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Coming out of the season of family and friends, and travel and celebration, I welcome you to take some time for yourself this winter… with the League.
Winter is a great time for learning, reading, taking a step toward something bigger that you really care about. The League is offering several opportunities to learn something about the political arts, things you can’t learn from a book or a blog. First, you can learn what your representatives are thinking, and about the issues, this Saturday January 12th at the League Senate Breakfast. The next week, attend a special training on legislative skills and learn what happens at the legislature, what decisions might be made, and how you can develop a relationship and make a difference. So, this new year, do something meaningful for yourself and for our community and empower yourself with civics. Already know a lot? Bring a younger person and mentor them. Either way, I hope to see you this month and read on for more details about our upcoming Citizen Academy. We’re looking for applicants!
Sincerely,
Jamey Dobbs, President
Meet Your Senators Breakfast
Saturday, January 12th, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Knoxville News-Sentinel Building, Knox Room
2332 News Sentinel Drive
Each year, the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County hosts a breakfast with Knox County's legislators. This year, we welcome Senators Randy McNally (R-District 5) and Becky Duncan Massey (R-District 6). From 10-10:30, we'll meet and mingle with the senators while enjoying a light buffet breakfast. At 10:30, each senator will have an opportunity to talk about the upcoming legislative session and their policy priorities in 2013. We are reserving the last half hour for audience members to be able to ask questions of the legislators.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel Building is located at 2332 News Sentinel Drive (access off Western Avenue near I-40). Click here for a map. Parking is plentiful, free and close to the main entrance of the building. The League will provide a light breakfast and plenty of coffee. The public is invited. If you need a ride or child care to attend, please call 548-0818.
Communicating with Legislators
A free public training with Stewart Clifton, League Lobbyist
Tuesday, January 17th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine Street
(next to the O'Conner Senior Center)
Did you ever want to voice your opinion on a matter to a state legislator, but just weren’t sure just how to go about it? When in the legislative process will voicing your opinion have the most impact? How can you keep track of the progress of legislation? These are just a few of the questions that Stewart Clifton, longtime LWVTN lobbyist, will answer in the upcoming training presented by the League. We are offering this training to the public free of charge.
With the legislative season beginning in just a few weeks, you can learn what it takes to influence decisions made in Nashville. It’s not rocket science! The workshop is designed for beginner advocates or those who want to sharpen their advocacy skills, or anyone interested in state legislative topics. These same skills easily transfer to local issues, too. You’ll get Stewart’s great lists of do’s and don’ts and see demonstrations of phone calls and conversation role-plays that will help you become more comfortable as a citizen lobbyist. Stewart will also share his perspectives on the probable hot issues in the upcoming legislative session.
Stewart has worked as an executive director, legal counsel and public policy director for Tennessee nonprofit groups prior to establishing a government relations practice solely devoted to nonprofits. He served on the Nashville Metro Council, and currently serves on the Planning Commission for Metropolitan Nashville. For questions, contact League President, Jamey Dobbs, at jameydobbs@yahoo.com or leave a voice message at 865-408-8GOV.
State of the Schools Report and Address
Tuesday, January 17th, 6 pm
Powell High School, 2316 West Emory Road
Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Knox County Schools, will deliver his second annual “State of the Schools Report and Address” on Thursday, January 17th at 6 p.m. at Powell High School (2136 West Emory Road). The State of the Schools Report and Address will provide an overview of academic progress in the Knox County Schools toward the goals outlined in its district-wide Strategic Plan. The Knox County Board of Education approved the plan, entitled "Excellence for All Children," in 2009. The report will also highlight the additional work necessary to provide our students with an excellent education in today’s increasingly competitive global environment. In addition, the event will provide attendees with information on how to best support public education in Knox County.
Many members of the LWVKKC education committee are also members of Support Our Schools (SOS) - an advocacy group for Knox County students. You can stay updated on what's going on in Knox County schools by requesting the SOS bi-weekly newsletter. To request the newsletter, please send an email to sosknoxtn@gmail.com.
The LWVKKC Citizens Academy is Back!
The League’s second annual Citizens Academy will take place this year once again on three Saturdays- February 16, February 23, and March 9. We are so excited to be back this year, and excited to offer our participants the chance to study the city as well as the county. Once again, our focus will be on being a enlightened and empowered member of your community. In addition to a session focusing on Knoxville and Knox County, the Citizens Academy will once again feature a second session on effective advocacy and a third session in which participants will be able to bring what they have learned to life in the City County Building itself.
We are inviting anyone aspiring to make a difference in our local community to participate. Applications are available on the League’s website as well as by email. For further information, please contact Rynn Dupes at cadupes@gmail.com or 408-8GOV.
Please sign up yourself and/or consider suggesting the Citizens Academy to anyone you know who wants to know how to become a more active part of the community we share and meet other up-and-coming leaders.
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Celebrate Valentine's Day Early with the League
Join us on the evening of Thursday, February 7th at Chez Liberty (5200 Kingston Pike) in Bearden for a special League Happy Hour. From 5-7 p.m., Chez Liberty will be donating 15% of their profits to the League. If you haven't been to Chez Liberty yet, this is a wonderful to try it. They have a delicious menu with many locally-sourced dishes and one of the best wine lists in Knoxville. We hope to see you there and bring your friends!
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Step up Your Involvement- Serve on the League Board
At our annual membership meeting in May, several members will be stepping off the Board after serving their full one or two-year terms. Some of the Board positions that will be available in May are president, first vice-president, secretary, communications chair, development chair, voter services chair, and more. For more information on each of these positions, contact the current Board member. If you are interested in serving on the LWVKKC Board, please contact Jamey Dobbs at jameydobbs@yahoo.com or 548-0818. Serving on the Board is an excellent way to support the work of the League, expand your knowledge, develop your skills, and collaborate with some of the most interesting people in Knoxville.
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