The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy. The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation , at the local, state, and national levels. If you are age 70.5 or older, you can request a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD) from your retirement account to benefit LWV Metropolitan Des Moines. Qualified Charitable Contribution Form SPECIAL EVENTS VOTING INFO ISSUES & ADVOCACY TAKE ACTION UMRR-ILO (Upper Mississippi River Region - InterLeague organization) ENVIRONMENTAL I stand before you today to repudiate the ridiculous notion that the American people will not vote for qualified candidates simply because he is not white or because she is not a male. ~Shirley Chisholm NEWS & EVENT INFO Next Next Next LWVIA Legislative Priorities What are the "2026 Legislative Results?" Important Dates A Constitutional Amendment Refresher VIEW ALL EVENTS & NEWS HOW TO GET INVOLVED LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POLICY POSITIONS Once properly informed, the LWV Metro Des Moines decides to take action on the issues. Up SUPPORT OUR WORK & DONATE! The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in American democracy. And we need you! Up JOIN US & BECOME A MEMBER When you join the League, you will be a member at all levels - local, state, and national. Up

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines 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. MISSION, VISION, VALUE ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines 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. DEI MISSION VISION VALUE Empowering voters. Defending democracy. 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. At the NAACP Annual Banquet in 2019 the League of Women Voters Metropolitian Des Moines was honored to receive recognition as the Community Organization of the Year. Mission Vision Value (DEI) DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION The League of Women Voters Metropolitan Des Moines is fully committed to ensure compliance – in principle and in practice – with LWVUS’ Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policy: Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well. Organizational Documents Articles of Incorporation Formational Documentation. Filed with the Iowa Secretary of State in 2006. VIEW IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Status Approval of our organization operating as a non-profit with tax exempt status. Received from the IRS in 2016. VIEW By-Laws Formational Documentation. Filed with the Iowa Secretary of State in 2006. VIEW Impact on Issues Impact on Issues is designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local, and regional levels. VIEW League Basics Essential Policy and Organizational information applicable to our local League. VIEW

Teresa Bomhoff - President Mary Ellen Miller - Co Vice President Karen Person - Co Vice President John Olsen - Recording Secretary Noreen O'Shea - Treasurer Christie Gerken - Elected Director Mary Chapman - Appointed Director Stephanie Asklof - Appointed Director Lettie Prell - Appointed Director Shannon Brisbois - Appointed Director Judy Peters - Appointed Director OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS Teresa Bomhoff President Teresa Bomhoff retired from USDA Rural Development in 2011 after 39 years of service in business , environmental and energy programs. Teresa Bomhoff retired from USDA Rural Development in 2011 after 39 years of service in business , environmental and energy programs. Her primary retirement job is as a professional volunteer for a number of organizations including LWV Metro Des Moines. Primary interest areas are legislative, climate change/environment and advocating for persons with disabilities. Awards and recognition have been given in her retired profession and in many advocacy efforts. Teresa is a life-long Iowa resident with two adult children and their families. Up Mary Ellen Miller Co-Vice President Mary Ellen Miller is a seventh generation Iowan with a life-long interest in sustainable land use and healthy environments. Mary Ellen Miller is a seventh generation Iowan with a life-long interest in sustainable land use and healthy environments. She grew up in rural Iowa in the 50's an discovered the value of regenerative land conservation practices while a 4-H'er. She purchased her first farm in Washington County in 1975 and for twenty years raised and custom sold organic angus beef. She currently operates Rose Haven Farm in Wayne County, IA, focused on developing perennial food crops. Miller serves as a Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner, is Secretary/Treasurer for the Wayne County Conservation Foundation, President of the Iowa Nut Growers Association, Treasurer of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust and serves on the National 19thAmendment Society Advisory Council. Miller has long been a League of Women Voters member; in the past she served on the Iowa State LWV Board, chaired its Land Use Study and currently serves as Vice- President/Program Chair of the Metro Des Moines League and President of the LWV Upper Mississippi River Region. Up Lettie Prell Co-Vice President Lettie Prell had a 36-year career within several state of Iowa justice system agencies, culminating as research director of the Iowa Department of Corrections prior to her retirement. Lettie Prell had a 36-year career within several state of Iowa justice system agencies, culminating as research director of the Iowa Department of Corrections prior to her retirement. She also writes science fiction and fantasy stories, which have been published in many magazines, reprinted in various anthologies, and translated into several languages. Originally from Illinois, she moved to Des Moines to attend Drake University and made that city her permanent home following graduation. A proud, childless cat lady, she is equally proud of her husband, step-daughter, and new step-granddaughter. Up John Olsen Recording Secretary Has been a voting rights champion for over 30 years. His biggest passion is registering new voters. Currently, he serves as the League of Women Voters - Metro Des Moines secretary and as co-chair of the Voter Registration and Education Committee. Has been a voting rights champion for over 30 years. His biggest passion is registering new voters. Currently, he serves as the League of Women Voters - Metro Des Moines secretary and as co-chair of the Voter Registration and Education Committee. He is also active in his local branch of the NAACP as the NAACP Des Moines Branch's Political Action Chair. On the first day of early voting each election, John strives to be the first voter in Polk County. Every single Election Day, you will find John working as an election official at a polling site around the Des Moines metro area. In addition, John collects political memorabilia and owns the nation’s largest collection of nonpartisan “Get Out The Vote” items. As often as possible, he displays artifacts from his collection to promote civic engagement and action. In both the collecting world and political circles around Polk County, IA, John is well known by his alter ego, Dr. Vote. Up Noreen O'Shea Treasurer Noreen O'Shea is a family physician with 38 years of experience, having worked in Kentucky, New York, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Noreen O’Shea is a family physician with 38 years of experience, having worked in Kentucky, New York, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Most of her professional life was spent caring for underserved and uninsured patients in Federally Qualified Health Centers. She also taught at Des Moines University from 2014-2023. She has retired from working at paid positions but still volunteers as the medical director of the Clive Free Clinic, while still precepting students in this setting. Her other interests are in Biomedical Ethics (she completed a Masters in Ethics from Loyola University of Chicago in 2023) and spirituality, especially as it impacts the medical profession. Up Stephanie Asklof Elected Director Stephanie Asklof grew up on a farm in Nebraska, attended the University of Nebraska and Drake University Stephanie Asklof grew up on a farm in Nebraska, attended the University of Nebraska and Drake University. She was employed by the Des Moines Public Schools for 33 years, working in middle schools as a teacher, Dean of Students, and Vice Principal. Following retirement from the school district, Stephanie worked as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway First Realty for a number of years. She is currently retired, and she and her husband spend as much time as possible with their 5 children and 11 grandchildren - NONE of whom live in Des Moines! Up Christie Gerken Elected Director Christie Gerken, a sixth-generation Californian, grew up in Palo Alto. She has a BS in Social Science with an emphasis in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnic & Women’s Studies from California State University, Chico, along with a Paralegal Certificate in Public Law. Christie Gerken, a sixth-generation Californian, grew up in Palo Alto. She has a BS in Social Science with an emphasis in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnic & Women’s Studies from California State University, Chico, along with a Paralegal Certificate in Public Law. Her passion for advocacy grew when she joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), where she served as a Community Resource Specialist Educator working in domestic violence. After spending more than 28 years working in mental health, Christie attended Drake University to earn her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling concentrating on Mental Health Recovery. Her introduction to the importance on voting rights was working at Disability Rights Iowa as a PAVA Coordinator (Protection & Advocacy Voting Advocate) with people living with disabilities throughout the state of Iowa, advocating for voter education and voting registration efforts. Christie was called out of retirement in 2023 with FEMA/SAMSHA as a Covid Recovery Iowa Crisis Counselor with ISU and currently is on staff as a “on-call” member and working with HHS Recovery Iowa as a part-time outreach counselor. A dedicated member of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines since 2013, she has volunteered with the Voter Education Committee and is currently the Co-Coordinator Lead on the committee, all the while balancing time living between Omaha and Des Moines. Up Mary Chapman Appointed Director Mary Chapman earned her Education Doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University, Education Specialist’s degree from Drake University, M.S. from Iowa State University and her B.S. degree, also from Drake. Mary Chapman earned her Education Doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University, Education Specialist’s degree from Drake University, M.S. from Iowa State University and her B.S. degree, also from Drake. Dr. Chapman had a rich career in education beginning as a teacher and principal in the Des Moines Public School District (DMPS). After 15 years with DMPS, she joined Des Moines Area Community College, where she provided leadership as the Executive Dean of Urban Campus and Vice President of Community and Workforce Partnerships. Since retiring, she continues to devote her time and energy as an advocate for economic, social and racial justice, mentoring, and enjoying life with family, friends, arts and culture. Up Judy Peters Appointed Director Judy Peters grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, got married, and graduated from Mankato State University. Judy Peters grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, got married, and graduated from Mankato State University. Her first career of 32 years was with the State of Iowa in workforce service delivery and information technology (IT) management. During her career, she held multiple positions with the Hamilton County League of Women Voters. After inheriting a portion of her generational family farm, she began her second career actively farming the land. She is involved with multiple organizations concerning sustainability of family farms, agricultural, environmental , conservation practices, and public health. She has renewed her involvement with the League of Women Voters recognizing the importance of having our voices heard supporting women’s issues. She resides in Norwalk and has 4 outstanding grandchildren. Up Shannon Brisbois Appointed Director I grew up in Persia, Iowa until I graduated high school. I moved to Cedar Rapids, IA and lived there for 10 years. I grew up in Persia, Iowa until I graduated high school. I moved to Cedar Rapids, IA and lived there for 10 years. While there I managed a daycare and worked as an associate in the Linn Mar district. I moved to Des Moines in 2015 and worked in insurance, service industry, and politics. I have always been involved in politics, volunteering for several candidates and then finally working in politics. I have been working in Iowa politics since 2019. I got involved with hopes of being able to continue helping and empowering people to create positive changes in their communities. Growing up in rural Iowa, then moving to a city, I realized how little attention rural Iowans receive. My goal is to help create a community where we all feel important, heard, and empowered. Up Corliss Ann Booker De Van I was born on October 8th 1948, and I have lived in Des Moines, Iowa all of my life. I retired in 2015 from EMC Insurance Companies after 41 years of service in their Des Moines Branch Workers Compensation department. I was born on October 8th 1948, and I have lived in Des Moines, Iowa all of my life. I retired in 2015 from EMC Insurance Companies after 41 years of service in their Des Moines Branch Workers Compensation department. I enjoy reading and watching old movies. I strongly believe in equal voting rights for all. Up Open Position Elected Director Open Position Elected Director COMMITTEES Executive Committee The Executive Committee is made up of the elected officers of the elected officers of the League of Women Voters Metro Des Moines. This committee is responsible for organizational governance, operations, finances and general board development. Programs and Legislative Advocacy Committee The Programs and Legislative Advocacy Committee is made up of League of Women Voters Metro Des Moines volunteer members. This committee is responsible for developing and hosting educational events to inform and engage those in Metro Des Moines on issues determined by local, state, and National League of Women Voter policy priorities. Voting Rights & Registration Committee The Voting Rights and Registration Committee is made up of League of Women Voters Metro Des Moines volunteer members. This committee is responsible for education efforts regarding voting rights and increasing voter registration. Membership and Community Engagement Committee The Membership and Community Engagement Committee is made up League of Women Voters Metro Des Moines volunteer members. This committee is responsible for increasing membership and membership and community engagement.

The 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the​ founding of the League of Women Voters​ was in 2020. As a part of the Centennial celebration, a history of the Iowa chapters of LWV was written by Linda Meloy. Linda is a Professor Emeritus of Education and has been a league member for over 40 years. A copy of the book was given to public libraries, university and public high school libraries.  Individuals were also able to purchase the book for their personal libraries. And They Persisted... The 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the founding of the League of Women Voters was in 2020. As a part of the Centennial celebration, a history of the Iowa chapters of LWV was written by Linda Meloy. Linda is a Professor Emeritus of Education and has been a league member for over 40 years. A copy of the book was given to public libraries, university and public high school libraries. Individuals were also able to purchase the book for their personal libraries. Celebrating Suffrage Article: https://www.thegazette.com/business/celebrating-suffrage-retired-college-professor-digs-into-iowa-archives-for-new-book/

Explore books, films, and documentaries on women’s suffrage and the 19th Amendment for adults and kids from the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines. SPECIAL EVENTS Click on the calendar below to view our events scheduled for 2026! Event Title Event Time Event Date Change the event description to include your own content. Adjust the settings to customize the style. August 2026 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

2026 Annual Meeting Information Your Invitation to the Annual meeting The League of Women Voters Metropolitan Des Moines WHEN: Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 - 6:30 pm WHERE: Hampton Inn 8811 Plum Drive, Urbandale Food Arrangements: Catering by HyVee In-person meeting Agenda 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes 2025-2026 Budget vs Actuals Proposed Budget 2026-2027 2026-2027 Local Program Pres Report & Retrospective Board Director & Delegate Elections LWVUS Diversity Policy Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organiza-tion that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well.

League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines 2025 Public Policu Priorities Impact on Issues is designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local, and regional levels. The intention is to inspire Leagues to use national positions to act in their own communities. Impact on Issues has been organized so that “Taking Action” is front and center, followed by the League Principles. Then, for quick reference, the LWVUS public policy Positions in Brief summarize the more detailed positions presented in the sections that follow. For each of the major issue areas, the listing gives the full official statement of position in bold type. The history sections provide background for each position and trace significant actions and achievements READ

Voting is a fundamental principle, and all Americans deserve the equal opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy. We are dedicated to using advocacy, litigation, and resources like Vote Smart to include more voters, expand and protect voter access, and ensure that elections remain fair and accessible.  VOTING RIGHTS Voting is a fundamental principle, and all Americans deserve the equal opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy. We are dedicated to using advocacy, litigation, and resources like Vote Smart to include more voters, expand and protect voter access, and ensure that elections remain fair and accessible. Get all of the information needed about voting! Up BE INFORMED Search the millions of facts for free to all Americans.

February is Black History Month Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. • Nikole Hannah-Jones • Jordan House Museum • Barbara Rose Johns • Alexander Clark., Sr. • Dr. E.A. Carter • NAACP • Gertrude Rush • Harriette Curley • Edna Griffin • Luther T. Glanton • Willie Stevenson Glanton • Miss Iowa Cheryl Browne February is home to Black History Month. Voting rights history is Black history, and we encourage you to educate your communities and reflect on the contributions of Black innovators and activists who power our democracy. Given the current political climate, it seems appropriate to give a reminder of Dr. Martin Luther King’s six steps to nonviolent social change, beginning with gathering information. Here are the six principles: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and educator Nikole Hannah-Jones received the George Washington Carver Medal for the 2025–2026 academic year by Simpson College on Thursday, Jan. 29. The honor recognizes individuals whose achievements reflect Carver’s legacy of curiosity, courage, service and humanity. A native of Waterloo, Hannah-Jones is the creator of the 1619 Project and a leading voice on racial equity and American history. She currently serves as the Knight chair in race and journalism at Howard University and founded the Center for Journalism & Democracy. The event featured a 5:30 p.m. dinner by invitation and a 7 p.m. public panel discussion at Simpson’s Smith Chapel. Visit https://nikolehannahjones.com/about/ to view her awards and honors the boards she is a member of and fellowships she's received. Jordan House Museum can now be explored via a free virtual 3-D tour. The house was built by abolitionist James C. Jordan about 175 years ago and was a stopover for the Underground Railroad. James C. Jordan was born in 1813 in what is now West Virginia, in a community where slavery was ingrained in society and culture. Jordan was expected to assist neighbors in their hunt for escaped slaves, and these experiences developed his abolitionist beliefs and zeal. During the antebellum period, the Jordan House was a stop on the Underground Railroad and Jordan was regarded as the “Chief Conductor” for Polk County. The History of Polk County, published in 1880, says “Jordan has been a life-long enemy of slavery; his devotion to the political life as a staunch and stalwart Republican is the outgrowth of deep-seated conviction; it is among the pleasant things to remember, that under his protecting roof -John Brown and his associates, with more than a score of recently liberated slaves, have offered their prayers and sung their first jubilee hymns on their way to Canada….” West Des Moines Historical Society has owned and operated it as a museum for decades. Stop by: There are no tours in January 2026. Guided tours are available for $5 with a reserved ticket, 11am and 1:30pm on Fridays and Sundays. 2001 Fuller Road, WDM. Jordan House tours will require a ticket purchase in advance. Barbara Rose Johns In 1951, a Black teenager led a walkout of her segregated Virginia high school. Her statue replaced that of a Confederate general in the U.S. Capitol. Barbara Rose Johns was 16 when she mobilized hundreds of students to walk out of Farmville's Robert Russa Moton High School to protest its overcrowded conditions and inferior facilities compared to those of the town's white high school. That fight was taken up by the NAACP and eventually became one of the five cases that the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed in Brown v. Board of Education, whose landmark 1954 ruling declared school segregation unconstitutional. "Before the sit-ins in Greensboro, before the Montgomery bus boycott, there was the student strike here in 1951, led by Barbara Johns," Cameron Patterson told NPR in 2020 , when he led the Robert Russa Moton Museum located on the former school grounds. Johns' bronze statue is the latest addition to Emancipation Hall, a gathering place in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center that houses many of the 100 statues representing each state. 1868: Clark v. The Board of Directors: Iowa integrates schools 86 years before Brown v. Board of Education Alexander Clark Sr., who helped African-American men earn voting rights in 1868, did his best to give his children a better life. A year earlier, his 12-year-old daughter, Susan Clark, was denied admission into her neighborhood school in Muscatine because of her race. On his daughter's behalf for her right to attend, Clark sued the Muscatine Board of Directors, explained Leo Landis, curator at the State Historical Society of Iowa. The case went to the Iowa Supreme Court, which held in1868 that segregated schools were inherently unequal because "the law makes no distinction as to the right of children … to attend the common schools." The decision led to the integration of Iowa schools — 86 years before Brown v. Board of Education, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. 1907: E.A. Carter becomes first Black graduate of University of Iowa Medical school Dr. E.A. Carter was the first African-American to graduate from the University of Iowa Medical College in 1907, according to the African-American Museum of Iowa . Carter practiced medicine in Buxton, a long-lost coal- mining town in southeast Iowa that has family ties to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker . Kameron Middlebrooks , the great-great nephew of Carter, began to learn more about his great-great uncle's legacy when he became involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "I found out he was my great-great-uncle when I was 3 or 4 years old," Middlebrooks said. "His parents were enslaved, but he still wanted to pursue his education. Carter waited tables to get himself through undergrad and medical school," the Des Moines NAACP president added. 1915: NAACP comes to Iowa Iowa's first NAACP branch was established in Des Moines in 1915. The Des Moines chapter started with 35 members and increased to 200 within the first year, according to "Outside In African-American History in Iowa." Robert Wright Sr. was an attorney who led the chapter. 1918: Gertrude E. Rush becomes first Black female lawyer admitted to the Iowa bar Gertrude E. Rush earned her law degree from Des Moines University in 1914. Her husband, James B. Rush, who was an attorney, tutored her. "Outside In African-American History in Iowa" reported that Rush was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1918, making her the first African-American female lawyer in Iowa. Since Black lawyers were denied admission to the American Bar Association, Rush helped establish the Negro Bar Association, now called the National Bar Association, in 1925. 1946: Harriette Curley becomes first Black teacher in Des Moines Public Schools Des Moines native and Drake University graduate Harriette Curley was hired as the first African-American teacher in the Des Moines Public Schools system in 1946. Curley taught kindergarten at Perkins Elementary School. Protesters at the time petitioned the board not to hire Curley. But as Superintendent N.D. McCombs noted: "She topped the list of applicants by a wide margin. The board has had a policy, in writing, for years that all boys and girls get the best teachers for the money we can pay. And they are not hired on a basis of color, creed, or nationality." 1948: Edna Griffin launches picket campaign after being denied at Katz Drug Store's soda fountain On July 7, 1948, John Bibbs, Edna Griffin, and Leonard Hudson went to the Katz Drug Store to drink from the soda fountain but were denied service. "I cater to a large volume of White trade, and don't have the proper equipment to serve you," said Maurice Katz, the store's general manager. Bibbs, Hudson, and Griffin, all members of the Progressive Party of Iowa, picketed the store with fellow party members every Saturday for two months following the incident. During the criminal appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court, Griffin filed a civil suit in Polk County District Court for $10,000 in damages. In October 1949, an all-White jury awarded Griffin $1, which her attorney deemed a victory. Bibbs and Hudson also went on to bring civil suits against the store, "Outside In African-American History in Iowa," said. Protests and lawsuits piled up against the drug store and its manager. On Dec. 2, 1949, days before the Iowa Supreme Court's decision in State of Iowa v. Katz, the business surrendered. Eight civil suits and six pending criminal charges were ultimately dismissed, and a $1,000 settlement was paid to the plaintiffs. The building was renamed in 1998 to honor Griffin . 1959: Iowa's first Black judge, Luther T. Glanton, selected in Des Moines Luther T. Glanton is credited with being the first African-American law student at Drake University, where he earned his law degree in 1942. Glanton became Iowa's first Black judge after winning the Des Moines municipal court election in 1959. 1996: Iowa's first black female legislator, Willie Stevenson Glanton Judge Glanton's wife, Willie Stevenson Glanton , became Iowa's first Black female legislator representing Polk County. In 1996, Glanton was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame. 1970: Miss Iowa Cheryl Browne, becomes first Black contestant in Miss America pageant New York native Cheryl Browne , who attended Luther College in Decorah, took home the Miss Iowa title in 1970 and became the first Black woman to compete in the Miss America pageant. A New York Times article called her “Miss Iowa, the black girl from Queens”. The Miss America pageant began in 1921 in Atlantic City. From the beginning, it had an explicit rule written into its bylaws: contestants must be "of good health and of the white race." For decades, this wasn't implied. It wasn't informal. It was written policy. In 1950, the pageant quietly removed the racist language from its bylaws. The civil rights movement was beginning. Explicit racial restrictions were becoming legally and socially incontestable. But removing the words didn't remove the barrier. For twenty years after the rule was officially gone, not a single Black woman competed in Miss America. State pageants simply didn't select Black women. The door was technically open, but nobody was walking through it. Then came Cheryl Browne. Addition to 1918 - Gertrude Rush Gertrude also composed the charming and treasured song “Jesus Loved the Little Children” 1891 - George Washington Carver was the first black student at Iowa State. He received his Master’s degree in 1896. Carver was the first African American faculty member at Iowa State. His work at the experiment station in plant pathology and mycology first gained him national recognition and respect as a botanist. In 1896, Carver accepted a job at Tuskegee Institute to head its Agriculture Department and taught there for 47 years. He was an American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted peanuts and other alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. He was one of the most prominent black scientists of the early 20th century. American Presidents sought his counsel, he was friends with Henry A. Wallace and political leaders from countries around the world met with him. 1930 – Gwendolyn Wilson Fowler became the first black woman to obtain a pharmaceutical degree and to be officially registered as a pharmacist in the state of Iowa.She also became the first African-American woman from Iowa to serve in the United States Foreign Service, when she was posted to Vietnam in the 1950s. She was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1987. 1960s - Simon Estes , an internationally-acclaimed bass baritone, was the star of the stage at the world's major opera houses, a regular guest at international festivals, and has appeared with leading international orchestras under eminent conductors. Rising from humble beginnings in the small town of Centerville, Iowa, this grandson of a slave sold at auction for $500, son of a father who faithfully provided for his family with menial jobs from coalmining to serving as a hotel porter, is an amazing success story 1978 - Elaine Rose Graham Estes was the Des Moines Public Library director and the first African American to have that title. Her attempt to live in the then-unintegrated Drake University dormitories led to her and two others being credited for integrating the dormitories. Estes received multiple honors, including a Distinguished Alumni Award and appearing in a documentary. You can learn more about African-American history in Iowa by visiting the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids or by reading the "Outside In African-American History in Iowa 1838-2000."

Explore the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines’ featured documentary on the history, impact, and future of women’s political power and civic engagement, presented with partner organizations to highlight the ongoing fight for democracy and voter participation. PARTNERSHIPS Catt Center for Women in Politics - ISU The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics was founded in 1992 in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University at Iowa State University to interest, educate, and engage citizens in the political process. The center’s programs blend the resources and scholarship of the academic environment with the experiences of practitioners in fields important to the political process. READY TO RUN PROGRAM Ready to Run Iowa is a nonpartisan campaign training program to encourage women to run for elective office, position themselves for appointive office, work on a campaign or become involved in public life as leaders in their communities. MORE INFO 19th AMENDMENT HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM Designed for grades 9-12, the lessons are aligned with Iowa’s Social Studies Standards and allow for flexibility with consideration for a variety of classes. Lessons can be presented individually or as part of an ongoing unit. MORE INFO ERA HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM This research-based curriculum for high school students is free for use by any school district. It includes five lessons discussing the history and debates surrounding the ERA from the 1920s to the present, including a lesson on the debate in Iowa over the federal amendment and efforts to amend the state constitution. MORE INFO Implementation of Women in the NAACP (“WIN”) as a Standing Committee WIN - Women in the NAACP – meetings on 2nd Tues/month via zoom 6:30 pm NAACP – meetings on 4th Tues/month via zoom 6 pm MORE INFO A feature length documentary film exploring the past, present and future of women’s political power through the lens of the 100-year history of the League of Women Voters (LWV) and allied groups. In 1920, winning the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution was just the beginning for women as agents of political power. These are the hidden stories of what came next and what’s at stake today. MORE INFO The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is proud to join the League of Women Voters of the United States and fellow women-led organizations as part of the Grassroots Power Partners initiative, a key component of the League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign. Together, these partners are mobilizing women and communities across the country to expand civic participation, foster equity, and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. MORE INFO In the chaos of today’s political arena, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is the only statewide, non-partisan, progressive voice for people of faith and no faith protecting religious freedom, safeguarding the line between religion and government, ensuring religion is not misused to discriminate, championing individual rights, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. We are a balancing voice for fairness, justice, and civility. MORE INFO Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC) Polk County Behavioral Health Committee Organizations interested in hosting a harm reduction vending machine offering free and judgment-free access to health and safety tools? contact gabbie.ruggiero@polkcountyiowa.gov

In her address to the National American Woman Suffrage Association's (NAWSA) 50th convention in St. Louis, Missouri, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation."  Women Voters was formed within the NAWSA, composed of the organizations in the states where suffrage had already been attained. In her address to the National American Woman Suffrage Association's (NAWSA) 50th convention in St. Louis, Missouri, President Carrie Chapman Catt proposed the creation of a "league of women voters to finish the fight and aid in the reconstruction of the nation." Women Voters was formed within the NAWSA, composed of the organizations in the states where suffrage had already been attained. February 14, 1920 On February 14, 1920 - six months before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified - the League was formally organized in Chicago as the national League of Women Voters. Catt described the purpose of the new organization: Maud Wood Park was the first national president of the League and thus the first League leader to rise to the challenge. She had steered the women's suffrage amendment through Congress in the last two years before ratification and liked nothing better than legislative work. From the very beginning, however, it was apparent that the legislative goals of the League were not exclusively focused on women's issues and that citizen education aimed at all of the electorate was in order. Maud Wood Park "The League of Women Voters is not to dissolve any present organization but to unite all existing organizations of women who believe in its principles. It is not to lure women from partisanship but to combine them in an effort for legislation which will protect coming movements, which we cannot even foretell, from suffering the untoward conditions which have hindered for so long the coming of equal suffrage. Are the women of the United States big enough to see their opportunity?" 1920 1930's The League's first major national legislative success was the passage of the Sheppard-Towner Act, providing federal aid for maternal and child care programs. In the 1930's, League members worked successfully for enactment of the Social Security and Food and Drugs Act. 1930 1938 - 1940 1940 Due at least in part to League efforts, legislation passed in 1938 and 1940 removed hundreds of federal jobs from the spoils system and placed them under Civil Service. During postwar period, the League helped lead the effort to establish the United Nations and to ensure the U.S. Participation. The League was one of the first organizations in the country officially recognized by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization; it still maintains official observer status today. See the more History on the League of Women Voters of the US website Read the 5 page History of the LWV Metro Des Moines that was taken from the LWV Iowa centennial book entitled "And They Persisted" written by LWV member, Linda Meloy. Up WHAT WILL THE NEXT 100 YEARS HOLD? The League of Women Voters has evolved from a mighty political experiment designed to help 20 million newly enfranchised women vote in 1920, to a nonpartisan organization that is a recognized force in molding political leaders, shaping public policy, and promoting informed civic participation. To join us for our next 100 years, join your local League today! BECOME A MEMBER!

BOARD MEETING INFORMATION: LWV Metropolitan Des Moines Board meeting 2026-2027 (monthly meetings - virtual) 1st Wednesday of each month at 6 PM – for 1 hour 2026 AUG 5th SEPT 2nd OCT 7th NOV 4th DEC 2nd Attendance is not limited to Board members If you want to attend, contact John Olsen 515-218-0239 drvote2@gmail.com John provides the zoom link Board vacancies exist - if interested in filling a vacancy, please contact teresabomhoff3100@gmail.com 2027 JAN 6th FEB 3rd MAR 3rd APRIL 7th MAY 5th JUNE 2nd JULY 7th EVENTS Next Next Next LWVIA Legislative Priorities What are the "2026 Legislative Results?" MANY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IMPORTANT DATES COFFEE & CONVERSATION COFFEE WITH A PURPOSE BOOK DISCUSSION Next Next Next Next Next Next A Proud LWV Historical Moment Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month BLACK HISTORY MONTH Next Next Next Does This Story Sound Familiar? Women's History Month May is Mental Health Month A Constitutional Amendment Refresher Major Supreme Court Decisions in 2026 Open Primaries and National Popular Vote Compact Next Major Supreme Court Decisions in 2026 (as of June 30, 2026) The Supreme Court term began October 2025 Read more: Next Next Next Next Next State Finances - Crash and Burn? ACLU - Recording and Documenting Police and Federal Agents Red Cards