The League of Women Voters of Kansas is a grassroots, volunteer, nonpartisan political organization with nine local Leagues throughout the state. For over 100 years, LWVK has encouraged the informed and active participation of citizens in government and has influenced public policy through education and advocacy. The League never endorses candidates or political parties.
Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remain to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans. Today, the League has expanded our vision of a
more inclusive democracy where all Americans, regardless of gender, sex, race, ability, or party can see themselves represented in our government. We do this at the local, state, and federal level, engaging in both broad educational efforts as well as advocacy. You can make a difference! Now is the time to
join a local League of Women Voters and start making a difference in your community. League membership is open to all people 16 years of age.
Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to all persons (men and women, citizens and noncitizens) at least 16 years of age. Associate non-voting membership is open to those under 16.
What does the League do?
- We educate citizens about issues, legislation and candidates.
- We encourage individual participation in the political process.
- We inform through in-depth, objective study.
- We monitor local, state and national government bodies and activities.
- We register voters.
- We sponsor candidate debates and public issue forums.
LWVK Leadership
Elected boards consisting of officers and directors govern LWVK and each local League. The two-year terms of state board members are staggered. The LWVK board meets monthly.
League business meetings, called Councils, convene in even-numbered years. Conventions, more educational and inspirational gatherings, convene in odd-numbered years. Elections take place at both.
Local chapters are members of the state League and state Leagues are members of the national League,
League of Women Voters of the United States. Our leagues are:
Emporia
Great Bend
Johnson County
Lawrence
Leavenworth
Manhattan/Riley County
Salina
Topeka-Shawnee County
Wichita Metro
LWVK Strategic Plan, 2020-2023
In June 2019, the LWVK Board of Directors partnered with the Elevate Agency, based in Wichita, KS, to develop a strategic plan. The plan, presented at the above link, represents the priorities and goals that will guide LWVK’s work over the next two and a half years. This plan provides a blueprint for maintaining focus on LWVK’s primary purposes to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues, while allowing LWVK to remain nimble and responsive to changing dynamics in local communities and across the state and nation.
Current LWVK Board of Directors
Officers
President – Martha Pint (Wichita)
1st Vice-President – Marlene Merrill (Lawrence/Douglas County)
2nd Vice-President – Beverly Hall (Topeka/Shawnee County)
Secretary – Lana Balka (Topeka/Shawnee County)
Treasurer – Susan Quinn (Topeka/Shawnee County)
Board Members
Advocacy: Cille King (Lawrence/Douglas County)
Archivist: Vacant
DEI: Marlene Merrill (Lawrence/Douglas County)
Development/Fundraising: Vacant
Intra-League Co-Coordinator: Vicki Arnett (Topeka/Shawnee County)
Intra-League Co-Coordinator: Janice Walker (Great Bend)
Membership: Sara Funk (Johnson County)
Social Media: Danielle Keller (Johnson County)
Voter Services: Marie Hernandez (Johnson County)
Nominating Committee
Teresa Briggs (Great Bend)
Nancy Brown (Wichita)
Susan Quinn (Topeka/Shawnee County)
Doris Ricks (Lawrence/Douglas County)
Legislative Observer Corps
Kristen Salmans (Lawrence)
Office Administrator
Vacant
Mailing: PO Box 2366, Topeka, KS 66601
Office: 2303 SW College Ave., Room 7, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone: 785-234-5152