Our Mission and Roles

The League of Women Voters, a political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. While we encourage active party participation of our members, our league discussions, analyses and decisions are devoid of party affiliation. We welcome all women and men to join our local league, which will also provide membership at the state and national level.

The League of Women Voters has two separate and distinct roles:

• Action/Advocacy: After study we use our positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest.

• Voter Service/Citizen Education: We present unbiased information about elections, the voting process, and issues.

To conduct our voter service and citizen education activities, we use funds from the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund, which is a 501(c)(3) corporation, a nonprofit educational organization. The League of Women Voters, a membership organization, conducts action and advocacy and is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) corporation.

Our Vision, Beliefs and Intentions guide our activities.

Action and Advocacy

We are truly a grassroots organization...

The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause.

Positions result from a process of study. Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.

It is the consensus statement -- the statement resulting from the consensus questions -- that becomes a position. Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.

For League positions on California ballot measures, go to our voting-recommendations.

Education Fund

We make voting easier through varied voter education programs.

The League of Women Voters Education Fund conducts voter service and citizen education activities. It is a nonpartisan nonprofit public policy educational organization, which:

• Builds citizen participation in the democratic process

• Studies key community issues at all government levels in an unbiased manner

• Enables people to seek positive solutions to public policy issues through education and conflict management

Donations to the Education Fund, a 501(c)(3)corporation, are fully tax-deductible where allowed by law.

Visions, Beliefs, and Intentions

The principles that guide our organization...

The goal of the League of Women Voters is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political membership organization which:

• acts after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues at all government levels

• builds citizen participation in the democratic process

• engages communities in promoting positive solutions to public policy issues through education and advocacy

The League of Women Voters Education Fund is a nonpartisan public policy educational organization which:

• builds citizen participation in the democratic process

• studies key community issues at all governmental levels in an unbiased manner

• enables people to seek positive solutions to public policy issues through education and conflict management

We believe in:

• respect for individuals

• the value of diversity, equity and inclusion

• the empowerment of the grassroots, both within the League and in communities

We will:

• act with trust, integrity and professionalism

• operate in an open and effective manner to meet the needs of those we serve, both members and the public

• take the initiative in seeking diversity in membership

• acknowledge our heritage as we seek our path to the future

What Does the League Do Now?

The League of Women Voters is a peoples' organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our government and engage all Americans in the decisions that impact their lives.  We operate at national, state and local levels through more than 800 state and local Leagues, in all 50 states as well in DC and the Virgin Islands.  We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political.

Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remain to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans. We do this at all three levels of government, engaging in both broad educational efforts as well as advocacy. Our issues are grounded in our respected history of making democracy work for all Americans.

Why Should I Support the League of Women Voters?

The League is different from many organizations in that what it accomplishes comes directly from the involvement of its members. It is a grassroots organization providing every member with opportunities to learn and educate others about government, and take action on public policy. We walk our talk: we believe that we need everyone to participate in order for our community to be strong, safe and vibrant. Whether you contribute your time, your money, or both you can feel confident that your investment in democracy goes further in the League.

Groups of League members meet to discuss topics in a respectful setting. They learn effective techniques for public discussion, how to advocate on specific policies, and what the issues beneath the rhetoric are. Our study and consensus process ensures that we are fully informed on issues before we take a stand. We also host public forums and debates which are well known for being fair, transparent and civil. This approach has earned the League a global reputation for integrity and thoroughness.

Your participation in League will expose you to a breadth of experiences and issues that will not only inform you but create greater possibilities for civic engagement than you might imagine. You can spend as much or as little time as you wish. Whether you aspire to leadership or are keen to follow the lead of experienced members, the League will excite, use, and nurture your civic curiosity, ideals, or desire for action. We offer our members webinars, conference calls, workshops, other events and mentorship opportunities throughout the year, at the local, regional, state and national levels.

• Attend an event on our calendar

• Contact us to get involved

What is the History of the League of Women Voters?

• History section of the League of Women Voters on the US website

Know Your Town

History buff? Enjoy this study compiled by the League: a portrait of the city of Torrance -1965.

Read about the Torrance league's first meeting, March 1962.