The League of Women Voters of the United States began Valentine's Day in 1920, in Cleveland, just six months before the 19th amendment to the U. S. Constitution was ratified. The amendment gave women the right to vote. Now, across the nation, LWV members are to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the creation of the league and women's right to vote.
The league began as a "mighty political experiment" designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters. It encouraged them to use their new power to participate in shaping public policy.
Organized at the national, state and local levels, the league studies issues and then comes to a "position." Based on these positions, the league supports or opposes proposed legislation at all levels. Local positions are revisited every year, national and state on a biennial basis. At the national level, there are 31 specific positions on representative government, international relations, natural resources and social policy. Details of positions at each level may be found at www.league.org, www.lwvohio.org and www.tiffinohio.com/lwv.
In addition to work on public policy, League of Women Voters is well known for its work with service for voters. It publishes voter guides, hosts candidates meetings, conducts public debate on issues and publishes officials' directories.
While the league's programs, priorities and procedures have changed over the years to meet changing times, a league pamphlet written in 1919 describes with remarkable accuracy its basic aims today. The organization has three purposes: to foster education in citizenship, to promote forums and public discussion of civic reforms and to support needed legislation.
"Over the years, the League has also been a training ground for women who want to serve in public office. In fact, the League's ability to prepare women for public life may be its finest legacy to the nation," said Nancy Neuman, LWVUS president, 1986-90.
There probably is no other national volunteer organization in America that inspires such a great degree of commitment from its members. As a direct result of that commitment, League of Women Voters has evolved from what it was in 1920, a "mighty political experiment" designed to help 20 million enfranchised women carry out their new responsibilities, to what it is today: a unique, nonpartisan organization that is a recognized force in molding political leaders, shaping public policy and promoting informed citizen participation at all levels of government.
We don't know what issues are to confront our community or nation in the coming years. However, we do know the league will be doing what it has been trusted to do for more than 90 years: discussing the important issues, asking the difficult questions and demanding accountability from government at all levels.
As the national organization is celebrating its 90th anniversary, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of LWV of the Tiffin area. The Tiffin League says "happy birthday" to LWVUS as it continues to remain true to its basic purpose: to make democracy work for all citizens.