Gwinnett League off to fast start

The League of Women Voters of Georgia has formed a new group in Gwinnett County, and in less than three months, it has become the fastest growing in the state.

Since the group elected officers in late February, membership has grown to 24 men and women, and it includes six students from area colleges. That figure likely will hit 75 within a year given the county’s size, diversity and youth involvement, Gwinnett League President Steffini Bethea said.

League membership also tends to surge naturally during an election year, LWVGA Executive Director Polly McKinney said.

“This has the potential to get huge,” McKinney said. “When there’s a hunger for a League, people tend to, I think, congeal. All they need is a venue.”

Founded in 1920, the League is a nonpartisan political organization that works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. There are about 800 local Leagues nationwide, plus 50 state Leagues. All fall under the national organization.

In Georgia, there are 13 local Leagues. Fulton and DeKalb have the largest groups, with about 225 and 175 members, respectively.

Gwinnett’s League is one of three member-at-large units, which is part of the process of becoming a local League. The Gwinnett League has focused its advocacy and education efforts on two issues: access to health care, and violence prevention.

Bethea said the new group — made up of lawyers, teachers, corporate types and nonworking people — is the embodiment of a fresher, newer audience.

“This isn’t your grandmother’s League,” Bethea said.

For more information about the Gwinnett League of Women Voters, call 678-768-8136 or e-mail the League of Women Voters of Georgia at lwvga@lwvga.org.