Jane is an active congregant at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist church where she’s been a member since 2006. She’s worked on the Nuclear Disarmament, Adult Education, and Nominating Committee and sings in the Community Choir. She headed the All Souls Caring Team which recently became part of the Lay Pastoral Associates, dedicated to providing both practical and spiritual assistance to fellow members in need.

She has a BA from Cornell and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. A perpetual student, Jane has gone back to school, auditing classes at Hunter and John Jay Criminal College of Justice. She has a wonderful married son and daughter-in-law who live in California and spends her free time enjoying Manhattan.

Regina Tillman – 3^rd Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Shifting a culture is a multi-year process and Regina appreciates that the LWVNYS, in its efforts to adopt Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles, recognizes the investment that this shift requires. She is just as honored today to be nominated for a fourth term in the capacity of Vice President for DEI as she was when beginning to fill this role for the State League since its inception in 2019. Regina had come to the LWV in response to the political turmoil of 2016. She officially became a member of the LWV Albany County in December of that year having heard of their successful advocacy efforts. In her first six years with the League, she held local League Board positions of: Membership Chair, 1st Vice President, and created and held the position of Director for Fundraising and Development. She still continues a local effort begun in 2019 which entailed the re- enfranchisement of those detained in the local County jail. She successfully received the backing for this effort from various local community organizations as it was being developed. She continues this effort to the present with the support of the Albany LWV, Capital Area NYCLU, Capital Area Urban League, NAACP, and the County Sheriff, and has been winning LWVUS grants for the project for the past 3 years. The position of State VP/DEI has allowed Regina to advocate for engagement by Leagues members throughout the State in order to actualize DEI principles. This role has also allowed Regina to represent LWVNYS to other Leagues in the work of DEI, i.e., serving on the 2020 nationwide Task Force for developing the LWVUS “Urgent Resolution – Racial Justice for Black People and All People of Color”, and DEI panelist speaking at other state League Conventions. Additionally, due to her commitment to addressing the “DEI Lens” through policies, practices and behaviors, she was tapped to serve on the 2023-2024 LWVUS DEI Committee which helped to set the national strategic objectives for DEI as of 2025. Regina also applauds her state-wide “set of right hands” for their invaluable help to shift NYS League culture toward DEI via their own participation in the statewide DEI Committee and their local influences as DEI Directors and Chairs. A native of Buffalo NY, Regina’s professional career began with a Coordinated Internship and Graduate Degree program at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland VA Medical Center. Career- driven relocations in her 27 years as a Registered Dietitian and federal civil servant with the Department of Veterans Affairs, included Buffalo NY, Montrose NY, and Providence RI. Regina’s career finally brought her to Albany NY as Program Director to manage a department with a multi-million dollar budget and with up to 90 employees. Her tenure included multiple leadership roles including chairing the Medical Center Service Line Committee. In semi- retirement, Regina had a 10-year association with the cooperative extension land-grant system affiliated with Cornell University. Located in the rural location of Schoharie County, she began a Farm to School Project. During that time, she also lent her skills as a volunteer at the Farmers Market in that county, one of the oldest in NYS, assisting in event coordination and promotions. In 2024, she began a local voter mobilization effort by again engaging with multiple organizations. Regina’s local focus continues to be in service of the under-resourced areas of Albany. Her activities are wide and varied, including recently joining the Board for the Radix Ecological Sustainability Center of Albany, promotions, photography, gardening, participation in racial and social justice organizations, and learning the fine art of fundraising. Observing workplace culture from different geographic locations while supervising and leading people from a broad range of backgrounds, allows Regina to tap into her life experiences for the benefit of the League, and for her local community.

Marjorie McIntosh – 4^th Vice President, Local League Support

In 2023, Marjorie was privileged to be elected to the NYS State Board of Directors, concentrating on the Local League Support State Committee. Hearing the voices of our NYS members and leaders, as well as those across the country are personally inspiring and encouraging every day, in spite of chaotic and uncertain times.

After two years of “retirement” in 2017, Marjorie was approached by a friend to help restart a LWV chapter for our two neighboring counties. There were League chapters in the area in the 1930s and 1970s/1980s, but had been dormant for decades. It seemed like the right time to take an unfamiliar, but timely jump into the political and activist pool. LWV of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties was established. Serving as President since 2018, Margie has and does wear many LWV hats, but it is an honor to be part of a group of committed people who feel strongly about the importance of trying to make life better for everyone. One of the most unexpected benefits of being part of this local group is all of the new people who have now become great friends. Even the most serious work is a little easier when working with passionate people who genuinely like one another, are positive, persistent and fun. She has come to feel the same way about the NYS Board of Directors.

Marjorie is a graduate of Monroe Community College in Rochester, Jamestown Community College (JCC) in Olean, and University of Pittsburgh in Bradford, PA. Education became a huge part of the second phase of life in work in Admissions/Recruitment at JCC. Through LWV, she has the opportunity to continue partnering with schools, colleges, libraries, and community organizations, albeit in a different capacity, and it is a wonderful way to stay connected.

Volunteer/work/life balance is always challenging, but with the support of a good husband, Jim, a daughter and son-in-law who live around the corner, other adult children who live in fun places to visit and creative therapies such as needlework, quilting, painting, baking and baseball, days are busy but rewarding. She wouldn’t have it any other way!

Chris Alexander – Secretary

Chris Alexander has been a member of the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County for 19 years. On moving to Saratoga Springs in 2006, she happened upon a League table set up at the local Farmers Market and took the opportunity to finally join the League she had admired for years.

Not long after joining and attending her first meeting, Chris was recruited to be the webmaster for her local league, a role she steadily maintained for 17 years. During her time in the League, Chris also has served on the board of directors and been active in the work of committees of the Saratoga County League, including as chair of voter services and as a member of multiple committees (on the local and state level). In addition, she was a vocal early advocate for and adopter of electronic voter guidesand VOTE411 for New York. She attended a GIS class at Skidmore College to better understand and answer questions from other leagues about the GIS shapefiles used by the electronic voter guides to match voters to their districts and the races on their ballots.

Chris is a graduate of Boston College (Economics/School of Management), Harvard Law School, and the University at Albany (MS Information Sciences). Chris is a native of Wisconsin. After attending college and law school in Boston, she practiced law for a few years with a law firm in Seattle (and married there), and then moved to upstate New York where she practiced law in- house with the State University of New York. She is retired from work as a lawyer, but remains active in the library world, currently working part time as a reference librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

As a longtime feminist, Chris believes that the power of women and the work of the League are crucial, now more than ever, to protect voting rights and to preserve our democracy.

Nancy Agen – Treasurer

In 2006, Nancy attended her first candidate forum which was held by the Utica-Rome League. At the time, she was not familiar with the League of Women Voters but appreciated the value of the forum which enabled her to be a more informed voter. After retirement in 2010, she joined the League and gradually became more active. She has served as the local Treasurer, member of the Leadership Team and the local webmaster. She assumed the State Treasurer position 2 years ago. Nancy grew up in Westchester. She has a B.S. in Biology from Nazareth University. She lived in Florida and Tennessee for a few years and traveled extensively within the US focusing on National Parks when time and finances presented the opportunity. After living in the South, her career took an unexpected turn when she returned to the Northeast and moved to Utica. She has since been involved in the accounting and management of small businesses, one of them being family owned for over 20 years. This gave her a wide range of experiences and responsibilities. She enjoys visiting with her 2 children and 4 grandchildren that live in the Boston area. To relax, she participates in the all-season outdoor activities of the Tramp and Trail Club. She is also a volunteer at Munson art museum.

Carla Michalak– Director

Carla is a retired Professor of Political Science, now Emeritus Professor as of April 17, 2025. Carla is passionate about civic engagement, voting, registration, elections, and education. She is an active member of the LWV of Broome and Tioga Counties and serves currently as the LWVBTC’s First Vice – President.

While working at SUNY Broome Community College, also served as the Civic Engagement Coordinator and was trained to conduct deliberations via the National Issues Forum Institute (NIFI). She brought political debates to campus so students could meet the candidates that they would cast their vote for in that year’s elections. She also coordinated a campus Civic Engagement Fair where students interacted with local agencies to volunteer in the community.

She also participated in the Broome and Tioga Counties initiative to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of NYS women securing the right to vote. She helped to coordinate many programs educating local folks on how hard our ancestors fought to earn the right to vote. Carla also helped plan, coordinate and execute a replica of the 1913 suffrage parade held in Binghamton.

Her experience with the LWVBTC includes developing a voter registration program in our local county jail (very excited about the Democracy in Detention grant), participating in numerous voter registration drives, presenting programs on many topics including on the Electoral College, Broome County Suffragists, and the SAVE Act. Recently, Carla also ran the studies for her league on the Federal Judiciary, Ranked Choice Voting, Voting Processes and Non-Partisan Primaries. She also participated on the NYS – ERA committee and presented to numerous community groups on the importance of the state ERA.

She earned her Bachelors’ Degrees in Economics and Political Science and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She resides in Johnson City with her husband of 38 years and her two dogs. She has three adult children and enjoys visiting and spending time with them.

Mary Croxton – Director

Mary’s story began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the last century. Her husband is a devoted Pittsburgh Pirates fan, which made it easy for her to say yes to his marriage proposal. Early in life, she moved to New Jersey and then to Connecticut, where she spent her formative years. Mary loved playing field hockey, basketball, and tennis, depending on the season. Academics found their place among her many interests. She also enjoyed participating in school plays, including a memorable role as one of the murdering old ladies in Arsenic and Old Lace.

In high school, Mary had a hilarious campaign manager who delivered entertaining and persuasive introductory speeches that led to her being elected to class officer positions multiple times. After high school, she attended Western College, an interdisciplinary school that later merged with Miami University of Ohio. She graduated with a B.A., reflecting on those college years as enjoyable and fun.

As she matured, Mary chose to pursue a career in nursing. She began her training at Jamestown Community College and continued at the University of Buffalo. After giving her brain a rest for several years, she returned to her studies and graduated with honors. Following graduation, she worked in Pediatrics and then Maternity. In the final chapter of her career, she served in the local school system and continued working part-time until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of her favorite activities during that time was putting on puppet shows for the students.

Along the way, Mary and her husband raised three children, who became the joy, love, and challenge of her life. She embraced roles such as PTA member, sports coach, Sunday School teacher, and chauffeur. The family, now including three grandchildren, cherishes time together filled with laughter, tears, hugs, and fun.

Mary’s husband received two Fulbright Scholarships, which gave the family the opportunity to live in Bulgaria and Russia. They also spent time in China and traveled extensively across Europe. More recently, they enjoyed leisure trips to South America.

Mary’s connection to the League of Women Voters began in childhood, watching her mother attend meetings. Politics were a central theme in her family life. She has been a League member since 2015 and has served as President since 2017. It has been a great pleasure for her to serve her community in this role. In the upcoming year, she will transition to the position of Voter Services Chair.

In addition to her League work, Mary volunteers with the Literacy Volunteers and participated for several years in the Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA) Program. She also worked with the Complete Streets initiative, connecting it to her LWV advocacy.

Reading remains a constant source of pleasure in Mary’s life, and she continues to play tennis three times a week. All her tennis partners are in their seventies, and they enjoy every game to the fullest.

Crystal Joseph – Director

Crystal joined the New York City League in 2013, as a graduate student researching the importance of civics, civic engagement and contemporary movement building in the 21st century. She has served as both Vice-President at the League of Women Voters of the City of New York and served as Director-at-Large of Youth and Civics Education with the New York State League of Women Voters. Crystal is a proud City University of New York (CUNY) graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science from Baruch’s Marx School of Public and International Affairs and a Master’s of Arts in Urban Studies with a concentration in Public Policy and Administration from the University’s Graduate Center. And she has a doctoral degree from Concordia University-Chicago in Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in transformational leadership.

Patty MacLeish – Director

Patty joined the LWV of Cooperstown in 1982. She received a BA in history from Temple University and an MA in American Folk Culture from SUNY Oneonta. In 1988 she began her own business as a publisher/editor. primarily editing journals, books, and newsletters for various organizations including LWVNYS Voter, the LWV Rhode Island Voter, the Wooden Canoe Heritage Assoc., and The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Assoc. In 1999, she moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where she served in leadership roles in her local League as well at the LWVRI state board. After returning to New York in 2018, she rejoined her LWV Cooperstown. Patty is currently serving as the Transformation Lead for LWVNY. She lives in Cooperstown with her husband Bruce.

2025 – 2027 Nominating Committee

Judie Gorenstein – Chair

After serving on the LWVNYS board for thirteen years, first as youth chair, then as voter service chair and first VP and then as President Judie pleased to have been elected and to have to served as the nominating chair these last two years. In each of the positions, Judie has strived to do her best, assessed what has worked and when change was needed. She always believed that a strong nominating committee is crucial to maintain a strong league. She is grateful that she had a strong nominating committee this year to work with and is thankful to the board who provided their insight on what was needed, to those who will be remaining and those stepping down and to all the members who were contacted by the committee in regard to being on the slate. In her conversations with potential board members for the upcoming term and some who expressed interest not now but in the future, she sees the many challenges that the nominating committee continues toface. Judie has always been happy to face and meet challenges and would be honored if elected to be nominating chair again.

Kate Doran

Kate Doran has been a member of the League of Women Voters of the City of New York since 1977. After moving to the city, and deciding she needed to be a more informed voter, Kate joined the “Brooklyn Evening,” branch. (In 1977 there were at least 3 branches of the LWVNYC in Brooklyn alone.)

Kate was a board member of the LWVNYC from 2010 to 2018; for the first 2 years serving as Chair of the City Affairs Committee. Currently Kate is the off board Elections Specialist, and a member of the Voter Service Committee. Kate became an Election Day poll worker in 2004. From 2006 through 2016 Kate was a Poll Site Coordinator. She closely monitors the NYC Board of Elections, attending their weekly meetings and reporting out to League Members, and various policy groups.

Kate graduated in 1974 from Ithaca College, with a BA in English. She has worked in government, banking, and private tutoring of middle school students. Kate enjoys reading, sewing, yoga, and volunteering at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. She is also a passionate recycler, and strives to live a zero-waste life. Kate and her husband own, and manage, Total Tennis, a year-round tennis and racquet sports resort in Saugerties, NY. They have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Lori Robinson

Professionally Lori was a Not-For-Profit accountant for 35 years and retired in 2021 as the Director of Finance for The Buffalo History Museum. Having worked in the public, private and cultural sectors of nonprofits she has a financial understanding of what gets funded and where we, as a democracy, need to focus more attention and resources.

As a member of the League of Women Voters Buffalo Niagara since 2013, Lori has served on the board as Treasurer, Membership Co-Chair, and President. She has also served on the LWV New York State board as Treasurer for 6 years.

Lori’s other passion, besides good government, is leading Water Aerobics classes at the Buffalo Jewish Community Center since 2016.

2025 Board Recommended Bylaws Amendments

Deletions are in red with lines drawn through words; additions are in underlined red.

Rationale

These amendments are required by LWVUS to be in conformity with LWVUS bylaws.

Proposed Amendments

Article III
Membership

Sec. 2 Types of Membership.

a. Voting members. Persons at least 16 years of age who join the LWVNYS at any level shall be voting members of the local League of their place of joining and of the LWVUS. Those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be honorary life members, excused from the payment of dues.

b. Associate All others who join the LWVNYS shall be associate members.

Sec. 3. Dues

a. Members shall pay dues in accordance with LWVUS policy.

Rationale

This amendment is required by LWVUS to be in conformity with LWVUS bylaws.

Proposed Amendments

Article VII
Financial Administration

Sec. 2-The Executive Director. The Executive Director may sign contracts and loans and sign or endorse checks within limitations set by the board.

Sec. 3- Budget. The board shall submit to the convention or council for adoption a proposed budget for the ensuing year. This proposed budget shall provide for the support of the LWVNYS. A copy of the proposed budget shall be sent to the president of each local League and ILO and each MAL unit chair at least six weeks in advance of the convention or council. A budget shall be adopted by a majority vote.

The practice of preparation and implementation of a two-year budget may be adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present at convention. Should a two-year budget be implemented, in the interim year, the board shall report to the delegates at council on the status of the finances of the organization and budgetary items.

Sec. 4- Budget Committee. The budget shall be prepared by a committee which shall be appointed for that purpose by the board at least four months in advance of the convention or council. The budget committee shall consist of no fewer than five members including a chair and the treasurer. The majority of the members of this committee, including the chair, shall not be members of the state board. Except for the treasurer, each member of the budget committee shall be from a different local League. Recommendations of the committee shall be by the concurrence of the majority of the full committee.

Sec. 5- Distribution of Funds on Dissolution. In the event of the dissolution of the LWVNYS, all moneys and securities which may at the time be owned by or under the control of the LWVNYS shall be paid to the LWVUS after the state board has paid or made provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the LWVNYS. All other property of whatsoever nature, whether real, personal, or mixed which may at the time be owned or under the control of the LWVNYS shall be disposed of to such a person, organization, or corporation for such public, charitable or educational use and purposes as the state board in its discretion may designate.

Sec. 6- Indemnification. Every LWVNYS director, officer or specified representative of the LWVNYS shall be indemnified against all expenses and liabilities, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred or imposed upon them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party, or in which they may become involved by reason of being or having been a director, officer or specified representative, or any settlement thereof, whether the person is a director, officer or specified representative at the time such expenses are incurred, except in such cases wherein the individual is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance or malfeasance in the performance of duties. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to and exclusive of all other rights to which the indemnified may be entitled. Indemnification will be up to the amount insured.

Proposed Amendments

Article X, Sec. 3
Program

Rationale

This amendment brings the voting requirement for concurrence by delegates at annual meetings in conformity with LWVUS voting requirements.

a) The LWVNYS board shall consider the recommendations and shall formulate a proposed program which shall be submitted to the president of each local League and ILO, and to the chair of each MAL unit, at least six weeks prior to the convention or council.

A majority vote shall be required for the adoption of the program proposed by the LWVNYS Board. Any recommendation for a program not proposed by the LWVNYS board that was submitted to the LWVNYS board at least three months before the convention or council, may be adopted by the convention or council, provided consideration is ordered by a majority vote and the proposal for adoption receives a three- fifths vote. A two-thirds vote is required to amend or adopt a state League position by concurrence at an annual meeting.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW YORK STATE BYLAWS

AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY DELEGATES AT STATE CONVENTION, JUNE 2021

Article I
Name and Office

Sec. 1 Name. The name of this organization shall be the League of Women Voters of New York State, hereinafter referred to in these bylaws as “LWVNYS.” The LWVNYS is an integral part of the League of Women Voters of the United States, hereinafter referred to in these bylaws as “LWVUS”.

Article II
Purposes and Policy

Sec. 1 Purposes. The purposes of the LWVNYS shall be to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues.

Sec. 2 Political Policy. The LWVNYS shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Sec. 3 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy. The League is fully committed to ensure compliance

– in principle and practice – with the LWVNYS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy.

Article III
Membership

Sec. 1 Eligibility. Any person who subscribes to the purposes and policy of the LWVNYS shall be eligible for membership.

Sec. 2 Types of Membership.

a. Voting members. Persons at least 16 years of age who join the LWVNYS at any level shall be voting members at all levels of League.

1. individuals who live within an area of a local League may join that League or any other local League; those who reside outside the area of any local League may join a local League or may be state members-at-large;
2. those who have been members of the LWVUS for 50 years or more shall be life members excused from the payment of dues^.
3. those who are students are defined as individuals enrolled either as full or part time with an accredited institution.Associate Members. All others who join the LWVNYS shall be associate.

b. Associate Members. All others who join the LWVNYS shall be associate

Article IV
Officers

Sec. 1 Enumeration, Election and Term. The officers of the LWVNYS shall be a president, a first vice-president, with up to but no more than three additional vice-presidents, and either a secretary and a treasurer or a combined position of secretary/treasurer. The number and order of vice-presidents and whether the offices of secretary and treasurer shall be combined shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee. Any of those offices may not be eliminated or combined until the term of an elected officer is concluded. The Officers shall be elected by the convention and hold office until the conclusion of the next convention or until their successors have been elected and qualified.

Sec. 2 Qualifications. Only voting members in the state of New York shall be elected or appointed to serve as officers or directors of the LWVNYS.

Sec. 3 President. The president shall preside at all meetings of the LWVNYS and of the board of directors, hereinafter referred to as “the board,” unless the president is absent or designates someone else to preside. The president may sign contracts and loans and sign or endorse checks. The president shall be, ex officio, a member of all committees except the nominating committee and have such usual powers of supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the president and perform other duties designated by the board.

Sec. 4 Vice-presidents. In the event of the absence of the president, the first vice-president, or any of the vice-presidents, in order of rank, shall assume that office until the president’s return. If the board declares the office of president vacant, the first vice-president shall assume the office. If the first vice-president is unable to serve as president, any of the vice-presidents, in order of rank, shall assume that office until the next convention. In the event that none of the vice- presidents is able to serve in this capacity, the board shall elect one of its elected members to fill the vacancy. The vice-presidents shall perform such other duties as the president and board may designate.

Sec. 5 Secretary. The secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, minutes of convention, council, and meetings of the board; shall notify all officers and directors of their election; and shall perform such other functions as the president and board shall direct.

Sec. 6 Treasurer. The treasurer shall, at the direction of the president and the board, perform such financial oversight of the professional staff of the organization as is appropriate under the circumstances and such other duties as may customarily pertain to the office; and shall arrange for an annual audit or financial review of the books by a certified public accountant.

Article V
Board

Sec. 1 Number, Selection, and Term. The board shall consist of the officers of the LWVNYS, up to five but not less than three elected directors, and up to four appointed directors. The number of elected directors shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee. The elected directors shall be elected by the convention and shall serve until the conclusion of the next convention or until their successors have been elected and qualified. The elected members of the board shall appoint such additional directors, not exceeding four, as they deem necessary to carry on the work of the LWVNYS. The terms of office of the appointed directors shall expire concurrently with the terms of office of the elected directors.

Sec. 2 The “Entire Board” shall consist of the number of Directors within the designated range that were elected as of the most recently held election of Directors plus the number of directors appointed and serving.

Sec. 3 Absences and Vacancies.

In the event that a board member is absent from two consecutive meetings of the board, without excuse accepted as satisfactory by the directors, that position may be declared vacant.
A board position shall be vacant in the event a board member dies or resigns, or a position is declared vacant pursuant to Section 3a of this Article.
Any vacancy in the board other than in the presidency may be filled until the next convention by a majority vote of the remaining members of the board.

Sec. 4 Powers and Duties.

a. The board shall have full charge of the property and fiscal business of the LWVNYS with full power and authority to manage and conduct the same, subject to the instructions of the convention.

b. In executing the duties of their office, board members are expected to carry out applicable laws and regulations as well as League bylaws, mission, policies, standards and procedures. Board members who do not shall be counseled.

c. The board shall plan and direct the work necessary to carry out the program on state governmental matters as adopted by the convention.

d. The board shall accept responsibility delegated to it by the board of the LWVUS for:

1. 1. the organization and development of local Leagues;
  2. carrying out of a program;
  3. providing assistance to the local Leagues in obtaining funds to further the work of a local League or the LWVNYS; and
  4. guidance of intrastate inter-League organizations hereinafter referred to as ILOs.

e. The board may create member-at-large (hereinafter referred to as MAL) units, and establish rules and regulations for their operations.

f. The board shall create and designate such committees as it may deem necessary. “Committees of the Board” are those that may have the power to bind the board within the limitations of NYS law. These committees must be comprised solely of board members, and have at least 3 members. “Committees of the Corporation” cannot bind the board and may include non-board members. These committees are appointed by the board.

g. The board may appoint an executive committee consisting of no fewer than five members of the board. The executive committee shall exercise such power and authority as may be delegated to it by the board and shall report to the board, at the earliest opportunity, on all actions taken by it between regular meetings of the

Sec. 5 Regular Meetings. There shall be at least four regular meetings of the board annually. At the direction of the president, at least two weeks before each regular meeting, each board member shall be sent a written notice of the meeting which may be transmitted by regular mail, fax or email giving the time and place of such meeting.

Sec. 6 Special Meetings. The president may call special meetings of the board, and/or shall call a special meeting upon the written request of five members of the board. Members of the board shall be notified of the time and place of special meetings by written notice transmitted by regular mail, fax, e-mail, sent at least six days prior to such meeting. During convention or council, however, the president may, or upon the request of five members of the board shall, call a special meeting of the board by giving members of the board a written notice of the time and place of said meeting.

Sec. 7 Quorum. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum and a majority of the members in attendance at any board meeting shall, in the presence of a quorum, decide its action. Any member of the board may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment that allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time; participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

Sec. 8 Action of Board. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board or the committee consent to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. Such consent may be written or electronic. If written, the consent must be executed by the director by signing such consent or causing his or her signature to be affixed to such consent by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, facsimile signature. If electronic, the transmission of the consent must be sent by electronic mail and set forth, or be submitted with, information from which it can reasonable be determined that the transmission was authorized by the director. The resolution and the written consents thereto by the members of the board or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the board or committee.

Sec. 9 Compensation. Directors shall not receive compensation for services rendered to or on behalf of the LWVNYS except that members of the board may be reimbursed, based on the board’s reimbursement policy, for expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the LWVNYS upon presentation of reasonable detailed receipts thereof.

Article VI
Recognition of Local and Provisional Leagues

Sec. 1 Local Leagues. Local Leagues are those Leagues which have been so recognized by the LWVUS.

Sec. 2 Recognition of Local Leagues. The LWVNYS board shall recommend to the LWVUS board recognition of any group in the state which fulfills recognition requirements for local Leagues as adopted by the national convention. When such recognition is granted, the local Leagues shall become an integral part of the LWVUS and the LWVNYS.

Sec. 3 Withdrawal of Recognition. When a local League recurrently fails to fulfill recognition requirements, the board shall recommend to the LWVUS board that recognition be withdrawn. Final action rests with the LWVUS board. All funds held by such dissolved Leagues shall be paid to the LWVNYS after payment of all liabilities.

Sec. 4 Member-at-Large Units. When a group of people in a community in which no local League exists wishes to form a League of Women Voters, it may be organized into a Member-at-Large unit by the board under the requirements adopted by the board. It shall remain a MAL unit until such time as it has fulfilled the recognition requirements for local Leagues, or until it has been disbanded by the Board. The Board has the authority to disband a MAL Unit, upon a vote of a majority of the MAL Unit members or upon a finding of the Board that the MAL Unit is not in compliance with the requirements for a MAL Unit. All funds held by a MAL unit from which recognition has been withdrawn shall be paid to the LWVNYS.

Sec. 5 Inter-League Organizations-ILOs. Members enrolled in local Leagues may organize ILOs in order to promote the purposes of the League and to take action on county, metropolitan or regional governmental matters. The LWVNYS board shall recommend to the LWVUS board that such ILO be recognized, provided requirements adopted by the national convention have been met. The board has responsibility for the guidance of ILOs. In the event of recurrent failure of an ILO to fulfill these requirements, the board shall recommend to the LWVUS board that it withdraw recognition from such ILO. All funds held by an ILO from which recognition has been withdrawn shall be prorated among its member Leagues.

Article VII
Financial Administration

Sec. 1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the LWVNYS shall be from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

Sec. 2 Financial Support. Each local League shall make an annual per-member and household payment to the LWVNYS in the amount to be determined by a 3/5 vote of those present and voting at each convention. Local Leagues shall be excused from making per-member payments for life members and students. Member-at-Large Units shall pay dues to the LWVNYS in an amount to be determined by the LWVNYS board.

Sec. 3 The Executive Director. The Executive Director may sign contracts and loans and sign or endorse checks within limitations set by the board.

Sec. 4 Budget. The board shall submit to the convention or council for adoption a proposed budget for the ensuing year. This proposed budget shall provide for the support of the LWVNYS. A copy of the proposed budget shall be sent to the president of each local League and ILO and each MAL unit chair at least six weeks in advance of the convention or council. A budget shall be adopted by a majority vote, except that the per-member-payment shall be approved as provided in section 2 of this article. The practice of preparation and implementation of a two-year budget may be adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present at convention. Should a two-year budget be implemented, in the interim year, the board shall report to the delegates at council on the status of the finances of the organization and budgetary items.

Sec. 5 Budget Committee. The budget shall be prepared by a committee which shall be appointed for that purpose by the board at least four months in advance of the convention or council. The budget committee shall consist of no fewer than five members including a chair and the treasurer. The majority of the members of this committee, including the chair, shall not be members of the state board. Except for the treasurer, each member of the budget committee shall be from a different local League. Recommendations of the committee shall be by the concurrence of the majority of the full committee.

Sec. 6 Distribution of Funds on Dissolution. In the event of the dissolution of the LWVNYS, all moneys and securities which may at the time be owned by or under the control of the LWVNYS shall be paid to the LWVUS after the state board has paid or made provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the LWVNYS. All other property of whatsoever nature, whether real, personal, or mixed which may at the time be owned or under the control of the LWVNYS shall be disposed of to such a person, organization, or corporation for such public, charitable or educational use and purposes as the state board in its discretion may designate.

Sec. 7 Indemnification. Every LWVNYS director, officer or specified representative of the LWVNYS shall be indemnified against all expenses and liabilities, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred or imposed upon them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party, or in which they may become involved by reason of being or having been a director, officer or specified representative, or any settlement thereof, whether the person is a director, officer or specified representative at the time such expenses are incurred, except in such cases wherein the individual is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance or malfeasance in the performance of duties. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to and exclusive of all other rights to which the indemnified may be entitled. Indemnification will be up to the amount insured.

Article VIII
Meetings of the Members

Sec. 1 Place, Date, and Call. A meeting of members shall be held annually for the election of the board of directors and the transaction of other business as shall lawfully come before such meeting. The time and place of such meeting shall be set by the board. Such meetings held in odd years shall be denominated as conventions and the meetings held in even years shall be denominated as councils.

Sec. 2 Call for Convention and Council. At the direction of the president, a call for the convention or council shall be sent to the president of each local League and ILO, and chair of each MAL unit not less than three months prior to the opening date of the convention or council fixed in said call. Thereafter the board may advance or postpone the opening date of the convention or council not more than two weeks from the date fixed in the first call. A final call for the convention or council shall be sent by the president to the president of each local League and ILO, and chair of each MAL unit, at least 30 days before convention or council.

Sec. 3 Convention.

Composition. The convention shall consist of the delegates of the local Leagues, ILOs and MAL units, as provided in this article, and the members of the board, each of whom shall be entitled to one vote.
Qualifications of Delegates and Voting. All delegates shall be voting members of the League. Each delegate representing a local League, ILO, or MAL unit, or duly authorized proxy as provided in subsection f, shall be a member in good standing of that local League, ILO or MAL Unit and shall be entitled to vote only if that League, ILO or MAL unit has met its per-member-payment responsibilities. The LWVNYS board may make an exception in the case of proven hardship. No delegate shall be entitled to more than one vote, and absentee voting shall not be permitted. Final determination of a delegate’s qualifications or credentials shall be made by the
Representation at convention. The members of the LWVUS who are organized into recognized local Leagues, ILOs, and MAL units in the state of New York shall be entitled to voting representation at the convention as follows: each local League shall be represented by one delegate. In addition to that delegate, each local League is entitled to one delegate for the first 40 members. Leagues having more than 40 members shall be entitled to one delegate for each additional 40 members or major fraction thereof. Membership numbers will be determined by the number indicated in the official LWVUS membership count report for the year of the convention. Each recognized ILO shall be entitled to one voting delegate. Each MAL unit shall be entitled to one voting delegate.
Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at convention shall be participation by one tenth of the total number of authorized delegates.
Authorization for Action. The convention shall consider and authorize a program for action; shall elect officers, directors, the chair and two members of the nominating committee; shall adopt a budget for the ensuing year; and shall transact such other business as may come before it.
Proxies. Every proxy must be in writing and signed by the president of the local League or ILO or the chair of the MAL Unit. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the person executing it, unless otherwise provided by The proxy can contain such conditions as determined by the giver of the proxy. For the purpose of representing another League, all proxies shall be delivered to the presiding officer.

Sec. 4 Council.

Council shall consist of each local League, ILO, MAL unit and the Board of Directors.
Voting at Council. Each local League, ILO and MAL unit and each Director shall be entitled to one vote. In addition to that vote, each local League is entitled to one vote for the first 40 Leagues having more than 40 members shall be entitled to one vote for each additional 40 members or major fraction thereof. Membership numbers will be determined by the number indicated in the official LWVUS membership count report for the year of the council.
Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at a council meeting shall consist, in person or by proxy, of one tenth of the total number of authorized
Authorization for Action. The council shall consider program, methods of operation and the financial status of the organization, including a proposed or ongoing budget, as presented by the LWVNYS board. The council is authorized to make such modifications of the program and, if applicable, an ongoing budget, as shall be necessary to meet altered conditions, provided that notice of such action shall have been sent by the LWVNYS board to the members at least six weeks in advance of the meeting of the council. A majority vote shall be necessary to adopt an ongoing budget. The council shall transact such other business as shall lawfully come before it.
Presence at and votes taken at council may be by proxy. Every proxy must be in writing and signed by the President of the local League or ILO or the Chair of the MAL Unit. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the person executing it, unless otherwise provided by law. For the purposes of conducting meetings, all proxies shall be delivered to the Secretary or, in the absence of the Secretary, the presiding Member appointed to act as secretary of the meeting.

Sec. 5 Special Meetings of the Members. Special meetings of the members may be called by the board and by such person or persons as may be authorized by the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws. In any case, such meetings may be convened by the members entitled to cast ten per cent of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, who may, in writing, demand the call of a special meeting specifying the date and month thereof, which shall not be less than two nor more than three months from the date of such written demand. The secretary of the corporation upon receiving the written demand shall promptly give notice of such meeting, or if the secretary fails to do so within five business days thereafter, any member signing such demand may give such notice. The meeting shall be held at the place fixed in the by-laws or, if not so fixed, at the office of the corporation or at such other place designated by the board. If such meeting is held, it will be noticed and conducted according to the provisions relating to the convention as hereinabove provided.

Article IX
Nominations and Elections

Sec. 1 Nominating Committee. The nominating committee shall consist of five members, two of whom shall be members of the board. The chair and two members who shall not be members of the board shall be elected by the convention. Nomination for these offices shall be made by the current nominating committee. Further nominations may be made from the floor of the convention. The other members of the committee shall be appointed by the board immediately after the convention. Vacancies occurring in the nominating committee shall be filled by the board.

Sec. 2 Suggestions by Local Leagues and MAL Units. The nominating committee chair shall solicit from the president of each local League, ILO, and the chair of each MAL unit, suggestions for nominations for the offices to be filled.

Sec. 3 Suggestions for Nominations. Suggestions for nominations shall be sent to the chair of the nominating committee at least six months before convention. Any member may send suggestions to the chair of the nominating committee.

Sec. 4 Decisions of the Committee. Decisions of the committee shall be by the concurrence of the majority of the full committee.

Sec. 5 Report of the Nominating Committee and Nominations from the Floor. The report of the nominating committee of its nominations for officers, directors, and the chair and two members of the succeeding nominating committee shall be sent to the president of each local League and ILO, and to the chair of each MAL unit, six weeks before the convention. The report shall be presented on the first day of the convention. Immediately following the presentation of this report, nominations may be made from the floor by any member of the convention, provided that the consent of the nominee has been secured.

Sec. 6 Election. The election shall be under the direction of an election committee appointed by the president on the first day of the convention. The election shall be by ballot, except that when there is but one nominee for each office, it may be by voice vote. A majority vote of those present and qualified to vote and voting shall constitute an election.

Article X
Program

Sec. 1 Principles. The Principles adopted by the national convention and supported by the League as a whole constitute the authorization for the adoption of the LWVNYS program.

Sec. 2 Program. The program of the LWVNYS shall consist of:

action to implement the Principles, and
concerted study and action on those state governmental issues chosen by the LWVNYS convention, council or the LWVNYS Local League, ILO, and MAL Unit boards and members may make recommendations to the LWVNYS Board for a program at any time for the LWVNYS Board to consider in its discretion.

Sec. 3 Convention or Council Action. The convention or council shall act upon the program using the following procedures:

Local League, ILO and MAL units, or members may recommend to the LWVNYS Board a program for adoption at the convention or council provided that such item is submitted to the LWVNYS Board at least three months prior to the convention or
Any League that plans to propose the adoption or amendment of a state League position by concurrence at an annual meeting with a position statement of another League (or Leagues) shall submit the recommendation to the State board as specified in subsection a of this Article. The recommendation shall be accompanied by the proposed position statement, background information, including pros and cons on the issue and an explanation of the rationale for using this form of member agreement.
The LWVNYS board shall consider the recommendations and shall formulate a proposed program which shall be submitted to the president of each local League and ILO, and to the chair of each MAL unit, at least six weeks prior to the convention or council.

Sec. 4 Member Action. Members may act in the name of the LWVNYS only when authorized to do so by the board.

Sec. 5 Local League, ILO and MAL Unit Action. Local Leagues, ILOs, and MAL units may take action on state governmental matters only when authorized to do so by the LWVNYS board. Local Leagues, ILOs, and MAL units must act only in conformity with, or not contrary to, the position taken by the LWVNYS.

Article XI
National Convention and Council

Sec. 1 National Convention. The board shall elect the number of delegates to the national convention that was allotted to the LWVNYS under the provisions of the bylaws of the LWVUS.

Sec. 2 National Council. The board shall elect the number of delegates to the national council that was allotted to the LWVNYS under the provisions of the bylaws of the LWVUS.

Article XII
Parliamentary Authority

Sec. 1 Parliamentary Authority. The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the LWVNYS in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

Article XIII
Statutory Compliance Article

Sec. 1 Conflicts of Interest Protocols. This Corporation shall adopt, and at all times honor, the terms of a written conflicts of interest policy to assure that its Directors, Officers and Key Employees act in the Corporation’s best interest and comply with applicable legal, regulatory and ethical requirements. The conflicts of interest policy of the Corporation shall include, at a minimum, the following provisions:

Procedures for disclosing, addressing, and documenting Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions to the Board of Directors, or authorized committee, as appropriate.
Restrictions. Stipulations that when the Board of Directors, or authorized committee, as appropriate, is considering a real/potential conflict of interest, the interested party shall not:

1. be present at, or participate in, any deliberations,
2. attempt to influence deliberations, and/or
3. cast a vote on the matter.

Procedures for disclosing, addressing, and documenting Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions to the Board of Directors, or authorized committee, as appropriate.
Restrictions. Stipulations that when the Board of Directors, or authorized committee, as appropriate, is considering a real/potential conflict of interest, the interested party shall not:
1. be present at, or participate in, any deliberations,
2. attempt to influence deliberations, and/or
3. cast a vote on the
Definitions of circumstances that could constitute a conflict of interest.
Requirements that the existence and resolution of the conflict be documented in the records of the Corporation, including in the minutes of any meeting at which the conflict was discussed or voted upon.
Audit-Related Disclosure. Protocols to assure for the disclosures of all real or potential conflicts of interest are properly forwarded to the Audit Committee or Conflicts of Interest Committee, as appropriate, or if there is no such Audit or Conflicts Committee, to the Board of Directors, or another Committee of the Board, as appropriate.

Article XIV
Amendments

These bylaws may be amended at any biennial convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Changes proposed by local leagues and ILOs shall be submitted to the board at least three months prior to a convention. All such proposed amendments shall be sent by the board to the president of each local League and ILO, and to the chair of each MAL unit, at least six weeks prior to the convention, together with the recommendations of the board. The presidents of all local Leagues shall notify the members of their respective Leagues of the proposed amendments. The failure of a local president to give such notice or failure of any member to receive such notice shall not invalidate amendments to the bylaws adopted at any convention.

If necessary to comply with any law or regulation governing the LWVNYS, bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the board of directors. Any bylaw adopted by the board may be amended or repealed by the members in conformity with the procedure hereinabove described for the adoption, amendment or repeal of bylaws by the members.

Program Planning Recommendations

Every year leading up to the Convention we ask local Leagues for their input in developing State League Program for the two years following the Convention. “Program” really means positions, so this is the time to determine which positions we want to keep, delete, update/revise or even consider new studies for new positions or concurrence with existing positions of other

Leagues. Local Leagues had a March 15 deadline for submitting suggestions to be considered at the Convention.

This year there were only seven program planning submissions from local Leagues. Two of the seven had no recommendations. One suggested that the state League work on defending democracy but judged that our current positions were sufficient for that purpose.

The other four suggestions were from the St. Lawrence County MAL, and the Rivertowns, Port Washington-Manhasset (LWV PWM) and Broome and Tioga County Leagues. All four recommended that delegates at Convention vote to adopt the following position on Privatization adopted by the LWV PWM.

“LWV PWM Concurrence with LWV VT

On November 14, 2024, LWV PWM adopted the following position on Privatization, shortened from the 2023 position adopted by LWV Vermont:

The League believes that healthcare, like other programs that provide and protect basic human needs, should be considered a public good. The League favors a system where fiduciary responsibility (for such programs) is to patients and the public. Because private for-profit corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders rather than to patients or public health, the League believes the for-profit business model for healthcare is inappropriate for the common good or to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable members of society. In sum, the League opposes further privatization of needed healthcare. Where private entities fail to deliver programs that provide and protect basic human needs, the League supports de-privatizing them.”

Typically, program suggestions for state League concurrence with the positions of other Leagues were completed by sending the materials post-convention for approval by local Leagues and members. However, at the past two conventions, two concurrences were approved by delegates at convention. The four Leagues recommending the Privatization concurrence intended that it similarly be done by delegates at convention and they have met the requirements of the separate section of the LWVNYS bylaws governing concurrence at annual meetings. Background information on the Privatization Position can be found here, pros and cons can be found here, and a rationale for using this form of member agreement can be found here.

Program Planning Recommendations

Leagues. Local Leagues had a March 15 deadline for submitting suggestions to be considered at the Convention.

“LWV PWM Concurrence with LWV VT

On November 14, 2024, LWV PWM adopted the following position on Privatization, shortened from the 2023 position adopted by LWV Vermont:

61st Biennial Convention

JUNE 20 – 22, 2025 THE DESMOND HOTEL ALBANY, NEW YORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from Your State League President

2025 Convention Tentative Schedule

Featured Speakers

Information Sessions and Caucuses

Workshops

EXHIBITS AND SALES

2025 Proposed Convention Rules

Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance

Tips for Delegates

2023 – 2025 Board of Directors

Nominees for the 2025-2027 Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of New York State

Get to Know Your New Board of Directors

2025 – 2027 Nominating Committee

2025 Board Recommended Bylaws Amendments

Deletions are in red with lines drawn through words; additions are in underlined red.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW YORK STATE BYLAWS

AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY DELEGATES AT STATE CONVENTION, JUNE 2021

Program Planning Recommendations

Program Planning Recommendations

The Blake, 1 Steuben Place, Albany, NY 12207

(518) 465-4162

lwvny@lwvny.org

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