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League Membership 101 League of
Women Voters
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League Membership 101 PRINCIPLES OF THE LEAGUE The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends on the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that government bodies protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of the proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination. The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government. The League of Women Voters believes that government should be responsive to the will of the people; that it should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation; promote the conservation and development of natural resources; share in the solution of economic and social problems which affect the general welfare, and adopt domestic policies which facilitate the solution of international problems.The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace. If you believe in the principles of the League of Women Voters, please join today! |
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League Membership 101MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM League of Women Voters of Charlottesville/Albemarle County 1936 Arlington Blvd. #116 Charlottesville VA 22903
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_________________________________________ Membership Rates: Individual $55.00/year
Please provide the information shown and return it to the above address with a check made payable to LWV-C/A. Contributions to LWV for dues or to support lobbying efforts are not tax deductible. Contributions to the LWV Education Fund are tax deductible. Please send a separate check for Ed Fund donations payable to LWV-CA Education Fund. Thank you for becoming a member of the League of Women Voters of Charlottesville/Albemarle You will soon receive the current national and state Voter and a local calendar of upcoming events and meetings. If you need more Information before joining, please contact us at 970-1707, or lwv@avenue.org
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League Membership 101Welcome to the League of Women Voters of Charlottesville/Albemarle County (LWV-C/A). This brochure was prepared to help introduce you to the League. About the LeagueHistory: At the 50th convention of the National American Women Suffrage Association in 1919, then President Carrie Chapman Catt, proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation." On February 14, 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote was ratified, the National League of Women Voters was formally organized in Chicago. LWV-C/A was granted full league status in 1946. Mission: The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Organization: The League Is organized to parallel the three levels of government, local, state and national. All levels of League are governed by an elected, volunteer board. As a LWV-C/A member, you are also a member of the national league (LWV US) and the Virginia state league (LWV VA). You will receive the National Voter and the Virginia Voter from each of these leagues periodically. To support its activities, most local Leagues hold fund raising events. Donations made to fund general League activities are not tax deductible because of the advocacy actions of the League. Donations made to fund educational activities may be made to an LWV Education Fund and are tax deductible. Membership dues paid to the local League primarily support the state and national Leagues through Per Member Payments (PMP). Only a small portion of dues is retained at the local level. |
League Membership 101How the League Operates WE STUDY: Some topics are voted on to be studied more in depth and a committee is usually established to do the research. After an item is studied, membership may take a "position" (through a consensus process) and may undertake "action" regarding that position.WE TAKE ACTION: After a position is reached on an issue as result of a study, the League may "take action" to change or enact laws that reflect that position. This action may include:
While the effort is political in that it seeks to affect the outcome of legislation or policy, it is nonpartisan because it is based on our position not on party affiliation. The League's political effectiveness rests on its reputation for thorough study followed by action. "Study without action is futile: action without study is fatal" is an old League saying. Occasionally you will receive a "call to action" or an "Action alert" for issues that are nearing a vote or decision, particularly ones which are hotly contested. It is important to write or call your elected representative when you get such an action call. |
League Membership 101OBSERVERS: League observers attend meetings of public bodies and monitor how the laws and policies are being carried out. The observer does not speak at these meetings but reports back to the League membership VOTER SERVICES: The League encourages citizens to register, vote and participate in government. They provide unbiased, factual information about voting procedures, candidates and ballot issues. Leagues host forums and debates, as well as provide voter guides for citizens to make informed decisions. WHAT WE DO:
Where the League Meets Generally, meetings are currently held at Noon on the Fourth Tuesday of the month, in the New County Office Building, 1600 Fifth Street, Charlottesville. Special events are held elsewhere, and the sites are posted in the League's monthly Newsletter, and on the website. |
