League of Women Voters, US

The Los Altos-Mountain View league is one of five sister organizations in Silicon Valley (including Palo Alto, Cupertino-Sunnyvale, San Jose-Santa Clara and Southwest Santa Clara Valley). This chapter maintains a small office in the Hillview Community Center but, as a volunteer organization, does not hold office hours. Most information about its events and how to get involved or attend its board meetings, are around on its website. The League holds its board meetings, open to the public, in the conference rooms of local institutions. The League of Women Voters is a national nonpartisan political organization that traces its history to the National American Women Suffrage Association. It encourages informed and active participation in government by citizens in the areas of voter education and action/advocacy. The League's award-winning Smart Voter website provides individualized ballot information, including polling place and candidates' statements and backgrounds. The League has long been known for its candidates forums, which are political debates, rather than individual candidates' presentations. Have you ever wished that someone would explain, in plain English, what upcoming ballot propositions set out to do -- or not do? The League's Pros and Cons programs provide volunteers who read, analyze and explain those propositions -- without all the hype, omissions and spin. The League's calendar of events also include presentations on pressing public policy issues, such as water policy and the state's budget crisis. The League does advocate on public policy issues and its stands are also found on its website. Membership is open to men and women of all ages.