Our History

It took courage to start a League in Stuart in 1964.

Genteel as the community might have considered itself, it was nestled in rural Florida -- a place still ruled by Jim Crow and his cronies.


Women in Florida were not allowed to serve on juries. The schools were segregated. Although the 19th Amendment had been ratified by 38 other states four decades earlier, Florida had not done so yet -- and would not until 1968, when a new state constitution was adopted. Abortion, of course, was illegal.


The local newspaper listed the names of all 24 women who attended the “exploratory conference” that led to League’s organization in Martin County, and it must have made for some interesting conversation around the dinner tables of the women who became the founders and officers of League. The list read like a Who’s Who of Stuart society, from Hudson and Hartman to Witham and Willoughby…


They worked hard for a couple of years, and made an impact. But they were unable to sustain League in Martin County. Some said it was because too many of its members were seasonal residents, while others felt it was because the local political establishment was openly hostile to League’s progressive ideas.


It was disbanded in 1966, and it would be 20 years before it re-emerged.


When it did, the world had changed, but Martin County had not. League remained, and remains, an outlier. 


Even in the new millennium, League in Martin County, like League in much of Florida, finds itself engaged in an uphill battle for righteous causes like women’s rights, voting rights, environmental protection, and gun safety.


But, as a certain U.S. Senator would say, “We persist.” And so, we do.

LEAGUE PRINCIPLES

  • The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. e 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 that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.
  • The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate ënancing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
  • The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people.  Government should maintain an equitable and ìexible 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 that 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. 

 Member Code of Conduct     

The purpose of the League of Women Voters (LWV) is to inform citizens about political issues and explain how they can get involved in addressing them. Much of the work of LWV takes place through discussions and presentations and opportunities for members to express their views. An atmosphere of mutual respect and civility that is consistent with the values of LWV must be maintained.


The behavior and actions of members of the LWV is/shall be consistent with the statements below: 

  1. Abide by the rules of the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) and the League of Women Voters of Martin County ( LWVMC ) as set out in its Bylaws, Mission Statement, and Principles
  2. Uphold the reputation and good standing of LWVMC
  3. Act with integrity, show respect to others, and value alternative points of view
  4. Refrain from any behaviors or actions that are harassing, physically threatening, or physically or verbally abusive toward any LWVMC member or any attendee at any LWV sponsored function or event.

Should violations of these expectations occur within the course of a meeting or event, the chairperson shall maintain order. All persons in attendance have an obligation to obey the legitimate orders of the presiding officer. In the event a member does not conform to the Code of Conduct, it is up to the Board to determine appropriate actions to take. Specific actions relative to enforcement of the Code are described in Robert’s Rules of Order (12th edition, Robert’s Rules Association 2020, pp. 608-633).

The LWVMC acknowledges a principal source of this Code of Conduct: League of Women Voters of Minnesota Reference is made to Policies and Guidance, Member Code of Conduct. Policy approved October 26, 2020. Source: https://www.lwvmn.org/membercodeofconduct

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