About

About

What Is the League of Women Voters' Mission?

The League of Women Voters, 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 support or oppose any political party or candidate. The League has two separate and distinct roles: 

  • Voter Service/Citizen Education: We present unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues. 
  • Action/Advocacy: After studying issues carefully, we develop League positions. We use our positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest. We never endorse a party or candidate.

Learn more at League 101.

How is the League Organized?

The League works on the three levels -- national, state, and local. When you join the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area, you become a member of the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) and the League of Women Voters of Indiana (LWVIN).

In addition, our local League is a member of the League of Women Voters Lake Michigan Region, an interleague organization, made up of 63 local Leagues of Women Voters within the Lake Michigan watershed and regional planning areas, along with the four state Leagues.

What Does the League Do?

The League of Women Voters is a peoples' organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our government and engage all Americans in the decisions that impact their lives.  We operate at national, state and local levels through more than 800 state and local Leagues, in all 50 states as well in DC and the Virgin Islands.  We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political.

Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remain to expand participation and give 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 Get Involved?

The League is different from many organizations in that what it accomplishes comes directly from the involvement of its members. It is a grassroots organization providing every member with opportunities to learn and 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.

Groups of League members meet to 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.

Our local League projects, publications, and activities include:

  • Lunch with the League, a monthly speaker series
  • Voter registration in schools, at community events, and at naturalization ceremonies
  • Citizen's Guide to Representative Government, a directory of government offices and officials plus voting information
  • Candidate debates and forums
  • Vote411.org, an online voter guide to candidates
  • Cosponsorship of community events

Your participation in League will expose you to experiences and issues that will not only inform you but 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 prefer 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.

We cordially invite you to: