History of League of Women Voters Arlington Area

In the fall of 1953, nine Arlington residents who were members of the League of Women Voters of Fort Worth (organized in 1941) formed a discussion group for the purpose of creating an Arlington chapter of the League of Women Voters. Having grown to 17 members, the group was recognized as a provisional League in 1955. However, over the next two years, membership declined and the provisional League was disbanded. In 1957 the Arlington League president stated, "Apathy in the community is obvious. Local elections draw a light vote. Political rallies are practically ignored... There is simply not the interested womenpower to carry out the League program."

In 1964 LWV-Fort Worth invited the former members of the provisional League to explore the possibility of establishing units of the Fort Worth League in Arlington. The two units that were organized were to choose their own local program. The Arlington units completed a study of the Arlington Independent School District in 1966. When a number of local units and Leagues were formed in the county, LWV-Fort Worth changed its name to LWV-Tarrant County.

As Arlington grew into a city of major proportions, LWV-TC's Arlington members once again felt a strong need for their own local League. In 1980, a transitional committee was formed to explore creation of a new and separate League by enrolling Arlington members of LWV-TC in a new Arlington League. The newly formed LWV-Arlington was granted a charter by LWV-TX and LWVUS on May 16, 1981. Boasting 35 Charter Members, the Arlington League grew, nearly overnight, to 70 members, and has retained a membership range between 60 and 105 members.

At the May 2010 Annual Meeting, members voted to change the League's name to League of Women Voters Arlington Area (LWVAA). This name change signals that its responsibility to observe and lobby extends beyond Arlington's city limits to the other municipalities served by this League too; Dalworthington Gardens, Kennedale, Mansfield and Pantego.

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