What Is the League of Women Voters' Mission?
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut (LWVCT) is a nonpartisan political organization of all genders 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.
- We are advocates.
- We work to influence public policy through education and advocacy.
- We act only after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues at all governmental levels.
Read more about our commitment to nonpartisanship here: Remaining Nonpartisan in Hyper-partisan Times.
LWVCT has two separate and distinct roles:
- Voter Services/Citizen Education: We present unbiased, nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues.
- Action/Advocacy: We are political and nonpartisan - after study, we use our positions to advocate in the public interest for or against particular policies.
The LWVCT consists of two distinct organizations: the League of Women Voters of Connecticut Education Fund, which sponsors activities to help Connecticut voters become better informed about current issues and more active participants in government, and the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, which takes action by advocating for public policies supported by its members.
Join Us!
Membership in the League of Women Voters, one of the most respected and effective grassroots organizations in the country, is open to people of all genders and ages. Our members make a visible difference by serving as community leaders using their experience to create positive, lasting change in our communities.
Why should I join?
Through participation in League projects, you will:
- Contribute valuable service to the community.
- Gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and essential topics.
- Discover new interests, develop new skills, and learn about crucial issues in your community.
- Form professional connections and cultivate lasting friendships as you meet others in the League who share your interests.
How much time does it take?
It's up to you! Many members choose to support the League only with their annual dues. Your membership alone provides us with the political influence necessary to build a voice for citizens and a force for change. We cover a broad spectrum of issues and concerns; you may choose to become involved in one or more of them by actively participating in a group study, listening to a panel of experts at a meeting, or just reading about them in one of our publications.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.
Our Vision, Beliefs, and Intentions guide our activities.
What does the League do now?
The League of Women Voters is a people's organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our government and engage all Americans in the decisions that impact their lives. We operate at the national, state, and local levels through more than 700 communities in all 50 states, as well as in D.C. and the Virgin Islands. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are a political organization.
Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remains expanding participation and giving a voice to all Americans. We do this at all three levels of government, engaging in both broad educational efforts as well as advocacy. Our issues are grounded in our respected history of making democracy work for all Americans.
Why should I support the League of Women Voters?
The League differs from many organizations in that its accomplishments stem directly from the involvement of its members. It is a grassroots organization that provides every member with opportunities to learn, educate others about government, and take action on public policy. We walk our talk: we believe that we need everyone to participate in order for our community to be strong, safe, and vibrant. Whether you contribute your time, your money, or both, you can feel confident that your investment in democracy goes further in the League.
League members are offered a variety of activities, including meetings to discuss topics in a respectful setting. They learn effective techniques for public discussion, how to advocate for specific policies, and what the issues lie beneath the rhetoric. Our study and consensus process ensures that we are informed on issues before we take a stand. We also host public forums and debates, which are well known for being fair, transparent, and civil. This approach has earned the League a global reputation for integrity and thoroughness.
Your participation in the League will expose you to a breadth of experiences and issues that will not only inform you but also create greater possibilities for civic engagement than you might imagine. You can spend as much or as little time as you wish. Whether you aspire to leadership or are keen to follow the lead of experienced members, the League will excite, use, and nurture your civic curiosity, ideals, or desire for action. We offer our members webinars, conference calls, workshops, other events, and mentorship opportunities throughout the year, at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Please contact us to get involved!
