About Us: LWV of Alameda
Who We Are
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. Like our sister Leagues throughout the nation, we 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. We serve the residents of the City of Alameda, California.
Contact us today!
Contact us today!
History of the League
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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. |
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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. |
Read more below about what we do; our mission, vision, and values; our leadership; our finances, and our partners.
What We Do
Advocacy
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.
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.
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 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 here.
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 LWV of Alameda takes special interest in youth outreach, offering an online Civics game called Verify It! and a Voter Registration Program.
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.
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.
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 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 here.
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 LWV of Alameda takes special interest in youth outreach, offering an online Civics game called Verify It! and a Voter Registration Program.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
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. Our values are that we believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy, and we are committed to diversity.
Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well.
Our Board of Directors & Committee Chairs
Board of Directors
President: Anna Crane
Vice President: Keasha Martindill
Secretary: Ashley Lorden
Treasurer: Paul Beusterien
At Large: Jeff Cambra, Susan Hauser, & Linda Lyons-Justus
Committee Chairs
Advocacy: Irene Dieter
Campaign Finance: Allan Mann
Communications: Keasha Martindill
Membership: Susan Hauser
Programs: Neil Rubenstein
Voter Services: Open
Youth Outreach: Linda Bytof
President: Anna Crane
Vice President: Keasha Martindill
Secretary: Ashley Lorden
Treasurer: Paul Beusterien
At Large: Jeff Cambra, Susan Hauser, & Linda Lyons-Justus
Committee Chairs
Advocacy: Irene Dieter
Campaign Finance: Allan Mann
Communications: Keasha Martindill
Membership: Susan Hauser
Programs: Neil Rubenstein
Voter Services: Open
Youth Outreach: Linda Bytof
Our FinancesRead our latest financial report here: Treasurer's Report FY 2023. Additionally, we are listed on GuideStar, the largest source of information about nonprofit organizations, and we have earned its Gold Seal of Transparency.
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Our Partners
Every election season we conduct forums so voters get objective information on ballot measures and hear from candidates for office. To do so, we often co-sponsor events with other local Leagues, like the LWV of Oakland, LWV of Piedmont, and LWV of Berkeley Albany Emeryville.
We often co-sponsor film showings and panel presentations events with other like-minded organizations such as Girls Inc. of the Island City, AAUW Alameda, Alameda Library, College of Alameda, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Our full list of co-sponsors is here in our Co-Sponsorship Policy.
We often co-sponsor film showings and panel presentations events with other like-minded organizations such as Girls Inc. of the Island City, AAUW Alameda, Alameda Library, College of Alameda, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Our full list of co-sponsors is here in our Co-Sponsorship Policy.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you via email, phone, or mail! You may also connect with us on social media. See the options in the footer below.