The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan - never supporting or opposing any political party or candidate. The League of Women Voters carries out two separate and distinct roles.
- Voters Service/Citizen Education: the League presents unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues. The League also studies policy issues and can establish positions based on a member discussion and consensus process. These activities can be funded from LWV Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization.
- Action/Advocacy: after study, the League uses its positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest. The League of Women Voters, a membership organization, conducts action and advocacy as a nonprofit 501(c)(4) corporation.
The League of Women Voters works at the local, state and national levels, with organizations paralleling the levels of government. Some regions also have Inter-league Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County.
A member of the League of Women Voters of the Pasadena Area is a member of the local league (LWVPA), the county league (LWV/LAC), the state league (LWVC) and the national league (LWVUS). Members have the opportunity to work on local, state, regional and national public policy issues. Programs, studies and priorities are set at each level of the organization.
LWVPA involves members and the public
The overall goal of the League of Women Voters of the Pasadena Area is to help all citizens effectively participate to improve their communities. Monthly program meetings open to all members and the public feature current topics of interest. Smaller monthly "unit" meetings engage participants in discussion and are usually held in neighborhoods during mid-morning or at a convenient breakfast location. Members can volunteer to participate in committees to study issues, implement projects or carry out voter service activities and can join the LWVPA's email action network. Members also elect officers and most of the directors and plan and set programs and priorities.