Structure of the League

The League of Women Voters of New Castle is a local chapter of the national organization. The League is organized to parallel the three levels of government - local, state and national. In some areas, like Westchester, local leagues have formed Inter-League Organizations (ILOs) to address regional concerns. At each level, the League is governed by a volunteer president and a board of directors. Membership in you local league gives you membership at the league levels above. Local leagues focus on local issues, and can support policies at the state and national levels.

Mission

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Political Yet Nonpartisan

Soon after the League's founding in 1920, the decision was made to take positions on issues but to neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate (appointed or elected). Today this policy continues to ensure that the League's voice is heard above the tumult of party politics.

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. 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. All LWVNC Board members must agree to abide by the LWVNC Nonpartisan Policy.

LWV Program

Program planning is the grassroots process of recommending and selecting governmental issues for study and agreement in reaching a position. The League Program is the education and advocacy platform adopted by League members to move the League's mission forward. At the state and national level, LWV Programs are adopted every other year at league conventions. At the local level, league members work every year to consider state or national program proposals and to discuss and adopt a program for work at the local level. LWVNC members adopted the League program for 2024-2025 at our May Annual Business Meeting. 

Members Matter!

Members are the League's most valuable asset! 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.

Your participation in League will expose you to a breadth of 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 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.

New Castle League Board

• Leslie Kuhn, President
• Lea Barth, 1st Vice-President 
• TBD, Secretary
• Barbara Cardone, Treasurer
• Sheila Miller Bernson
• Jodi Falbaum
• Haley Ferraro
• Jennifer Mebes Flagg
• Alexandra Holt
• Mary Kirsch
• Alicia Molloy

Other League Organizations

• League of Women Voters of Westchester,
• League of Women Voters of New York State, and
• League of Women Voters of the United States.

History of League of Women Voters