League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri
Membership
Make an impact in Southwest Missouri: Join the League of Women Voters With members like you, we can strengthen our communities, making them vibrant places to live. In the League, hands-on work and in-depth discussion leads to better government—and safeguards for our quality of life.
Two Separate Roles The League has two distinct roles: Voter Service and Education: Through public forums and in member study groups called “units,” the League presents nonpartisan information on issues and candidates. We also register citizens to vote—by the thousands. Action and Advocacy: We never support candidates but after thorough study, the League takes positions on certain issues then advocates for or against by testifying in public meetings, initiating citizen campaigns and partnering with like-minded organizations. We Make A Difference: In Springfield and in Greene, Christian and other Southwest Missouri counties, the League has made a difference. Often, the League has been the organization in the forefront of change, taking sometimes-controversial positions but only after careful study. Our projects in Southwest Missouri include:
- Supporting environmental sustainability
- Advocating cooperation between city and county governments
- Leading a sign ordinance campaign
- Improving school libraries
- Introducing coordination of services to the homeless
- Spearheading home rule for Greene County
- Preserving green space for parks By joining the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri, you also become a member of the League of Women Voters of Missouri and the League of Women Voters of the United States. You’ll receive publications, action alerts and e-communications that will keep you informed.
The list of League accomplishments on the state and national levels is impressive.
The national League has made an impact on:
- Health care
- Climate change
- Open government
- Campaign finance reform
Tax policy On the state level, the League is making a difference in:
- Land use planning
- Equal opportunities in education
- Efficiency in state government
- Accessible election procedures
Our Mission Statement
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Board of Directors, LWV of Southwest Missouri, 2011-12
President- Allison Cash
Vice President- Jean Bardy
Secretary- Mary Martin
Treasurer- Sharon Swanson
Directors- Marcia Bonwell, Diana Davidson, Fran Harris, Gail Melgren, Joye Norris, Dot Powell, Susan Rubino
Education Study Chair- Ann Elwell
Unit Leaders- (Monday evening unit) Lois Woods (Tuesday noon unit) Ilga Vise and Ann Nelms
Our Positions on Local Government Read more about our official positions on public policy issues, as determined by grassroots participation of members after careful study.
Bylaws of the League of Southwest Missouri Our League is governed by these bylaws, revised in 2009.
