Introduction

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SALINA

What is The League of Women Voters? The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan grassroots political organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. It focuses upon the importance of individuals working together to achieve open and accountable government, which is responsive to citizens’ needs.

Brief history of League of Women Voters: The League was an outgrowth of the National American Suffrage Association, founded in 1920 to help newly enfranchised women become responsible voters. Later, the League of Women Voters broadened its activities to include all citizens.

Local leagues of Kansas provide citizen information about involvement in city, county and regional government bodies. Wichita/Sedgwick County local league was founded in 1919, making it the oldest League in the country. In 1925, League of Women Voters of Kansas was incorporated. League of Women Voters of Salina was incorporated in 1954.

What does League of Women Voters of Salina do?

Help educate citizens about important national, state and local issues
Help register, encourage and support citizens to assume their right to vote
Hold “Lunch and Learn” Community Forums to inform and dialogue with voters on important issues
Produce Voter Guides to assist citizens to understand where candidates stand on issues
Before elections, in partnership with Chamber of Commerce, conduct Candidate Forums so that citizens have an opportunity to hear the candidates address issues and answer questions
Observe and report developments of local governmental boards and commissions
Study important community, state and national issues; advocate for positions which result from these studies

Goals of the League:

To inform, educate and empower citizens to develop better communities.
To promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive.
To promote peace in an interdependent world
To promote an environment beneficial to life
To promote social and economic justice, secure equal rights for all and combat discrimination and poverty

Contributions: Membership fees and donations to League of Women Voters of Salina are not tax deductible since they may be used for lobbying purposes. HOWEVER, donations to League of Women Voters Educational Fund are tax deductible.