TO CONGRATULATE THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE CLEMSON AREA UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO RECOGNIZE CURRENT AND FOUNDING MEMBERS FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are delighted to learn that the League of Women Voters of the Clemson Area will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary on January 30, 2018; and
Whereas, a nonpartisan political organization, the League of Women Voters serves the people of Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson Counties by encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influencing public policy through education and advocacy; and
Whereas, the League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt and headed by Maud Wood Park, its first president. The League of Women Voters followed a long lineage of advocacy, beginning with the first national women's convention in Seneca Falls, New York in July 1848 and transitioning from the National American Woman Suffrage Association to the National League of Women Voters to the League of Women Voters of the United States. Initial efforts centered on the fight for women's voting rights and culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on August 26, 1920; and
Whereas, the League of Women Voters of the Clemson Area was formed in 1968. Ruth Haun served as president during the league's provisional period, followed by Dianne Haselton once the league was chartered. Throughout the years, the Clemson League has been active in issues dealing with local government; voting procedures; education; recreation; and debates involving local, county, and state candidates. Clemson League members have provided leadership to the League of Women Voters of South Carolina by serving in various capacities on the state board, organizing and leading statewide meetings, and researching and preparing materials on selected topics for use by other local leagues in the State; and
Whereas, a grassroots organization, the league's membership guides its positions and advocacy efforts through a thorough process of study and a continuing discussion of pros and cons in order to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues; and
Whereas, with guiding beliefs in a respect for individuals, the value of diversity, and the empowerment of the grassroots, the League of Women Voters maintains a goal of empowering citizens to shape better communities worldwide; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the passion and commitment that the members of the League of Women Voters of the Clemson Area have shown in serving the State and the people of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the League of Women Voters of the Clemson Area upon the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and recognize current and founding members for their dedicated service and outstanding contributions to their community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the League of Women Voters of the Clemson Area.