About

About

Hudson Parade

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.

The League envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.

The League is a grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy and promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation in government.

 We never support, endorse or oppose political parties or candidates.

Who We Are

The League of Women Voters of the United States was formally organized on February 14, 1920, six months before the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified. Today, the League of Women Voters has over 500,000 members and supporters and over 700 state and local leagues. Members work year-round to register new voters, host community forums and debates, and provide voters with election information.
 

Why Should I Support the League of Women Voters?

The League is different from many organizations in that 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.

History of the League of Women Voters

On February 14, 1920 - six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote was ratified - the League was formally organized in Chicago as the national League of Women Voters. Suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy."  For over 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.
 
See the History section of the League of Women Voters of the US website.

Helen Kitzmiller portraitThe League of Women Voters of Hudson (LWVH) was established in 1938 as a local chapter. The first president and founder of Hudson's League was Helen Haldy Kitzmiller, the Special Assistant to the Headmaster at Western Reserve Academy for 30 years. She had attended a League meeting in Columbus a few months earlier and was so impressed she decided to start a league in Hudson.