In 1970, forty Pella women met to form the Pella League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters, which operates on three levels - local, state, and national, was formed in 1920 by Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt in response to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote. Now that they had gained the long fight for the right to vote, the suffragettes turned their attention to helping women register to vote and to encourage all voters to be informed on governmental issues.
As a nonpartisan political organization, its purpose remains the same: "To promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government." Its name implies that it is an organization for women but its membership is open to any U.S. citizen of voting age. For many years, the Pella chapter has had male as well as female members.
Marlys De Wild, who served as first president of the Pella League, is still an active member. Other charter members who have remained with the Pella League include Julia Moen, Rua Vander Linden , Gladys Nieuwsma, and Barbara Butler.
Linda Porter and Dorothy Vande Kieft are the current co-presidents of the Pella League, while member Dody De Vries serves as treasurer for the state League Board.
Members study issues which can be addressed by governmental bodies at the local, state, and national level and take action to implement positions which are reached through consensus. This year, the local League is studying Pella's changing electrical and water needs.
As a service to the Pella area, the League is publishing an updated Directory of Public Officials which will be distributed through the Town Crier. The Directory includes a listing of federal, state, county, city and school elected and appointed officials, as well as names of people who serve on various boards and commissions. Voter registration information and a map of Pella wards and polling places are also shown.
Past local efforts have included work on recycling, establishing low-cost housing especially for the elderly, lobbying for the emergency warning system, lobbying for notification of property taxes through the mail, and a study of staff and techonology needs of the public library.
Before contested elections, the League provides opportunities for citizens to meet the candidates through public forums. During each legislative session, the League holds a monthly coffee hour during which voters may meet with and question their legislators. The Legislative Coffees are held the first Saturday of the month.
Over the years the League has held numerous town meetings where citizens could voice their concerns and has hosted many informational speakers on a variety of governmental issues.
The following individuals have served one or more terms as president of the Pella LWV: Marlys De Wild, Barbara Sagraves, Laura Dingeman, Laurie Kolenbrander, Joan Lucas, Dian Van Dalen, Judy Vander Pol, Gladys Nieuwsma, Nancy Van Zee, Elsie Maxam, Susan Miller, Joyce Dunham, Nancy Bakken, Evelyn Downey, Helen Boertje, Carlyn Wei, Dorothy Vande Kieft, and Linda Porter.
LWV always welcomes new members to the organization. Anyone interested in joining the League can call Membership Chair Linda Porter. (Co-chairs are Kate Bearce and Dorothy Vande Kieft.
Helen Boertje
Secretary of Pella LWV
