ABOUT THE
LEAGUE . . .
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
JOINING THE LEAGUE | CONTRIBUTORS |
DIRECTIONS & MAP
What Is the League of
Women Voters?
- The League of Women Voters is a multi-issue organization whose mission
is to encourage the active participation in government and to influence
public policy through education and advocacy.
- Our name derives from the proud legacy of the women's suffrage movement.
Today, more than 78 years after our founding in 1920, the League remains
the premiere grassroots citizen organization, representing women and
men in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
- The National League of Women Voters was founded by a bequest in 1917.
A dedicated suffragist supporter left her entire estate--a sum of $900,000--in
the capable hands of fellow suffragist and League founder, Carrie Chapman
Catt, for the express purpose of securing the vote for women.
LWV of
New Jersey History, 1920-1991, Rutgers Library/Archives
Arranged and described by Dr. Fernanda Perrone,
assisted by Luis C. Franco and Michele Gisbert, as part of the "Women
in Public Life Project," July 1996-December 1998, funded by a
grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission
What Does the League Do?
- Empowers American citizens to have a voice in government; bring about
constructive change; and builds grassroots citizen action
- Registers thousands to vote...defends voting rights... opens government
to citizens... protects our environment...takes action for privacy in
reproductive choice... supports violence prevention...and trains tomorrow's
civic leaders
Does the League Support Political Parties
or Candidates?
- No; never. The League is political, but strictly nonpartisan
and never supports a particular candidate.
- The League 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 public
policy through education and advocacy. It is the original grassroots
citizen network, directed by the consensus of its members across the
country.
Does the League Take Positions on Issues?
How Can I Join the League
in My Area?
- Today's members are women and men from diverse communities.
Any citizen aged 18 or older may join the League. There are numerous local Leagues
in New Jersey.
- Individual Membership Dues are $60 per year. Household dues (2 people
sharing address) are $90. When you join the League you are joining it
at 3 levels, local, state and national. If you are interested in joining
the League please call 609-394-3303 or send your name, address, and
phone number to
by email.
- Join the League
of Women Voters and make your voice heard in your town, in the State
House and on Capitol Hill.
- Give the gift of membership to a friend. Use our handy gift
card to announce your gift.
Why Should I Join the League?
- Because YOU want to make a difference! You know that the future depends
on people like YOU--people learning about the issues, speaking out,
and seeking positive solutions to the problems confronting our communities
and our country.
- Because you'll stay informed about issues and government. You'll be
a VERY informed voter on Election Day and a dependable source of information
for your friends.
- Because you'll sharpen your skills in leadership, communications,
networking, and public speaking.
- You'll be following in the footsteps of a long line of leaders committed
to building better communities and a stronger democracy.
How Much Time Will I Need to Spend as a
Member?
- It's your decision how involved you want to be. Whatever you decide,
your membership alone gives the League the political clout we need to
be a voice for citizens and a force for change.
- You can choose the area of League work that is most attractive to
you.
How Can I Support the
Work of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey?
- Contributions to the League of Women Voters
of New Jersey will help support all of our programs. Contributions to
the League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund
(LWVNJEF), a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible.
- With your gift, the League's Education Fund
can continue to empower New Jersey citizens through nonpartisan, factual
information about voting, government, and public policy. Thank you for
your generosity!
An easy way to support us is
to give a corporate gift by printing our online donation form.
What Is the League of Women
Voters of New Jersey Education Fund?
- The League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund's mission
is to encourage the informed and active participation in government
and to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
- Founders of the League of Women Voters believed
that citizens who have access to the facts on
public policy issues and who know how to
participate effectively will make wise decisions
for their communities and their countries. Almost
75 years later, the League of Women Voters
Education Fund's work is guided by that same
belief.
What Does the LWVNJ Education
Fund Do?
- The LWVNJ Education Fund furnishes impartial,
accurate information on which the American people
depend to make informed decisions on a range of
public policy issues-issues that range from
international relations to conserving natural
resources to health care policy. The Education
Fund's multi-issue approach and its unrivaled
reputation for credibility are always backed up
by solid research and easy-to-understand
presentation of the facts.
- The LWVNJ Education Fund's nonpartisan stance and
avoidance of single-issue politics give it a
unique role in the public policy arena.
Did You Know the League Was
Launched With a Bequest?
- In 1917, a dedicated suffrage supporter left her
entire estate in the capable hands of fellow
suffragist and League founder, Carrie Chapman
Catt, for the express purpose of securing the
vote for women.
- Strengthened by this sum of $900,000, Catt drove
the National American Suffrage Association to
victory. Bequests large and small continue to
make the difference for the League of Women
Voters Education Fund and for local and state
Leagues across the country.
- The LWVNJ Education Fund is a part of Leave A
Legacy NJ Foundation. To
find out how to include the League in your will,
click here.
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