League of Women Voters of Glenview and Glencoe Merge

May 27, 2015 

The League of Women Voters of Glenview and the League of Women Voters of Glencoe announce that they will merge effective July 1st, 2015.

Both Leagues have a history of strong membership and effective advocacy.

The Glencoe League was formed in 1941 and the Glenview League followed in 1946. Both Leagues follow the vision of two separate and distinct roles.

· Voters Service/Citizen Education: we present unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues.

· Action/Advocacy: we are also nonpartisan, but, after study, we use our positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest.

Over the last several years the two Leagues have partnered on various projects including studies on Charter Schools in Illinois, Illinois pensions, and this year will be studying Money in Politics. Both Leagues participated in the coalition on Stormwater with the League of Women Voters Lake Michigan Region, and Redistricting.

After a year of study by committees on Budget, Bylaws, Board Structure, and Positions, it was felt to be a perfect blending of two strong Leagues. Teresa Grosch, President, Glencoe League of Women Voters said, “With this unification our leagues will be vitalized in voter service and education and in advocacy.” The joined leagues will include the LWVIL Issues Specialists in Campaign Finance Reform, Election Laws, Redistricting, Criminal Justice & Juvenile Justice, Sustainable Food & Water, and Gun Violence. After the membership voted in favor, Joan Ziegler, President, Glenview League of Women Voters said, “I’m proud to introduce the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe, formed by the members of the Glenview and Glencoe Leagues who created the framework for a strong, sustainable, activist future.”

Joan and Teresa will stay on as Co-Presidents for the 2015-2016 year working with the newly integrated Board on finalizing the integration.