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Empowering Voters.

Defending Democracy


WHO WE ARE

We believe in the power of women to create a
more perfect democracy. That's been our vision
since 1920, when the League of Women Voters
was founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage
movement. For over 100 years, we have been a
nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that
believes voters should play a critical role in
democracy.

Our mission has evolved with the times, now
including the expansion of voting rights and the
belief that everyone should be represented in our
democracy. Today the League supports diversity,
equity and inclusion in membership, programming
and advocacy.

LWV operates on three tiers to effectively engage
with voters and government at all levels: National
(lwv.org), State (lwvfl.org), and Local (lwvsrq.org).
Membership in a local League automatically
provides you memberships in all three, connecting
you to education and action at all levels through
newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to special
events. LWVSRQ is one of 29 local Florida
chapters.

WHAT WE DO

We encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government, work to increase
understanding of major public policy issues, and strive to influence public policy through education
and advocacy.

The LWVSRQ is comprised of two distinct non-profit organizations.
One educates (501.c3) and the other advocates (501.c4).

EDUCATION

 LWVSRQ is committed to improving local government by making the processes of decision making more transparent, and creating opportunities for community engagement. We do this by registering and educating voters and working together on Action Teams.

In 2006, The LWV Education Fund launched vote411.org, a “one-stop-shop” for election-related information. Our chapter adds local candidate information to vote411.org and distributes a printed voter guide.

ADVOCACY

The League of Women’s Voters advocates on key issues each year regarding legislation or policies at the
local, state or national level. As a non-partisan organization, we advocate on issues, but do not take
positions on candidates or political parties. We only promote those issues on which the League has taken
an applicable position. Advocacy also involves outreach to elected or appointed officials, opinion articles
and litigation.

Every year LWVFL determines four attainable legislative priorities. Concurrently, each local chapter
determines its own top four advocacy priorities. However, “Voting Rights and Election Reform” is always
number one! You can read about our current legislative priorities here.

“A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how
strong she is until you put her in hot water.
”Eleanor Roosevelt"

email@lwvsrq.org
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County
PO Box 18884
Sarasota, Florida 34276-1884