THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SOUTHEASTERN CT

WHY I JOINED THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

By Marilyn Mackay

Special to The Times

During the 20^th century, the League of Women Voters represented one of the few organizations that allowed women to learn, expand their intellectual horizons, stretch their abilities and meet like-minded women. It was not until the latter part of the century that the league allowed male members. A 1972 movement out of the Westport league helped allow men to become members.

Because far fewer women worked until the 1960s, except during the Second World War, the league offered homemakers the chance to learn and to affect the politics of their day. Then in the ’60s when many single-issue women’s organizations began to flourish, the league lost young women because they were looking for immediate action on issues.

The league has a history of studying issues thoroughly before taking action and that frustrated those emotionally charged to just “do something.” Today’s young people seem to be re-examining how to spend their free time and we at the league hope they consider membership in our organization as a vehicle to understanding the world around them.

Discussion has begun at the board level of the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut to initiate chapters at the four colleges within southeastern Connecticut – University of Connecticut at Avery Point, Connecticut College, Mitchell College and Three Rivers Community College. If you have a child or grandchild over 18 years old, a gift of membership in the league can be a life-changing experience.

For students and for people in between jobs and having difficulty finding employment, try expanding your resume by volunteering your time and service to the league. It allows an opportunity to do almost anything within the parameters of the organization’s mission. State and national leagues offer classes in everything from moderating debates to lobbying your legislators.

 League credits are highly valued by governments, private enterprise and non-government organizations as an emblem of an individual’s interest, knowledge of events and expertise in how to get things done in our fast, changing world.

 Many members have gone on to serve in public office at the town, state and federal levels. It is the best “prep” school around and costs only $55 a year.

As a member of the League of Women Voters dating back to 1961, I’ve never stopped learning. My membership began with the formation of a three-island league in the U.S. Virgin Islands and becoming its first president. It continued in New York’s Hamptons and now as membership chair for the southeastern Connecticut league.

          When asked how I became organized and knowledgeable on so many topics, my retort is, “I never graduated from college but I got my Ph.D. from the League of Women Voters.” 

As an active member, I can try to do almost anything, including producing and directing a league Public Access television series. How did that happen? At a meeting I suggested it and, bingo, I was in charge. What did I know? Nothing. But I sure learned fast and there are classes and seminars offered for free.

Here are some other views from local league members when asked why they joined the group:          

          *Pat Hendel of New London: Back when I joined the League, in the mid to late 1950s, I couldn't find a better way to become informed on issues I cared about. Over the years the women I had met were terrific – intelligent, caring, engaged – and it has never changed. After serving as local League president, I got very involved in politics, became a state elected official and continue to value the League's unique contribution to our social and political environment.  Keep up your valuable work.

*Mary McGrattan of Ledyard: I joined the League in 1964 to learn about Groton and the issues. Mary Murai came to my house with the information and I joined. Some of the older members lived in beautiful houses in Eastern Point; their living rooms were bigger than my whole apartment! They were all versed on the issues and it was interesting to be in their company. 

* Claire Sauer of Lyme: Each time I’ve moved to a new area, starting as a newlywed, I’ve joined the local League of Women Voters. Membership familiarized me with governmental structure and issues in the state and locality, and introduced me to terrific women who provided great mental stimulation.  

On Long Island, my chairmanship of the Suffolk County League led directly to becoming the chair of a County Charter Revision Commission. After voters adopted the commission’s recommendations, I decided to run for the County Legislature. My reputation gained for work for the League and the Charter Commission led to an upset victory.  

After moving to Connecticut, my service on the New York state league’s board of directors led to my chairing a local League and then serving on the state League’s board. Needing a new challenge after the death of my husband, I ran for the Connecticut House of Representatives. The district included five towns and I ran against an incumbent. My League work gained a reputation and, again, I achieved an upset victory. I’ve been a member of the organization for more than 50 years. League activity has had a significant influence on my life – which would have been very different had it not been for the League of Women Voters.

 *Eunice Waller of New London: Arriving in Connecticut in the early ’60s, there were many civic issues that needed change. I’ve been known as an activist since early childhood, being the youngest of three older sisters and a foster brother who was 13 when I was born.

I joined a newly formed Black Federation of Democrats, only to learn it was not recognized as effective by the local Democratic Town Committee. As a life member of the National Education Association, I tried activity in the Connecticut Education Association.

It didn’t take long to learn that a political force was needed so I joined the local League of Women Voters. They would surely tell me what I could not do before assuring me of how the League could be helpful to a local activist. The League was just what was needed. They were non-partisan – as the brochure reads.  I’ve never regretted being a part of the League and still strongly believe all young able-bodied women should join and actively support the organization. Life for women in America is still in need of improvement, reform and enhancement from years of non-involvement in our own welfare.

We can certainly help ourselves by more active involvement and financial support. I urge all women, young and old, to join the League today. If you don’t like what’s happening, get involved. Do something!

*Irene Weiss of Mystic: When I moved to southeastern Connecticut as a young mother, I wondered which group to join to get to know people in the community. The League was doing a study about the Groton school system and, having children, of course I was interested in their schools. As a member I got to participate in the study, which included attending board of education meetings, interviewing principals and learning how Connecticut funds public education.

A side benefit was getting to know some terrific people. I value the in-depth knowledge that the League provides about all sorts of issues at the local, state and national levels that are important to me. I especially like that the League does not take a stand on issues until it has looked at all sides. I am looking forward to learning more about the issue of whether to decriminalize marijuana, a study our southeastern Connecticut League will undertake this year.

For details on how to join the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut, go to:  http://www.lwvct.org/lwvsect/join_us.htm, email lwvsect@earthlink.net or call the number below. 

Marilyn Mackay of North Stonington heads membership for the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut and can be reached at 860-535-1192 to become a member of this non-partisan group that encourages informed and active participation in government.