Atlanta First Lady Sarah Elizabeth Reed Hosts League of Women Voters Atlanta-Fulton Membership Reception

First Lady of Atlanta Sarah Elizabeth Reed and Mayor Kasim Reed hosted a membership recruitment reception for the nonpartisan, nonprofit League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County (LWVAF) organization that drew nearly 100 women of all ages, races and party affiliations to their home in Southwest Atlanta.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy and never supports or opposes any political party or candidate. Membership is open to both men and women.

Darlene Kimes, LWVAF Vice President of Membership expressed gratitude to the Mayor and first Lady for opening their home to assist with bolstering the membership of the organization founded in 1920. "Twenty five women from millennials to seniors joined and we are happy to have them as a part of our organization to carry out the work we are doing to educate and register citizens."said Kimes.

She noted there were a few men in attendance who joined as well.

Karlise Greer, president of the LWVAF was on holiday travel but also shared her sentiments of excitement for the new members. Other speakers at the reception were Sarah Elizabeth Reed and LWVAF past presidents Cecilia Houston Torrence and Attorney Charis Johnson.

In addition to coordinating voter education drives, the League produces a citizens guide and holds educational forums on the political process often partnering with local sororities, fraternities, law groups and civic organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gate City Bar Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National Council of Negro Women, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in North and South Fulton.

Sally Fitzgerald, legislative observer, monitors the Georgia General Assembly and provides a weekly overview of what is happening at the legislature. Her reports are archived on the LWVAF website.

The LWAF is one of four chapters in Georgia. The others are Marietta/Cobb, Carrolton/Carroll County and Gwinnett. The League of Women Voters of Georgia, the local umbrella group, produces a Voters Guide with the Atlanta Journal Constitution with information on candidates and their positions for elections in the state.

Throughout the 60s and 70s the League supported desegregation, rapid transit and the improvement of public schools in Atlanta-Fulton County. The League changed its name to The League of Women Voters Atlanta-Fulton County in 1964 to reflect both its growth countywide and to enable units to act on local issues. The League celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1970. It studied a new city charter, the Atlanta Regional Commission and supported fair, affordable housing. In 1975 the Atlanta-Fulton league strengthened its inclusiveness by opening membership to men.

Determined to make a stand for good government, the League sued the Atlanta City Council in the early 80s when it failed to select its president in a proper, open manner. With the Georgia Supreme Court's favorable decision, the League reminded government officials that it was watching. The League later filed suit against the county for improprieties in the first school board election and, again, won.

In the 90s the League actively supported the implementation of "Motor Voter." In 1996 the League filed suit against the city of East Point and its city council to force them to hold a special election to fill a council seat, as required by law. The judge ruled in favor of the League position.

Over the past eighty years the League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County has changed with the times, matured with experience and been strengthened by challenge. As they continue the commitment to voter registration/education and responsible government.

For more information, to join and to view the Legislative Reports visit the website at www.lwvaf.org.