League of Women Voters, Arlington Texas

League of Women Voters of Arlington, Texas

WHO WE ARE HISTORY WHAT WE DO WHERE WE'RE GOING

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 to promote political responsibility through informed and active citizen participation in government. We are strictly nonpartisan (we do not support or oppose candidates or political parties). Any U.S. citizen of voting age may become a league member.

Join the LWVA to stay informed, make a difference, advocate for change and seek positive solutions to the problems confronting our community and our country. You decide how involved you want to become. Whatever you decide, your membership gives the League the political clout necessary to be a voice for citizens and a force for change. The League's reputation for thoroughness and nonpartisanship makes us the most powerful and respected citizen organization in America today.

Print the Membership Application and Interest Survey and mail them with your check or money order to:

LWVA
P.O. Box 127
Arlington, TX 76004-0127

Alternatively, you may attend the next LWVA meeting or event and join in person! (If you have questions that are not addressed in these pages, please email the LWVA President)

Members of the League of Women Voters follow in the footsteps of a long line of advocates committed to building better communities and a stronger democracy.
     Through candidate debates, issue forums, community dialogues, online discussions and more, the League helps Americans arrive at answers to issues of local, regional and national concern. We bring people together to overcome conflicts and confusion, focusing attention on the common good.
     The League earned its activist credentials early on as a committed fighter for child labor laws, equal pay for women and other important causes.
     The League is a tireless foe of discrimination in education, employment and housing, and also a strong supporter of action to clean up the environment, stop the arms race and promote equality of opportunity.
     In the last decade, the League led the successful effort to wipe out remaining obstacles to voter registration in America.

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-Texas 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.

The 35 Charter Members of the League of Women Voters of Arlington are Louise Airheart, Jane Bates, Ruth Butticaslo, Penny L. Carlisle, Barbara Carter, Joyce Chance, Patricia Crawley, Claire Caulton, Pansy T. Dobbs, Lea Frailey, Linda Funkhouser, Beverly Hemmann, Airee Hunt, Jane Y. Khan, Beverly Jane Logan, Crystal McElhang, Clerry Mawer-McCormick, Mary Catherine Monroe, Joyce Morgan, Bernice Murphy, Marjori R. Nash, Dorothy A. Nelson, Patra Clements Nelson, Mary Jo Patton, Lisann Peters, Priscilla Promise, Janis Remme, Jonna Short, Betty Swaim, Suzanne Sweek, Peggy Terry, Ruth Van Winkle, Lady L. Waddell, Alixe Walker, and Kathryn Whitehead.

STUDY issues that we have identified as important.

INFORM ourselves, our legislators, and the general public about the results of our research.

SPONSOR candidate debates, public forums about vital issues, and Facts & Issues, a weekly Arlington Telecable show.

MONITOR the workings of legislative bodies and commissions.

COOPERATE with other organizations that are working toward our action goals.

PUBLISH Voter's Guide, Your Elected Officials, the VOTER, voter information and other educational material.

Today the League is engaged in an exciting new effort to do something about the distrust and hostility that dominate public debate in America:

We are:

advocating for changes in the political process, including campaign finance reforms that reduce special interest influence and make elections fair.

getting voters to the polls, because the system won't change unless we all hold government accountable and vote.

creating opportunities for citizens to come together to discuss issues and shape solutions for the future.

educating citizens, giving them the knowledge and the tools they need to make a difference.

opening new doors to elective office for women and minorities so our government is more representative of our society.