League of Women Voters Door County Celebrates 70 Years

The League of Women Voters Door County celebrated its 70th year at its annual meeting, May 17 in Sturgeon Bay. Founded in 1952 by Sturgeon Bay residents Jay Jacquelyn (Draeb) Bass, Mary Berg, Eunice Schlintz and others, LWVDC is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. Submitted.

The League of Women Voters Door County (LWVDC) celebrated its 70th year as a local, nonpartisan political organization at its annual membership meeting May 17, starting with a review of the past year’s activities followed by approval of programs and election of leadership for 2023-24. 

The meeting, attended by approximately 40 members and friends of the local chapter, also recognized the first recipient of the LWVDC’s new Making Democracy Work Award, the Door County YMCA Youth In Government Program. The award, given to a non-member individual or organization, acknowledges those who demonstrate a commitment to the democratic process and the advancement of civic awareness. 

“Looking back on our past accomplishments and seeing all the ambitious activities planned for the coming year is certainly evidence of our members’ dedication and hard work, but I am most inspired by  the middle and high school students involved with the YMCA’s Youth In Government Program,” said Susan Kohout, LWVDC chair. “They are a bright light for the future and have a remarkable understanding of and allegiance to the principles of democracy. They simply amazed us with the work they are doing.”

LWVDC programs for the coming year will focus on three key areas: voter service, open government and community education and advocacy. LWVDC expects to hold discussions and forums on topics of particular importance in Door County, including mental health and substance abuse, natural resources and the environment and sufficient care-giving services. The organization will also host or participate in various local events, including Open Door Pride Fest, June 24, and the Women’s Equality Day Car Parade, Aug. 26.

LWVDC also plans to collaborate with other non-partisan organizations, including local news organizations such as the Peninsula Pulse, on programs that align with the league’s mission to advance civic awareness. More details about upcoming LWVDC programs and events will be shared soon.

The following LWVDC Leadership Team 2023-2024 was also approved at the annual meeting: Susan Kohout, chair; Ann Morgan, treasurer; Heidi Ling, secretary; Sandy Brown, membership; Dan Powers, voter service/candidate forums; Kathleen Braswell, voter service registration; Maryann O’Dowd, programs; and Ann Smejkal, Renee Fiedler, Karen Studebaker and Virge Temme, observer corps/action.To volunteer, become a member, donate or learn about upcoming programs, visit lwvdoorcounty.org.