Faith Russell, Kay Moss, and Diana Hauman received special recognition at the June 24 LWV of McLean County Annual Meeting.
Russell received the Leaguer of the Year award for her leadership and mentoring contributions. Moss was honored for the Project of the Year, after modernizing the League financial record-keeping and budgeting system. Outgoing President Diana Hauman was recognized for her efforts and dedication during her term by incoming President Laurie Wollrab.
Members voted on a 2024-2025 Program of study and advocacy to improve elections and equitably meet human needs. Advocacy Initiatives are expected to include programming to counter mis-and-disinformation, providing voter services. New studies were approved to consider McLean County mental health services progress, polling place consolidations, and pros/cons of consolidation of the multiple election commissions serving McLean County voters.
Special guest Becky Simon, League of Women Voters of Illinois President, said the time is now for action as the threats to democracy are very real. "We get stuff done," said Simon, "The League was founded on action and we need to take action today." She said a focus for the League of Women Voters of the United States is the elimination of the electoral college. "Five times in the US history with twice in the last 25 years, a president has been elected because of the electoral college and not by popular vote. It is the League's 'moonshot' to get this done."
Faith Russell, left, and Kay Moss were honored by fellow members on June 24.
Diana Hauman, left, passes the gavel to incoming League president Laurie Wollrab.