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.
Value
We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate
LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policymakers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
Nonpartisan Policy
The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.
Principles
The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that all powers of the U.S. government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation in government and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
The League of Women Voters believes every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and no person or group should suffer legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.
The League of Women Voters believes efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
The League of Women Voters believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
The League of Women Voters believes cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
Our History
Founded in 1920 by the suffragists who led the fight for voting rights for American women, the League of Women Voters has long been rooted in the basic principles of democracy. Read more on the history of the national League.
The League of Women Voters of Texas was formed on October 19, 1919, at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. Under the forceful leadership of its first president, Jessie Daniel Ames of Georgetown, who served from 1919 to 1923, the LWVT focused its efforts on educating the newly enfranchised women voters of the state. Read more on Women's Suffrage.
Of course, a lot has changed over the years, the candidates, the issues, the political climate. What hasn’t changed is the central role citizens like you continue to play in our ability to influence public policy and bring about change.
LWV-Comal Area Overview
The League of Women Voter of the Comal Area serving Comal and Guadalupe counties was established in 1993. The League has continued to expand its mission andin 2018, a Unit League was established in Guadalupe County. They are an integral part of the Comal Area League but are focused on sharing the League’s mission and values in Guadalupe County.
As a member of the Comal Area League, you are also a member of the state league LWVTX, located in Austin and the national league LWVUS, located in Washington DC, and therefore, a substantial portion of your dues (PMP-per member payment) supports them. Both the state and national league provide guidance and an unlimited volume of resourcesfor local leagues.
In 2020, the IRS approved our tax status change from a 501(c)(4) to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization which would operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit pays no taxes on its income and contributions it receives are tax deductible for the donor. It may engage in a broad range of advocacy activities but may be subject to limits on lobbying and is prohibited from engaging in any political activity in support of or in opposition to a candidate for public office.
The Nonpartisan Political Policy clearly defines the limits for members and board members. Non-board members are encouraged to work as individuals in the party of their choice, but they must participate as private citizens and do NOT speak for the League. Members are also encouraged to attend any and all governmental meetings, where they may ask questions and participate as individuals.
Board members are subject to more restrictive rules. The president’s involvement is highly restrictive since the president speaks for and represents the League on many occasions. Please read the LWV-CA Nonpartisan Statement.
The League is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The League’s future success in helping to promote and maintain a democratic nation is dependent upon engaging all individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, age or any other characteristic identified as diversity.
LWV-CA Bylaws are considered a legal document that sets the rules that govern the internal management of an organization. Our bylaws were required as part of the 501(c)(3) application submitted to the IRS. Review them for the status of membership, the election, qualification and terms of the board members, financial administration, principles and programs.
Direct link to this page: https://www.lwvcomal.org/about