The Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee (CalSPAC) held its annual Winter Conference on March 13‑15 in Santa Barbara, hosted by the Junior League of Santa Barbara (JLSB). Conference Chair Valerie Amparan and Tiffany Allen (JLSB CalSPAC delegates) planned an exciting team building weekend for all. Delegates from 17 member leagues gathered for a weekend of guest speakers, advocacy training and legislative analysis culminating in a slate of supported legislation.
To kick off the weekend, the delegation was welcomed by the JLSB President, Michelle Piotrowski, who introduced the Mayor of Santa Barbara, Helene Schneider, and District Attorney, Joyce E. Dudley. Mayor Schneider has worked closely with the Junior League of Santa Barbara to improve their community. She specifically highlighted the JLSB’s work to improve children’s literacy through their collaboration on the downtown library. District Attorney Dudley praised CalSPAC for the work we have done to combat human trafficking and shared with us that her office had successfully obtained their first conviction and sentencing of a man charged with human trafficking. In the words of one delegate, “It was a very inspiring way to start the conference.”
The delegation was also honored to hear from U.S. Representative Lois Capps, State Assemblymember Das Williams and State Senator Hannah‑Beth Jackson. Representative Capps, a strong supporter of women and children, discussed the work that is being done at the federal level to combat human trafficking and improve the lives of women. Assemblymember Das Williams discussed the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses and the legislation he has proposed to make college campuses safer in California. Finally, Senator Hannah‑Beth Jackson’s staff provided the delegation with a statement affirming her commitment to the women and children of our state.
In addition to hearing from local elected officials and representatives, the CalSPAC delegation was joined by our Legislative Analysts from Political Solutions, who provided focused training on budget advocacy and building relationships with our local county officials to maximize the impact we have on our communities.
Working throughout the weekend, our policy committees analyzed the newly introduced legislation under our four policy focus areas of family support, health, education and violence prevention. The delegates enjoyed learning about the proposed legislation and there were many engaging discussions amongst the delegation on important issues facing our communities. At the end of the weekend, the delegation voted to support 19 bills and two resolutions.
We are excited to report that the delegation voted unanimously to accept the Junior League of San Joaquin County’s application for membership to CalSPAC! Senior delegate Nicole Goehring and Junior Delegate Marla Livengood have represented their League throughout the year and we are thrilled to welcome their unique regional perspective and member involvement to the collective voice of CalSPAC's statewide advocacy efforts.
2015-2016 CalSPAC leaders were also selected to lead advocacy efforts in the future. Sarah Percoulis of the Junior League of Monterey County and Katherine Ahlswede of the Junior League of Orange County were elected by their peers as Co‑Chairs and Summer Ugale of the Junior League of Long Beach was elected Trainer. We are confident that their vision and leadership will continue to expand our capacity as a training organization and advocacy arm of the Junior Leagues of California.
CalSPAC will next convene in Sacramento and ALL Junior League members are invited to join us for Day at the Capitol on Monday, May 4, 2015. Inspiring elected and community leaders will address attendees, there will be a group picture taken on the Senate Floor and an Awards luncheon honoring Senator Beall will take place! Join us: http://www.californiaspac.com/.
To kick off the weekend, the delegation was welcomed by the JLSB President, Michelle Piotrowski, who introduced the Mayor of Santa Barbara, Helene Schneider, and District Attorney, Joyce E. Dudley. Mayor Schneider has worked closely with the Junior League of Santa Barbara to improve their community. She specifically highlighted the JLSB’s work to improve children’s literacy through their collaboration on the downtown library. District Attorney Dudley praised CalSPAC for the work we have done to combat human trafficking and shared with us that her office had successfully obtained their first conviction and sentencing of a man charged with human trafficking. In the words of one delegate, “It was a very inspiring way to start the conference.”
The delegation was also honored to hear from U.S. Representative Lois Capps, State Assemblymember Das Williams and State Senator Hannah‑Beth Jackson. Representative Capps, a strong supporter of women and children, discussed the work that is being done at the federal level to combat human trafficking and improve the lives of women. Assemblymember Das Williams discussed the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses and the legislation he has proposed to make college campuses safer in California. Finally, Senator Hannah‑Beth Jackson’s staff provided the delegation with a statement affirming her commitment to the women and children of our state.
In addition to hearing from local elected officials and representatives, the CalSPAC delegation was joined by our Legislative Analysts from Political Solutions, who provided focused training on budget advocacy and building relationships with our local county officials to maximize the impact we have on our communities.
Working throughout the weekend, our policy committees analyzed the newly introduced legislation under our four policy focus areas of family support, health, education and violence prevention. The delegates enjoyed learning about the proposed legislation and there were many engaging discussions amongst the delegation on important issues facing our communities. At the end of the weekend, the delegation voted to support 19 bills and two resolutions.
We are excited to report that the delegation voted unanimously to accept the Junior League of San Joaquin County’s application for membership to CalSPAC! Senior delegate Nicole Goehring and Junior Delegate Marla Livengood have represented their League throughout the year and we are thrilled to welcome their unique regional perspective and member involvement to the collective voice of CalSPAC's statewide advocacy efforts.
2015-2016 CalSPAC leaders were also selected to lead advocacy efforts in the future. Sarah Percoulis of the Junior League of Monterey County and Katherine Ahlswede of the Junior League of Orange County were elected by their peers as Co‑Chairs and Summer Ugale of the Junior League of Long Beach was elected Trainer. We are confident that their vision and leadership will continue to expand our capacity as a training organization and advocacy arm of the Junior Leagues of California.
CalSPAC will next convene in Sacramento and ALL Junior League members are invited to join us for Day at the Capitol on Monday, May 4, 2015. Inspiring elected and community leaders will address attendees, there will be a group picture taken on the Senate Floor and an Awards luncheon honoring Senator Beall will take place! Join us: http://www.californiaspac.com/.
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