LWVGB Member Meeting: A "Pep Rally" for coming League events.
Charter Schools Study Consensus & Sunshine Week.
Also, a review of recent League accomplishments.
January 17, 2011, 6:00 P.M.
Avondale Branch Public Library (Meeting Room)
509 40th St. S
Birmingham, Alabama 35222-3309
(205) 226-4000

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MARKS
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY

In the Dec. 12, 2011 press release below, LWVGB President Ida Tyree-Hyche calls for greater civility in politics.

(Birmingham, AL) – The League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham’s President, Ida Tyree-Hyche, marked the 220th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights with a call for inclusive political discourse and greater civic participation in Birmingham, Alabama.

“For more than 91 years, members of the League of Women Voters have defended civil liberties and promoted balanced, nonpartisan discussions on issues that are important to our community, and we continue this work today,” Ida Tyree-Hyche said. “Our mission is to increase public participation – to help empower individuals to exercise the rights that are afforded to them through our democracy.”

“As we reflect back on 2011 and witnessing democratic movements take hold around the world, there is much to celebrate. But, it is also a reminder that we cannot take our liberties for granted,” said Ida Tyree-Hyche. “Every day, League members work in our community to protect our liberties by encouraging voting, discussing critical issues, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. In the highly partisan environment throughout our nation, our role in creating a ‘safe’ venue where all sides of the issues can be discussed civilly and thoughtfully is more critical than ever. We encourage all to join us and make their voices and opinions heard; it’s our right!”

The LWVGB has participated in the following events in our community:

• SOS, Sustain our State Environmental and Social Issues Rally
• Interfaith rally opposing Alabama’s HB 56
• Jefferson County Delegation meeting to address Jefferson County’s financial crisis
• Hosted LWVGB Education Consensus work session
• Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon
• Observed public meetings on issues concerning transportation, public utilities, education, County Commissions and City Councils
• Hosted Birmingham City Schools leaders to address educational issues
• Hosted State Representatives John Rogers, Jr. and Paul DeMarco to discuss legislative role in Jefferson County financial crisis.

The protection of the individual liberties laid out in the Bill of Rights has been central to the League’s work throughout its history. During World War II, the League worked to balance the preservation of civil liberties with the importance of national security. During the Communist “witch hunt” period of the early 1950s, the League conducted a community education program known as the Freedom Agenda, providing Americans with the opportunity to discuss and learn about the Bill of Rights. More recently, League members have promoted a diverse and independent judiciary, advocated against harmful elements of the PATRIOT Act, and worked for government transparency and accountability.

For more information, visit www.lwvgb.org or www.lwv.org.
"Like" the League on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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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. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With more than 91 years of experience and 800 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.

Download Press Release

"The Role of the Federal Government in Public Education"

An LWVUS Study

LWVGB Consensus Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 17, 10:00 a.m - 12:00 noon
Woodrow Hall - Magnolia Room (2nd Floor)
5504 1st Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35212

In June, 2010 the delegates to the League of Women Voters Convention proposed and passed a study of the role of federal government in public education in the United States. The unbiased information gathered in the process of this study is presented here.

On November 17, 2011, LWVGB members convened at Woodrow Hall in Woodlawn to discuss these background study materials and attempt to come to consensus agreement. The group, led by LWVGB Education Chair Wanda Godfrey, reviewed the timeline and historical milestones of the federal role in education. With member Trisha Crain leading, members then discussed education funding and equity issues. The session concluded with discussion of Common Core Standards. That segment was led by member Arlene Godwin. After each segment, the members as a group answered the consensus questions posed by the national League. The proceedings were recorded by LWVGB Director Joan Burroughs.

A LWVGB board-approved consensus report will be submitted before November 30 to the LWVUS for national consensus consideration. The national study is scheduled for completion in March 2012, and, if a consensus can be reached, a national League position will be published on this issue.

LWVGB Membership Meeting and Public Forum
"Working Toward a Solution to Jefferson County's Financial Crisis"

Monday, November 14th, 2011, 6 p.m.
Medical Forum at the BJCC, 
2nd Floor Auditorium
2100 Richard Arrington Blvd. North
Birmingham, AL

LWVGB Forum Report
Coverage in the Media...

• "State Reps. Rogers, DeMarco hopeful sewer receiver will be stripped of authority" -- The Birmingham News at al.com
• "Jefferson County delegates answer questions on bankruptcy" -- ABC 33/30
• "State Reps. weigh in on bankruptcy" -- CBS 42

League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham Participates in Veterans' Day Events

Shade' Hyche (driver and LWVGB member), LWVGB President Ida Tyree-Hyche, and VP Cyrondys Jackson great the crowd of thousands in the Veterans' Day Parade in Downtown Birmingham, 11 Nov. 2011

See more photos and video clips below.

Thoughts on the Day from the President...

On 11/11/11, LWVGB participated for the first time in the National Veterans Day of Birmingham events by purchasing a table at the World Peace Luncheon, having a seat on the Dias and recognized before the entire body, and having a float/car in the parade and announced before hundreds of onlookers. This proved to be a great public relations event, with the cost if a $24 ticket, and time spent attending Veterans Day planning meetings. The rewards were excellent! I wish everyone could have seen the people who were excited to see us in our vintage hats, in our classic car in the parade. Adamson Ford provided us a COMPLIMENTARY RED MUSTANG that seemed to attract the young people to yelling and waving at us with "Happy Veterans' Day, I like your car!"( smile). We saw one LWVGB member who gleaned when she saw our car/float.

Thanks to Cyrondys Jackson, Vice-President, Shade' Hyche, member and driver, who joined me in the car/Float. Thanks to Leonette Slay, Michael O'Donnell, Shade' Hyche, and guests from Tuscaloosa, Connie and Brian, and Dirk, guest of Donald Marks, Cyrondys Jackson, and Donald Marks, who joined me at the Luncheon. Cyrondys, our Vice President, represented the League on the dais and was introduced. From a TV interview on Wake Up Alabama at 6:00 a.m., that Cyrondys and I attended, to the end of the parade where we shouted Happy Veterans Day to many "fans", it was a PERFECT 11/11/11!!

Yes! We must do this again!

Ida Tyree Hyche, Esq.
LWVGB President