The League of Women Voters of California Convenes 60th Convention in Oakland, May 15-18, 2003

Statewide Leaders Present New Challenges, New Solutions and Continue the League's Respected Work of Over 80 Years in Promoting Active Participation by Citizens in Their Government

(Oakland, California, May 6, 2003)---The League of Women Voters of California presents "New Challenges, New Solutions" at their 60th Convention, to be held at the City Center Marriott Hotel in downtown Oakland, May 15-18. Some 400 people, comprising local League presidents, delegates, state Board members, and volunteers from across California are expected to attend this popular event, held every two years.

Highlights of the Convention include a presentation by banquet keynote speaker the Honorable Barbara Lee, Member of Congress from the 9th District, California, on Saturday night; the Opening Plenary Session keynote speaker Elizabeth G. Hill, Legislative Analyst for the California Legislature; the "Newsmaker Luncheon" address on Friday by Susan Rasky, Assistant Professor at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Kay Maxwell, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States and political satirist Will Durst will also participate in the program of events which will include workshops and seminars by specialists in many of the issues currently facing California.

The League, a nonpartisan grassroots network, has involved citizens in the democratic process for more than 80 years. With over 70 Leagues throughout the state, the League has experienced steady membership growth in recent years. The League's mission is to keep citizens informed about their government and to encourage active participation. For the first time, LWVC will present its Making Democracy Work Awards to outstanding individuals and organizations who epitomize important aspects of the work the League does to fulfill its purpose and mission in California. The first awardees are Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Assemblywoman Wilma Chan, the California State Legislative Analyst's Office, and three non-partisan political ads urging citizens to vote, circulated in California for the November 2002 election by Kenneth Cole Productions, the Sierra Club, and Verizon Wireless.

Convention activities will feature a series of workshops and seminars that will include a presentation on "Smart Voter" the on-line League guide to candidates and issues; and skills training for effective lobbying and raising money to support League activities "beyond the bake sale". Issues workshops will cover such topics as the juvenile justice system, local campaign finance reform, urban infill development projects, the California Master Plan for Education, and the California state budget crisis.

The Convention agenda will include the election of new state League Board members and officers and determination of the League program for the next two years.

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Other press releases about the Convention:

Barbara Lee, Elizabeth Hill, and Susan Rasky Highlight Speakers at League of Women Voters of California 60th Convention in Oakland, May 15-18, 2003

"Making Democracy Work" Awards To Be Presented at League of Women Voters of California 60th Convention in Oakland, May 15-18, 2003