History of LWV

In 1920, just six months before the U.S. Constitution was amended to give women the right to vote, Carrie Chapman Catt, President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, proposed the creation of the League of Women Voters. Carrie Chapman Catt and those who worked with her realized long ago that there was a significant role for women as well as men to play in the challenging effort to make democracy work for the betterment of all, and that there needed to be an organization in place to make that happen. The League's first purpose was to teach women how to exercise their new right to vote. Since that time the League has continued to serve all people. Both men and women join.

LWV Organization

The League is a three-tier organization that provides a League presence and opportunity for citizen education and action at the local, state, and national levels.

Local Leagues (known as LLs) are often organized by county, and some cities have local leagues. (Areas shown in blue on the map have active Local Leagues or Units. The gray areas have members-at-large.)

InterLeague Organizations consist of Local Leagues who share a common interest, such as all being part of a metropolitan area. Thirteen Local Leagues in Maryland, Virginia, and the District form the National Capital Area ILO.

All Local Leagues are affiliated with a State League, and each of the 50 State Leagues is affiliated with the League of Women Voters of the United States.

Financial Support

WHO PROVIDES THE LEAGUE'S FINANCIAL SUPPORT?

The League is primarily supported by our membership through their annual dues and other contributions, but we also receive financial or in-kind support from a variety of sources, including foundations, corporations, other non-profit organizations, and from individuals who are not members but who support the work and policies of the League.

What We Do

The League of Women Voters is a non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue organization of men and women that works to encourage the informed and active participation of people in the affairs of government, and to influence public policy through education, action and advocacy. Our goal is to empower everyone to shape better communities world-wide.

Action and Advocacy

Action and advocacy are important roles for the league. We keep on top of what is going on at the local level in order to identify problems or issues that merit League or community attention, and then act as necessary to enable that community attention. Our League programs regularly include:

Adopting major issues for study and preparing detailed fact sheets on the findings. In scope, these studies could be on national, state, or local issues.
Bringing research findings to the attention of League members for debate and discussion with the objective of reaching consensus positions which the League then adopts.
If action or advocacy is needed on an issue where the League has a position, we move to the forefront equipped with solid facts and study materials that help present the organization's views. We do that by writing letters, calling legislators, testifying at hearings, writing to the media or other interested groups and organizations to bring about a desired policy or legislative result.

Community Services

One or more of the following services can be provided by the State and by most Local Leagues. A Speaker Bureau roster of volunteers is available to speak to community groups, businesses, schools, and organizations Election Monitors Nonpartisan volunteers are available to monitor elections, count ballots, and perform other related tasks for community groups and others. Debate Moderators Nonpartisan volunteers are available to moderate local or state-wide debates on issues. Workshops The State League conducts Lobbying Courses and Legislative Days, and other similar activities and workshops that are open to both members and the public. These serve not only to educate but to enable a more active and participating voting population. Some of the above services are free; others may require a donation or a specific fee. For specific information about what services are provided, contact LWVMD

Educational Outreach

The League of Women Voters of the United States produces educational and informational material on a variety of issues. You can learn more about their services from the National Web Site. In Maryland, at both the State and Local League level, we:

Collect and provide unbiased, fact-based information on issues.
Produce and distribute pamphlets and brochures to give citizens a variety of useful information about impending legislation and how to reach their representatives and learn of community resources available to them. Many are free; others are available for a very modest fee.
Conduct or co-sponsor forums and community meetings on important local and state-wide issues to ensure an informed citizenry and electorate.

Voter Services

The League of Women Voters

Registers voters

Sponsors debates, forums, and candidate nights

Publishes online and printed Voters' Guides to inform the electorate prior to elections.

Donating to LWV

We encourage everyone to join as members, but you do not need to be a member to donate. Your check should be mailed to the address below. For more information about opportunities to support the League at the State level, please contact us either by mail, phone, FAX, or email at: The League of Women Voters of Maryland, Inc. 106-B South Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-269-0232 FAX: 410-268-7301 Email: lwvmd@verizon.net Individuals can make financial or in-kind contributions directly to the League of Women Voters or to the Education Fund. LWV's TAX STATUS The League is a 501(c)(4) organization under the Internal Revenue Tax Code, and contributions directly to LWV are not tax-deductible because of our lobbying activities. However, the League has also established the Maryland Voters Education Fund, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the EdFund are tax-deductible because they are used solely for educational and informational projects.

Joining the League of Women Voters

Membership in any local LWV includes membership in LWV of Maryland and membership in LWV of the United States.

To join the LWV, please fill out this form and click SUBMIT. Items marked with a * are mandatory. Other items you may leave blank if you wish. Your information will be sent to the LWV in your area or (if you are in Charles, Cecil, Somerset, Worcester, or Wicomico County) to the State League. That League will send you a membership packet and information about dues. (Each local LWV sets their own dues; they range from $40 to $75 per year. Dual membership are available at a reduced rate, and some LWVs offer student memberships.) Be a part of making your community better; be a part of League!

Learn about LWV