From Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the League of Women Voters US, "Carrie Chapman Catt first proposed a League of Women Voters to work to end all discrimination against women. The League was found on Valentine's Day, 1920, six months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote."
The League of Women Voters, founded by Carrie Chapman Catt, is active on a national, state, and local level. We are non-partisan citizen activists who promote the empowerment of an informed electorate. We research public policy issues at the local, state, and federal level, educate citizens and decision makers, and work to find reasonable solutions to our most pressing policy challenges. The League welcomes members of both sexes who are 18 or older. A portion of our modest dues helps to support a lobbyist at the state level and enables the League's national efforts. Dues are not tax deductible; however, the League welcomes tax deductible contributions to pay for our educational projects.
Local leagues help with voter registration drives and hold public meetings to study issues such as urban sprawl, regional government, school funding, and election reform. Candidate forums are held to give a voice to those individuals running for office. The League does not endorse or oppose candidates. Forums are also held to inform voters of the ballot issues, and the League may endorse an issue that we have studied and come to consensus on. Monthly legislative forums are held while the Legislature is in session. State and National levels have specific issues for study and action, including campaign finance reform and the election process. The LWVUS supports many of the same issues as the United Nations Association, such as nuclear deterrence, equal rights, childcare and other children's issues, health care, and gun control. The Johnson County board meets monthly.
We also hold monthly general meetings, which are open to all interested members of the general public and are announced in the press and our Voter newsletter, an annual meeting in May, receptions each spring and fall, and a December brunch.