The
League of Women Voters is
- A grassroots organization
of volunteers which operates on a local, state and national level.
- Nonpartisan. We neither support nor oppose political parties
or candidate. We do take stands on issues.
- Committed to an open system of government. We encourage the informed and active participation
of all citizens in government. We influence public policy through research, education and advocacy.
What We Do The League of Women Voters promotes an open system of government that is representative, accountable and responsible. Addresses public issues Researches critical and sometimes controversial concerns of
our members and community in study groups. Keeps members and the public informed about a variety of local,
state and national issues, such as housing, education, recreation and environmental needs.
Takes action
- Establishes League positions by
study, discussion, and consensus of members.
- Reports results of research to members, policy makers and to the public.
- Lobbies government officials at
all levels for League’s positions.
Gets Out the
Vote!We encourage citizen participation in the electoral process by providing: - Voter
registration at town events and at the New Canaan High School for eligible youth.
- Candidate Forums.
- Voter guide information in the New
Canaan Advertiser.
What
we do for the community Publishes
Know Your Town, a handbook about New Canaan: its government,
its cultural and recreational programs, its civic organizations and social services. Publishes annually the Know Your Representatives pamphlet, which lists the names. Email addresses, and phone numbers of local, state and federal
representatives, as well as local executive and administrative officials. Sponsors Community Meetings to educate the public in a balanced evenhanded way about complex and controversial issues. Observes Town Board and Commission Meetings.
What
we do for youThe League of Women Voters… Promotes
personal growth. Meet people like you who want to enhance New Canaan by supporting
constructive change. Network and expand personal, professional, and political opportunities.
Sharpen your skills or develop new ones in leadership, communications,
management and public speaking. Learn how to conduct a meeting, moderate a debate, or run for public office.
Encourages
community involvement. Receive League publications from our local, state and national offices. Get involved in our public service efforts. - Study Groups on public issues such as housing or land
conservation.
- Voter
Registration
- Candidate
Forums
- Student
Civic Education
History The League of Women Voters was
founded in 1920 as an outgrowth of the 72-year struggle to win voting rights for women. Locally, the League started in New
Canaan in 1939, and has actively worked through research and advocacy to establish the following improvements in our community. Changing the structure of our town government from a Town Meeting to a Town
Council. More recently, advocated strongly for a Charter Review, which is now in process. Raising community support for building the New Canaan High School after the
town voted it down. More recently, worked to raise support for major High School renovations, currently in progress and to
be completed in 2007. Supporting
housing for the elderly through advocating for accessory housing. Studying the current park and recreation facilities and needs in New Canaan and advocating for
a Town pool, a Teen Center and coordinated sports field usage. Studying the community’s need for open space. Conducted a Town-wide survey in coordination
with the Town of New Canaan.
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