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Unofficial information about...

Convention FAQs

Bookmark this page now because the URL is not easy to remember.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A 10-month Treasurer's Report is now available on the LWVUS website.

The Convention Program book is now available for downloading on the LWVUS website

10 Day Weather Forecast at www.weather.com
LWV Portland is selling umbrellas with a LWV logo in the Wares Market. :) $15 each -- auto open/close compact umbrella -- they are ShedRain (local company) -- navy blue with "LWV" and "be informed & VOTE" printed on them

GUIDE TO PORTLAND - OFFICE SUPPLIES, QUICK LUNCHES, ETC.

DINE-AROUND RESTAURANT LIST
Dine-around on Sunday from 5:30 - 8:30 is a great way to meet new people or to have a "meeting" with good food. The list of restaurants is on the LWVUS webpage. How about "Typhoon" or "Veritable Quandry"? You will find a sign-up list in the area where you register at Convention. Please note that one of the restaurants on the list, DF - Urban Mexican Cuisine, is no longer in business.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL ROOMS now available. See Delegates to Convention section below

A message from the author/publisher including a statement of the "rules" under which I am operating.

A First Time Delegate's Guide to Convention

CONVENTION WORKBOOK ONLINE
N.B. This year the Workbooks are NOT being mailed to the local League Presidents. Paper copies of the Workbook will be available at Convention. But you really do need to consider the material in the Workbook before you arrive in Portland. So, click on the link above and download at least those sections which require some thought. See "First Time Delegate's Guide to Convention" (link above) for information about the various sections of the Workbook. I print a copy of the Workbook, separate the sections and put them in a 3-hole binder according to subject along with other information I have gathered on that subject. At Convention you will also receive a Convention Program booklet at the time you get your delegate badge.

CONVENTION DISCUSSION LIST is now open. Go to the Convention section of the LWVUS webpage and sign up.

DEADLINES:
MAY 30 - convention registration will be handled only at the door
JUNE 5 - last day for changes to this webpage JUNE 11 - last day for cancellations and refund requests

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Ann Gilton: aXilton@roadrunner.com. [change the X to g]

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM
Click on the link above to read what LWVUS is recommending that the delegates adopt as Program for 2008-10.

RULES FOR CONVENTION AND PROCEDURES FOR RESOLUTIONS (including discussion about proposed Rule 10.1)

SLATE OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
There will be a "Meet the Candidates" Sunday, June 15 at 11 a.m. in the plenary session room. There will be a caucus on Mon. 7:30-8:10am in Galleria South (for the slate) and 8:10-8:45 (for "from the floor" candidates, if any)
The slate has a website containing the slate's platform and candidate information. You may also contact or ask questions of The Grassroots Team through the website or by email at: Xeam@grassrootsteam.com. [replace the X with t]

If you are going to be a "from the floor" candidate you should read the information posted on the LWVUS website

CONVENTION AWARDS - WINNERS ANNOUNCED (see LWVUS webpage for details)

CONVENTION SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION
See "Convention Preview" in the Convention section of the LWVUS webpage

• Number of Delegates
• Hardship Designation
• Convention Registration
• Airfare Discounts
• Travel from train station or airport
• Hotel
  Due to an overwhelming number of LWVUS Convention reservations at the Portland Hilton hotel, all of the rooms are sold out, except for some rooms in the Hilton Executive Tower across the street which sell for $209 or $229. However, we have signed a contract with a nearby hotel to accommodate additional hotel registrations. The Paramount Hotel, 808 SW Taylor Street (2 blocks from the Hilton) has offered us a rate of $149 for single/double rooms. These rooms can only be reserved by calling the hotel reservations desk at 503-223-9900 and identifying yourself as part of the League of Women Voters group. They have extended the registration deadline to MONDAY, MAY 26th. After that date, if there are remaining rooms in our block, they will honor our rate until they have been sold. Please register for the hotel ASAP so that you will have a hotel room when you arrive in Portland! Donna Lauffer, LWVUS Board Convention Committee

WARES MART TABLES (your "office")
There are a limited number of tables available, on a first come, first served basis and the cost will be $100 to reserve a table. For more information on reserving a table in the wares market, please contact Lauren Frank (202-263-1355.) Remember, if your League pays the $100 you can share a table with another League (and share the cost and table minding). Ask Lauren if you will have wall space on which to hang posters. You may sell things at the Wares Mart (no sales tax in Oregon!), have a display, or use the table as your office if you need a place for your "committee" to meet, pick up messages, and hang out. Go to the last page of the Convention Preview to see the hours that the Wares Mart will be open. For a reservation form contact Lauren Frank at lfrank@lwv.org . Or ask your president for the form which was included in the Preview packet she/he received. Check the Program page to see if volunteers are needed to staff tables. This is a great way to meet people.

CAUCUS ROOMS and Information about Scheduled Caucuses
Caucuses are meetings organized by convention delegates. I will publicize your caucus on this webpage after you have reserved a room.

If you would like to have national Board and staff members attend your caucus you must invite them. Their policy is to not attend caucuses unless specifically invited. That doesn't mean a written invitation to each, but it does mean that your caucus description should indicate that Board and staff are invited - unless you don't really want them at your caucus. It's your call. (And even if you invite them they may not be able to attend because they have many more meetings than do the delegates.} My own feeling is that you shouldn't ask a national Board or staff member to speak at your caucus unless you ask them in advance to speak. And that includes asking them to explain or defend something. Please don't put people on the spot.

WORKSHOPS

PROGRAM PLANNING and PROGRAM PROPOSALS (including Concurrences and Resolutions)

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

AMENDMENTS TO LEAGUE PRINCIPLES

THE BUDGETS

CONTACTS

• National Board
• Your state's liaison to the national Board
• Nominating Committee

FUN IN PORTLAND
Sign up for tours. See the LWVUS Convention webpage for a tour registration form.

Workshops

• Monday, June 16, 2-3:15
  Reaching Member Understanding and Agreement - Why It Matters and How Your League Can!
  Marketing the LWV & Getting Media Attention in a Crowded Field
  Growing Membership - Concrete Steps for Ongoing Success (Keys from the New Initiative)
  Fundraising - Basic, Effective Practices to Reach Your Fund Development Goals
  Voter Service - Best Practices & Your League
  Standing Up for Strong Courts

• Monday, June 16, 3:30-5:00
  Reaching Member Understanding and Agreement - Why It Matters and How Your League Can!
  Marketing the LWV & Getting Media Attention in a Crowded Field
  Growing Membership - Concrete Steps for Ongoing Success (Keys from the New Initiative)
  Fundraising - Basic, Effective Practices to Reach Your Fund Development Goals
  Global Democracy, Domestic Programs
  Being an Effective LWV Advocate!

• Friday, June 13, 2-5
  THE League - How to Stand Out and Be Great in 2008. This session is designed to give leaders practical tips and tools to strengthen your League and maximize the 2008 elections. Join us for this interactive, fun and practical session.

• Saturday, June 14, 10-noon
  Money Matters Too - Best practices in Financial Management for Your League

• Sunday, June 15, 7:30-8:45 am
  Now That I'm President - What Next? - From LWV basics to Building a Board Team - a session to assist new Presidents in running your League.

• Monday, June 16 - 7:30-8:45 am
  Diversity: My Community, My League - Successful experiences and tools to help diversify your League
  &
  Empowering New Citizens to Vote - Immigration Ceremonies and new citizens passion for democracy, find out more about what your League can do!

Delegates to Convention

• Number of Delegates
  Delegates vote; non-delegates may attend everything, but they do not vote. Your League is entitled to delegates based on your official member count as of 31 Jan 2008. (Ask your treasurer or membership chair for that number.) 1–99 members one delegate; 100–199 members two delegates; 200–299 members three delegates; 300–399 members four delegates; 400–499 members five delegates; 500–599 members six delegates, and so on. If your League will not fill its allotment let your state League know so others may use your slots. Ask your League Board to select you as a delegate and ask if your League will pay some or all of your expenses.

• Hardship Designation
  Only Leagues that have made their full PMP payment are entitled to send voting delegates to Convention. (Ask your Treasurer if your PMP will be fully paid by April 1, 2008.) If your League is in arrears and will not be able to make full payment your League may apply for a "hardship" designation. Deadline is March 1.

• Convention Registration
  Fee - if paid by May 23 - (for delegates and non-delegates): $295 (includes Monday banquet); one day fee: $125; student fee: $100. $50 additional after May 23. Additional banquet tickets (spouses?, friends?) are $55. After May 30 you must register at the door. Cancellations and refunds must be postmarked by June 11.

• Airfare Discounts
  Northwest Airlines - Go to http://www.nwa.com or call 1-800-328-1111 to purchase tickets. See the Convention Section of the LWVUS webpage for instructions.

• Travel from train station or airport
  • How to get from the train station to the hotel.
    The Portland Union Station is about a mile from the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower. A taxi is likely the easiest means of transportation from the station to the hotel. For a map go to the Hotel/Travel section of the LWVUS convention webpages.

  • How to get from the airport to the hotel
    (Thanks to Carol Cushman) Public transit -- MAX red line. Once you pick up your luggage and exit the airport turn to your right and walk to the end of the terminal. There you can purchase a ticket for MAX ($2.05 or $0.85 if you are an honored citizen -- handicapped or over 65) from a vending machine and board the next MAX to downtown. It is the only direction MAX goes from the airport, so don't worry, you are on the correct train. I have never found a time there was not one waiting, but I guess if one just left the station the track may be empty. The MAX runs about every 15 minutes from 5 AM to midnight. It takes just under 40 minutes from the airport to Pioneer Square in downtown Portland. Then walk south (the direction you are facing when you get off the train) for 2+ blocks. The stop is between SW 6th & SW Broadway, as is the Hilton Hotel, so either street is fine. You will be on SW Morrison Street, Yamhill Street is the other side of the Square, Taylor is the next street. The Hilton is between Taylor and Salmon. A taxi will save you about 10 minutes, and cost considerably more!

• Hotel: HILTON PORTLAND & EXECUTIVE TOWER - 921 SW Sixth Avenue - Portland, OR 97204 - Phone: 503-226-1611 - Toll Free Phone: 1-800-445-8667 - Fax: 503-220-2286 - Group Code: LWV - Online: www.lwv.org/HotelRegistration/
  $145 plus 12 1/2% tax per night (=$163.13) - one king bed or two double beds for one or two people. $20 charge per night for each additional person in the room. (There is a fee for Internet access in your room.). Rooms at this rate have been sold out (19 May 2008). Additional rooms are available at the Paramount Hotel, 808 SW Taylor Street (2 blocks from the Hilton) at a rate of $149 for single/double rooms. These rooms can only be reserved by calling the hotel reservations desk at 503-223-9900 and identifying yourself as part of the League of Women Voters group. They have extended the registration deadline to MONDAY, MAY 26th. After that date, if there are remaining rooms in our block, they will honor our rate until they have been sold. Please register for the hotel ASAP so that you will have a hotel room when you arrive in Portland! If you need a roommate, contact your state League office or ask neighboring Leagues.

The Budgets

The Budget Committee proposes an increase of $1.20 in the 2008-9 PMP and another $1.20 in the 2009-10 PMP. If you do not want to see an increase in the PMP be prepared to say in what area of the budget you would make cuts. $1.20 x 67,726 (# of members) = $81,271. The Budget Committee will have done its homework and the delegates will expect that you, too, have done your homework. If your League is going to propose to increase or decrease (or add) a budget line item I will post that on this webpage. You must include contact information so other members can discuss your proposal with you.

Remember that there are two budgets, LWVUS and LWVUSEF. The LWVUSEF (Ed Fund) budget is given to us for information only. We are not members of LWVUSEF and we (delegates) do not vote on the LWVUSEF budget. But you need to look at both budgets to get a true picture of expenses since LWVUS and LWVUSEF share office space and some staff.

FUN IN PORTLAND

• Book Lovers tour of Powell's Bookstore; Fri. 3-4:30 and Sat. 10-11:30 - no cost.
• Wine Tasting bus tour, Fri. noon to 5, box lunch & wine included - $38. (sold out)
• Chinese Garden Tour, Fri. 3-5 - $8
• Portland Walking Tour, Fri. 1-3 - $6
• Portland Streetcar Tour, Mon. noon-1:30 - $5 (sold out)
• Portland Streetcar and Aerial Tram Tour, Sat., 9-11 am - $10 (sold out)
• Walks along the River, Sat., Sun. & Mon. 7-8 am - no cost
• Sat. Craft Market Tour, Sat. 10-noon - no cost
• Craft Museum and store, Tue. 1-3 - no cost
• Gerding Theater Tour, Tue. 1-3 - no cost

• International Rose Test Garden is located within Washington Park. The Portland Japanese Garden is also there, as is the zoo. Take a free Washington Park Shuttle bus for a 15 minute ride over to the International Rose Test Garden (which should be ablaze with color in June) and visit one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Carolyn says they didn't put this tour in the convention schedule because of time constraints, but she would urge anyone coming ahead of the convention or staying afterwards to do this sightseeing trip - can be done in 1/2 day easily.

• Powell's (used) Book Store at 10th and Burnside - it is close to the convention site and is an amazing bookstore. Highly recommended.

• Carolyn suggests a visit to 4 of the major attractions for the cost of one MAX train ticket. People can take the MAX from downtown only 3 blocks from the Hilton Hotel, ride it up to the Zoo stop (which is 260 feet underground!) take the elevator to the top where one can visit a great Zoo, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

• Oregon Historical Society (genealogy and more)

• Fountains

• Waterfront Park

• Portland Haunted Tour

• Portland Attractions Pass

• Portland Classical Chinese Garden
  

• Washington Park (statue of Sacajawea who was pregnant and gave birth while leading Lewis and Clarke to the Pacific Ocean)

• Portland Art Museum

• " Street Wise" - Yamhill between 3rd and 4th - sayings engraved on the sidewalk - some thoughtful, some silly.

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

• One example of a Columbia River Cruise

• A day trip strongly recommended is a drive up the Columbia River Gorge on the Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway (built in 1918) that starts just east of the Portland International Airport and ends up 75 miles east of Portland in the desert region of The Dalles, having travelled through some of the most scenic waterfall areas in Oregon. This is a Historic Scenic Area and something that should not be missed if one has time.

GUIDE TO PORTLAND
[Thanks to the local convention committee.]

Safeway grocery store (full deli, pharmacy, bakery and florist): a pleasant walk if you head down the park blocks instead of walking south and then west (presumably the walk through the park is a diagonal). It is located at SW 10th & Jefferson, opens at 5 AM daily and closes at Midnight (or 1 AM on Friday and Saturday). It has a full deli, pharmacy, bakery and florist.

Emergeny Dental - Dr. Georg Holland - 10th & Washington

Eye glasses - Binyon Optical - 803 SW Morrison M-F 9 to 7, Sat. 10 to 6

Office Depot -- office supplies and self service copying
SW 6th & Washington Avenue -- 4 blocks
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday 9 AM - 7 PM; Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM

FedEx/Kinkos

• 221 SW Alder -- 9 blocks
• Daily 6 AM - 11 PM

• 1400 SW 5th -- 6 blocks
• Monday - Friday 7 AM - 9 PM; Saturday 9 AM - 6 PM (closed Sunday)

• 1202 SW 6th

DocuMart
728 SW Washington -- 6 blocks
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM

LazerQuik (right by City Hall)
SW 5th & Madison -- 4 blocks
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 6 PM

Food

• Across the street - Cafe Viate (coffe, lunch, pastry), M-F 6 to 6
• In the next block (south - turn right - from the hotel's front door) - Starbucks, McDonald's (both open at 6:30), Subway (opens at 9)
• Pioneer Place Food Court
  lower level -- entrance at 5th & Taylor -- 1 block from Hilton
  -- also entrance from Pioneer Place -- 4th/5th/Yamhill/Morrison
  multiple food shops with common tables & chairs in center (only McDonald's and Paradise Bakery open for breakfast - about 8 am)

• numerous lunch shops (e. g. Red Star - 503 SW Alder; Mother's Bistro - 212 SW Stark) along 4th Avenue between Alder & Stark -- most open on Saturday, few on Sunday

• Nordstrom's 3rd Floor - 701 SW Broadway
• Food Carts at numerous locations, open Monday - Friday, some open Saturday, few open Sunday
  a few carts at Pioneer Courthouse Square (by the MAX tracks if you came in from the airport via MAXX)
  an entire block on 5th Avenue between Stark & Oak (I am not sure if any are open weekends)
  on many corners
• Pizza Schmitza - Taylor between 5th & 6th
• Rice Bowl (lunch only) - 5th & Salmon
• Qdoba Mexican Grill between 5th & 6th on Taylor - M-F 7:30 to 9 pm; Sat 11 to 6; closed Sun.

Please contact me if you have material about Convention that you would like me to add to this page.

Please do not link to this page without permission
Permission granted to League members to reprint for League purposes with attribution so long as you clearly state that the material is unofficial.

Barbara Wardenburg - barbward@pacbell.net
a member of the League of Women Voters of Los Altos/Mtn. View Area, CA
October 4, 2007, revised 5 June 2008