The League of Women Voters of Irving is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With 100 years of experience, the League is one of America's oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
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.
Non-Partisan Policy
The bylaws of the League of Women Voters of the United States stipulate that the League of Women Voters "shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate." This policy of nonpartisanship has always been a source of strength to the LWV and must be zealously guarded. It is the cornerstone of our voter service efforts. Candidates are willing to appear on our platforms and to give us material for our Voters Guides because they have confidence that they will be treated fairly and that the material will not be used for partisan purposes. The same reputation accounts for the confidence place in our material by other organizations, by newspapers and by interested citizens.
The League's purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues. It urges all its members to become fully informed about candidates and issues. And it encourages all members, except its directors and those members who represent the LWV before the public, to work actively in the party of their choice. With these exceptions League members may seek an active role in the nomination of candidates for public office, run for office, stimulate public discussion of candidates and their views during the campaign, urge citizen commitment to parties and candidates by means of political contributions and, in general, take part in the political activities of their choice.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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.
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.