Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

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 policy makers 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. Read more about this National campaign.

Our Principles

Principles are concepts of government, supported by the League as a whole, which constitute the authorization for adoption of national, state and local Program.

The League of Women Voters believes...

• in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
• 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.
• that responsible 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 which affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies which facilitate the solution of international problems.
• that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
• that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
• that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.

Our Vision

The goal of the League of Women Voters of California is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.

We are a nonpartisan political membership organization, which:

• acts after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues at all government levels
• builds citizen participation in the democratic process
• engages communities in promoting positive solutions to public policy issues through education and advocacy.

We believe in:

• respect for individuals
• the value of diversity
• the empowerment of the grassroots, both within the League and in communities
• the power of collective decision making for the common good.

We will:

• act with trust, integrity and professionalism
• operate in an open and effective manner to meet the needs of those we serve, both members and the public
• take the initiative in seeking diversity in membership
• acknowledge our heritage as we seek out path to the future.