​New Member Handbook
2026-2027
CONTENTS
5/1/2026
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Introduction to the League of Women Voters
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Purposes and Principles
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Nonpartisan Policy
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Nonpartisan Policy Applicable to the Board of Directors, and Certain Committee Chairs
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Membership
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LWV of Tallahassee Board of Directors
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What the League Does
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Speaking with One Voice for the League
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Program
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Study and Action
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Study, Consensus and Concurrence
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Engagement Opportunities
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League Action on Issues
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Local/State Advocacy
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Elections & Voting Rights
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Citizen Information
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Community and Campus Outreach
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Meetings and Regularly Scheduled Events
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Board Meetings
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Annual Membership Meeting
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Holiday Brunch
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Hot Topic Events
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Communications and Publications
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Defender of Democracy
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Appendix One: LWVT Principles
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Appendix Two: LWVT Officers and Directors
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Appendix Three: LWVT & State Committees; Local Coalitions
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Appendix Four: LWVT Program
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Appendix Five: Local League Positions
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Charter Government
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Comprehensive Plan
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Consolidation
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Transportation
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Study of Primary Election Styles
Introduction to the League of Women Voters
Congratulations on your decision to join the League of Women Voters, 100+ Years Strong. You now belong to one of the nation’s most widely recognized, respected and effective citizen organizations in the country. The LWV Tallahassee was formed in 1956 and held its 70th Anniversary celebration in 2026.
When you join the league you become a member at all three levels: the local Tallahassee League (LWVT), the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) and the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS).
In the League, we are not all organizers or speakers. We do not all think alike or support the same political party. Some of us have the time and energy to be active members, while others have little spare time. At different times in our lives we have different assets to offer. But
together we have the intelligence, skills, energy, and enough time that, when put together, make up an important, effective, and purposeful grassroots organization.
In short, the League can help you be an interested, informed, and effective citizen and you can help the League. This is your League. The more time and talent you invest, the more you will gain from being a member. Be actively engaged and involved regardless your level of physical involvement; there is no shortage of opportunities for planners, thinkers, and doers.
When you are ready to get involved, please fill out this short interest form. We will contact you directly.
Purposes and Principles
Mission: Empowering Voters; Defending Democracy
Vision: We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge,
and the confidence to participate.
Values: We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through two very distinct roles: education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund works to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in government and to increase understanding of major public policy
issues. Donations to the Education Fund are tax deductible.
The League adheres to principles or concepts of government. The League Principles serve two functions:
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authorization for adoption of national, state, and local programs; and
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as a basis for acting at the national, state, and local level.
The Principles are in Appendix One of this handbook.
Nonpartisan Policy
Updated November 18, 2020, LWVT Board of Directors
In 1920, The League of Women Voters made a choice: The League would neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate for public office. This decision continues today to ensure that the League’s voice is heard above the tumult of party politics. This nonpartisan policy has added strength to the League’s positions on issues and has made wide acceptance of League voter service and other educational activities possible.
At the same time, the League is a political organization and encourages members to participate fully in the political party of their choice, to run for office, to contribute their time, finances, energy in support of candidates as well as to be active generally in the governmental process. It is an advantage to the League to have politically active members. For its active members, it can be a personally satisfying experience.
Our nonpartisan policy is the cornerstone of our Voter Service program: candidates appear at our events because they trust our forums will be fair and impartial and they know they will be treated with respect. Candidates give information to the League because they know it will not be used for partisan purposes. This reputation for fairness and independence accounts for the confidence placed in our positions by interested citizens, other organizations, and the media.
While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary in order to maintain our nonpartisan policy, which has always been a major source of strength for the League. For example, all members should refrain from displaying League membership (buttons, banners, clothing, etc.) and simultaneously indicating her/his/their political affiliation or candidate preferences or endorsements.
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