Program of Work and a brief history of who we are
The League defines “Program” as issues and positions we formulate after concerted study and reach consensus, and promote by means of education and action at local, state and national levels. The program planning process is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member has the opportunity to influence the selection of issues and positions for local, county, state and national programs.
LWV-Rivertowns Program : 2023-24 Local Program:
1: Plan and execute a robust voter registration and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program in all our villages with special attention to areas with low voter turnout.
2: Develop and present programs to stimulate citizen participation in government.
3: Increase League membership and community involvement through a DEI lens.
4: Support youth outreach in our communities.
5: Promote awareness of the League’s positions and activities.
6: Continue to monitor and support riverfront planning in each of the villages.
7: Support measures to increase fair and affordable housing initiatives, including zoning. Moved by
8: Take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on our air, water and soil, including reducing emissions per National and State League positions.
LWV-Westchester County Program : Link to LWVW.org- Look under Issues and Concerns
LWV-New York State Program : Link to LWVNY.org
LWV-US Program : Link to 2022 - 2024 Program
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LWV AND OUR MISSION TODAY:
Our mission is, and has always been, to educate and inform voters and to encourage them to vote, regardless of party affiliation. We are dedicated to ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot. Our attention has focused particularly on making sure that those voters from traditionally under represented or under served communities, including first-time voters, non-college youth, new citizens, minorities, the elderly and low-income Americans, have the opportunity and the information to exercise their right to vote.
Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, ratified Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment finally granted women the right to vote.
The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 — a merger of the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Women’s Suffrage Association. Referred to as a “mighty political experiment,” it aimed to help newly-enfranchised women exercise their right to vote.
The first local League was in Westchester County, NY. One of the founders was New Rochelle resident Carrie Chapman Catt, successor to Susan B. Anthony as one of the unstoppable leaders of the women’s suffrage movement.
Today all local Leagues regularly conduct candidate debates before elections and hold our elected officials responsible for their actions. The League advocates for laws that ensure equal protection, quality education, and access to adequate health care for all individuals. We are on the side of a safe and sustainable environment for our communities, our country and for the planet.
We have fought these battles for over 100 years and we will continue to fight for them as long as fighting is required. Come join us! Together we make democracy work!