SHINER — The League of Women Voters of South Central Texas (LWVSCTX) held its 2026 annual meeting on May 17, at Shiner Central Station in Shiner. The afternoon combined a civic celebration, an inspiring performance, and the business of setting the League’s course for the coming year.
The meeting opened with a performance of Press On, My Sisters: Show Up, Speak Up, Stand Up, Vote, a reader’s theater production created by LWVSCTX members Elota Patton and Janis Richardson. The play traces women’s long struggle for equality in America, from the suffrage movement to the present day, with a renewed call to action as hard-won rights continue to face pressure. Janis Richardson, co-president, recognized Elota Patton (director) and cast members Mary Frances Agnello, Jaci Elliott, Laura Logan, and Rebecca Powe for their dedication to the project.
After highlighting the past year’s accomplishments, including the production and distribution of a Voters Guide, continued membership growth across five counties, the fourth annual Women Making History program, and expanded community partnerships, Janis Richardson and Helen Niesner, co-presidents, led the business meeting, including the election of the Leadership Team and the adoption of a Program of Work and a budget for 2026–2027.
The following were elected to serve beginning June 1, 2026: Janis Richardson (Lavaca County) and Helen Niesner (Fayette County) as co-presidents; Cindy Meredith (Lavaca County) as treasurer; Susana Weber (DeWitt County) as secretary; Belinda Pustka (Lavaca County) as Lavaca County liaison/development Coordinator; Janice MacBride (Colorado county) as Colorado County liaison; Karen Bookout and Carolyn McCrory (Fayette County) as Fayette County co-liaisons; Marilyn Vandeveer (DeWitt County) as DeWitt County liaison; and Jaci Elliott (Lavaca County) as at large. The Gonzales County liaison position remains open and may be filled by a vote of the Leadership Team. Members approved a balanced oper- ating budget for the fiscal year from June 1, through May 31, 2027, along with a Program of Work organized around four priorities: Voter Services, including producing and distributing a Voters Guide for the November 2026 election, expanding voter registration and Get Out the Vote efforts, and preparing members to identify and respond to factors that deter people from participating in elections; Women’s Leader- ship, including the fifth annual Women Making History program; Culture of Democracy, including civic education, media literacy, and support for local journalism; and Advocacy & Issue Education, with participation in state and national League’s advocacy programs and joining fellow members in Austin for LWVTX Lobby Days.
“We are incredibly proud of what this league has built in just eight years,” said Rich- ardson. "From five members in one county to nearly 100 members across five counties — and with a program of work that touches voter services, civic education, women’s leadership, and advocacy — we are doing the work that this moment demands.”
“We are grateful to our members, our partners, and our community for walking this journey with us toward a democracy that works for all,” added Co-President Helen Niesner.
