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Who We Are
A Historic Nonprofit in Alameda: We Empower Voters & Defend Democracy
LWV of Alameda Board Members (click on image for full listing)
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.
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. Moreover, the LWV of Alameda is fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. What are you waiting for? Join us!
The LWV of Alameda is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
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.” |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. Our League is committed to getting ranked-choice voting implemented in Alameda; we welcome your support.
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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.
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News |
The Voter is our local, League of Women Voters of Alameda electronic newsletter that we publish twice every month by email (aka eBlasts). Each issue contains the most updated national, state, and local League news. Our newsletter also includes League calls to action, information about LWV of Alameda events, and ways to get involved with us.
Occasionally, we send special eBlasts on singular issues, such as reminders of upcoming events or immediate calls to action. Subscribe to LWV of Alameda eBlasts |
Voter
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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
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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 an online Civics game called Verify It! and a Voter Registration Program. |