In Star Trek, a “mind meld” is a kind of telepathic touch that enables the rapid sharing of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately for (at least most of) us, we are neither telepathic nor within touching distance of each other, so we have created a MELD Network* to provide a mechanism to better share tools, methods, practices, and accomplishments across the state with each other.
The “League Mind MELD” column is a way to share even more information to all our members across the state. This column will run each month and will include the responses we receive to the questions posed at the end of the previous month’s column.
May’s MELD Moment—We look forward to seeing you at Council!
LWVWA's 2024 Council is May 31-June 2 and MELD will be hosting a workshop during the event focusing on membership and engagement. We are hoping to hear and share the creative ways local Leagues around the state have been engaging with their membership and addressing the interests and passions of their members.
It isn't just MELD hosting workshops during Council, workshops surrounding leadership development, local League Boards, conflict resolution, the engagement/support/retention of volunteers, nonpartisanship, and more are on the docket. LWV Thurston (the host League for the 2024 Council) is pulling out all the stops for a very creative, educational, and FUN Council!
League Spotlights
LWV Kitsap County is partnering with the WA State Department of Youth & Family, Bremerton Housing Authority, Housing and Urban Development, and the Olive Crest Program to support Evergreen Bright Start (a housing project for youth who are aging out of the foster care system). Evergreen Bright Start is due to open at the end of May, and LWV Kitsap is supporting with swag bags and donations of housewares and furnishings.
The League Mind MELD
Last month, we asked: "What are some of your favorite 'get-together' events that strengthen the ties and friendships that we enjoy with League members?"
Answers to the question ranged from Benton/Franklin's 'Tea & Wine' and 'Table Talks', to Thurston's 'Coffee with the League', to Clark County's potluck meetings and member orientation. The bottom line seems to be anywhere League members meet in-person fosters ties and friendships!
May’s question: Does your League have a relationship with your local museum and/or library system? If so, what is the relationship?
Please email responses to Nancy Halvorson, MELD Director, by June 1.
* In the context of the League, MELD actually has zero connection to Star Trek; it is an acronym for Membership, Engagement, Leadership, and Development. MELD pods meet each month to serve as platforms for sharing successes, addressing challenges, and exchanging ideas among local Leagues. Are you interested in learning more about MELD? Talk to your Local League Leadership about becoming involved in MELD. Are you interested in learning more about MELD? Talk to your Local League Leadership about becoming involved in MELD.
