The League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City, (LWVFNUC) begins its speaker series this season focusing on the theme, “Defending our democracy.” Our goal is to educate our members and the community on some of the issues that pose a threat to our country’s constitutional democracy.
The league is a national organization that has been in existence for more than 100 years, and more than 50 years in the Tri-City Area. Our mission is to encourage active participation in government. We work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and we work to influence public policy through study, education and advocacy.
It is important to understand that the league is nonpartisan—we never endorse or oppose a particular candidate or political party. Once candidates are elected, however, they have become public servants—responsible for representing all of their constituents, regardless of party affiliation. Holding elected officials accountable to the public interest is not a partisan act—it is a vital function of a healthy democracy.
We work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and we work to influence public policy through study, education and advocacy
The league is nonpartisan, but not neutral. We do not stay silent when democracy is under threat, voter access restricted or misinformation is spread. When these things happen, the league has a responsibility to speak out clearly and forcefully.
One way that the local league speaks out is through our speaker series. We have three events planned, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.
Nov. 1, 2025
“The First Amendment in Peril: Freedoms of Speech and the Press” will provide a moderated discussion, followed by a Q&A. We will have two featured speakers: Alex Emslie, KQED senior editor and Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and Thomas Peele, Pulitzer Prize-winning veteran journalist, formerly with the San Jose Mercury News and the East Bay Times, now with EdSource.
Dec. 6, 2025
This program will be on the topic of immigration. James Wood, a retired litigation attorney with pro bono experience, will educate us on the topic of sanctuary cities. He will provide examples of excellent, as well as inferior sanctuary city policy statements. Additionally, he will evaluate the policies of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Also on the panel will be a local immigration attorney/advocate. Q&A will follow.
Jan. 3, 2026
This program will provide a video viewing experience. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, was the featured guest at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs on July 24, 2025, just six months into the second Trump administration. In his talk, “The Playbook of a Dictator,” Chemerinsky enumerates a multitude of instances that describe the troubling direction our country has already taken, and continues to take. Discussion will follow.
While the programs remain free, donations are gratefully accepted.
League of Women Voters Speaker Series
10 – 11:30am
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
