Board of Directors
Linda Cohn
president
Jan Wilbur
program vp
Laura Blackburn
advocacy vp
Leslie Taylor
organization vp
Jacqueline Alfred
community relations vp
Barbara Swartz
treasurer
Mary Lee Burris
secretary
Davetta Daniels
Jacqueline Davis-Gilmore
Wayne Derrick
Gwen Essinger
Ryan Leach
Penny Milbouer
Marcia Miqueloto
Millie Walker
Christina Gorczynski
executive director
ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE HOUSTON AREA
The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area is a non-partisan political organization, which works to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League does not support or promote any political party or candidate.
The League of Women Voters of the United States, as well as the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area, was established in 1920.
The League is a grassroots organization working at the national, state, and local levels. Membership in the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area (LWV HA) includes membership in the state league (LWV TX) and in the national league (LWV US).
The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area is comprised of two separate entities: LWV HA and the LWV HA Education fund. The two organizations have different structures, tax status and objectives.
LWV HA
LWV HA is a member organization. It is a nonprofit, nontax-deductible 501(c)4 corporation. Board officers and directors are elected at an annual meeting by League members. No Board member is a paid staff member of LWV HA.
Financial support comes from membership dues and contributions. The LWV HA is an organization with officers, directors and members.
LWV HA acts after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues.
Action and Advocacy
League members study issues relevant to public policy and interest, take consensus and form positions.
Once a position is adopted, LWV HA members
● lobby elected officials at local, state, and national levels of government
● form coalitions with other organizations and groups
● testify before public entities
● issue statements to the press on League positions
LWV-TX sponsors the
2011 "ADVOCACY DAYS"
in Austin on March 7 and 8.
Go to “Lobby Days and More” for full information.
LWV HA Education Fund
The LWV HA Education Fund is a nonprofit, tax-deductible 501(c)3 organization with the LWV-HA Board serving as trustees. It is not a member organization. The Education Fund can receive tax-deductible gifts to be used for educational purposes.
The Education Fund works to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in government and to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
The Education Fund provides research, publications and forums on public policy issues.
Education and Voter Service
LWV HA members under the auspices of the Education Fund
● register voters
● produce election guides and a directory of local officials
● sponsor candidate forums and debates
● educate the public on relevant issues
The LWV HA Education Fund publishes the Voters Guide that compiles candidate positions on pertinent issues and presents the pros and cons of amendments on the ballot.
It also publishes the Voters Key, a listing of elected officials for Houston and Harris County, including local, state, and federal positions.