About Us
Mission Statement
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
About the League
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy. The League's enduring vitality and resonance comes from its unique decentralized structure. The League is a grassroots organization, working at the national, state and local levels. There are Leagues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, in addition to the hundreds of local Leagues nationwide. The League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters Education Fund operate at the national level with grassroots support from state and local Leagues. The League of Women Voters is strictly nonpartisan; it neither supports nor opposes candidates for office at any level of government. At the same time, the League is wholeheartedly political and works to influence policy through advocacy. It is the original grassroots citizen network, directed by the consensus of its members nationwide. The 900 state and local Leagues – comprising a vast grassroots lobby corps that can be mobilized when necessary. Over time, the League’s legislative priorities change to reflect the needs of society and critical issues of concern. The organization remains true to its basic purpose: to make democracy work for all citizens. The League of Women Voters makes a difference in the lives of citizens because of the energy and passion of thousands of members committed to our principles.
History
The League of Women Voters of Phoenix was established in 1941. Leagues of Scottsdale and Mesa united in 1964 to become the LWV of East Maricopa County. In 1983, the East Maricopa and Phoenix Leagues came together to create the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix, which has been a force committed to making democracy happen since.
Who We Are and What We Do
The League of Women Voters is you. We are women and men, old and young. We are of differing socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. We live in Sun Lakes, Tempe, Paradise Valley and everywhere in between. We are united by Positions on issues as diverse as civil liberties, charter home rule, and education.
Our Administrative Team (in place of a Board of Directors) is made up of a Communications Coordinator, Development Director, Financial Officer, Public Spokesperson, Secretary, State and National Coordinator and Voter Services Coordinator.
The League is known statewide for its hosting of candidate forums from city officials to gubernatorial hopefuls. A valuable resource for everyone, the Metropolitan Phoenix League has registered thousands of voters and educated them with valuable publications like its Directory of Elected Officials of Arizona and Maricopa County (from the LWVMP Education Fund) and the state published Voter Guide.
The Metropolitan Phoenix League has made strides in keeping our courts impartial, election reformand also provides election services to HOAs and other organizations.
The League’s hallmark is its unique grassroots approach to study and action. Leagues at every level have positions based on study and consensus among members. During the consensus process, members draw on balanced, pro/con materials, develop their own resources, turn to technical experts and public officials for information, and reach out to the community through public meetings, surveys and media coverage.
Our mission is to encourage the informed active participation of citizens in government. We make democracy work.
