Clio Wachtel, Margaret Montag, Najuna Kiggundu, & Lucy Still.

Building Power Through Education, Action, and Advocacy 

During the LWVBAE Fall Season, League of Women Voters interns played a vital role in advancing the League’s mission of empowering voters and defending democracy. Through research, writing, community engagements, and on-the-ground organizing, interns helped expand knowledge of policy issues into accessible information across the community.

Civic Engagement and Voter Outreach
A central focus of the fall semester was voter registration and education. Interns supported outreach efforts designed to meet voters where they are, whether that be community events, public spaces, or through written resources. This included helping prepare materials that explained voting rights, explaining election processes, and key ballot issues to Berkeley High School students in clear, nonpartisan language.

Interns also contributed to the Solano Stroll, engaging directly with community members to encourage civic participation and raise awareness about the League’s work. These efforts reinforced the importance of face-to-face conversations in strengthening democratic engagement at the local level.

In addition, interns turned out in support of No Kings, demonstrating the League’s ongoing commitment to accountability, and the principle that no one is above the law. Intern participation in this event highlighted the need for youth connection in civic education and collective action.

Policy & Research

Throughout the fall, interns produced amazing articles addressing some of the most pressing policy issues affecting communities today. A significant area of focus was health care, where interns examined access to housing and healthcare, high school health literacy, and the policy decisions shaping outcomes for individuals and families.

Interns also wrote about police accountability and public safety, touching on immigration policy, camera surveying technology, and Police Accountability Board (PAB) criticism. By opening these discussions interns helped readers better understand the role of civic engagement in shaping public safety systems.

A huge topic was the food crisis as SNAP benefits were at risk, interns co-wrote about food insecurity, resources, and gaps in access. Interns highlighted both the scope of the problem and an extensive list of food insecurity resources for those struggling and wishing to support the community.

Conclusion: Across all of our work, LWVBAE interns helped strengthen the League’s public voice by making complex issues understandable, timely, and relevant. Our writing reflected the League’s nonpartisan values while encouraging readers to stay informed, ask questions, and participate actively in democracy.

Happy Holidays and stay informed!

Best, LWVBAE Interns

Written by: Clio Wachtel