ABOUT THE HOUSTON AREA LEAGUE
Organization
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 League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. 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 organized on three levels -- local, state and national. Membership in a local league includes membership in LWV-Texas and LWV-US. There are approximately 550 members in the Houston League, 3,500 LWV-Texas members, and over 100,000 LWV-US members.
Locally, direction is provided by a Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters of The Houston Area [501(c) 4] and a Board of Trustees for the League of Women Voters of The Houston Area Education Fund. The Education Fund is a 501(c) 3 organization, which can receive tax-deductible gifts to be used for educational purposes alone. Directors are elected at an annual meeting by League members. No Board member is a paid staff member of the League of Women Voters. Financial support comes from membership dues and contributions from the community.
Since its inception, the League's mission has been to encourage citizen participation in government. Prior to elections, the Houston League publishes a Voters Guide which compiles candidates' positions on pertinent ballot issues. In addition, the League maintains a citizens information telephone line, staffed by volunteers. Following the elections, the League updates and revises the Voters Key, a listing of all elected officials for Houston and Harris county, including local, state, and federal positions.
In addition to Voter Service activities - League members study issues of relevance to public policy and of general public interest. One example is a two-year study conducted by the City Government Committee of the design and function of Houston city government.
Publications - Committee efforts often result in publications such as the Harris County School Survey. Additionally, the League has produced the Houston Handbook and the Harris County Handbook, which are currently valuable resources for area teachers.
Study and Action
Comprehensive research and development of information, both pro and con, and consensus precede any position the League takes. This information is shared with the public through regular and special public meetings and through publications.
- The League studies public issues related to:
- Government
- International Relations
- Natural Resources
- Social Policy
- Facts and issues are clearly and concisely presented to citizens and decision makers
- Effective action results when citizens participate in government
The League of Women Voters
of the Houston Area
is an integral part of the LWV Texas and the LWV United States
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