The League of Women Voters

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1 The League of Women Voters Join over 150,000 members and supporters across the county who are doing the hands-on work to safeguard democracy! 1

2 Our Mission The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. 2

3 Join Us in Making Democracy Work! We are community leaders, who are: ü Directly involved in shaping important issues; ü Building strong, safe, fair, and vibrant communities; and ü Doing the hands-on work to safeguard democracy! LWV is where citizens - like you - are actively engaged in affecting change on the national, state, and local level!

4 What our members say about being a part of the League Ø I have found that the League is my way to find connections in the community. I know that I will find people who are intelligent, who are working on the issues that matter, and information about the community I won t find anywhere else. Helen Hutchison, LWV Oakland, CA

5 You make a difference by... ü Acting as a force to create positive, lasting change in your communities ü Educating citizens and fostering dialogue on pertinent issues - from healthcare and climate change to openness in government. ü Working to ensure that ALL votes are counted and ALL voices are heard. ü Preserving our constitutional rights.

6 You make a difference by... ü Being part of something larger ü Learning new skills, such as lobbying, facilitating community dialogues, communicating with the media and elected officials, making presentations, and investigating issues ü Socializing with members of the community who share common ideas and concerns.

7 What our members say about being a part of the League Ø I continue to be amazed by the work that is done by the League and the caliber of my fellow members. The Leaguers I work with are interesting, informative, active people who care about their communities. The League has certainly enriched my life. Pam Goodman, LWV Palm Beach County, FL

8 Who We Are... Since 1920, the League has earned a reputation as a highly respected citizens organization that researches issues from many points of view and educates the public and decision makers. The League is nonpartisan. We do not support or oppose candidates. We work at all levels - local, state and national - educating policymakers and the general public on pressing issues and we take concerted action to bring about positive change.

9 Who We Are... We do support or oppose issues and legislation, after careful member study and agreement. We mobilize people to vote and to make their opinions known in the complex decisions that affect us all. Because of our reputation for fairness and objectivity, the League of Women Voters is often called on to convene community forums on issues of local concern.

10 The League s structure enables all members to be community leaders with local, state, and national impact National League Voting Rights State Leagues Election Reform Judicial independence Individual Member Transportation Open Meetings Local Leagues

11 Decades of Accomplishments 1920s Secured passage of first federal maternal & infant health care program 1930s Helped shape the Social Security Act and fought for Child Labor laws 1940s Built public support for creation of the United Nations 1950s Sponsored the "Freedom Agenda a nation-wide program of community education and discussion about civil liberties 1960s Fought against discrimination in education, employment and housing 1970s Sponsored televised Presidential debates; campaigned for the Equal Rights Amendment; built grassroots support for the Clean Water Act 1980s Pushed for fairer tax policies & availability of quality child care 1990s Led the successful campaign for passage and implementation of the Motor Voter Law; advocated for health care reforms 2000s Secured Campaign Finance Reform; the first nationwide candidate debates online; election reform; created central comprehensive voter information Web site

12 What our members say about being a part of the League Ø Being a part of the League of Women Voters is so important to me that I refuse to live in a place that does not have one. - Anne McCaskill Libis, LWV Baltimore County, MD

13 LWV is where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement! Ø There are MANY flexible opportunities for you to make an impact through the League; you have choices that fit your life, schedule, and needs. Ø As an LWV members, you are a part of an organization where smart, active leaders work to create change in their community. Ø JOIN US IN MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK!!