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. The League is nonpartisan – never supporting or opposing any political party or candidate.

The League of Women Voters performs two roles:

 The League of Women Voters carries out two separate and distinct roles.

• Voter Service/Citizen Education: the League presents unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues. The League also studies policy issues and can establish positions based on a member discussion and consensus process.
• Advocacy: after study, the League uses its positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest
• The League of Women Voters Pasadena Area (LWV-PA) performs both of these roles as a 501(c) (3) Public Charity. The League operates under its principles, bylaws and standing rules as outlined in this Guidelinesdocument.

What Does the League Do Now?

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, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.  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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.  

Why Should I Support the League of Women Voters?

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 to act 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 the 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. The League ‘s overall goal is to help all citizens effectively participate to improve their communities. 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. We believe passionately in that active understanding of and participation in democracy is essential to strengthen and preserve our nation. We encourage you to contact us at https://my.lwv.org/california/pasadena/contact-lwv-pasadena-area and join us in this worthy endeavor.

What is the History of the League of Women Voters?