National Volunteer Week

This opinion was originally published by the Santa Maria Times.

Virginia Souza from the League of Women Voters Santa Maria Valley wrote about the League's history, mission, and work.

With primaries in full swing, it's up to us to make sure everyone has the information and ability to cast their vote! 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, here are five ways you can empower voters and defend democracy through volunteer work. 

Here at the League of Women Voters of the United States, this is a time to reflect on the brave volunteers who fought for women’s access to the vote—and through doing so, first formed the League of Women Voters 95 years ago.

Last week, I sat with our national president, Elisabeth MacNamara as she connected state League presidents on conference calls to share their experiences with their state’s legislatures.

Established in 1971, Lobby Corps convenes for briefings on League legislative priorities. They play a key role in promoting League issues and communicating our positions to Congress.

A passionate volunteer mentality is in the League history, it’s in our blood. And I see it every day when I come to work and interact with the state and local Leagues across the country.

I’m always amazed about how much gets done for our democracy by volunteers and this week being National Volunteer Week causes me to stop and reflect on how thankful I am for the all volunteers who power our democracy.

The LWVUS Young People’s Taskforce (YPTF) was created in 2012 with the mission to seek ways to increase the League’s next generation of League members.

All year long, I work with League volunteers around the country, supporting their efforts to reach and help inform voters through our national voter information site, VOTE411.org.

Every time I remember that this is National Volunteer Week, I break into a smile. I am lucky to come to work every day to support women & men around the country who are dedicating their free time to helping voters participate in our democracy.