League of Women Voters, Muscatine records

Collection

Identifier: IWA0636

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The League of Women Voters of Muscatine records date from 1943 to 2000 and measure 5.25 linear feet. The records are arranged in thirteen series: Administrative, Community Activities, Local Government, Natural Resources, Operations, Publications, Publicity, Resources, Scrapbooks, Voter Service, Miscellaneous, Photographs, and Artifacts.

The Administrative series consists of correspondence, board meeting minutes and agendas, annual reports, bylaws and various other administrative materials. Included in this series is a folder relating to the Muscatine Women's Coalition. The coalition was comprised of members from LWV, the American Association of University Women, the YWCA, and Business and Professional Women. The miscellaneous folder includes League recognitions, a skit for the League's 25th anniversary celebration, and materials on a garage sale.

The Community Activities series contains materials relating to round table discussions with community leaders, Women's Equality Day, and area daycare and preschools.

The Local Government series contains numerous studies carried out by the League, on topics such as housing, education, county courthouse space needs, law enforcement, land use, the Muscatine County 911 system, hazardous waste, and the U.S. Highway 61 bypass. The migrant school consensus materials include the "Language Development Summer Program for Migrant Children Handbook," which was put together by the Muscatine Community School District in 1972. Other materials include information on a riverboat gambling forum and juvenile justice.

The Natural Resources series consists of materials relating to air quality, drinking water, hazardous chemicals, and solid waste management.

The Operations series contains information on new member orientation and the League's observer program.

The Publications series contains brochures published by the League of Women Voters of Muscatine, as well as Voters dating from 1965 to 2000. The newsletter was originally title The Muscatine Voter, but changed its name in February 1982 to The Voter (Muscatine, Iowa). Also included in this series are miscellaneous publications from other local leagues in Iowa.

The Publicity series consists of newspaper clippings and news releases, as well as speeches and public relations materials.

The Resources series consists of materials relating to health care, social policy, and the national government.

The Scrapbooks series contains scrapbooks which mostly consist of newspaper clippings and date from 1965 to 1990.

The Voter Service series contains a voter registration kit, caucus information, polling place maps and materials relating to candidates' night. It also includes materials relating to a panel discussion on "Involvement of the Media in Public Opinion Formation," which was held in 1989. Panelists included Molly Carroll of The Muscatine Journal, Steve Bridges of KWPC/KFMH, Don Rhyne of KWQC-TV, and Rick Dollieslager of Muscatine Community College. Included in the materials is a videocassette of the panel discussion.

The Photographs series contains photos dating from 1970 to 1993.

The Artifacts series consists of League buttons, a window placard, a canvas recycling bag and a Leagueopoly game.

Dates

Creation: 1943-2000

Creator

League of Women Voters of Muscatine, Iowa (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Muscatine was founded in 1965 as a local-level branch of the national League of Women Voters. A non-partisan organization, the League of Women Voters seeks to promote political responsibility through educating and informing the public on selected governmental issues and promoting action on those issues. The local and state Leagues promote the purpose of the National League and take action on local government matters.

After researching and studying a particular issue, League members establish a common position by voting and reaching consensus. After reaching consensus, League members organize action in support of their position. This action includes giving testimony, lobbying, contacting political groups and politicians, forming coalitions, public speaking and writing letters. During the 1980s and 1990s, the LWV of Muscatine conducted a number of studies on Muscatine county issues, including the ambulance 911 system, law enforcement, county courthouse space needs, alternative forms of county government, housing, education, land use, hazardous waste, local option tax, the U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, and the Muscatine fire station.

The group also participated in round table discussions with community leaders and hosted debates between candidates. In 1993 the LWV of Muscatine elected a male president, Rob Yant. The group disbanded in 2000.

Extent

5.25 Linear Feet

4 audiocassettes [AC979-982]; 4 videocassettes [V312-315]; Photographs in Box 13 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

During the 1980s and 1990s, the LWV of Muscatine conducted a number of studies on Muscatine county issues, including the ambulance 911 system, law enforcement, county courthouse space needs, alternative forms of county government, housing, education, land use, hazardous waste, local option tax, the U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, and the Muscatine fire station.