A Closer Look at the League of Women Voters

The LWV, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political. The centerpiece of the League’s efforts remains to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans. We do this at all 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 LWV?

The League is a grassroots organization providing every member with opportunities to learn and educate about government and take action on public policy. We believe that we need everyone to participate for our community to be strong, safe, and vibrant. Whether you contribute your time, money, or both, you can feel confident that your investment in democracy goes further with the League.

League members discuss topics in a respectful setting. They learn effective techniques for public discussion, how to advocate on specific policies, and what the issues beneath the rhetoric are. Our study and consensus process ensures that we are fully 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 create greater possibilities for civic engagement. You can spend as much or as little time with the League as you wish. Whether you aspire to leadership or to follow the lead of experienced members, the League will excite, nurture, and utilize your civic curiosity, ideals, and desire for action. We offer our members webinars, conference calls, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and other events throughout the year at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

• Attend an event on our calendar.

• Contact us to get involved. 

 What Is the History of the National League?

At the 50th convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) in St. Louis, Missouri, President Carrie Chapman Catt gave an address proposing the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation." The next year, on February 14, 1920—six months before the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified—the League was formally organized in Chicago as the National League of Women Voters. Maud Wood Park became the first national president of the League and steered the women's suffrage amendment through Congress in the last two years before ratification.

From the beginning, however, it was apparent that the legislative goals of the League were not exclusively focused on women's issues and that citizen education aimed at all the electorate was in order. Since its inception, the League has helped millions of women and men become informed participants in government. The first League convention voted 69 separate items as statements of principle and recommendations for legislation. Among them were protection for women and children, rights of working women, food supply and demand, social hygiene, the legal status of women, and American citizenship. The League's first major national legislative success was the passage of the Sheppard-Towner Act, which provided federal aid for maternal and childcare programs.