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February 1, 2008 Dear Local League Presidents, The LWVIL Constitutional Convention Study Committee has completed its work, and it is now time for local Leagues to prepare for a consensus meeting to decide if the LWVIL should support or oppose the convening of a Constitutional Convention in 2009. We will all be asked to vote on this issue at the November 4, 2008 General Election. Reaching consensus is the first step that must be taken so that our local Leagues and LWVIL can take action to advocate for our position. I encourage each of you to establish a “con-con committee” to prepare for your consensus meeting. Your league’s decision should be submitted to LWVIL no later than April 16, 2008. You will find on the Con-Con page of our website a copy of The League Consensus Meeting: Reaching Member Agreement, which provides guidelines for holding your consensus meeting. You will also find the Con-Con Study Guide, an introductory letter prepared by the co-chairs of the Study Committee, and the Consensus Question Report Form. After reaching consensus, please complete the form and return it to the LWVIL office by mail or send it in an email to elieber@lwvil.org by April 16, 2008. At the February 23, 2008, Issues Briefing, The Pros and Cons of having a Constitutional Convention will be the featured presentation. The panel presentation will be moderated by Paul Green, Professor of Political Science at Roosevelt University. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will present the Pro side and Nancy Kaszak, former state representative, will present the Con side of having a convention. LWVIL plans to offer local Leagues DVD copies of the discussion. I strongly encourage you to participate in this important consensus, and thank you for your commitment to the work of LWV. Sincerely, Paula Lawson |