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History The LWV of the United States began in Chicago at the
Congress Hotel on February 14, 1920. Carrie Chapman Catt urged the
National American Woman Suffrage Association to change direction and help
American women learn about the issues and "be worthy of the privilege of
voting."
Purposes The League encourages the informed and active
participation of citizens in government and works to influence public policy
through education and advocacy. Any citizen, 18 or older, male or
female, may join. The LWV is nonpartisan and neither supports nor
opposes candidates for elected office but does act on issues after member
study and consensus.
Local Leagues There are 51 Leagues with over 4,000 members in
Illinois. Local Leagues hold public meetings on issues, host candidate
forums, monitor local government activities, and act to ensure better
communities. Recently, Illinois Leagues have successfully campaigned to
reduce the size of county boards and pass local referendums for schools and
libraries.
Today's Leaguers in Illinois Politics The League of Women
Voters is a training ground for people in leadership positions and in
politics. The League's founders sought to educate the woman voter
initially, but that insight also empowered her to seek office in which to make
a real contribution to society. Many of today's leaders are members of
the League of Women Voters.
Your membership will be directed to a
local League near you. If
there is no local League in your area, you may join as a Member-at-Large (MAL)
of the state and national League of Women Voters.
WHO JOINS THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS?
- Voters who want to make government more responsive and accessible
- Women and men who want to influence policies that affect their community,
state and nation
- Motivated individuals interested in developing their skills in leadership,
conflict resolution, lobbying and public speaking
- Busy people who want to support a progressive public policy agenda
- Thinkers looking for a lively discussion of issues
- Newcomers and long-time residents who want to find out about the hot
issues in their community
- Parents concerned about the world their children will inherit
- Committed citizens who want to work together to improve the quality of
life in their world
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IS
- Nonpartisan but political
The League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
The League does work to influence public policy through citizen education and
advocacy.
- Grassroots
League members themselves choose which public policy issues will be targeted
for study and action.
- Multi-Issue
The League takes action on a broad range of issues-from violence prevention to
pollution control, campaign finance reform and local school referenda.
- Informative
The League registers voters, sponsors candidate debates, publishes voters
guides and public policy research, and holds conferences on key issues.
- Influential
The League lobbies elected officials and works in coalition with others to
press its agenda in Washington, Springfield, and local communities.
- Inter-Connected
When you join, you become a member of a local League in your community, the
Illinois League and the League of Women Voters of the U.S.
WHEN YOU JOIN THE LEAGUE,
- You become a force for change
Learn how government works and how to make your voice heard
- Act on issues of concern to you
Strengthen an activist network that shapes public policy
- You experience personal growth
Join in-depth discussions about timely political issues and the complex
challenges facing government
- Build your network of personal and professional contacts
Develop skills and expertise that will enhance your resume and open the doors
to new experiences
- Gain access to information
- You receive Membership benefits
- The National Voter, a bi-monthly magazine that keeps you one step
ahead of the issues
- The Illinois Voter, a quarterly publication covering state
legislation, statewide programs and member activities
- A local League bulletin featuring member events and community issues
- Action alerts on pending legislation
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