Why should I join the League?
People join the League because they want to contribute to the creation of an electorate that is well-informed about election processes, candidates, and issues. We are proudly non-partisan – we do not support candidates or parties at any level of government. Instead we work to encourage informed and active participation in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.
Can men join?
Of course! Some of our members are men but not a lot, and we wish there were more. One of the classic League buttons says “LWV- Not for Women Only.”
If men can join, why is it called the League of Women Voters?
The “League of Women Voters” is an historic name. The League was born after passage of the Suffrage (19th) Amendment one hundred years ago. The women’s organizations that had for ninety years fought for the vote, declared themselves a federated organization called the League of Women Voters. They dedicated themselves to educating the newly enfranchised.
Didn’t the League of Women Voters used to host Presidential Debates?
Yes, the League sponsored presidential and vice-presidential debates from 1978 to 1984. Here’s an interesting slice of history explaining why this came to an end:
https://www.lwv.org/league-women-voters-and-candidate-debates-changing-relationship.
What’s the difference between the local, state, and national Leagues?
The League-US lobbies on the national level, using the Lobby Corps, which is a volunteer group of Leaguers living in the Washington D.C. metro area. State leagues (like the LWV-VA) lobby on state issues. Local Leagues advocate on local issues, for example, about local affordable housing. When you join RMA, you are joining at all levels of the League, and you will receive communications from all levels.
How much time commitment does the League require? Do I have to join a committee?
League members participate at any level with which they are comfortable. Some just pay their dues to support the work of the organization, some take on leadership roles, others join or create committees focused on topics they feel passionate about, for example voter registration or programs to educate the public on vital community issues. And, of course, members’ level of participation can change over time or with changing social issues. The League is truly a grassroots organization; we are only able to do what our members want to do.
How many members does RMA have?
Currently, about a hundred members.
How long has LWV-RMA been around?
Our local League was founded just a few months after passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Richmond was home to the first League in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What parts of the metro region do you cover?
RMA covers the city of Richmond and Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico counties.
Do you have regular meetings? Can I bring a friend to one of the meetings?
We have at least two-all member meetings a year and are considering monthly meetings (it has been several years since RMA had those). Of course, guests are always welcome at our meetings.
Why do you meet in Leaguers’ homes so often?
Because we have a hard time finding venues for our meetings (and bless those Leaguers who are willing to host us!). Usually we meet in public libraries, but there are limitations on those reservations. Sometimes we are in local restaurants, for example, when we have Meet & Greets.
Let’s say, I want to get involved in something right away. What would you suggest?
When you join the League, someone will contact you about your interests and ways for you to become involved. You can also explore the committee opportunities identified on our home page and contact committee chairs or the chair of our Membership & Engagement Committee.
What’s a “voter education” activity?
There are many different types of these. VOTE411 asks candidates running for political office to respond to questions of national and local relevance; their answers are then posted in an on-line guide for voters. We also answer voters’ immediate questions on Channel 12 the night before and morning of an election. Voter education also encompasses educational forums or lectures for the general public, for example, on ranked-choice voting.
What’s RMA’s most recent cool accomplishment?
We have several! Advocating for expanded bus service in the region (several recent successes there), advocating for affordable housing and more security for the vote, and building a voter education/registration program for high schools.
Some say the League is a liberal or Democratic organization. Is that true? I’m a Republican; is there a place for me in the League?
The League is not a partisan organization – we don’t endorse parties or candidates, but we do take positions on political issues. Those positions have been endorsed by our membership over many decades, and over those decades political positions in America have also changed. It is certainly possible to read League positions through the lens of liberal/conservative, but Leaguers didn’t come to those positions that way. Our membership has always encompassed Republicans, Democrats, and Independents and the issues supported by the League have generally had wide, bi-partisan support. You can find all League positions here: https://www.lwv.org/impact-issues.
If you have a question that we haven't answered, please email us at support@lwv-rva.org.