President's Page

In the face of defining, understanding,or helping to shape public policy and participation in government, many feel even casting a vote is too onerous or meaningless. Burke's truth has a corollary which daily plays out in the Los Angeles League of Women Voters: One cannot err who does a little in the face of great tasks, for a little, shared by many, accomplishes and sustains much.
The founder of the League's Los Angeles chapter, Dora Fellows Haynes, embodied this truth when she set the course to educate new women voters about the political process in the 1920's. As a member driven and directed organization, the League now embraces men and women and embodies opportunity for making significant community-wide impact. This impact builds through the work of individual members; committees of members; and alliances with other shared-issue groups.
At the turn of the Twentieth Century, Susan B. Anthony lamented, "Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of all the work for women! There is so much yet to be done." Those hundred years have expired; the work initiated to extend the vote to women, and Dora Haynes' efforts to extend the organizational structure for widening citizen participation in Los Angeles' government are complete.
But oh, there is so much yet to be done! Performing as a member of the League is an energizing, collegial journey in making a difference. Becoming a member of the League is the first small step that assures avoiding the error of doing nothing, because one can do only a little.
-Liza White, President, League of Women Voters of Los Angeles

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