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The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan,
multi-issue organization driven by the energy and commitment of several
hundred thousand members and supporters nationwide. It encourages the
informed and active participation of citizens in government and
influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Founded in 1920 at the culmination of the 73 year struggle to gain
women's suffrage, the League took as its first charge helping to
education 20 million women on how to exercise their new political rights
and responsibilities. Though programs and priorities have changed over
the years, the League has remained true to its basic purposes:
- to establish positions on public policy issues through member
participation and agreement
- to take concerted actions that secure public policies consistent
with League positions
- to enhance citizen participation in federal, state, and local
government decisions
- to increase citizen participation in the election process
The League is organized on the same levels of government: local,
state, and national. There are approximately 1,250
local Leagues, 50 state Leagues and
Leagues in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Together they comprise the League of Women Voters
of the United States (LWVUS).
Any person, male or female, may become a member of the League. (Voting
members must be citizens and over 18 years of age). Joining at any level
automatically confers membership at every level. With that membership
comes the opportunity to work on and be informed about local, state,
regional, and national program issues.
The League arrives at its positions
through research, study, and a process of member agreement. Whether the
topic in question is the need for a new city ordinance, a state budget
proposal, or national security problem, League action is based on the
general consensus of members who have weighed the facts on both sides of
the issue. This thorough way of forging positions gives the League its
unique force and credibility with government policy makers.
The League takes action at all levels of government to press its point
of view on public policy issues. The League's efforts to shape public
policy encompass a variety of strategies including lobbying for or
against legislation and monitoring legislation to ensure full and fair
implementation of laws or to challenge laws that are viewed as unjust.
Lobbying efforts at the local, state and national levels include
testimony, letter writing and telephoning, coalition work, petition
drives, community outreach, and media campaigns.
Read our diversity policy
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