LWVNM Board Minutes, April 27 2025
LWVNM Board Minutes
April 27, 2025
12:15-1:15 p.m.
The Lodge at Santa Fe
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Hannah Burling, President
Barbara Calef, Second Vice President
Kathy Brook, Treasurer
Judy Williams, Program
Janet Blair, Communications
Jody Larson, Archives
Akkana Peck, Website
Meredith Machen, Special Projects, Women’s Issues, Immigration, Education
Karen Douglas, Nuclear Issues
Starlyn Brown, LWVCNM President
Felicia Orth, LWVLA President
CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS
The meeting was convened by Hannah Burling at 12:17 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND MINUTES
Barbara Calef moved to add the composition of the Executive Committee to the agenda. The motion was seconded by Starlyn Brown and approved unanimously. The agenda as amended was then approved.
The minutes of the meeting of March 1, 2025 were approved on a motion from Barbara Calef, seconded by Jody Larson.
PROPOSED BOARD CALENDAR 2025-2026
Hannah asked that board meetings be held in person or hybrid. Possible locations in Socorro and Albuquerque were discussed as these are more accessible to members from LWVSNM. It was then agreed that the July meeting will be hybrid at the League office in Albuquerque and the location for September remains to be determined. Judy will check with a member from LWVSFC about a possible church location.
DRAFT BOARD LIST
Hannah asked for and received corrections to the board list.
COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
On a motion by Judy Williams, it was agreed that Starlyn Brown will join the Executive Committee replacing Jody Larson. Other members are Hannah Burling, Barbara Calef, Kathy Brook, and Judy Williams.
REVIEW OF BOARD POLICIES
The packet for the meeting included copies of the policies on conflict of interest, harassment, and nonpartisanship. Hannah asked that members sign the signature page on conflict of interest. The policy on harassment will be reviewed at the July board meeting with a possible change in the name of the policy. Felicia is willing to provide a refresher on DEI policy. A question was raised about whether the non-partisan policy must mirror that of LWVUS.
LWVNM EDUCATION FUND REPORT
The packet for the meeting included the Ed Fund treasurer’s report dated March 12, 2025, from Kim Sorensen; the Ed Fund report dated April 23, 2025; and some recent invoices from Kathleen Burke and the provider of D&O insurance.
Clarification was given as to the purpose of the current Thornburg grant – namely, redistricting – and Hannah indicated that a decision would need to be made about going forward with redistricting in 2026. Hannah also reported that the Ed Fund has attracted the interest of a major (c)(4) donor, who may be able to connect us with other funders.
Hannah is also working on ideas for another project on redistricting, inspired by a “Packing and Cracking” quilt show in San Francisco. She has brought the idea of a quilt show on redistricting to the Thornburg Foundation. Gerrymander cookies and a stipend for development of a video game are possibilities.
COMMENTS FROM COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Karen reported that federal websites concerning nuclear issues are “under construction.” She has not heard any more about an RFP for a federal spent nuclear fuel facility that was posted prior to the inauguration. The Trump administration is pushing for an increase in nuclear energy and could decide to restart the Yucca Mountain storage facility. We will have to wait and see how things go.
Janet reported that the Communications Committee has agreed to hold monthly meetings on the second Tuesday.
Jody indicated that we really need a policy on electronic files. Starlyn may be a resource, but CNM does not yet have such a policy. Board members should refer to the existing policy and schedule, which is focused on paper documents.
Barbara said the Environment Committee will meet monthly, beginning in June.
CONVENTION FOLLOW-UP
It was suggested that printed voter guides include information on how to join the League as well as a request for donations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEW BUSINESS
There will need to be an Executive Committee meeting soon to discuss the Action Committee, including the possibility of working outside the legislative session on executive agency actions. The Executive Committee also needs to discuss the need for a Voter Services, director, especially for statewide coverage of VOTE411. Edwina has said that she is willing to do some of the work.
Social media is important to our election activities and Hannah would like to use Elliott Marketing if we have the money.
We need to identify the most important activities of the Action Chair, so Dick may be asked for additional information.
It was agreed that we would aim for awarding the Make Democracy Work Award to Dick at an event in conjunction with the July board meeting in Albuquerque. Judy will draft a letter to Dick.
In conclusion, there was discussion of publication of one of the recent LWVUS statements, possibly an op-ed piece with a header and a footer. Janet will draft something for review.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: JULY 19, 2025 IN ALBUQUERQUE
Drafted by Kathy Brook, 05/05/2025
Edited by Barbara Calef 05/05/25