It is quite amazing when a bucket list item just pops up as a reality!  I recently returned from beautiful Washington DC after attending the 2024 National Convention of the League of Women Voters as a voting delegate. I am an unashamed political junkie and have been active for decades in this great non-partisan organization.  Suddenly I had the opportunity to go, and I jumped aboard.

Before I could take it all in, I was in Washington. Upon entering the Washington Hilton I began meeting and getting to know members (1,279 attendees both in person and online) from all over the United States, Washington DC and the Virgin Islands. That was nonstop through the next 4 days and even on the flight home.  The next day 230 League members headed to Capitol Hill for Lobby Day to advocate for the John R Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This voice of solidarity reached 20% of Congress in one day.  Fatima Malik of the LA County League Board and a new friend for me suggested that we try to  join the California Delegation visits to the Offices of Senators Alex Padilla and Lafansa Butler, then dash off to see if we could also manage to make it to the offices of Congressmen Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu.  We did it all, with crazy sightseeing along the way.  We made it back to the Hotel in time for the official Conference Reception in the beautiful International Ballroom, the very spot where the Washington Correspondents’ dinner took place a few months ago.  OK, I’m a hopeless tourist!

The business sessions of the conference included the election of officers, the budget, and workshops on topics studied over the past two years and studies proposed for the next two. I was especially impressed with the in-depth workshops on Immigration, The Electoral College, and D.C. Statehood. The keynote address was made by Delegate Kim Teehee, director of governmental relations for the Cherokee Nation.

To say my four days in DC were inspiring is a great understatement. I came away with a greater appreciation and understanding of this organization I have belonged to for decades. The people met and the information shared will long be remembered. Oh yes, did I mention that I saw Pete Buttigieg at the DC airport!  Thanks for the experience LWV Beach Cities!

Carol Patterson

First Vice President and Membership Chair