The League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands (LWV-VI) was represented by Dr. Gwen-Marie Moolenaar and Lisa LaPlace Knight at the 50th biennial convention of the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWV-US) on June 9-12 in Washington, DC. Moolenaar and LaPlace Knight were among 650 league members in attendance.
While in Washington, Moolenaar and LaPlace Knight attended workshops and caucuses, and discussed many of the critical issues facing democracy this election year. The League’s Power the Vote 2012 initiative was highlighted throughout as delegates celebrated recent successes in protecting voting rights. Building on this theme, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the convention discussing his latest efforts to protect voting rights. “I learned many new things and brought back important ideas for our league to use in our community,” said Moolenaar, president of LWV-VI.
Delegates re-elected Elisabeth MacNamara of Georgia as national president and elected a new board of directors, passed the league’s budget, and voted on the organization’s agenda for the next two years, placing a special emphasis on working to fight the flood of secret money in politics.
Moolenaar, LaPlace Knight and other attendees were welcomed to the convention by D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, and were treated to remarks by Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, and a panel discussion featuring author and commentator Eleanor Clift, former Congressman Mickey Edwards, and attorney Trevor Potter, most recently known for his work with comedian/TV personality Stephen Colbert. Pollster John Zogby also addressed delegates at their banquet dinner providing his insights about the upcoming election.
“I was proud to represent the LWV-VI at Convention 2012,” LaPlace Knight, a board member of LWV-VI, said. “The league is a vibrant organization of volunteer men and women in all 50 states, DC and the VI. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to learn and network with them.”
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Founded in 1920, the League is one of America’s most trusted organizations. Membership in League is open to men and women of all ages.
