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Discussion Groups


LWVMC Members and their guests may participate in regular Discussion Group meetings to share information about LWVMC programs and activities. Some meetings are designed to update members on recent League activities. Other meetings focus on current policy issues and members discuss possible advocacy positions (examples of policy discussions from our 2024-2025 program year appear below).

Discussion Groups are generally held in the middle of the month. They may be in-person, virtual by Zoom, or hybrid. A link for the Zoom sessions will be sent to every member before Discussion Groups are held. If you have questions, please email Mary Ellen Condon at discussiongroups@lwvmocomd.org.

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November 2025 Discussion Group Topic:
The Constitutional Crisis: A Discussion of How Democracies Die


Authors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, drawing on more than 20 years of studying the breakdown of democracies in other countries, described the warning signs when their book, How Democracies Die, was published in 2018. Those signs have occurred here. Protecting democracy requires that we conquer our fears and work to restore confidence in our institutions and behaviors.

Our own Joe Borrelli will lead each of the five discussion groups scheduled for this topic. Come participate and determine what you can do. To prepare for the discussion, see How Democracies Die - Discussion Group Questions.

The book How Democracies Die may be purchased from the LWVMC for $13.00. Stop by the League Office at 27 Wood Lane in Rockville to pick up a copy (the Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Checks and credit card payments through ClubExpress are accepted. Copies of the book also will be for sale at the November 8 LWVMC Fall Luncheon 2025.


 

Lobby Day 2025 - An Example of the LWV Standing Up for Democracy

November 2025 Discussion Group Schedule:

November 6th, Thursday, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (In-person)
Ingleside, 701 King Farm Boulevard, Rockville
Derwood Room
Contact Gretchen Blankenship at InglesideDG@lwvmocomd.org


November 12th, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (In-person)
Leisure World, 3701 Rossmoor Boulevard, Silver Spring
Contact Diane Goldfarb at rossmoor@lwvmocomd.org

November 13th, Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m
(Hybrid: In-person and Zoom*)
LWVMC Office, 27 Wood Lane, Rockville
Contact Mary Ellen Condon at discussiongroups@lwvmocomd.org
*Use this Link to Join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87156912028?pwd=o9zj8IyK6Ua9xUPQ7XCSYV2NtyVabv.1
Meeting ID: 871 5691 2028
Passcode: 154803

November 17th, Monday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. (In-person)
Riderwood, 3150 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring
Lakeside Commons Card Room
Contact Mary Lanigan at riderwooddg@lwvmocomd.org


November 18th, Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Zoom*)
Contact Mary Ellen Condon at discussiongroups@lwvmocomd.org
*Use this Link to Join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81641214455?pwd=WqbbeGWCdtEoaZQyaHZKs6SjD7t7Lg.1
Meeting ID: 816 4121 4455
Passcode: 347178

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Previous Discussion Group Meetings 2024-2025: Summaries and Selected Documents


Date:
October 2025
Topic:
The Constitutional Crisis: What It Means and What We Can Do
Summary
The national League declared a crisis in May of this year and developed an action plan to work with partner organizations to mobilize 8.5 million voters between now and November 2026 to protect and preserve our democratic institutions. The Discussion Groups will cover a range of practical questions such as how to find and work together with suitable partner organizations and how to educate people about media literacy, especially regarding elections and other forms of civic engagement. 
Document: The Constitutional Crisis: What It Means and What We Can Do
 

Date
: September 2025
Topic: L
WVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland and Local Control

Summary: Join us to engage in a discussion on educational issues in the news. We’ll review the LWVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland and Local Control, updating our understanding of state, local, and national government interest in K-12 education and setting standards. There will be one consensus question: has the time come to drop one long-held position?
Document: LWVMD Study on Financing Education in Maryland

Date: May 2025
Topic: What Happened this Legislative Year in Maryland?
Summary: Members of our Elections, Healthcare, Administration of Justice, Transportation, Education, Fiscal Policy and Environment team, a long name that demonstrates the breadth of the discussion, worked on more than 100 pieces of legislation this year. They will discuss the major pieces that we supported or opposed and the outcome. If you wish to look at the formal testimony provided to the legislature, click the link below.
Document Folder: Testimony

Date:
April 2025
Topic: Federal Judiciary Study
Summary: A study of the federal judiciary is being conducted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. Independence and integrity are essential for a respected judicial system. What positions should the League adopt to support and strengthen these critical elements? Your voice is needed to ensure that the League’s positions reflect our values of careful study and well-crafted policy statements.
Document: 04-2025 Federal Judiciary Study Fact Sheet

Date: March 2025
Topic: Challenges to Democracy in India
Summary: India is becoming more and more germane in the global market and a world player. The discussion will be led by members of the International Relations Committee.
Document: 2025-03 Challenges to Democracy in India

Date:
December 2024
Topic: Agricultural Reserve
Summary: Join us for a discussion Montgomery County’s Agricultural reserve and its importance in our lives. Please mark your calendars and participate in an informative and interesting discussion.
Document: 2024-12 Ag Reserve Issues & Challenges (updated)

Date: October 2024
Topic: 2024 Ballot Questions
Summary: Join us for a discussion of ballot questions on the Maryland 2024 General Election Ballot.
Document: 2024 Ballot Questions

Date: September 2024
Topic: Highlights of the LWVUS Convention
Summary: Join us for a discussion of key issues from the League of Women Voters of the United States 2024 National Convention.
Webpage: Highlights from LWV's 2024 Convention


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Stay In Touch

LWV of Montgomery County, MD
27 Wood Lane
Rockville, MD 20850
PHONE:  301-984-9585

EMAIL:  lwvmc@lwvmocomd.org