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The VOTER Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter, The VOTER, provides information on League programs and events, and updates on our advocacy efforts, among other topics.

Lissa Staley, Communications Chair

Articles for the Voter are due the Friday after the monthly Board of Director’s meeting held on the second Tuesday of the month.

THE VOTER
JANUARY 2025

Calendar of Events

January 7 | Noon | Marvin 101BC at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
Tuesday Topics: Staff from the Kansas Reflector discuss Kansas news, including the November elections & what to expect from 2025 legislative session. Join on Zoom.

Sunday | January 12 | 3-5 pm | Cafe Quetzal at 2111 SW Belle Ave., Topeka
Charcuterie and Chat: Meet and greet each other at our member social. Enjoy brief “elevator pitches” by local LWV leaders to help folks put faces to names. Get interested in possibilities and opportunities to engage and take action in 2025!  Sign up to BYOC (Bring Your Own Charcuterie). Coffee, Water, and Apple Cider will be provided. We are using the space at Cafe Quetzal but their cafe menu will not be available during our event. 

President’s Perspective

Best wishes to all as we embrace 2025!
I sincerely hope you had a memorable, healthy and festive holiday season! 

After a brief respite from usual League activities, there are many activities scheduled that you will find of interest.  

There is much anticipation for what lies ahead in this New Year. Let’s continue the example of the Kansas women who led the suffrage movement and further work to safeguard our democracy. 

Read the full article

 

 

Local Observer Reports

LWV observers keep you informed about what is happening in local government. The Local Observer Corps volunteers attend city, county and school board meetings and take notes. Read the Observer reports for the December 2024 and January 2025 Voter.
 
 

Tuesday Topics Summary 

 

In November, Marvin Burris spoke about “The History of Abilene” and shared interesting stories and entertaining film clips.  Read the summary.
In December, Jeanne Klein spoke about the history of women’s suffrage in Kansas and the mural celebrating the lives of the women who spearheaded the efforts and persisted until their goal was accomplished. View the recording of her presentation. Read the summary.
 
 

Book Club Updates

The LWVTSC book club meets at 11 am on the second Friday of every month. We’re currently in the Anton Room on the 2nd floor of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Lunch in the Millennium Café following the discussion is optional. Anyone is welcome. Contact Carole Jordan for more information. Mark your calendar for these upcoming titles to read and discuss in 2025!
  1. January 10 Oath and Honor, Liz Cheney 
  2. February 14 The Bodies Keep Coming, Dr. Brian Williams 
  3. March 14 The Woman They Could Not Silence, Kate Moore 
  4. April 11 Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, Ben Montgomery 
  5. May 9 Bone of the Bone, Sarah Smarsh 
  6. June 13 The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer 
  7. July 11 By the Fire We Carry, Rebecca Nagle 
  8. August 8 Everyone Who is Gone is Here, Jonathon Blitzer 
  9. September 12 Washington: a Life, Ron Chernow 
  10. October 10 The Girl with the Louding Voice, Abi Dare 
  11. November 14 James, Percival Everett 
  12. December 12 Talk about books for 2026 and in general 

Join or Renew Your Membership

November and December are the months we collect annual dues for the upcoming year. These dues give you continued membership in the U.S. League of Women Voters, the Kansas League, and the Topeka/Shawnee County League.
2025 Dues:

  • $62 – Individual Membership
  • $101 – Household Membership
  • Students are free!

To be a sustaining member, add $30 (or more if you like) to your payment. The entire $30 stays with our local League and is tax deductible.

Payment options:

  • Pay by credit card through our website. (A $3.50 processing fee is added.) or,
  • Send a check payable to “LWVTSC” to:
    Membership Chair
    League of Women Voters of Topeka/Shawnee County
    PO Box 67251
    Topeka, KS 66667

State League Action Alerts & Newsletter

Stay informed of State League of Women Voters articles & news.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Check out all issues of The Voter in our archive.