ABOUT THE LEAGUE
History of the League
Since 1920 we have been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that voters should play a critical role in democracy. Click here to read our history:
OUR MISSION AND ROLES
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
The League of Women Voters has two separate and distinct roles.
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VOTER EDUCATION
We make voting easier through varied voter
education programs.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund conducts voter service and citizen education activities. It is a nonpartisan nonprofit public policy educational organization, which:
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Builds citizen participation in the democratic process.
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Studies key community issues at all government levels in an unbiased manner.
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Enables people to seek positive solutions to public policy issues through education and conflict management.
ACTION & ADVOCACY
We are truly a grassroots organization
The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause.
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Positions result from a process of study. Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.
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Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.
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It is the consensus statement -- the statement resulting from the consensus questions -- that becomes a position. Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.​