League of Women Voters Johnson County
https://www.facebook.com/LWVJCIA/
Contact: jclwvoters@gmail.com
Nonpartisan political organization focused on education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters Johnson County is a nonpartisan political organization founded in 1920 dedicated to keeping an informed electorate through advocacy and community events. The LWVJC is one of 803 local chapters and a member of the Iowa League of Women Voters and the National League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters Johnson County is a nonpartisan political organization that aims to have an informed and active electorate while influencing policy through education and advocacy. LWVJC is part of a grassroots structure of the League of Women Voters, consisting of 50 state Leagues and 803 local Leagues. Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters in 1920 during the convention of the American Women Suffrage Association. After attending the convention, Dr. Zella White Stewart began the Johnson County League of Women voters; it was the first chapter of the League in Iowa. The 19th Amendment was passed six months after the convention and the League served as a tool to help women vote and shape public policy. LWVJC has two main goals: voter service and education through advocacy. The first is met by presenting unbiased information about elections, candidates, the voting process and important issues facing Johnson County residents through candidate and issue forums. This year, LWVJC is hosting a tour of the Johnson County Courthouse, state and federal candidate forums, a voter registration drive and a discussion on judicial retention. The second goal stems from assigned committees, which study a particular issue. After their study the League takes a position on these issues and advocates for its preferred policy. Last year, the League of Women Voters Johnson County hosted a seven part constitution series each focusing on a different aspect including: the Citizens United decision, women’s rights, the Affordable Care Act and immigration. The series was recognized by the Iowa League of Women Voters at its annual state meeting. The series featured speakers and panelists from the University Of Iowa College Of Law, the ACLU of Iowa, lawyers in private practice and faculty and staff from the University of Iowa Labor Center and Department of History and Kirkwood Community College. The Board of the LWVJC consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Board of Directors that are elected for two-year terms. Any LWVJC member can run for a board or committee position. The League is funded through membership fees and an allocation from the National League of Women Voters for education purposes based on the per member payment.
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