LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS- MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK

The Midland Area LWV announces two awards

I. To a Woman who has made a Difference in the Community

The League of Women Voters of Midland Area is pleased to announce our inaugural LWV Making Democracy Work Award. The League of Women Voters celebrates community leaders; individuals who have envisioned a way to improve the community and have mobilized others to work with them to effect a change that has benefited the broader community. This award will honor one such individual that has, in the League tradition, helped to make our community strong, vibrant and fair.

Nominations are open to any woman who has contributed to our community in a meaningful way. Nominees can apply themselves or may be nominated by a friend or colleague. An application form is enclosed or can be downloaded from our web site at www.lwv-midland.org. All applications must be received by April 15, 2008.

We will be announcing the winner on May 21. We believe that there is no greater tribute that we can make to democracy's leaders than to honor a community member who shares the same commitment to leadership and civic improvement as the League of Women Voters.

We invite you to share information about our award program with others in the community. Please feel free to contact Judy McDowell at 839-6926 <jsmcdowell@charter.net> or Carole Swinehart at 636-7239 <cmswinehart@charter.net>if you have any questions or require any additional information.

AN APPLICATION FORM IS AVAILABLE HERE

II. LWV Making Democracy Work Essay Contest

The Midland Area League of Women Voters is sponsoring an essay contest for all Midland County high school students. The theme for the contest in this election year is Making Democracy Work. Students are encouraged to explore the various ways our democratic process can be improved. Potential topics to investigate would include but are not limited to:

A. What is the best method to improve the way the public can access credible information on the candidates and their platforms while filtering out the propaganda of the campaigns.

B. Should there be limits on the amount of money that can be spent by a candidate? If so, what would be the impact on the political process?

C. Is the current presidential primary system effective in determining the best candidates for each party’s nomination? Is there a better system?

D. Is there a more democratic way of electing a president than the current Electoral College system? What are the potential impacts of changing to a different system?

There will be a $300 award for the winning essay

Contest rules:

1. Any student currently enrolled in a Midland County high school may submit an essay.

2. Entries must be no more than 500 words.

(Titles and citations are not part of the official word count.)

3.Essay must be submitted/postmarked by April 11, 2008.

Include name, address, telephone, grade, school name and teacher or advisor.

Send to: LWV Essay Contest

P.O. Box 1203

Midland MI 48641-1203

Winners will be informed by the beginning of May 2008 and invited to attend the Midland Area LVW annual meeting on May 21, 2008 to share the essay and receive the award. Winning essays may be published on the LWV website; excerpted in Midland Voter, the Midland Area League of Women Voters newsletter; and sent to local media outlets.

Questions or comments may be addressed to
Carol Neff at 923-3628