| ABOUT US To promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government |
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League of Women Voters of Lee County
In 1949, when the League of Women Voters of Lee County was
established, there were only eight local leagues in the State of Florida.
Twenty women in Lee County, who were interested in government
and their community, formed this new organization. By December 4,
1949, when the League was fully accepted as a league, there were
sixty-nine members.
Their first program was a study of the juvenile court and probation
systems. When the State of Florida allowed women to serve on juries,
women were required to register with the Clerk of the Court to indicate
their interest in serving. Mrs. James (Jean) Hill, a League member, was
among the ten women selected by the County Commissioners, and
served as the first woman juror on January 11, 1950.
The League of Women Voters of Lee County is involved in many issues
including voter registration and education, natural resources and the
environment, education, health, local government, and school issues.
In the recent past, the League, in collaboration with other Lee County
organizations, successfully implemented the Conservation 20/20
Program. This program acquires land for conservation of wetlands
and other endangered natural land resources that may be used for
public enjoyment.
_____________________________________________
As in other states, the League of Women Voters of Florida was
established in 1921 but was accepted as a full functional State
organization in 1939. Women in Winter Haven, Winter Park-Orlando
and St. Petersburg, with the assistance of a past president of the
national League participated in the reorganization. In its early years,
the League's main office was located in the home town of the elected
president. After many moves and numerous leases a decision was made
to locate the main office in Tallahassee, where it is today. The State
League manages government issues related to the State of Florida, and
sets an annual program of priority issues that will be supported during
the legislative year.
_____________________________________________
The League of Women Voters of the United States is a successor to the
National American Woman Suffrage Association formed in 1890 to
carry on the work of the suffrage movement. The League was
established because women like Carrie Catt understood that newly
eligible women voters would need information to become educated
voters. That belief became the mission of the League which is to
promote political responsibility through informed and active
participation of citizens in government. The League was full organized
in 1920 after passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
that gave women the right to vote.
The new organization was similar in structure to that established to
win the vote. Each of the states has a state organization, and each state
has multiple local chapters. Each of the levels follow the goals of
preparing voters for their responsibility (Voter Service) and working
for legislation that strives to create good government (Program). The
national League focuses on domestic and international issues and
ensures that our voice is heard in the U.S. Congress. The focus of
attention for the State League is issues involving the State government
such as growth management, fiscal reform, water resources, and
judicial independence. Local governmental issues are the focus for local
chapters.
The early founders established several significant policies that have
lasted through the ages and helped establish the League as a
trustworthy organization. The first is a nonpartisan policy that
encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in
government and influences public policy through education and
advocacy. The League does not support or oppose candidates.
Secondly to promote responsible participation in government issues, an
action process was developed. Members study, reach consensus, and
identify positions on issues before taking political action.
_____________________________________________
established, there were only eight local leagues in the State of Florida.
Twenty women in Lee County, who were interested in government
and their community, formed this new organization. By December 4,
1949, when the League was fully accepted as a league, there were
sixty-nine members.
Their first program was a study of the juvenile court and probation
systems. When the State of Florida allowed women to serve on juries,
women were required to register with the Clerk of the Court to indicate
their interest in serving. Mrs. James (Jean) Hill, a League member, was
among the ten women selected by the County Commissioners, and
served as the first woman juror on January 11, 1950.
The League of Women Voters of Lee County is involved in many issues
including voter registration and education, natural resources and the
environment, education, health, local government, and school issues.
In the recent past, the League, in collaboration with other Lee County
organizations, successfully implemented the Conservation 20/20
Program. This program acquires land for conservation of wetlands
and other endangered natural land resources that may be used for
public enjoyment.
_____________________________________________
As in other states, the League of Women Voters of Florida was
established in 1921 but was accepted as a full functional State
organization in 1939. Women in Winter Haven, Winter Park-Orlando
and St. Petersburg, with the assistance of a past president of the
national League participated in the reorganization. In its early years,
the League's main office was located in the home town of the elected
president. After many moves and numerous leases a decision was made
to locate the main office in Tallahassee, where it is today. The State
League manages government issues related to the State of Florida, and
sets an annual program of priority issues that will be supported during
the legislative year.
_____________________________________________
The League of Women Voters of the United States is a successor to the
National American Woman Suffrage Association formed in 1890 to
carry on the work of the suffrage movement. The League was
established because women like Carrie Catt understood that newly
eligible women voters would need information to become educated
voters. That belief became the mission of the League which is to
promote political responsibility through informed and active
participation of citizens in government. The League was full organized
in 1920 after passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
that gave women the right to vote.
The new organization was similar in structure to that established to
win the vote. Each of the states has a state organization, and each state
has multiple local chapters. Each of the levels follow the goals of
preparing voters for their responsibility (Voter Service) and working
for legislation that strives to create good government (Program). The
national League focuses on domestic and international issues and
ensures that our voice is heard in the U.S. Congress. The focus of
attention for the State League is issues involving the State government
such as growth management, fiscal reform, water resources, and
judicial independence. Local governmental issues are the focus for local
chapters.
The early founders established several significant policies that have
lasted through the ages and helped establish the League as a
trustworthy organization. The first is a nonpartisan policy that
encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in
government and influences public policy through education and
advocacy. The League does not support or oppose candidates.
Secondly to promote responsible participation in government issues, an
action process was developed. Members study, reach consensus, and
identify positions on issues before taking political action.
_____________________________________________
| A nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. |
Reviewed 6/10/2006
| League of Women Voters of Florida |
| League of Women Voters of the United States |
| The League of Women Voters of Lee County |
