LWVSC Annual Events TEA FUNDRAISER I’Why a Tea? The League’s Annual Tea is “On the surface, it was just another tea party—a well-behaved group of women passing cups of brewed beverages around the genteel table of Jane Hunt, a well-to-do New York woman who had invited four others to dine with her. But this tea party was not for shrinking violets. Hunt’s guests were about to air their grievances about the world’s injustices toward women—and to give birth to the convention on women’s rights that resulted in the formation of the American women’s movement.” The LWVSC's Annual Tea, usually held in April, is a tribute to the historical significance of gatherings that have shaped civic movements. Susan B. Wilson Award ceremony Held at the Rhode Island State House, this annual ceremony recognizes three RI educators or teams for innovative civics projects in their schools. Recipients receive merit awards of: First Place: Grand Prize, $2,000 Second Place: Jury Prize, $1,000 Third Place: Honorable Mention, $500. The LWVRI presents these awards to support the value of civics education in schools and to honor Susan B. Wilson , a founding member of the League of Women Voters South County. On behalf of the LWVRI, a standing committee of LWVSC manages the award process to select and honor the state award winners. Will link to state website about the award. Women's Equality day Women’s Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. It honors the generations of women—often denied basic rights and equal pay—who fought for political representation, despite facing systemic discrimination and violence. This day reminds us that the struggle for equality did not end with the vote—and continues today. We always plan an event on or around August 26, and often it is a full feature film related to women's rights, followed by a talk back. The United Theatre in Westerly has been supporting this event as a fundraiser for the League for which we are grateful.

Advocating for the Common Good Since the founding of the League of Women Voters, we have focused on issues that voters care about. After studying a key issue and debating its merits and flaws in the context of the common good, the League reaches consensus to develop a position on the issue that supports equality and inclusion of all Americans from children to adults to senior citizens. The League has national positions on healthcare reform, the environment, the census, and immigration, The Common Good is not about coming together under the guise of false unity where everyone downplays their difference, but it’s about creating safe spaces where difference can exist while we work towards a society that is just for all.

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The League of Women Voters South County is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to strengthening democracy through voter education, civic engagement, and advocacy for fair and accessible elections. Protecting the Vote Educating Voters Advocating for the Common Good Encouraging Civic Education and Engagement

How are we funded? The LWVSC funds its operations through the portion of membership dues paid to local leagues by LWVUS, and donations. Since LWVSC only receives 20% of membership dues paid to the national league, donations are important to help support our activities. Donations can be made online or by check directly to the LWVSC. All donations and funds from membership dues support our work to increase understanding of major policy issues through education and advocacy. Contributions to this fund are not tax-deductible. Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Susan B. Wilson, a founding member of the League of Women Voters South County and a passionate proponent for education and civic engagement, the League of Women Voters of RI Education Fund is able to provide funds for special projects promoting voter service and education. Contributions to this 501(c)3 Ed Fund are tax deductible to the extent the law allows.

BYLAWS OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SOUTH COUNTY 2025 Revised and accepted on 06/28/2025 ARTICLE I Name The name of this organization shall be League of Women Voters South County, hereinafter referred to in these bylaws as LWVSC or as the League. This local League is an integral part of the League of Women Voters of the United States, hereinafter referred to in these bylaws as LWVUS, and of the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island, hereinafter referred to in these bylaws as LWVRI. ARTICLE II Purposes and Policy Sec. 1. Description & Purposes. The League is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The purposes of the LWVSC are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act at the discretion of the Executive Board on selected governmental issues in South County towns where members reside or by a request for League programs by the one of the following South County towns: Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly. Sec. 2. Policies. The policies of the LWVSC are 1. Political Policy. The League is nonpartisan and shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. 2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well. Revised and accepted on 06/28/2025 1 ARTICLE III Membership Sec. 1. Eligibility. Any person, age 16 or older and a legal United States citizen, who subscribes to the purposes and policy of the League of Women Voters shall be eligible for membership. Sec. 2. Types of Membership. A. Voting Members. All persons at least 16 years of age who have paid dues or are exempt, shall be voting members of local Leagues, state Leagues, and of the LWVUS; (1) those who live within an area of a local League may join that League or any other local League; (2) those who reside outside the area of any local League may join a local League or shall be state members-at-large; (3) those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be life members excused from the payment of dues. ARTICLE IV Officers Sec. 1. Election, Qualifications and Term. The officers of the LWVSC shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. They shall be voting members of the League and shall serve for a term of two years beginning in a federal non-election year or until their successors have been elected or appointed and qualified. All officers shall be elected at the annual meeting. Sec. 2. The President. The President shall have such powers of supervision and management as customarily pertain to the office; may sign or endorse checks, drafts and notes in the absence of the Treasurer; shall preside at all meetings of the organization or designate another person to do so. In the event of the absence, disability, resignation or death of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the office. If the Vice-President is unable to serve as President, the Executive Board shall fill the vacancy from among the members. Sec. 3. The Vice-President. The Vice-President shall perform such duties as the President and shall direct and chair at least one of the Standing committees. Sec. 4. The Secretary. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept minutes of the meetings of the membership and deliver them to the President for distribution with the agenda before the next membership meeting. The Secretary shall be the official keeper of the bylaws and work closely with the Communication Committee chair. Sec. 5. The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall perform such duties as customarily pertain to the office; file yearly required IRS Form 990-N; maintain deposits in authorized financial institutions; manage the official League Roster based on payment of dues; work closely with the Membership Committee chair; present the annual budget as prepared by the Executive Board; and arrange for an annual review of the books by a qualified member designated by the President to be performed in the month prior to submitting the budget to the annual meeting. 2 ARTICLE V Executive Board Sec. 1. Composition. The Executive Board shall be composed of the elected officers of the LWVSC, the Standing Committee chairs who are appointed by the elected members of the executive board, the immediate Past President and whomever the President invites. Mid-term vacancies, other than the presidency, may be filled by vote of the remaining members of the board. Standing Committees. Each committee chair shall be a member of the Board, upon approval of the Board. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee is composed of League volunteers, who shall be responsible for regular inter-League communication between the full membership and the Board, publicity and press releases for League community events, including League social media platforms, at all times working closely with the President and other standing committees. The chair of this committee shall be a member of the Board, upon approval of the Board. Fundraising Committee. The Fundraising Committee is composed of League volunteers, who shall establish a financial plan for fundraising as needed to meet the program goals, set by the Executive Board and approved at the annual meeting, working closely with the Treasurer and the current budget. The chair of this committee shall be a member of the Board, upon approval of the Board. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee is composed of League volunteers, who shall be responsible for providing prospective members and new members with current information about League membership, working closely with the Communications Committee to maintain an accurate email subscriber list. The chair of this committee shall be a member of the Board, upon the approval of the Board. Program Committee. The Program Committee is composed of League volunteers, who shall support, advise and carry out the logistics of League’s adopted focus, aligned with short and long-term goals of the LWVSC. The chair of this committee shall be a member of the Board upon approval of the Board. Voter Service Committee. The Voter Service Committee shall organize voter registration/education events, candidate forums, voter guides, and any election activities of the League. The chair of this committee will serve as a member of the Board, upon approval of the Board. 3 Nominating Committee. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed from Board members by the President at the end of the first year of their two-year term to assure qualified leadership succession. Sec. 2. Purpose . The Executive Board shall be called to meet by the President as needed for strategizing and planning purposes to build the membership and support the mission of the League, subject to the instructions of the annual meeting. Sec. 3. Quorum. A majority of the Executive Board members shall constitute a quorum. Any one or more members of the executive board may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other similar equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting. ARTICLE VI Meetings Sec. 1. Membership Meetings. The Executive Board shall determine time, place, length of the calendar year for membership meetings and whether to be held in person or by streaming in real time. Special meetings of the members may be called by the President or upon written request of ten percent (10%) of the voting members. A member shall be considered present if physically present, or if connected by telephone or videoconference in a manner allowing all such connected persons and all those physically present to hear each other. Sec. 2. Annual Meeting. An annual meeting shall be held between May 1st and June 30th, the exact date, place, and time to be determined by the Executive Board. The annual meeting shall adopt a local program for the ensuing year; elect officers, adopt a budget and transact such other business as may properly come before it. Absentee or proxy voting shall not be permitted. Sec. 3. Quorum. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the LWVSC, provided written (including email) notice of the meeting is sent to the membership at least one week in advance. ARTICLE VII Elections Sec. 1. Election. Election shall be by ballot, except that if there is only one nominee for an office, it shall be by voice vote. A majority vote shall constitute election. Officers shall be nominated at the meeting preceding the annual meeting. Revised and accepted on 06/28/2025 ARTICLE VIII Principles and Program 4 Sec. 1. Principles. The principles are concepts of government adopted by the national convention and supported by the League as a whole. They are the authorization for the adoption of national, state, and local program. Sec. 2. Program. The program of the LWVSC shall consist of action to implement the Principles and those governmental issues chosen by the annual meeting for concerted study and action as follows: a. Voting members of the LWVSC, as defined by Article III Sec. 2:A, may make recommendations at the annual meeting. b. The members present at the annual meeting shall consider these recommendations and formulate a proposed program. Sec. 3. Changes in Program. Changes in program, in the case of altered conditions, may be made by vote at a general membership meeting at which the changes are discussed. There must be a Quorum of members in attendance to have a vote. Sec. 4. Program Action. Members may act in the name of the LWVSC only when authorized to do so by the membership. They may act only in conformity with, and not contrary to, a position taken by the LWVSC, the LWVRI and the LWVUS. ARTICLE IX Financial Administration Sec. 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the LWVSC shall commence on the first of July each year. Sec. 2. Dues. All members shall pay membership dues in accordance with LWVUS policy. Annual dues shall be payable on the anniversary date of the previous dues payment (when someone new joins or historical dues date for existing members). Members who fail to renew pay dues within the period specified by LWVUS will be removed from the roster and dropped from membership rolls. Sec. 3. Budget. The budget shall be prepared by the Treasurer and approved by the Executive Board before the annual meeting. The Treasurer shall present the budget for approval by membership at the annual meeting. The proposed budget shall be sent to the members at least one week before the annual meeting. Sec. 4. Distribution of Funds on Dissolution. In the event of the dissolution of the LWVSC, all monies and securities owned by LWVSC shall be paid to the LWVRI. Revised and accepted on 06/28/2025 ARTICLE X Parliamentary Authority 5 The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws. ARTICLE XI Nonpartisan Policy Sec. 1. Elected Office. An officer of LWVSC shall not run for, nor hold, any elective office at any level of government. Sec. 2. Political Party Office. An officer shall not serve in any official position in a political party at any level of government. Sec. 3. Political Campaigns. An officer shall not chair a political campaign or administer fundraising for a political campaign, chair a campaign event, be a spokesperson for a campaign of a candidate for an elected office at any level of government. ARTICLE XII Amendments Sec. 1. Process. Any LWVSC member can propose an amendment to the bylaws, which may be amended by a majority vote of the voting members at the annual meeting. Sec. 2. Notice. Proposed amendments shall be presented at the monthly meeting preceding the annual meeting and must be submitted to the membership in writing at least one week in advance of the annual meeting. ARTICLE XIII Indemnification Sec. 1. Please refer to League of Women Voters Rhode Island Bylaws, Section XIII Amended April 1981, Amended March 7, 2011, Amended June 14, 2017, Amended June 13, 2018, Amended June 12, 2019, Amended June 10, 2020, Amended June 9, 2021, Amended June 14, 2023, Amended June 12, 2024, Amended September 23, 2024, Amended June 28, 2025 League of Women Voters South County June 2025 6

Meetings Executive Board The Executive Board (EB) meets monthly on Zoom to manage the business of the League. Each EB member chairs a League committee or event. General Quarterly We hold quarterly LWVSC general meetings in person. These meetings feature an educational program on a current topic, followed by a formal business meeting. These meetings are open to the public. Area Breakouts To build community and involve members in their towns. we currently breakout into three area meetings on an as needed basis: Chariho Westerly NK/SK/Narragansett Standing Committees Most of our ongoing work is conducted in standing committees: Communications Fundraising Membership Program Voter Service

CONTACT US Address: P. O. Box 1636, Westerly, RI 02891 Email: info@lwvscri.org GET IN TOUCH First name* Last name* Email* Subject Leave us a message... Submit

Encouraging Civic Education and Engagement Civic engagement is what makes a democracy work well. The League of Women Voters offers many opportunities for community education and engagement in your community. We are a grassroots organization that responds to local needs. LWVSC Civic Engagement Activities League members become involved by learning about the election process. Working closely with the Secretary of State's office and local Town Clerks, they register voters year round. They also provide education about election rules and deadlines to encourage voters to always vote in every election. Many members become poll workers. The League of Women Voters South County holds quarterly meetings that are open to the public, Each meeting features a speaker on a current topic of interest to the community.

Our History The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 by the leaders of the campaign to win American women the right to vote [in federal, state and local elections.] This difficult and hard-won fight had lasted 78 years, and had taken the combined efforts of many women’s suffrage organizations over several generations. Once the 19th amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, and women “had the vote” there remained a lot of work to do. Women needed to learn how to evaluate candidates, talk with their elected officials, organize campaigns to pass specific laws, and run for elected office themselves. Many rights which women leaders had expected to fall into place once suffrage was achieved instead required several more generations of struggle to accomplish–notably the right and obligation to serve on juries on an equal basis with men. In most parts of the USA women did not achieve jury service equal to that of men until the early 1970s. The League of Women Voters was founded to continue the work of the suffrage campaign in integrating women fully into the public sphere of government. Some of the early laws that the LWV campaigned for concerned the health and welfare of infants, children and mothers. League studies gradually covered more and more public issues, from education, the environment, taxation, government ethics, city charters and reforms in every conceivable area of human activity. For instance, we continue to press for the right of the citizens of the District of Columbia to fully participate in their own government instead of being ruled by Congress. Women organized by town or city to learn about and participate in local government; by state to join state governing bodies, and nationally to affect legislation by Congress. Tools that were developed by early generations of LWV members included: observing legislative and committee meetings and reporting back to members on what debate and actions had occurred; collecting statements from candidates for office and publishing them to give voters some basis on which to decide whom to vote for, organizing debates and public forums for people running for office, and focusing on particular issues thru study groups that then provided the background for the LWV to lobby on legislation at all levels of government. The LWV continued the tradition of being willing to work for several generations to achieve goals that were not easily accepted by those in power. The LWV encouraged women to run for office, serve as judges, serve as appointed and elected officials, and participate in government fully. At first only a few women did run for office, and most women voted the same way that the men in their families did. It took more struggle and a long learning process over three generations before women were elected to office–executive, legislative, and judicial in significant numbers. By the 1990s American women had developed different voting patterns from their male relatives. The tools developed by the LWV proved to be very useful to all citizens who wanted to participate in government and in making decisions about public policy. Some became part of American political traditions; others became laws, and many other groups fighting to promote the participation of minority groups borrowed, elaborated and improved on techniques pioneered by the LWV. Today women participate widely in American government. We attend political conventions, hold office, earn law degrees and serve as judges and department heads at all levels of government. The need for specific women’s organizations has diminished but not disappeared. Women trained in LWV techniques have found them an excellent apprenticeship for all kinds of public and paid work. We are eager to tell people from around the world about the activities and practices of the League of Women Voters, because we have found them extraordinarily useful in promoting good government, providing public oversight, training people in the realities of representative government, and in building avenues for wider participation in government and civic decision making. Special thanks to Linda C. Morrison and the League of Women Voters of Newton, Massachusetts, May 2006, for permission to reprint this historical compilation. You can view an historical timeline at LWV timeline at LWV.org