The League of Women Voters of Henderson County North Carolina was founded Nov. 12, 1963 and has been a strong influence both in voter education and advocacy every since. Many needs and issues have been addressed and many collaborative, effective solutions have been put into place in the ensuing 45 years in our community and county driven by the influence of League.
A complete history of our accomplishments from 1963-1993, compiled for the 75th anniversary of LWV North Carolina, can be seen in two parts here: Part 1 and Part 2.
A BRIEF HISTORICAL LOOK AT LWVHC INFLUENCING PUBLIC POLICY
In the 1960s
Organized November, 1963. Francee Sherman, 1st President
Published ABCs of Voting
Published first Local Government Handbook
In the 1970s
Land Use Study
Organized a series on “Growth Options” at BRCC
Involved in the Upper French Broad River Council of Governments (which later became Land of Sky Regional Council)
In the 1980s
Forum on County Planning
Local two year District Court study (led to the formation of the Dispute Settlement Center, now the Mediation Center)
Forum on Courthouse and Jail Conditions
Education activity on School Merger
In the 1990s
Solid Waste Advisory
Land Use environment impact study (led to formation of CMLC, now Conserving Carolina)
Voter Registration at High Schools
Conducted televised candidate forums
Prepared candidate info for publication
Childcare Advocacy
In the 2000s
Kids Voting
Support for preserving Historic Courthouse
Advocacy for Affordable Housing
Advocacy for Juvenile Justice
Advocacy for ERA
Participated in National Immigration Study
Local Boards and Commissions Study
Presented Civics 101 at BRCC Life-Long Learning
2010 to present
Participated in National Education Study
Immigration Advocacy and support of Immigration Network
Advocacy for ERA
Voter Registrations at High Schools, BRCC, New Citizens Day, Apple Festival, Community events
Education Study for Quality Education Components
Affordable Housing
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) & Civil Discourse
Advocacy for Redistricting Reform
The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) believes in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. That's been our vision since 1920, when the League of Women Voters was founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. For 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.
LWVUS encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public
Documents and photos from LWVHC's history and formation are stored at the Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society. These include records and information collected by Sally Godehn through the years 1952 through the early 2000's. LWVHC was formed by Sally Godehn, Francie Sherman, and others, initially to advocate for a new school (Bruce Drysdale) and then to work on election issues and other projects.
Information contained in these archives includes:
In 1963, Francee Sherman became the League of Women Voters Henderson County’s first president. She had such strong convictions about the good work of League that she left money in her will to create a fund to provide money for educational projects that benefit our membership. The fund has provided grants to pay for guest speakers, the printing of Know Your Local Government, educating our members, and the annual Francee Sherman Student Award.
In 2022, LWVHC merged with the LWV Education Fund to form one non-profit organization: Henderson County League of Women Voters Education Fund /DBA League of Women Voters Henderson County.
Your donation to LWVHC will carry on Francee's legacy and help to educate, advocate, and insure the future of the League of Women Voters of Henderson County.
