Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

About the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to participate fully in American democracy. With active Leagues in all 50 states and more than 700 communities, we engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote. The League is a federated membership organization that is proud to be women-led and over 100 years old, emerging directly out of the women’s suffrage movement in 1920.

Our Mission

Empowering voters. Defending democracy. 

Our Vision

We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate. 

Our Values

We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

Our Primary Community Efforts

• Provide trained, qualified, unbiased speakers and volunteers for candidate forums and issue presentations.

• Distribute voter information and promote voter registration, focusing on underrepresented groups.

• Engage all in activities that Get Out the Vote (GOTV).

• Educate young voters, especially in high schools, because they become lifelong voters when they start early!

League History

In her address in 1919 to the National American Woman Suffrage Association's (NAWSA) 50th convention in St. Louis, Missouri, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation." Women Voters was formed within the NAWSA, composed of the organizations in the states where suffrage had already been attained. On February 14, 1920 - six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified - the National League was formally organized in Chicago as the League of Women Voters. Catt described the purpose of the new organization:

Since its inception, the League has helped millions of women and men become informed participants in government. Some of the first recommendations to Congress for legislation were:

• Protection for women and children
• Right of working women
• Food supply and demand
• Social hygiene
• The legal status of women
• American citizenship

During the postwar period, the League helped lead the effort to establish the United Nations and to ensure US Participation. The League was one of the first organizations in the country officially recognized by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization; it still maintains official observer status today.

See the History section of the League of Women Voters of the US website. 

LWV South San Mateo County

The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County was founded in 1955. We serve the cities of Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City, and Woodside. We welcome men and women to join our efforts to build a strong democracy.

LWVSSMC Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of League members who provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for our League, ensuring that our mission and values are upheld with integrity and dedication.

Committed to fostering positive social impact and advancing the League's cause, the board collaboratively oversees the operations, finances, and policies, working diligently to ensure sustainable growth, transparency, and accountability.

Each Board member is voted into office by the membership every two years at our Annual Meeting.

LWVSSMC Board of Directors
LWVSSMC By-Laws
LWVSSMC Positions

Latest News

	The Voter is a monthly newsletter that details the activities of LWV South San Mateo County.
	Get the latest news from LWV California.
	Get the latest news from LWV National.