Celebrating 100

“If it is true—and it is true—that woman’s moral leverage in the home is an all important one, then it is true that her moral leverage in the government would be an all important one. Home and government! Their problems are identical; and to give woman a voice in the government is but to enlarge her consecrated services in the home.”

Flora Aldrich The Minneapolis Tribune, 1911

timeline

As people went off to fight in WWI (1914-1918) , the role of women in society expanded. Those fighting for suffrage argued that by “doing their part” for the country, getting the vote only seemed fair. In March of 1919 the National Woman Suffrage Association created the League of Women Voters as an Auxiliary organization and Minnesota granted women the right to vote in Presidential elections only. On September 8, Minnesota ratified the 19th Amendment. The following February 14, the National League of Women Voters becomes an independent organization. Two months later, the National League of Women Voters chair, Mrs. Maud Wood Parker, and other State and District League officers visit Anoka to organize an Anoka County League. Anoka was one of three cities besides Minneapolis and St. Paul selected for a possible chapter.

profiles

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The LWV—Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids Area is a 501(c)3 political organization of volunteers who believe that our representative democracy needs citizens involved in public discussions. We encourage open discussion, respect for the right to disagree, and use of information that looks at an issue from as many perspectives as possible.

The organization doesn’t support political parties or candidates for office, focusing instead on issuing position briefings, advocating, educating through nonpartisan public meetings, encouraging voting, and helping citizens advocate for issues they have studied.

the league today

The LWV—ABC offers many ways to be involved at local, state, regional, and national levels, like observing local meetings (Observer Corps), helping at a League-sponsored forum or discussion, serving on a study committee (Our Action and Advocacy), lobbying the state legislature on issues and policies, registering voters (Voter Services) or simply attending League meetings and events.

Initiatives like the 2004, “Bee Safe” campaign raise awareness about a certain topic. This particular effort tackled hazardous household products in an effort to protect children, families, and the environment. Other positions and programs have dealt with garbage, pollinators, and outreach in the schools.

The exhibit at ACHS will be open through the end of 2019. Visit us to learn more about local advocacy!