League of Women Voters of Larimer County hosts member orientation April 24

The League of Women Voters of Larimer County will host a member orientation on April 24 at 3 p.m. at the Harmony Library Community Room in Fort Collins. Members, potential members, interested citizens, women and men are all invited.

The orientation will include discussion of the League’s 93-year rich history, important mission, program issues and legislative priorities. The local structure will be described, as well as the many ways in which member interests, curiosity and energy can be satisfied in helping carry out the LWV mission. This is also a chance for informal conversation and meeting other members.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. It is an outgrowth of the women’s suffrage movement. In 1920, after a 72-year struggle when passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution appeared to be imminent, members of the National American Woman Suffrage Association formed the League of Women Voters, devoted to educating the newly franchised women to vote effectively. Many men supported the suffragists in the early days of the fight to pass the 19th Amendment, and men continue to support the LWV. In 1973, the LWV invited men to join the organization, and their numbers continue to increase.

As a nonpartisan organization the LWV never supports or opposes candidates or parties, but does take stands on issues. These stands are based on positions which are the result of intensive study, discussion of pros and cons, and, eventually, member consensus, all at the grassroots level. These positions form the basis for advocacy at the national, state, and local levels. RSVP requested by April 22 to Linda Mahan 970-484-2259.