The records of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Northwest County include organizational documents and publications, correspondence, membership rosters, local studies, and extensive meeting minutes drawn from all predecessor organizations but primarily from the LWV of Livonia. Although the documents encompass the years from 1957 to 2013, most are from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Researchers will find records of LWV operations, such as fundraising and board elections, as well as a wealth of information relating to urban challenges, social issues, and environmental concerns of the greater Detroit area in the late 20th century. A glimpse into broader state issues, such as Michigan's penitential system, also emerges in the documents. Extensive collections of LWV newsletters from the Livonia and Northville-Plymouth-Canton-Novi branches, as well as the subsequent merged organization, will also be of interest to those researching the political participation of women during and after the women's liberation movement.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan political organization that strives to increase active and knowledgeable participation by voters in the electoral process, educates citizens about critical public policy issues, and shapes these policies through its advocacy and educational programs. The LWV of Livonia, Mich. began with thirty-five members in 1960 and aimed to encourage active participation of local voters in the democratic process. In 2001, the branch was renamed the League of Women Voters of Northwest Wayne County; by 2014, its scope encompassed Livonia, Plymouth, Canton, Redford, Wayne, Garden City, Westland, and Northville Township. As of 2010, the Northwest Wayne County League had fifty volunteer members, both male and female. Members are also part of the League of Women Voters of Michigan (LWVMI) and the national League of Women Voters, both founded in 1920.
Northwest Wayne County's branch educates individuals to devise positive solutions to public policy problems and emphasizes conflict management. The organization maintains a nonpartisan stance, providing information on candidates but never endorsing or opposing any politician or political party. The League publishes free voter guides and "They Represent You," a pamphlet furnishing contact information for local, state, and federal government representatives. Interested voters may also attend candidate forums and educational meetings about ballot proposals and public policy concerns of interest to northwest Wayne County. The group frequently undertakes intensive studies of policy issues ranging from waste disposal to education to prison reform, making a recommendation only after members reach consensus. Furthermore, with money from dues, donations, and fundraisers, the branch funds scholarships for local students.
Members of the Northwest Wayne County group have received awards from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and other organizations for their community service and others have gone on to serve as LWVMI officers.
