1. Everything you always wanted to know about the League
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS®
OF OREGON
LEAGUE 101
Everything you always wanted to know about the League
… but were afraid to ask

2. Who we are
A grassroots nonpartisan political organization that . . .
“envisions informed citizens participating in a fully accessible, responsive, and transparent government to achieve the common good.”

3. A rich history of volunteerism
LWVUS - founded in 1920
LWVOR - founded in 1924
850 local and state Leagues in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with more than 150,000 members and supporters
1300 members in Oregon
14 Local Leagues and 2 Members at Large Units
A true grassroots organization
LWVUS - founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt shortly before the Women’s Suffrage Amendment was ratified, to help newly enfranchised women become politically educated, responsible voting citizens. We are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the League this year.
Over the years, the League has opened a door to intellectual activity and involvement in political life
Local politicians began seeing women as capable of serving on local boards
League has studied many issues and been active in calling for changes and reforms
Has served as a training ground for community leaders
Is determined to be a pertinent and meaningful voice in local governance

4. Men have been welcome since 1973!

5. How do we help voters? Voters’ Guides
Websites: and
Video Voters’ Guide
Candidate forums and debates
Ballot measure forums
Voter registration
Should be Voters’ Guide – need apostrophe Also, add VoteSource.org, as I think that for this election we may still be using both.

6. How do we educate ourselves and the public?
Monthly unit meetings
In-depth studies on relevant issues
Observer Corps
Issues forums
Panels and small group discussions
Student Mock Election program

7. Although we are nonpartisan,
we do take a stand
on issues.
More on League positions later in the presentation

8. How does the League move from study to action?
Thorough study
Balanced report
3. Consensus process
4. Statement of position
5. Action based on position

9. How do we take action? Testimony at public hearings
Legislative lobbying
Calls or letters to officials
Press releases, op-eds, letters to editor
Informational material, Legislative Report
Advocacy forums
Action alerts via or social media

10. The League empowers its members.
Voting Rights
Campaign Finance Reform
Civil Liberties
Election Reform
Good Schools
Affordable Housing
Transportation
Corrections
Health Care
Land Use
Clean Air and Water
Public Parks
Energy Conservation
Climate Change

11. As a knowledgeable League member, you can make a difference!
Democracy is not a spectator sport!