Inspiring Women on a Mission: The League of Women Voters

I’m shining the spotlight on this venerable institution – not only because its story features some amazing women on a mission, but because its message of encouraging all people to be engaged in the political process and vote ultimately helps nonprofits.

Why? According to Nonprofit VOTE, there’s a correlation between being an engaged voter and being engaged in nonprofits. Pulling from a study out of Tufts University, Nonprofit VOTE noted that:

“Compared to non-voters, voters are more likely to volunteer, contact their elected officials, and stay informed about local affairs.”

Voters are more likely to be more confident advocates for your cause, more willing to give time and treasure, and more likely to be familiar with the problems or situations that you are trying to improve with your organization.

Making sure more people vote (and are informed on the issues or candidates) is a good thing for everyone.

Even before women were constitutionally granted the right to vote in the United States, there was the League of Women Voters.

The League was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt just six months prior to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Described at the time as a "mighty political experiment," the organization was designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters.

It has prided itself on being non-partisan since its inception. Concerned that the new organization could get mired in politics, its founders pledged that it would not endorse any specific candidate in an election at any level – local, state or federal.

That’s not to say it isn’t political. Throughout its history, the group has supported or directly lobbied on a variety of issues, generally more progressive in nature, such as campaign finance reform, environmentalism and universal health care.

On the other hand, the League was also a big supporter of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the second of the two big tax cuts passed under the Republican presidency of Ronald Reagan.

But the organizations heart and soul has always been voting rights.

“The right to vote is a fundamental principle of our democracy,” the group says on its website. “When more Americans can participate in our elections, the outcome better reflects who we are as a country.”

The League is probably best known for sponsoring hundreds of events around the country each year, including candidate debates, explanations of local ballot initiatives, and information on voter registration. It provides printed and online information on candidates and initiatives.

In 2006, the LWV Education Fund created VOTE411.org, a "one-stop-shop" for election related information, including a polling place locator, which the league discovered was the most sought after information in the days immediately leading up to Election Day. Rules on absentee ballots, voter registration deadlines, early voting (if available) and the ID required at your local polling place is also available.

It’s also a passionate advocate for expanding voter rolls and making it easier for citizens to vote. The League has fought for expanded early voting and pushed for adoption of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which requires states to offer voter registration at all driver's license agencies, at social service agencies including those providing public assistance agencies, and through the mail. It has fought against regulations and political activities that it feels hamper legal voting.

The League has an awesome website, clearly outlining the issues it chooses to weigh in on and why it advocates for certain policies. For every position it takes on its website, it offers two key pieces of information – why the league feels it matters and what, exactly, it is doing on the issue.

For almost 100 years, the League has made a difference at every level of government, encouraging women (and men) to become knowledgeable about the issues, organize at a grassroot level and, most importantly, vote. Because of the energy and passion of thousands of volunteer members around the country, it fosters informed, engaged voters – the bedrock of our democracy.

Are you a Woman on a Mission? A #ChangeMaker working hard to make the world a kinder, brighter place for those in need? I'd love to share your story.

All you have to do is fill out this form and share with me your vision, your mission, your journey and the impact you're making through the work of your small nonprofit. I'd love to feature you as a Woman on a Mission AND bring a little more attention to your good work with a little marketing love!