Greetings everyone.
Just a reminder that there will be a Climate Rally tomorrow in Charleston.
See the info below. The LWVWV will have a booth there where we will be
accepting Hopes, Prayers and Wishes for our climate future to add to a
current project (spurred by the Climate Rally) a Climate Time Capsule to be
opened in 2050. The MU James E. Morrow Library special collections will
archive until then! We are certainly working to see that IPCC goals of
zero emissions by that date will be met. It will also house timely news
articles and efforts made by WV citizens and organizations to help curb
climate change. As well, copies of requests made to our WV senators to
keep the climate initiatives in the reconciliation bill and the Build Back
Better plan. https://www.whitehouse.gov/build-back-better/ and more.
Please see the attached Climate Capsule Cover below. *IF ANY OF YOU HAVE
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE TIME CAPSULE, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO ME. *
There us still time to do so over the weekend! I won't complete the
assembly until next week Nyoka.
đź•Š
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014552/313611208/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>
There's nothing scarier than climate change and its debilitating impacts.
From devastating floods and deadly heat waves to the health and economic
costs of inaction, climate change is deeply affecting our West Virginia
communities.
Join us *Saturday, October 30 from 1 - 2:30 p.m*, for a *HALLOWEEN RALLY
for CLIMATE ACTION*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014560/313611251/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>,
in front of the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse Building, 300 Virginia
St. E., in downtown Charleston WV.
Our goal is to let Senator Joe Manchin hear a wide variety of West
Virginian voices, urging him to protect our land and people by standing
with clean energy. We'll have music, speakers, a climate action
opportunity, a photo booth to send a climate message and more. We'll hear a
virtual address to the rally from Dr. Michael E. Mann one of the world's
leading climate scientists.
NOTE: This is a COVID mask-wearing outdoor event. Please wear masks if you
come. You're welcome to wear Halloween ones, too! If you aren't vaccinated,
please get with your local Health Department, physician or local healthcare
provider. Your health matters.
PARKING: There are lots of parking spaces in the nearby Town Center Mall
parking garage and on local streets.
*Thank you for taking action with West Virginia Citizen Action!*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014552/313611208/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>
There's nothing scarier than climate change and its debilitating impacts.
From devastating floods and deadly heat waves to the health and economic
costs of inaction, climate change is deeply affecting our West Virginia
communities.
Join us *Saturday, October 30 from 1 - 2:30 p.m*, for a *HALLOWEEN RALLY
for CLIMATE ACTION*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014560/313611251/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>,
in front of the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse Building, 300 Virginia
St. E., in downtown Charleston WV.
Our goal is to let Senator Joe Manchin hear a wide variety of West
Virginian voices, urging him to protect our land and people by standing
with clean energy. We'll have music, speakers, a climate action
opportunity, a photo booth to send a climate message and more. We'll hear a
virtual address to the rally from Dr. Michael E. Mann one of the world's
leading climate scientists.
NOTE: This is a COVID mask-wearing outdoor event. Please wear masks if you
come. You're welcome to wear Halloween ones, too! If you aren't vaccinated,
please get with your local Health Department, physician or local healthcare
provider. Your health matters.
PARKING: There are lots of parking spaces in the nearby Town Center Mall
parking garage and on local streets.
*Thank you for taking action with West Virginia Citizen Action!*
The WV Legislature's Joint Committee on Redistricting is continuing to
hold public hearings now through September 16. The next public hearing
is tomorrow, August 17, in Martinsburg. Dates for three virtual public
hearings have yet to be announced. See the full schedule and other
redistricting information and resources compiled by our Fair Maps
Committee here. [1]
-----
The West Virginia Climate Alliance and a number of other organizations
are holding a virtual public forum on Tuesday, August 24th from 7 to
8:30 pm. Climate, Jobs and Justice: A public forum on West Virginia's
future is designed to educate and inform the public where climate policy
stands in Congress and what people can do to impact this policy. Collin
O'Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, will be
joined by Pam Nixon of West Virginia NAACP, Jeremy Richardson of Unions
of Concerned Scientist, and Sean O'Leary of Ohio River Valley Institute.
It's a great lineup.
Register here: Meeting Registration - Zoom [2]
Over the next two months we will either adopt significant policy
addressing the climate crisis or fail once again to make meaningful
reforms. Please share the attached invitation with anyone who might be
interested.
-----
On August 26, please grab your favorite drink and join Planned
Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic for their Cocktails for a Cause:
Celebration of Suffrage. Panelists include: South Carolina State Senator
Margie Bright Matthews; Executive Director of the New North Carolina
Project, Aimy Steele; and Effie Kallas, Co-President of the League of
Women Voters of West Virginia. Register for FREE today. [3] Thursday,
August 26, 2021
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
As we commemorate the 101st anniversary of suffrage for many American
women, we also recognize the ongoing fight for voting rights. States
across the country have introduced a surge of legislation that would
make it harder to cast a ballot, particularly targeting people of color,
people with low-income, and young people. Voter suppression directly
impedes our ability to control our bodies and plan our futures. These
political attacks are a tremendous threat to what we stand for.
Cocktails for a Cause [4] will feature an exciting panel discussion on
Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic's role in getting out the vote
in 2022, and standing against voter suppression. Register today! [5]
Your support makes it possible for Planned Parenthood Votes! West
Virginia PAC to expand and protect reproductive health and rights in
West Virginia.
BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR [6] or register here for free. [7]
-----
Julie Archer (she/her/hers)
Co-President
(304) 610-9094 (cell)
Links:
------
[1] https://lwvwv.org/redistricting-information-resources/
[2]
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsceuvqzkqHtWHMZ-j7Pw3KjMLmBd9zP…
[3]
https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838848/300105240/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…
[4]
https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838858/300105247/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…
[5]
https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838863/300105254/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…
[6]
https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838870/300105260/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…
[7]
https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838877/300105271/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…
We're sharing this important Action Alert from our friends at the WV
Rivers Coalition.
All Hands on Deck: WV Water Protections Under Revision
A recent a policy decision by the WVDEP related to water quality
standards creates a loophole to allow industries to dump more toxins in
our source water.
This proposal is part of a second round of human health criteria
revisions - the portion of our water quality standards that protects our
health from dangerous pollutants like cancer causing toxins, chemicals
known to cause birth-defects, and poisons like cyanide.
Submit comments on the proposal today! [1]
This policy is dangerous for West Virginia. Not only will it allow more
toxins in our drinking water sources, it creates a shortcut for
polluters to allow EVEN MORE toxins in our water with less public
involvement.
Ways this policy puts our health and our water at risk:
* The proposal creates a loophole for industry to further weaken the
human health criteria on a case-by-case basis if industry funds a study
that sways the WVDEP to decide that water and fish can handle more
toxins.
* This is handout to big corporations, who can afford the studies.
Hint: chemical manufacturers asked for this loophole, so we are pretty
sure they can afford these studies and are confident they believe they
can demonstrate results in their favor.
* There is already a process in place to revise water quality
standards. The revision sidesteps that procedure by creating a shortcut
that reduces scrutiny and public input in decision-making.
* The loophole exacerbates environmental justice issues by allowing
more toxins in waters near industrialized areas, which are often poorer
communities that are already struggling with problems related to social,
economic, and environmental justice.
* On top of all these factors, it's just plain old bad policy. It's_
_vague and sets a precedent for further weakening of water quality
standards statewide.
This is an all hand on deck call to action!
You can submit comments on the proposal through July 19 here [1]. It's
important for the WVDEP to hear personalized responses from commenters.
Think about how the policy change would affect you and your loved ones
personally.
In addition to submitting written comments, please plan to join the
virtual public hearing on the proposal on July 19 at 6:00PM [2].
Links:
------
[1] https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/hhc2021/index.html
[2] https://dep.wv.gov/events/Pages/event.aspx?eventid=363
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this email reversed that dates for the
Morgantown & Martinsburg Young WV rallies.
Today kicks off a Week of Action organized by Young West Virginia [1].
They are hosting rallies across the state to help garner community
action in support of the For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights
Advancement Act, and D.C. Statehood. These pro-democracy reforms are our
once in a generation opportunity to protect our freedom to vote, end
partisan and racial gerrymandering, and get dark money out of politics.
Join a rally near you. Events are happening in:
* Monday July 26, Charleston - RSVP here [2] - Facebook Event [3]
* Tuesday July 27, Huntington - RSVP here [4] - Facebook Event [5]
* Thursday July 29, Bluefield - RSVP here [6] - Facebook Event [7]
* Friday July 30, Morgantown - RSVP here [8]
* Saturday July 31, Martinsburg - RSVP here [9]
Join Young WV's week of action and play a part in fulfilling the promise
of our democracy.
This week is also the start of a series of listening sessions hosted by
the Legislature's Joint Committee on Redistricting, with public hearings
in Winfield (Tuesday 7/27) and Logan (Thursday 7/29). All 12 in-person
public hearings will take place from 6 to 8 PM, with doors opening at
5:30 PM to begin the sign-in process. Anyone who would like to be
guaranteed an opportunity to speak during the hearings will need to be
present to sign in by 6 PM.
See the full schedule and other redistricting information and resources
compiled by our Fair Maps Committee here. [10]
Let's take advantage of the upcoming hearings to let legislators know
that when it comes to our districts, we want a transparent process we
can trust, where communities remain whole and where voters have an equal
voice.
Thanks for all you do!
Julie
--
Julie Archer
Co-President, League of Women Voters of West Virginia
(304) 610-9094 (cell)
Links:
------
[1] https://www.facebook.com/youngwestvirginia/
[2] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/402408/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/events/1658370897701899
[4] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/402409/
[5] https://www.facebook.com/events/308223144373789
[6] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/402410/
[7] https://www.facebook.com/events/1307742959661053
[8] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/402411/
[9] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/402412/
[10] https://lwvwv.org/redistricting-information-resources/
Today kicks off a Week of Action organized by Young West Virginia [1].
They are hosting rallies across the state to help garner community
action in support of the For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights
Advancement Act, and D.C. Statehood. These pro-democracy reforms are our
once in a generation opportunity to protect our freedom to vote, end
partisan and racial gerrymandering, and get dark money out of politics.
Join a rally near you. Events are happening in:
* July 26th Charleston
* July 27th Huntington
* July 29th Bluefield
* July 30th Martinsburg
* July 31st Morgantown
You can find events and RSVP here [2].
This week is also the start of a series of listening sessions hosted by
the Legislature's Joint Committee on Redistricting, with public hearings
in Winfield (Tuesday 7/27) and Logan (Thursday 7/29). All 12 in-person
public hearings will take place from 6 to 8 PM, with doors opening at
5:30 PM to begin the sign-in process. Anyone who would like to be
guaranteed an opportunity to speak during the hearings will need to be
present to sign in by 6 PM.
See the full schedule and other redistricting information and resources
compiled by our Fair Maps Committee here. [3]
Let's take advantage of the upcoming hearings to let legislators know
that when it comes to our districts, we want a transparent process we
can trust, where communities remain whole and where voters have an equal
voice.
Thanks for all you do!
Julie
--
Julie Archer
Co-President, League of Women Voters of West Virginia
(304) 610-9094 (cell)
Links:
------
[1] https://www.facebook.com/youngwestvirginia/
[2]
https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/?country=US&end_date=2021-08-01T0…
[3] https://lwvwv.org/redistricting-information-resources/
A friendly reminder about our Redisticting For the People! Teach-In on
redistricting and the For the People Act.
Who: League of Women Voters of West Virginia & special guests
What: Redistricting for the People! Teach-In [1]
When: Thursday, June 17 at 7 PM
Where: Facebook Live [2] or Zoom
Why: We will discuss how the redistricting process is going to work this
year, how the For the People Act would impact it in the future, and what
you can do to get involved.
Click here to register [1].
Special guests include Delegates Barbara Fleischauer & Evan Hansen, who
have sponsored bills to establish and independent redistricting
commission, and Senator Charles Trump, Co-Chair of the WV Legislature's
Joint Committee on Redistricting.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Links:
------
[1] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/395760/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/events/828015494755862
Join the League of Women Voters of West Virginia for a teach-in on
redistricting and the For the People Act!
Who: League of Women Voters of West Virginia & special guests
What: Redistricting for the People! Teach-In [1]
When: Thursday, June 17 at 7 PM
Where: Facebook Live [2] or Zoom
Why: We will discuss how the redistricting process is going to work this
year, how the For the People Act would impact it in the future, and what
you can do to get involved.
Click here to register [1].
Speakers include Delegates Barbara Fleischauer & Evan Hansen with
Moderator Effie Kallas from Co-President of LWV-WV.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Links:
------
[1] https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/395760/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/events/828015494755862
Redistricting at the State and Federal Level and What It Means to West
Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle.
The Stubblefield Institute Community Engagement Committee is hosting
another event on June 10th at 7 p.m. Redistricting at the State and
Federal Level and What It Means to West Virginia and the Eastern
Panhandle will feature a panel of Delegate Jason Barrett, Delegate John
Doyle, Gary Wine, and Dr. Kenneth Martis. This event will be moderated
by Hannah Geffert.
Join us on Facebook Live or on Zoom. To register for Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F7ZrH2jPR0exPlK5S6_qkA
Speaker Bios:
Kenneth C. Martis is a Professor Emeritus of Geography at West Virginia
University. He received his PhD in Geography from the University of
Michigan and is the author or co-author of eight award winning books on
American elections and the United States Congress. His first book, The
Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts: 1789-1983, is
first in American history to map every congressional district for every
election and catalog all state redistricting laws. For his work on
mapping American political history he has received support from the
National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation,
American Association of Geographers, Everett McKinley Dirksen
Congressional Leadership Research Center, Huntington Library, and the
Newberry Library. His publications have received numerous scholarly,
publication, design, and reference awards from organizations including:
American Historical Association; Organization of American Historians;
Library Journal; Association of American Publishers, Professional and
Scholarly Publishing Division; American Library Association, Choice
Magazine; Washington Publishers; and College and Research Libraries. In
addition to his publications, Professor Martis received every major
teaching accolade awarded by West Virginia University, culminating in
his selection as the United States/West Virginia Professor of the Year
by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Washington, DC.
John Doyle (Democratic Party) is a member of the West Virginia House of
Delegates, representing District 67. Doyle was born in Covington,
Virginia, and lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Doyle served in the
U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and reached the rank of lieutenant. He
earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from
Shepherd University in 1966. Doyle's career experience includes working
as a real estate salesman with Referrals Realty.
Gary Wine has been involved in technology since 1991 and have spent all
of it supporting local governments in West Virginia. Post college he
went to work for Harrison County, WV serving as the Technology Director.
In 1998, he left and went to work for a IBM business partner supporting
SMB and West Virginia local governments through 2007. In late summer
2007, he started as the Director of Information Technology for Berkeley
County and served in that role up to 2018 when he was promoted to Deputy
County Administrator.
Jason Barrett is a Republican member of the West Virginia House of
Delegates, representing the 61st district. Barrett ran for re-election
to the West Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 61. He won
in the general election on November 3, 2020. Barrett previously served
in the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 61 from
2012 to 2014. He was also an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for
District 54, West Virginia House of Delegates in the November 2, 2010
state legislative election. Barrett is also a small business owner in
the Eastern Panhandle. He currently lives in the Eastern Panhandle with
his wife Summer.
Hannah Geffert is retired from teaching both history and political
science at Shepherd University. She has written extensively on the
nineteenth century civil rights movement and on West Virginia women and
the Civil War pension system. She was a radio talk show host and has
moderated numerous political debates.