League of Women Voters Leader to Talk Democracy at Pasadena Church Where She Has Worshipped for Years

When Marilynne Kennedy Wilander speaks about protecting democracy at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena on May 31, she won’t be a visiting dignitary. She’ll be talking to her own church.

Wilander, a retired teacher and assistant principal who serves as an elected director for development on the board of the Pasadena Area League of Women Voters, is a longtime member of the 152-year-old congregation. The church’s Church and Society group has invited her to discuss the League’s voter-protection work in a talk titled “Our Democracy Deserves Protection,” scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the Church Lounge.

The League of Women Voters describes itself as a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It does not endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, according to the organization’s website. The Pasadena Area chapter serves 13 cities, including Pasadena, Altadena, Arcadia, Alhambra, and South Pasadena, from its office at 65 S. Grand Ave.

Wilander holds two roles on the local League’s board — development and membership — according to the organization’s leadership page. She has been involved in the chapter’s fundraising, event planning, and voter-education efforts for years, including service as chair of the development committee and participation in the League’s ballot-measure speaker programs.

The talk comes during a period of heightened national debate over election administration and voter access. The League’s website states that “elections are under attack, and the time to act is now,” citing what the organization describes as federal overreach and attempts at voter intimidation, according to a press release from the church.

Nationally, the League of Women Voters has been active in litigation and advocacy opposing federal legislation that it says would restrict voter access, according to the organization’s website. The Pasadena Area chapter’s homepage features a statement from the national League responding to what it describes as calls to nationalize elections.

The Church and Society group at First United Methodist Church has a pattern of hosting civic discussions. In March, the group brought in local activists to discuss faith-based grassroots organizing, according to previous reporting.

First United Methodist Church of Pasadena was established in 1874 and is located east of Old Town Pasadena in the Playhouse District at 500 E. Colorado Blvd. The church describes itself as a Christian community seeking to welcome all persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, or physical or mental capacity. Sunday services are held at 10 a.m.

More information about the Pasadena Area League of Women Voters is available at my.lwv.org/california/pasadena.

The church can be reached at (626) 796-0157 or fumcpasadena.org. The contact for the event is Ashley Slade, communications director, at Ashleys@fumcpasadena.org.