Member Profile
Just ask member Carolyn Cunningham who joined the Rye LWV in the 1970's. She was interested in government, and through her involvement with the LWV learned a good deal about both government and the environment as Environmental Quality co-chair of the Rye League for six years. As a result of what she learned, and wanting to protect the environment for our children and grandchildren, she decided to go back to school. First, she earned a second B.A. in Environment Science and later a law degree to become an environmental attorney! Her advocacy efforts have helped keep the traffic in check at Westchester County Airport, protecting the Sound Shore from the fuel emissions pollution caused by highly trafficked airports. Carolyn served on the Rye Conservation Commission, the Planning Commission, then the City Council for eight years from 1996-2004. Carolyn will be addressing the community on the environment as part of our 2005 Speaker series. Check back for dates and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the League funded?
The League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester is funded through member dues and contributions. The League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) is also funded by individual contributions as well as through foundation and corporate support. Members of the local chapter are automatically enrolled at the county, state and US levels.
Are contributions to the League tax-deductible?
Yes and No. The Ed Fund (LWVEF) is classified as a charitable organization under IRS category 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible. The LWVUS has a 501(c)4 nonprofit tax exemption but is not classified as a charitable organization because it is a full-time lobbying organization, thus donations are not tax deductible.
Does the League work in coalitions with other public interest groups?
The League often works in coalition with other organizations whose objectives are consistent with ours. For instance, we have worked in coalitions on the issues of congressional campaign finance reform and election administration reform.
Who decides the League’s agenda?
The League's agenda is decided every two years by delegates to the national convention who passionately debate about the issues on which to focus for the next two years. But the League, at every level, primarily works on election law reforms and citizen and voter education.
Does the League work to support or oppose specific political candidates?
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization, and we neither support nor oppose political parties or candidates. Because the League has always lobbied on a broad range of issues, rather than a single issue, we regularly work with a wide variety of elected officials from both parties. We believe that the issues of concern to League members and citizens in general transcend party affiliations
If I donate to LWVUS does my local or state League receive a share?
Leagues may receive a share of unrestricted corporate donations if the company has donated to them in the past. Many restricted donations from both foundations and corporations stipulate pass-through grants to local and state Leagues. And always, a donor may stipulate where his or her donation should go.
