About the Grand Rapids League

For decades after women gained the right to vote in this country, Grand Rapids had an active local League. In the 1970s, Betty Ford herself sent her membership dues from the White House. But times changed. The independent League of Women Voters of the Grand Rapids Area folded in 1998. Two attempts at revival took place in the 2000s. With the mentorship of the Kalamazoo League and a growing societal interest in civic engagement, we believe that the third time can indeed be the charm.

In the fall of 2016, a small group of members facilitated voters' access to information on Kent County executive candidates on vote411.org, and held voter registration drives at mobile food pantries and during ArtPrize at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.

The spring of 2017 saw steady growth in membership as well as participation in biennial state League activities like legislative interview and Convention. We welcomed state President Judy Karandjeff for a presentation on redistricting in March; toured the Ford Museum with our mentors in May; and held a presentation on Great Lakes Challenges and Solutions in June thanks to the expertise of LWVMI board member Suzanne Dixon.

Please help us sustain our momentum by becoming a member of the Grand Rapids Unit — simply join the Kalamazoo League. If you aren’t yet able to make that commitment, please sign up to be on our email list or Like us on Facebook.