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By joining the League, donating to its efforts, and participating in its work, you can support these three cornerstones of freedom and not take freedom for granted.
Benjamin Franklin said of our form of government, "A Republic - if you can keep it." Martin Luther King wrote in his final book, Where Do We Go From Here: "What is freedom? It is, first, the capacity to deliberate or to weigh alternatives...Second, freedom expresses itself in decision...A third expression of freedom is responsibility."
Democracy is not a spectator sport. We are fighting to protect it, by promoting voter rights and fair elections. Join us, the League of Women Voters of Alameda, and help support the cornerstones of freedom.
The LWV of Alameda is the ideal organization for both the politically sophisticated and the novice. Elected officials and politically engaged men and women support our efforts knowing that an informed citizenry is fundamental to the success of our government and civic institutions. This is why educating Alameda citizens about elections and vital community issues is a key priority for our League.
Additionally, all of our members find the League a useful source of information on current issues and a place to network and share ideas free of partisan politics. For those new to the political process, the League of Women Voters of Alameda provides plentiful opportunities to learn about current events and issues. The LWV of Alameda is a place to develop a keen understanding of public policy issues and the political process in a supportive atmosphere.
Join us and be a part of the movement working towards active engagement of citizens and their government. Find out how your support will make a difference in our local and national government.
FAQs About Why You SHould Join
Why Should I Join? As a member of the League of Women Voters, you belong to a network on the city, county, state and national levels, which is committed to making democracy work. Whether you have time to be an active volunteer or simply want to show your support, you will be part of a movement working toward active engagement of citizens in their government. Membership in the League provides skill-building experience and opportunities in voter engagement, issues research, legislative process, advocacy and change agency, coalition-building, and networking.
Through your participation in the League, you will contribute valuable service to the community, gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and important topics, discover new interests, develop new skills and learn about crucial issues in your local community, make professional contacts and develop friendships as you meet others in the League who share your interests.
Through your participation in the League, you will contribute valuable service to the community, gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and important topics, discover new interests, develop new skills and learn about crucial issues in your local community, make professional contacts and develop friendships as you meet others in the League who share your interests.
Who Are the Members? Membership in the League of Women Voters, the most respected and effective grassroots organization in the country, is open to men and women of all ages 16 and above. Our diversity of members make a visible difference by serving as community leaders using their experience to create positive, lasting changes in our communities.
What Do I Get? You automatically become a member of the city of Alameda, Alameda County InterLeague Organization, LWV California and LWV of the United States. You will receive their biweekly “eblasts” or email updates along with the newsletter from the League of Women Voters-Alameda publication called the Voter which is published six times a year. You will have the knowledge that you are adding your voice to a powerful force of members from all 50 states, Washington DC, the Virgin Islands, and Hong Kong.
How Much Time Should I Contribute to the League? It is up to you! Many members choose to support the League only with their annual dues. Your membership alone gives us the political influence needed to build a voice for citizens and a force for change. We cover a broad spectrum of issues and concerns; you may choose to become involved in one or more of them by actively participating in a committee, joining a group study, listening to a panel of experts at a forum or just reading about them in one of our publications, or volunteering for a single event. We also have projects that can range from an hour at home to any length desired.
How To Join the LWV of Alameda
Step 1. Purchase an annual Membership. The League of Women Voters of Alameda is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, (Tax ID 94-265-0856). Membership Fees are $70 for an Individual, $97 for a Family or Household, and Free for Students (who are full time and age 16 or older). Dues assistance is available for those with limited income; email our Membership Chair.
To write a check: please make it payable to the LWVA and addressed to the League of Women Voters of Alameda at P.O. Box 1645, Alameda CA 94501.
To write a check: please make it payable to the LWVA and addressed to the League of Women Voters of Alameda at P.O. Box 1645, Alameda CA 94501.
To pay online: please follow these instructions.
- Click here to go to our PayPal Giving Fund website.
- Next, click on the big blue "Donate" button.
- Click on the "Other" button (to the right of the "$75 USD" button).
- Type in amount for your dues and any donation you wish to add.
- Click on "Share my name and email with this charity."
- Click on the big blue "Next" button.
- Finish paying by logging into PayPal or by entering your credit card information.
LWV of Alameda NEW Member Form
How To Renew With The LWV of Alameda
Step 1. Re-purchase an annual Membership. The League of Women Voters of Alameda is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, (Tax ID 94-265-0856). Membership Fees are $70 for an Individual, $97 for a Family or Household, and Free for Students (who are full time and age 16 or older). Dues assistance is available for those with limited income; email our Membership Chair.
To write a check: please make it payable to the LWVA and addressed to the League of Women Voters of Alameda at P.O. Box 1645, Alameda CA 94501.
To write a check: please make it payable to the LWVA and addressed to the League of Women Voters of Alameda at P.O. Box 1645, Alameda CA 94501.
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To pay online: please follow these instructions.
Step 2. If the contact info for you or a family member has changed, then fill out an Update Info Member Form below. |
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Update Info Member Form
Member Information
Board of Directors and Committees
Board of Directors
President: Anna Crane
Vice President: Keasha Martindill
Secretary: Ashley Lorden
Treasurer: Susan Hauser
At Large: Anne McKereghan & Jeff Cambra
Committee Chairs
Advocacy: Irene Dieter
Campaign Finance: Allan Mann
Communications: Keasha Martindill
Membership: Susan Hauser
Programs: Neil Rubenstein
Voter Services: Susan Gonzales & Paula Rainey
Youth Outreach: Linda Bytof
Nominating Committee
Anne McKereghan, Jeff Cambra, and Mari Clark. Two committee positions are still open!
President: Anna Crane
Vice President: Keasha Martindill
Secretary: Ashley Lorden
Treasurer: Susan Hauser
At Large: Anne McKereghan & Jeff Cambra
Committee Chairs
Advocacy: Irene Dieter
Campaign Finance: Allan Mann
Communications: Keasha Martindill
Membership: Susan Hauser
Programs: Neil Rubenstein
Voter Services: Susan Gonzales & Paula Rainey
Youth Outreach: Linda Bytof
Nominating Committee
Anne McKereghan, Jeff Cambra, and Mari Clark. Two committee positions are still open!
Current Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and others with access to our Dropbox may find additional LWVA documents/info here, including a Board Member Toolbox.
Documents
We archive LWV of Alameda Annual Meeting Kits, Board Meeting Minutes, and Treasurer Reports at our Dropbox site. Our members may email [email protected] to request access to archived these reports. Below are the latest documents.
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Annual Meeting
2023 Annual Meeting Kit |
Treasurer Reports
Treasurer's Report FY 2023 |
League Policies, Procedures & More
Action Alerts
At all three levels of government, the League of Women Voters monitors public policy changes being considered by legislative and executive bodies. Swift action by citizens like you can help elected officials make decisions based on the opinions of their constituents rather than on the opinions of powerful, well-funded special interests. There is strength in numbers; take action now and help us influence policy makers! Sign up for National Action Alerts and emails from the LWV of the US and also for State Action Alerts by the LWV of California.
When you receive an email Action Alert please respond. It takes only a minute or two to send a note to your legislator or to sign a League-sponsored petition. Then, send the alert to your friends, family, neighbors – anyone you think might also add their name in support of our League position.
At all three levels of government, the League of Women Voters monitors public policy changes being considered by legislative and executive bodies. Swift action by citizens like you can help elected officials make decisions based on the opinions of their constituents rather than on the opinions of powerful, well-funded special interests. There is strength in numbers; take action now and help us influence policy makers! Sign up for National Action Alerts and emails from the LWV of the US and also for State Action Alerts by the LWV of California.
When you receive an email Action Alert please respond. It takes only a minute or two to send a note to your legislator or to sign a League-sponsored petition. Then, send the alert to your friends, family, neighbors – anyone you think might also add their name in support of our League position.
How the League Takes Action
The League of Women Voters is a trusted organization that has lasted over 100 years for good reason. We only speak out on issues that we have extensively studied. But we do advocate on issues, and we do hold elected officials and governing bodies accountable. We may criticize a policy or action taken by an elected official, but we do so based on clearly stated League positions. The League of Women Voters does not employ partisan language, and we strive to eliminate any appearance of partisanship.
Sometimes, we do not speak out on an issue if there is another organization in a better position to be heard or more effective, or if we deem that our contribution may not be helpful. The League of Women Voters is methodical and steady, and we report facts, not opinions or hearsay. Moreover, we speak with one voice, meaning that the positions of local Leagues are consistent throughout their state, and their positions conform to those taken by the LWV of the US.
The League of Women Voters is a trusted organization that has lasted over 100 years for good reason. We only speak out on issues that we have extensively studied. But we do advocate on issues, and we do hold elected officials and governing bodies accountable. We may criticize a policy or action taken by an elected official, but we do so based on clearly stated League positions. The League of Women Voters does not employ partisan language, and we strive to eliminate any appearance of partisanship.
Sometimes, we do not speak out on an issue if there is another organization in a better position to be heard or more effective, or if we deem that our contribution may not be helpful. The League of Women Voters is methodical and steady, and we report facts, not opinions or hearsay. Moreover, we speak with one voice, meaning that the positions of local Leagues are consistent throughout their state, and their positions conform to those taken by the LWV of the US.
League Basics Guide
The League Basics Guide contains essential policy and organizational information applicable to every local and state League. It offers advice, guidelines and more detailed information to help leaders develop specific methods of operation to enable a League to accomplish its goals.
The League Basics Guide contains essential policy and organizational information applicable to every local and state League. It offers advice, guidelines and more detailed information to help leaders develop specific methods of operation to enable a League to accomplish its goals.
LWV of Alameda Policies & Mission
Program Planning
For the League, the term ‘Program’ describes the issues that we choose for concerted study, education, and action at every level of government. It is an essential tool for focusing the League’s work to ensure that resources are engaged where they have the most impact. Program planning is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member can influence the selection of priority issues at each level of government.
Every year we hold a General Membership Meeting in January. At the meeting, we discuss what should be the top priorities for education and action, and whether we would like any positions updated or new studies initiated. We then make recommendations for the upcoming cycles for our local League, and either the National League (even years) or the State League (odd years). At its February meeting, the LWVA Board will vote on these recommendations. Soon after that, it will send a report with input to the National or State League.
The National and State Programs have cycles that start in July, last for a period of two years, and culminate in a convention. During even years (e.g. 2018, 2020), the National League gathers input from local and State Leagues and conducts its convention. State Leagues do likewise for its local Leagues during odd years (e.g. 2019, 2021). The National or State Program Committee will review all responses, and develop a Proposed Program. The process culminates with delegates' adoption of the Program at convention. Find the current Programs for and positions of the LWV of the United States, LWV of California, and LWV of Alameda here.
The LWV of Alameda has a cycle that starts in July, lasts for a period of one year, and culminates in an Annual Meeting in June for its members. Based on our bylaws, members may make a local Program recommendation to the Board no later than two months prior to the Annual Meeting.
The LWV of Alameda Board will consider all recommendations and formulate a proposed program at its May Board meeting. Then at our Annual Meeting, after debate and discussion, a majority vote of those local League members present is required for the proposed LWV of Alameda Program for the next year to be adopted.
For the League, the term ‘Program’ describes the issues that we choose for concerted study, education, and action at every level of government. It is an essential tool for focusing the League’s work to ensure that resources are engaged where they have the most impact. Program planning is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member can influence the selection of priority issues at each level of government.
Every year we hold a General Membership Meeting in January. At the meeting, we discuss what should be the top priorities for education and action, and whether we would like any positions updated or new studies initiated. We then make recommendations for the upcoming cycles for our local League, and either the National League (even years) or the State League (odd years). At its February meeting, the LWVA Board will vote on these recommendations. Soon after that, it will send a report with input to the National or State League.
The National and State Programs have cycles that start in July, last for a period of two years, and culminate in a convention. During even years (e.g. 2018, 2020), the National League gathers input from local and State Leagues and conducts its convention. State Leagues do likewise for its local Leagues during odd years (e.g. 2019, 2021). The National or State Program Committee will review all responses, and develop a Proposed Program. The process culminates with delegates' adoption of the Program at convention. Find the current Programs for and positions of the LWV of the United States, LWV of California, and LWV of Alameda here.
The LWV of Alameda has a cycle that starts in July, lasts for a period of one year, and culminates in an Annual Meeting in June for its members. Based on our bylaws, members may make a local Program recommendation to the Board no later than two months prior to the Annual Meeting.
The LWV of Alameda Board will consider all recommendations and formulate a proposed program at its May Board meeting. Then at our Annual Meeting, after debate and discussion, a majority vote of those local League members present is required for the proposed LWV of Alameda Program for the next year to be adopted.
League of Women Voters News
The League of Women Voters is organized to parallel the three levels of government: local, state and national. For Alameda, we are the local League, LWV of California is the state League, and LWV of the US is the national League. But we also have a regional League, LWV of the Bay Area, formed by representatives from local Bay Area Leagues.
Read local, regional, state, and national League news below.
Read local, regional, state, and national League news below.
Local News by
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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. |
Area News by
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"The Bay Area Monitor" is the LWV of the Bay Area's newsletter that is published six times a year by email and postal mail. It primarily covers transportation, air quality, water, open space, and land use issues in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
The LWV of the Bay Area also publishes a "Bay Area Monitor Notes" eBlast every week to their subscribers. These eBlasts contain information about news items, event announcements, and updates on past "Bay Area Monitor" articles. |
State News by
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"The Leader's Update" is the LWV of California's newsletter that is published multiple times a year by email. It contains news about their lobbying, advocacy and voter rights efforts, and guidance to local California Leagues.
The LWV of California also sends action alerts on important State legislation. All local California League members should be automatically subscribed to these newsletters and alerts. LWV of Alameda members, if you are not getting them, email LWV of California. |
National News by
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"The League Update" is a newsletter by the LWV of the US that is published twice a month by email. It contains news about their lobbying, advocacy, and voter rights efforts, news from Leagues across the nation, and guidance to all Leagues. The LWV of the US also sends action alerts on important Congressional legislation. All local League members should be automatically subscribed to these newsletters and alerts. LWV of Alameda members, if you are not getting them, use the link below to subscribe. |
