In 1919, suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a league of women voters.
The next year, on February 14, 1920 – six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified – her idea was carried out and the national League of Women Voters was organized in Chicago.
From the very beginning, it was apparent that the legislative goals of the League were focused on all of the electorate. Since its inception, the League has helped millions of women and men become informed participants in government.
Some of the initial recommendations for legislation included laws for the protection for women and children, for the rights of working women, laws ensuring food supply, social hygiene, and the legal status of women, and laws concerning American citizenship.The League’s first major national legislative success was an act providing federal aid for maternal and child care programs. In the 1930′s, League members worked successfully for enactment of the Social Security and Food and Drug Acts.
During the postwar period, the League helped lead the effort to establish the United Nations and to ensure U.S. Participation. The League was one of the first organizations in the country officially recognized by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization; it still maintains official observer status today.
Glencoe women established a chapter in 1941. The Glencoe League registers new voters, informs citizens about their local government and holds debates and legislative forums.
