League Program

What Consists of League Program?

From their earliest days, the League of Women Voters Baltimore City have striven to engage their city through the sharing of information. Be it through combatting the voter crisis or through obtaining a grant to discuss the realities of city living, the League has advocated for Baltimore's citizens [3]. A 1984 Handbook of the League, states that a "League program is central to achieving our purpose...When an issue becomes part of League Program, the League is saying in effect that a problem exists, and possible solutions and ways of approaching action on an issue should be integral to member study and agreement." [4] The League of Women Voters has been at the forefront of informing the Baltimore public, since its founding one hundred years ago. It has sought to expand and engage the public through vital yet varied programming.

The League of Women Voters are more than ladies who lunch, they are the true successors of suffragettes, taking on difficult political topics regardless of party or affiliation. The League program brings much needed attention and discussions to the community through research and action. For their Program, the League selects issues for study, support or opposition, and action. They research information, community needs, and may create outreach programs or collaborate with others as needed regarding local, national, and international issues.

Over the years, as a part of their program the League has been involved in Baltimore City specific initiatives, larger programs, and advocacy groups such as the Model Cities Program, M.A.D. (Movement Against Destruction), and the War Against Poverty. These issues and initiatives are significant not just for their specific missions, but also for the period in local history and the transitional moment in our nation which they document. The following page, Baltimore Based, provides more information on specific Baltimore programs such as the previous three mentioned.

Below are photographic and documentary examples of League programs mentioned above and others, which like the anniversary of women's suffrage continue to inspire and have a lasting effect on Baltimore history.

During the Johnson administration, the League became involved in community urban renewal projects culminating in the "Baltimore Connection" as highlighted in a document below. The League was also involved in several local and national programs as evidenced below, such as campaigning for voter education and registration in high schools and collaborating with WBAL-TV on the puppet show for voter registration, "Straight from the Horse's Mouth." Later in the Voter Services section of this exhibit, you can learn more about the League's history related to voting in Baltimore.

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[3] Urban Connections: A Description, Undated, League of Women Voters of Baltimore City Records, R0061-LWV, Box 14, Folder 8, Special Collections & Archives, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.

[4] League of Women Voters Handbook, 1984, League of Women Voters Baltimore City Records, R0061-LWV, Box 15, Folder 27: LWV Handbook, pg 3, Special Collections & Archives, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.

A photograph to accompany the briefing of the same name. The Crisis in Baltimore-Voting Exhibit, 1968

Briefing commissioned by the League of Women Voters surrounding social crises within the city of Baltimore and possible solutions. The Crisis in Baltimore Briefing, 1968

A letter from the League of Women Voters regarding an intended program for high schools. The two-part, bi-partisan plan involved registering high school students to vote then informing them about the voting process and elections. A Letter to Mr. Sydney King, 1972

Photograph of the puppet characters from the League of Women Voters television show "Whinny Votes" on local channel, WBAL. Whinny Votes and Oscar Ostrich, circa 1957

Detailed description of the origins of the puppet characters Whinny Votes and Oscar Ostrich. Straight From the Horse's Mouth, Undated

Explanation of the origins of the radio turned television show, "Whinny Votes" in Baltimore. Whinny Votes and Oscar Ostrich, Introduction Memo, circa 1957

Description of the origins of Urban Connections, including the grant award from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Urban Connections Seminar: A Description, Undated

Unspecified meeting involving the Baltimore Connection and the League of Women Voters Baltimore City. Baltimore Connection Photograph, Undated

Unspecified meeting involving the Baltimore Connection and the League of Women Voters Baltimore City. Baltimore Connection Photograph II, Undated

Meeting between the 57th Governor of Maryland, Harry R. Hughes (1926-2019) and the Maryland League of Women Voters. League of Women Voters State Commitee Photograph, 1979