LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

When the League of Women Voters formed Feb. 14, 1920, their main goal was to make the most of women's just-attained suffrage.

The freedom to vote would be made official when the 19th Constitutional Amendment passed six months later.

The members also wanted to help all voters, men and women, shape better communities, and educate citizens about key community issues.

Soon, the national organization will celebrate 75 years of work. The Cape Girardeau chapter will celebrate its 26 years in existence.

Fran Harris, local president, said the League of Women Voters accomplished much of what it set out to do so many years ago, and its voter registration and education efforts continue.

"When I think that my mother was grown and married before she had the privilege of voting, I just can't believe it," she said. "When you have the right to vote, you have the responsibility to be informed. The league is an organization to help its members, and others, be informed voters."

Locally, the league reorganized in 1969 after the original group disbanded in the 1950s. There are 25 members now, with seven charter members. They look at community issues through a four-step process: study, consensus, position and action.

Once league members make up their minds on an issue, each is expected to support the organization's view. They may pass out information on the issue or conduct public forums.

Cape Girardeau members succeeded in getting several issues passed, including a mill tax for a county health department, the city charter form of government and an emergency preparedness system.

They never back a particular candidate or political party, but encourage everyone to support the party of his choice.

"Our non-partisan stance helps our image, and I think we have a fair amount of respect here in Cape Girardeau," secretary Eileen Steinberg said. "When we take a position, it is well thought out."

On the national level, liberation dominated education as the league's main issue in the early days. The group worked to protect mothers and infants, give married women independent citizenship and pass child labor laws.

In the 1950s, long before pollution and recycling were political issues, the league studied water resources. In this decade, the national league worked for passage of the Clean Air Act and published environmental primers focusing on nuclear waste, plastics and garbage.

Plenty of local and national events surround the 75th anniversary celebration. The League of Women Voters will meet in St. Louis on March 24-26 for a state convention.

The gathering coincides with a traveling display from the Smithsonian Institution titled "Women in Action: Rebels and Reformers," which will be at the Jefferson Memorial Museum March 18-31.

On March 11, the local chapter will conduct a membership tea at a league member's home.

"We welcome new members, and we need new members," Harris said. "Any registered voter can join the league, including men."

For additional information, call Harris at 334-6838 or Steinberg at 339-0993.