Who We Are

A Historic Nonprofit in Alameda: We Empower Voters & Defend Democracy

Established in 1920, the League of Women Voters (LWV) is a national, historic nonprofit, and an educational and political organization of women and men working to raise voters’ understanding of major policy issues and to influence public policy through education. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate. We do take positions on selected policy issues that members have studied and reached a consensus.

Our mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. Our vision is a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate. Furthermore, we believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. 

The League has two separate and distinct roles. For our voter service and citizen education role, we provide unbiased, nonpartisan information about elections, candidates, the voting process, and public policy issues. For our advocacy role, we draw upon our consensus-based positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest.
​The LWV of Alameda, established 1978, is a member of the League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of California. We are a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, staffed only by volunteers, and dedicated to making democracy work. ​
Read more about the League and the LWV of AlamedA
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History of the LWV
In her address to the National American Woman Suffrage Association’s 50th convention in 1919, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed to create a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation.” The following year, six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1920, the League of Women Voters was established “to unite all existing organizations of women who believe in its principles.”
Since its inception, the League has helped millions of women and men become informed participants in government. The first League convention voted 69 separate items as statements of principle and recommendations for legislation. The League continues to revise ongoing positions and adopt new ones in response to evolving critical issues such as international relations, immigration, economic and social policies, environmental protection, voting rights, and equal rights for women. Click the image of the marchers to watch a short video about the League, and also see the League History from the League of Women Voters of the US.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. In addition to serving as First Lady from 1933-1945, she was a newspaper columnist, author, diplomat, and seasoned politician. She was also a formative leader of the League of Women Voters. Click the image of Eleanor Roosevelt to watch a short video about her affinity for the League. ​
LWV of Alameda
Like its sister Leagues throughout the nation, the Alameda League’s mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of local citizens in government and to influence public policy through education, advocacy and community outreach, including to young people. We organize many community events throughout the year, including public forums on elections and other issues of interest to Alameda. We also prepare voter education materials, register voters, study particular issues as they arise, and hold informal social events for members and guests.

What We Do

Advocacy
After careful study, the League does take positions on some critical issues (but never candidates). We advocate for measures that help our communities and protect our democracy.

Events
Our calendar of events provides a quick overview on the breadth of ways the League is making a difference in Alameda. We offer forums to prepare you for upcoming elections, and forums to keep you informed about topics of interest to our Alameda community.  

​News ​
"The Voter" is our local, League of Women Voters of Alameda newsletter that we publish six times a year. Each issue contains national, state, and local League news.

​Our emails (called eBlasts) are published twice every month. They contain info on upcoming League and community events, calls to action, and ways to get involved with us.​

Subscribe to LWV of Alameda eBlasts & "The Voter" newsletter.

​​​Voter
​Services
Your vote counts! Some elections are decided by just a few votes. We understand how busy everyone is, so we provide a variety of ways to keep you informed and prepared for upcoming elections. Our information is balanced and non-partisan, so you can make an informed decision.

See our Calendar of Events for voter registration drives and election forums. Review our Voter Information pages and get ready to vote.

Youth
​Outreach ​
​​The League's mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

The LWV of Alameda takes special interest in youth outreach offering a High School Civics Debate Scholarship Program and a Voter Registration Program.  

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