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As local League presidents were notified earlier, the LWVIL
Board of Directors at its May 17, 2008, meeting adopted the
report of the Con-Con Consensus Committee to oppose the convening
of a state Constitutional Convention. The ballot question
of whether a Constitutional Convention should be called will
be voted upon at the November 4, 2008, General Election.
RIGHT NOW is the time to get started on your action
campaign to inform the voters that a new Constitutional Convention
is NOT in the best interests of the public.
Included in this packet are materials to help you get your campaign underway. Additional information can be found
in the study guide provided prior to consensus and in recent mailings. Materials are also available on the LWVIL
website, www.lwvil.org.
Understanding the structure of government has been one of the League's strengths through the years. Many people
look to the League for guidance when they are confused about public issues. Our job right now is to given them
our well-considered opinion on this issue.
Remember that this is NOT a voters service project.
There are NOT two sides to be presented by the League. You
cannot use Education Funds for this project.
With a nearly unanimous consensus opposing a constitutional
convention at this time, you have the member backing for a
strong advocacy effort. It is very important that we carry
out a statewide campaign, and this is a wonderful opportunity
to be visible in your own community on an issue which is too
important to be decided by uninformed voters.
Getting Started
To carry out an effective action campaign, you need to plan
an action time line by determining when tasks and
assignments will be accomplished. Decide when you will begin
your public activities (right after Labor Day is recommended),
what you will do, and who will do it.
A good committee would include your Con Con Chair,
your Action Chair, and your Public Relations Chair
– if your League is fortunate to have all three. Additionally,
invite and include members of other organizations who are
opposing Con Con to join with you in planning the campaign,
and sharing costs for materials.
In addition to LWVIL, the 2008 Alliance to Protect the Illinois
Constitution includes:
Center for Tax and Budget Accountability
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Education Association
Illinois Federation of Teachers
Illinois Farm Bureau
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
Illinois State AFL-CIO
National Federation of Independent Businesses/Illinois
(as of June 9, 2008)
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