Democracy Drop-In

UPCOMING January 13, 2026 Meeting will be held at the Glen Ellyn Library from 11 am to 12 pm
Topic: National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7)

Defend Democracy Drop-Ins resume in January! Our next drop-in will be held Tuesday, January 13th, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Public Library. At this meeting we will be discussing threats to nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations, like the League of Women Voters, to champion causes dear to all Americans. Collectively, many nonprofit, nonpartisan, and civic organizations are working to protect our environment, our right to vote, to worship, to organize, engage in peaceful protest, and to advocate for civil and human rights. The current administration has issued a memo, National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7), that many experts caution is over broad and intended to silence political dissent and opposition to the president’s priorities. We will learn more about this memo, the current status of its implementation, and have the opportunity to contact our public officials to express our individual views.

Handout coming soon

Frequently Used Resources

US Elected Officials
Find Your Elected Officials
How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Track The Status of a State Bill
Track the Status of a Federal Bill
Ways to Get Involved in Elections
Making Your Voice Heard

Watch video on How A Bill Becomes A Law and How to Complete A Witness Slip

General Information About Making Democracy Work

LWVUS League-wide Campaign for Making Democracy Work®

More Info on Making Democracy Work

Defend Democracy Drop In Group Description and Guidelines

Guidelines

LWVIL Materials

Sign Up for LWVVIL Action Alerts

LWVUS Materials

LWVIL Immigration Toolkit
LWVIL Where We Stand
Sign Up for LWVVUS Action Alerts
Impact Issues Guide

PAST

Featured
Defend Democracy Drop-in
Nov 11
Defend Democracy Drop-in

Join us for the next Defend Democracy Drop-In on Tuesday, November 11, from 11:00 am - 12 pm.  This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. We will discuss what we’ve accomplished over the last two years, and seek your input on how we can be more effective in 2026!

Defend Democracy Drop-in
Oct 14
Defend Democracy Drop-in

Join us for the next Defend Democracy Drop-In, Tuesday, October 14th, from 11:00 am - 12 pm at the Wheaton Public Library.   We will hear about the national LWV Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign, as well as the LWVIL’s Phone Call Fridays. We will also discuss preparations for a No Kings peaceful protest right here in Glen Ellyn on October 18th. Please bring your phone, and a tablet/computer. 

This is democracy in action, so we hope to see you there, and be sure to bring a friend!

Defend Democracy Drop-in
Sep 9
Defend Democracy Drop-in

Join us for the next Defend Democracy Drop-In, Tuesday, September 9th, from 11:00 am - 12 pm at the B.R. Ryall YMCA.   We will take action on issues that matter to you. Please bring your phone, and a tablet/computer. 

This is democracy in action, so we hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-in
Aug 12
Defend Democracy Drop-in

Defend Democracy Drop-in
Tuesday, August 12, from 11:00 am - 12 pm at the B.R. Ryall YMCA.   Join us for a powerful conversation about Shine A Light on Due Process, a grassroots initiative that began in Glen Ellyn to raise awareness about immigrant rights and legal fairness. Facilitators will talk about how the effort began, what is coming next and innovative ways to take action on due process rights for immigrants within our community. Please bring your phone, and a tablet/computer. 

This is democracy in action, so we hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In
Jul 8
Defend Democracy Drop-In

Join us for the next Defend Democracy Drop-In,  Tuesday, July 8, from 11:00 am - 12 pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.  Our facilitators will provide an overview of due process as it pertains to immigration, share LWV statements and positions on this matter, answer your questions and provide suggestions for how you can engage on this important topic. Please bring your phone, and a tablet/computer. 

This is democracy in action, so we hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In
Jun 10
Defend Democracy Drop-In

Topic: The Budget Bill Passed by US Congress on May 22, 2025

Come and learn what is in the budget bill and how to make your voice heard. Please bring your phone, tablet and/or laptop. We will be sharing resources, discussing topics and taking action on issues that matter to you.

This is democracy in action, so we hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop In
May 13
Defend Democracy Drop In

Topic: Protecting Voting Rights! We will be discussing the impact of the SAVE Act, and the LWVUS lawsuit against the recent executive order, which could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. Please bring a phone, tablet or computer so that you can learn how to engage with our elected officials about these important issues. This is Democracy in Action, looking forward to seeing you there!

Defend Democracy Drop In
Apr 8
Defend Democracy Drop In

Topic: Highlight resources you can use to engage with your public officials and members of Congress!

Defend Democracy Drop In
Mar 11
Defend Democracy Drop In

March’s Defend Democracy Drop-in’s Topic: Preparation for the upcoming LWV Federal Judiciary Study Consensus Meeting on Saturday, March 15th, 9:30-11:30am at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Defend Democracy Drop-In
Feb 11
Defend Democracy Drop-In

February’s Defend Democracy Drop-in’s Topic: Preparation for the upcoming LWV Federal Judiciary Study Consensus Meeting on Saturday, March 15th, 9:30-11:30am at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Defend Democracy Drop-in
Jan 7
Defend Democracy Drop-in

Defend Democracy Drop-In

Glen Ellyn Public Library. January’s topic: Self-care, Engagement, and Influencing Policy

Prepare to defend democracy in 2025! We are kicking off the new year with a session dedicated to intentional actions of self-care, engagement and influencing policy. Group moderators will lead us in stress moderating exercises, promote the power of engagement, and share opportunities for you to influence policy on issues you care about via League.

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: No Meeting In December
Dec 18
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: No Meeting In December

Wheaton Public Library. No meeting in December. Will resume January 2025.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: No Meeting In December
Dec 10
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: No Meeting In December

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. No meeting in December. Will resume January 2025.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Carol Stream Library Board
Nov 18
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Carol Stream Library Board

Carol Stream Library. November’s topic: Carol Stream Library Board.

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

If the Wednesday evening Defend Democracy Drop-In session does not work for your schedule, you can attend an afternoon session on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 2pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Citizen Power and the Written Word
Nov 12
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Citizen Power and the Written Word

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry!

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

If the Tuesday daytime Defend Democracy Drop-In session does not work for your schedule, you can attend an evening session on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8pm at the Wheaton Library.

Hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Make A Plan To Vote
Oct 16
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Make A Plan To Vote

Wheaton Public Library. The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Your ballot will include choices for President, U.S. House of Representatives, State of Illinois Representative, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Auditor, County Coroner, County Recorder, and County Board Member (District 4).  You will also be able to vote for Commissioner of the Forest Preserve (D4), as well as three Appellate Court Justices (3rd District). Finally, there is a Forest Preserve referendum on the ballot, AND three State of Illinois advisory questions. Let’s do our research together!

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

If the Wednesday evening Defend Democracy Drop-In session does not work for your schedule, you can attend an afternoon session on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 2pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Make A Plan To Vote
Oct 8
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Make A Plan To Vote

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Your ballot will include choices for President, U.S. House of Representatives, State of Illinois Representative, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Auditor, County Coroner, County Recorder, and County Board Member (District 4).  You will also be able to vote for Commissioner of the Forest Preserve (D4), as well as three Appellate Court Justices (3rd District). Finally, there is a Forest Preserve referendum on the ballot, AND three State of Illinois advisory questions. Let’s do our research together!

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

If the Tuesday daytime Defend Democracy Drop-In session does not work for your schedule, you can attend an evening session on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8pm at the Wheaton Library.

Hope to see you there!

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
Sep 18
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Our moderator will review the three reforms proposed by President Joe Biden for the Supreme Court and share what Senator Dick Durbin, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee thinks about these reforms. Participants can choose to contact Illinois Senators, Dick Durbin and/or Tammy Duckworth, to share their opinions about these reforms. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry!

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Click on this event for full description and materials.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
Sep 10
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. Our moderator will review the three reforms proposed by President Joe Biden for the Supreme Court and share what Senator Dick Durbin, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee thinks about these reforms. Participants can choose to contact Illinois Senators, Dick Durbin and/or Tammy Duckworth, to share their opinions about these reforms. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry!

Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Click on this event for full description and materials.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: LWVIL State Assembly ‘24
Aug 21
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: LWVIL State Assembly ‘24

WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Moderators will share the latest news from the LWVIL State Assembly 2024, and steps we can take to ensure we are well-prepared for the November 2024 election and the challenges it presents to our democracy. You will be guided through steps you can take to learn more and to get involved. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Click on this event for full description and materials.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: LWVIL State Assembly 2024
Aug 13
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: LWVIL State Assembly 2024

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. Moderators will share the latest news from the LWVIL State Assembly 2024, and steps we can take to ensure we are well-prepared for the November 2024 election and the challenges it presents to our democracy. You will be guided through steps you can take to learn more and to get involved. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Click on this event for full description and materials.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: One Person, One Vote
Jul 17
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: One Person, One Vote

WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY. This month we will learn about the League’s One Person, One Vote campaign to abolish the Electoral College. A moderator will guide you through steps you can take to get involved. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: One Person, One Vote
Jul 9
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: One Person, One Vote

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. This month we will learn about the League’s One Person, One Vote campaign to abolish the Electoral College. A moderator will guide you through steps you can take to get involved. If you’re concerned about defending our democracy, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy.

Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
Jun 19
Defend Democracy Drop-In Wheaton: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY. This month we will continue addressing judicial accountability, ethics and transparency. We will learn about very recent developments related to the Supreme Court, and a moderator will guide you through steps you can take to make your voice heard. If you’re concerned about undue influence in the U.S. judiciary, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy. 

Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
Jun 11
Defend Democracy Drop-In Glen Ellyn: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. This month we will continue addressing judicial accountability, ethics and transparency. We will learn about very recent developments related to the Supreme Court, and a moderator will guide you through steps you can take to make your voice heard. If you’re concerned about undue influence in the U.S. judiciary, don’t sit home and worry! Bring your phone and your laptop/tablet and spend an hour defending democracy. 

Defend Democracy Drop-In: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
May 22
Defend Democracy Drop-In: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

Don’t worry, be happy! Research shows that happy people tend to engage in more social action to address the issues that they care about. Don’t sit at home and worry, come spend an hour with fellow happy warriors by taking action to protect our democracy! Bring a friend!

Defend Democracy Drop-In: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics
May 14
Defend Democracy Drop-In: Money in Politics and Judicial Ethics

Don’t worry, be happy! Research shows that happy people tend to engage in more social action to address the issues that they care about. Don’t sit at home and worry, come spend an hour with fellow happy warriors by taking action to protect our democracy! Bring a friend!

Defend Democracy Drop-In: Combat Mis and Dis Information!
Apr 17
Defend Democracy Drop-In: Combat Mis and Dis Information!

Wheaton Public Library. Don’t worry, be happy! Research shows that happy people tend to engage in more social action to address the issues that they care about. Don’t sit at home and worry, come spend an hour with fellow happy warriors by taking action to protect our democracy! Bring a friend!

Defend Democracy Drop-In: Combat Mis and Dis Information!
Apr 9
Defend Democracy Drop-In: Combat Mis and Dis Information!

Glen Ellyn Public Library. Don’t worry, be happy! Research shows that happy people tend to engage in more social action to address the issues that they care about. Don’t sit at home and worry, come spend an hour with fellow happy warriors by taking action to protect our democracy! Bring a friend!

Defend Democracy Drop-In
Mar 20
Defend Democracy Drop-In

Come one, come all and spend an hour defending democracy. Bring a friend! HB3582 and HB2892; two bills that call for a truly independent Legislative Inspector General in Illinois will be reviewed. We will be contacting our State House and Senate representatives, Governor Pritzker and the House and Senate Ethics Committee Chairs and members. Guidance and resources will be provided on writing letters to the editor.  Bring your laptops!