March 23, 2021
Women’s History Month often gives us pause to reflect on the fact that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Today, we are celebrating a giant in the history of the League of Women Voters of California, Dr. Trudy Schafer. The LWVC would not be what it is today, in terms of influence and reputation in California politics, without the decades of her hard work. We all stand on her shoulders as we continue the work she loved. For Women’s History Month, it is my honor to celebrate the life of someone who was not only instrumental in advancing the LWVC, but who was also a friend and mentor to so many of us.
Most people knew Trudy because of her long, accomplished career as a grassroots lobbyist for the LWVC. I was also lucky enough to know her as a colleague. When I look back over the decade that I worked with Trudy, there are some special moments and lessons that stand out - and not just the amazing chocolate cakes she used to bring to the office. Or how she always cracked a smile when her husband John, who is a doctor, would call and I would announce, “Trudy! The other Dr. Schafer is on the phone!” I am continually in awe of the enormous body of work she did benefiting our state. Trudy loved California and was always a wealth of information on all of the LWVC’s policy issues, and everything related to California.
Trudy taught me that one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of lobbying and public policy work are the relationships. After 25 years of working at the Capitol, Trudy had relationships in spades, on both sides of the political aisle in Sacramento. Working as a non-partisan advocate requires an immense amount of effort in nourishing relationships, because the League doesn’t blindly support any official or policy. We might support one of your bills but be opposed to the next one based on our positions and principles. Building meaningful relationships that can thrive in that environment requires hard work, intentionality, and an immense amount of attention. Trudy taught me that you have to show up. You have to pick up the phone. You have to talk to people between sessions and elections. Trudy did this and these relationships became friendships. She could disagree or agree with anyone, and was able to maintain relationships with all who crossed her path over her 25-year career. It’s part of what made her an incredibly effective advocate for the LWVC.
Whether LWVC staff, local League Leaders, volunteer League advocacy leaders, or coalition partners, Trudy had a way of working with people that helped educate, mentor, and build their confidence in pursuing advocacy work to build a better California.
Trudy was also very admired by younger people in the field. She didn’t just put her head down and work, she brought people with her. I recall when I first met a new Voting Rights Advocate for the ACLU many years ago. This man was star-struck by the prospect of meeting THE Trudy Schafer. He said that after years of studying voting rights cases in law school, where Trudy’s name was in nearly every case write-up, he just couldn't believe he was going to get the chance to actually meet her and work with her. She garnered the respect of those she worked with, and those who could see her impact from afar.
Trudy’s star power, impact, and influence clearly wasn’t limited to the League. When she died, Former Secretary of State, now U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, had this reflection on Trudy: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Trudy Schafer. As a State Senator and as Secretary of State, I had the pleasure of working with Trudy as she advocated for voting rights, campaign finance reform, and civic education. She was a mentor to many and worked tirelessly on behalf of the League of Women Voters to improve our democracy. For nearly three decades she was a fixture in the State Capitol, and her impact has helped many Californians become more active, informed voters. Her positive attitude, calm demeanor, and attention to detail will be sorely missed.”
Her strong belief in mentorship led the League of Women Voters of California to create a Public Policy Fellowship in her name. The Trudy Schafer Public Policy Fellowship supports the development of the next generation of California advocates in learning how to drive position based, non-partisan change in the state legislature. Please make a gift to the Fellowship today in honor of Trudy, and to help ensure that we can continue to provide training and mentoring in non-partisan policy work to future advocates.
I donate in honor of my friend, colleague, and mentor every year. I hope you will join me in honoring her this Women’s History Month. The LWVC and California wouldn’t be the same without her immense contributions.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Leslie, Communications Manager
League of Women Voters of California
