ABOUT LWV BAY AREA
The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 and older of all gender identities. With 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
MISSION
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
VISION
We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.
VALUES
We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
NONPARTISAN POLICY
The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICY
LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities and policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
PRINCIPLES
The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that all powers of the U.S. government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial.
The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation in government and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.
The League of Women Voters believes every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.
The League of Women Voters believes 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 responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
The League of Women Voters believes cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
HISTORY
LWVUS
Founded in 1920 by the suffragists who led the fight for voting rights for American women, the League of Women Voters of the United States has long been rooted in the basic principles of democracy. Read more on the history of the National League.
LWVTX
The League of Women Voters of Texas was formed on October 19, 1919, at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio four months before the establishment of the national organization. LWVTX focused its early efforts on educating the newly enfranchised women voters of the state. Read more on the history of the League of Women Voters of Texas.
LWV OF THE BAY AREA
The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area was formed in 1965 as the NASA space program was bringing new residents to the area. We are primarily known for our nonpartisan work in voters service – registering people to vote, distributing thousands of Voters Guides and hosting candidates forums. We also educate ourselves and the community on timely issues with four to five discussion meetings every year.
As a member of the Bay Area League, you are also a member of LWVTX (the state League) and LWVUS (the national League). All of your dues (per member payments – PMPs) go to support them. Both the state and national Leagues provide guidance, support and tremendous resources for local Leagues.
Quick Link for this page is: lwvbayareatx.org/mission