About

About

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About the League

Since 1920 the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has workedto improve our systems of government and impact public policythrough citizen education and advocacy. A grassroots organization, the League functions at local, state and national levels.  Over 900 local Leagues are active in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Membership is open to women and men age 16 or over.  The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan. It neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate. However, members are encouraged to be politically active as individuals.

History

Portrait of Carrie Chapman Catt

Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters. She is pictured at the 1920 convention of the National Women Suffrage Association

 

Rooted in the Women's Suffrage movement, the National League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 with the purpose of educating women and encouraging them to use their vote to impact social policy. In Florida, the League got its official start in 1939. Women in Winter Haven, Winter Park and St. Petersburg initiated the Florida League of Women Voters, following some earlier efforts. In 1973, the League voted to include men members, but retained its name for historical reasons.

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

League Mission

The goal of the League of Women Voters is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.

The League of Women Voters...

  • encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government
  • works to increase understanding of major public policy issues
  • influences public policy through education and advocacy

Our Core Values

We, at the League...

  • believe that grassroots initiatives and consensus building are the strength of our organization
  • believe that our organization models the principles of good governance
  • consider well and prepare thoroughly before taking action
  • believe that citizenship requires knowledge as well as the ability and will to act
  • believe that the responsibility of good government rests on the shoulders of its citizens

There are 32 local Leagues in Florida. Members hold candidate forums, issue Voter Guides to help inform citizens on local races and ballot amendments, and sponsor public forums to encourage Florida’s citizens and elected officials to broaden their understanding of key issues, while promoting engaged citizenship through an informed and active participation in government.