League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis is a nonprofit membership organization that operates as part of the broader League of Women Voters network in the United States. It was founded on November 13, 1919, before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The organization has since played a significant role in educating voters and advocating for policies in the public interest.

Mission and Values

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis has a dual mission: Voters Service/Citizen Education and Action/Advocacy. It provides unbiased, nonpartisan information about elections and issues, while also advocating for specific policies after thorough study and consensus among its members. The organization's core values include promoting grassroots initiatives, consensus building, and good governance principles. It emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its activities.

Activities and Impact

• Voter Education: The League offers a range of voter services, including candidate information and voter registration drives. It works to empower citizens with the knowledge necessary to participate in the democratic process.

• Advocacy: The organization takes positions on issues after conducting in-depth studies and achieving consensus among its members. It advocates for these positions without endorsing candidates or political parties.

• Community Engagement: Over the years, the League has been involved in various local and national issues, including desegregation, campaign finance reform, and voter rights protection. Its efforts are documented in publications such as "Raising Our Voices: League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis 1960-2022," which chronicles the League's involvement in these issues.

Historical Context

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis traces its origins to the suffrage movement and was formally established as part of the broader League of Women Voters, which was founded in 1920. Since its inception, the St. Louis chapter has been active in local government issues, starting with campaigns against corruption in the city's court system. Despite originating from the women's suffrage movement, the organization is inclusive and encourages participation from all genders in promoting democratic values.

Governance and Structure

The League operates with a grassroots network structure, emphasizing open communication and diverse membership. It values professionalism and integrity in its operations, striving to meet the needs of its members and the broader public.

Recognition and Legacy

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis has contributed significantly to civic engagement and policy advocacy in the St. Louis region. Its activities have been recognized as part of a broader national effort by the League of Women Voters to protect voting rights and promote informed civic participation.

[1] https://my.lwv.org/missouri/metro-st-louis/about-us [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_of_Women_Voters [3] https://my.lwv.org/missouri/article/lwv-metro-st-louis-publishes-history [4] https://www.lwv.org/about-us [5] https://files.shsmo.org/manuscripts/saint-louis/S0530.pdf