1968
Since 1968
More than five decades of civic learning and local action.
From the first “Know Your County” study to today’s voter services and public forums, our local League has helped residents understand their community and participate in its future.
1968Founded in Ashtabula County
Our beginning
Five charter members created a lasting civic institution.
The local League began with a commitment to study the county carefully before acting. Its first completed study—“Know Your County”—established a pattern that continues today: understand how institutions work, make information public, and help people participate.
Local milestones
A history of study, service, and public education.
1972
Full recognition and the first Candidates’ Night
After three years as a provisional League, LWV Ashtabula County received full recognition in January under local president Jane Ailey. That October, the League held its first county Candidates’ Night at Kent State with the AAUW and Chamber of Commerce.1974
Turning study into a public resource
The League published a Directory of Health Services for Ashtabula County Residents after a two-year local study.Early years
Studying the questions shaping public life
Members studied water pollution, the Electoral College, local housing, the Ohio Constitution, public-education finance, welfare reform, U.S. policy toward China, and representation for the District of Columbia.Local action
Juvenile justice and community needs
League records describe an early juvenile-justice study as instrumental in the development of the county’s juvenile facility—an example of the League’s study-to-action tradition.1990
Supporting children and families
LWV Ashtabula County received a $7,500 grant from the LWVUS Education Fund to begin an after-school childcare project with Ashtabula Area City Schools.Today
Civic education, trusted information, and connection
The League continues voter registration, candidate information, public forums, community partnerships, issue education, and efforts to make civic participation more understandable and accessible.Part of a larger movement
The national League was founded in 1920.
Formed by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement shortly before ratification of the 19th Amendment, the League grew into a nationwide, nonpartisan grassroots organization advancing voter education, voting rights, and representative democracy.
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