By Kathy Groob, Founder ElectWomen.com – 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.

League of Women Voters 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.

The organization turned 90 years old in 2010 and in many ways it’s issues are the same.  As Election 2012 begins to heat up in earnest across the country, League of Women Voters President Elisabeth MacNamara recently announced the release of a new training manual geared toward empowering organizations to help eligible high school students register and vote in 2012.

“By next year, people under 30 will make up nearly 25 percent of our country’s electorate.  Young Americans hold enormous power to drive our future energy security, demand policies to bring about sustainable job growth, and determine our place in the long-term global economy.  We have one message for candidates running for all levels of office in 2012: young voters are not to be underestimated,” said McNamara.

For information on how to get involved or support the League of Women Voters, click here.