[ Falcon Heights - Lauderdale - Little Canada - Maplewood - Roseville ]

Representation in City Governance.  The changing demographics of our communities means that elected and appointed leaders are provided with great opportunities and also some challenges. Join the League of Women Voters Roseville Area (LWVRA) on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. as we continue our focus on diversity in local governance in conversations with the mayors of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood and Roseville.

English, English, English. It is the language of common parlance in the United States and is traditionally considered beneficial for economic success worldwide. But there is another aspect for immigrant families. When learning English comes at the cost of not learning the language of your parents and grandparents, there is profound loss. Loss of connection to elders, culture, identity, history, community…

In Europe it is not uncommon for people to be bilingual, or multi-lingual. English is often the second or third language. It does not erase the other languages, nor does speaking German, French, or Czech as a first language prevent the learning of English. In Africa many people speak multiple languages, a mix of local and colonial. It is not an inherent limitation of the human brain to speak or understand only one form of communication. What is it about the United States that makes bilingualism so difficult to sustain?

The latest issue of the CMAL newsletter includes information on the County Government Study Committee which is on schedule to produce its written report and proposed consensus questions, board meeting highlights from June - September, as well as the 2021- 2022 program schedule. You can view the newsletter here.

If you missed this program or would like to watch it again, the Ramsey County Library has provided a link to the recording: https://my.nicheacademy.com/rcladult/course/38660

Neighbors change over time. When new neighbors also bring a new heritage, bridging cultural differences can be challenging. Longtime residents may be anxious that they may say or do the "wrong" thing. The panel for this program will tackle practical strategies to become welcoming neighbors and building strong and diverse neighborhoods.

One of my sisters taught German at a private school for decades. She is a fluent speaker of German and knowledgeable about the minutiae of German grammar. In retirement, and particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown, she has been trading German lessons for Spanish lessons with another retired colleague who taught Spanish. They meet on Zoom to speak, and give one another practice exercises and options for exploration on DuoLingo. I admire her for even taking on this enterprise.

What is interesting is that despite being an expert at one foreign language, and despite having had some Spanish in high school, she often complains that she just can’t seem to remember all of the new vocabulary she is supposed to be learning. Not long ago she remarked that she has a new sympathy with older immigrants trying to learn English and struggling. Ahhh.

While the November 2 elections may feel a long way off, early voting began September 17, therefore it isn’t too early to begin researching what may be on your ballot.. One item on most local ballots will be a Roseville School District Operating Referendum.  LWV does not support candidates or issues, however the League does advocate being informed. An efficient way to learn about the ISD 623 “Operating Levy 2021” is to view this video:  www.isd623.org/levy2021 .

The League of Women Voters of Roseville Area will sponsor a forum on Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 pm for the City Council candidates in Falcon Heights.

The Falcon Heights City Council Candidate Forum held on September 15 can now be viewed at  https://ninenorth.org/speak-outs/