WHO WE ARE

We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. That's been our vision since 1920, when the League of Women Voters was founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. For over 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.

Our mission has evolved with the times, now including the expansion of voting rights and the belief that everyone should be represented in our democracy. Today the League supports diversity, equity and inclusion in membership, programming and advocacy.

LWV operates on three tiers to effectively engage with voters and government at all levels: National (lwv.org), State (lwvfl.org), and Local (lwvsrq.org).

Membership in a local League automatically provides you memberships in all three, connecting you to education and action at all levels through newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to special events. LWVSRQ is one of 29 local Florida chapters.

WHAT WE DO

We encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and strive to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

The LWVSRQ is comprised of two distinct non-profit organizations.
One educates (501.c3) and the other advocates (501.c4).

VOTER EDUCATION

LWVSRQ is committed to improving local government and creating opportunities for community engagement. We do this by registering and educating voters and working together on Action Teams.

In 2006, The LWV Education Fund launched vote411.org, a “one-stop-shop” for election-related information. Our chapter adds local candidate information to vote411.org and distributes a printed voter guide.

ADVOCACY

The League of Women’s Voters advocates on key issues each year regarding legislation or policies at the local, state or national level. As a non-partisan organization, we advocate on issues, but do not take positions on candidates or political parties. We only promote those issues on which the League has taken an applicable position. Advocacy also involves outreach to elected or appointed officials, opinion articles and litigation.

Every year LWVFL determines four attainable legislative priorities. Concurrently, each local chapter determines its own top four advocacy priorities. However, “Voting Rights and Election Reform” is always number one! You can read about our current legislative priorities here.

“A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."
Eleanor Roosevelt