Who We Are
Mission Statement
Brief History
A Grassroots Organization
Principles
Diversity Policy
More about the Cincinnati League
Mission Statement
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.
Brief History
In February 1920, just six months before the U.S. Constitution was amended to give women the right to vote, the National American Woman Suffrage Association's president, Carrie Chapman Catt, proposed the creation of the League of Women Voters. The League's first purpose was to teach women how to exercise their new political rights and responsibilities.
After passage of the 19th Amendment, the League began as a collection of former suffrage organizations at the state and local levels. The League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area is one of the oldest Leagues in the country. The Woman Suffrage Committee of Greater Cincinnati met on September 21, 1920 and approved the motion "that the sense of this meeting be that we organize a League of Women Voters for Cincinnati and Hamilton County." On Friday, October 1, 1920 the first meeting of the executive committee of the League of Women Voters of Cincinnati was held.
For over 85 years the League has continued to serve all citizens and has opened its membership to any citizen of voting age, male or female. Today, the League of Women Voters is a three tier organization, with Leagues at the local, state and national levels. A member joining one of the 34 local Ohio Leagues is automatically a member of the League of Women Voters of Ohio (LWVO) and the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS).
A Grassroots Organization
The League of Women Voters is strictly nonpartisan; it neither supports nor opposes candidates for office at any level of government. At the same time, the League is wholeheartedly political - working to influence policy through education and advocacy. It is the original grassroots citizen network, directed by the consensus of its members across the country.
The League's hallmark is its unique grassroots approach to study and action. Every League position is based on study and consensus among members. During the consensus process, members draw on balanced, pro and con materials, develop their own resources, turn to technical experts and public officials for information, and reach out to the community through public meetings, surveys and media coverage.
Once a position is reached, the League marshals all of its tools to influence the shape of public policy. Grassroots lobbying efforts are the key to the League legislative success. Strategies include testimony, letters and phone calls to key legislators, working in coalition with other groups, community outreach and media campaigns.
Principles
The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.
The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.
The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
Diversity Policy
The League of Women Voters recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making. The LWV affirms its commitment to reflecting the diversity of America in its membership, leadership and programs.
For more about the Cincinnati League ...
LWVCA Committees & Units
Description of our current study committees and what thy are doing. Meeting times and locations of our units (monthly discussion groups).
Positions
Local, State, and National League positions on issues.
History
"A Chronicle of the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area 1920-1995."
March 2007
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