History of the League of Women Voters of Cleveland Educational Fund

In 1972, the League of Women Voters of Cleveland established the League of Women Voters of Cleveland Educational Fund (LWVCEF) as a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to increasing citizen knowledge of and participation in government and civic affairs. With its formation, the LWVCEF embarked on a yearly series of Town Hall and Public Forums to inform the public about important issues facing Cleveland. Reviewing them now provides a glimpse into Cleveland's past "cutting edge issues."

Town Hall Forums
1972 - Transportation in Cleveland
1973 - Labor, Management and Municipal Finances
1974 - Role of the Police
1975 - Energy - Crisis Now and in the Year 2000
1976 - The Jet Port
1977 - Are there Barriers to the Economic Growth of Cleveland
1978 - Tax Abatement - Pros and Cons
1979 - Muny Light Issue
1980 - Cleveland's Water System
1981 - Cable TV
1982 - State of the Schools
1983 - Charter Choices State of the Schools (New Superintendent) State of the Schools - Exchanges between business, school and neighborhood groups
1984 - Transportation of Hazardous Waste
1986 - Public Transportation - RTA - Is it off the Track?
1989 - Issues in Education
1994 - Welfare Reform Series
1997 - Solving the Tax Abatement Puzzle

In 1975, with funding from The Cleveland Foundation, the organization took a major step forward in establishing the Cleveland Area Voter Information Center (CAVIC) to help citizens of Cuyahoga County, particularly young citizens, acquire the skills and information needed to effectively participate in government. A telephone hotline was established, a Speakers Bureau initiated and a leadership-training program developed. In the early days of CAVIC, League volunteers went into classrooms to conduct the Practical Politics Program. This program promoted an understanding of the American Political system and encouraged Ohio's young citizens to participate in the political system. In its initial two years, over 8000 high school students participated in the course. From this beginning the LWVCEF went on to become nationally recognized for its work with the youth vote.

In 1984, CAVIC changed its name and logo to Voter Information Center (VIC) and created a new major division, the Publications Center. Through this vehicle, the LWVCEF has developed an impressive list of major publications, including:

• New Voters Guide to Practical Politics
• The Youth Vote: The Registration and Voting Patters of Youth Since the Passage of the 26th Amendment in 1971
• A Citizen's Guide to Cleveland
• First Voters Guide to Ohio Registration and Voting Procedures
• "Ohio: From Wilderness to Territory - The Northwest Ordinance The Law of the Land"
• Seven Making History: A Mayoral Retrospective
• One Man, One Vote: The History of the African-American Vote in the United States
• "Teaching Cleveland: Historic Lessons and Futures Project - a Legacy Project of the Cleveland Bicentennial Commission"
• "A History of the Black Vote"
• "A Voter Profile for Cuyahoga County"

Since its inception, the LWVCEF has expanded its programs and services. Many of these programs have become a regular part of the organization's offerings, including "Government Day" for the student council officers in the Cleveland Municipal School District, and "Journalism Day" for student editors and staff of school newspapers in the Cleveland Municipal School District. Other programs include educational community forums, the "Cleveland Voter" newsletter and a special video that walks new voters through the voting process.

Throughout its history the LWVCEF has worked to overcome citizen apathy, cynicism and ignorance by informing and educating the Cleveland electorate, enriching education in the Cleveland Municipal School District and speaking to issues vital to the City of Cleveland. It has assumed a leading role in the community as the only Cleveland based organization chiefly committed to nonpartisan voter education and information.