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ROCHELLE AREA

The League is a volunteer organization that is nonpartisan and never supports or opposes any political party or candidate. The League does take action, however, on governmental issues that it has thoroughly studied and on which it has reached general agreement. Membership in the League of Women Voters of the Rochelle Area is open to any person who subscribes to the purposes and policy of the League. Local membership automatically enrolls the member in the state and national leagues.

HISTORY

Inspired by a political meeting in early 1971, a group of women decided that Rochelle should pursue organizing a local League of Women Voters organization. Encouraged by Mildred Berry and Colleen Holmbeck of the Rockford LWV, they held several preliminary meetings to determine if there was enough interest in the community to organize a league. Forty-one local citizens had joined by the first formal meeting on September 30, 1971.

A "Know Your Town" study was required by the League of Women Voters of the United States, and Virgel Miller of the DeKalb LWV steered the new Rochelle League through the writing and publication of Our Town. The Rochelle League completed the writing of Our Town within two years and increased their membership to the required 50 persons. They received a provisional status and became a full-fledged league in 1973. Among the first membership were four men, an aspect of the local league that continues today.

Members are dedicated to studying issues and then taking action related to the studies. Other significant activities include conducting candidate's forums, registering voters, educating the public on governmental issues, observing local governmental boards, and encouraging the public to vote. One recent example of the education component of League's principles was a recycling guide designed by the high school students with the help of a league subcommittee. This guide was distributed to all community households in Rochelle.

Some of the League's major successes are listed below:

• In 1973, the local program of study dealt with having commissioners run for specific offices. The issue was submitted to the votes on a referendum and passed by the electorate, due to the League's efforts.

• In 1994, due to the League's initiative, a referendum was passed to hire a city manager.

• In 2004, there will be a referendum to increase the size of the city council from five to seven members.

• A League member was the first woman to be elected member in 1987. Several other league members have served on local public boards.

• From July 1981 - March 1983, four members monitored juvenile court in Ogle County as part of a statewide effort to make changers in Illinois courts.

• The most challenging study undertaken in the 1980's was National Security and Arms Control. Beyond a doubt, it demonstrated the immediate need for arms control if world peace was ever to be obtained.

• Member Alice Marks designed an artwork keepsake card in 1990 which incorporated state symbols. It was made especially for the Rochelle league as a money making project. Members hand-cut, folded and glued the cards. The league continues to study local, state, and national topics based on member interest. Its commitment to study positions provided the basis for action on a variety of issues. Local studies have included daycare needs, handicapped accessibility, landfill expansion, children at-risk, county government, and home rule. The membership's interest has determined the direction that the local league pursued over the last 39 years.

• In 1993, the Rochelle League completed a study of daycare needs in Rochelle. This study resulted in a city-wide campaign to fund a community daycare center.
• In 2005, the Rochelle League completed a study, which resulted in a recommendation to increase the city council size from 5 to 7. The citizens of Rochelle supported this change, which was implemented in 2006.
• Currently league members serve on the Ogle County Board, Rochelle Elementary School District, City Council, Library Board, Planning Commission, and the Airport Commission.

CURRENT PROGRAM OF STUDY

Program of Study for 2007-2008

Continue to study the need for transportation services both within Rochelle and to nearby communities for seniors and others without transportation.

Continue to study Home Rule for the City of Rochelle, conduct a consensus meeting, and take approved action.

Collect information, evaluate community input, and promote policies to reduce waste generation and to promote the reuse and recycling of solid wastes in the Rochelle area.

Participate in national education and consensus program related to immigration policy in the United States.

Observe the efficiency and effectiveness of the Flagg-Rochelle Park District during 2007-2008.

Other general program possibilities: Ogle County land use, City of Rochelle comprehensive plan, death penalty, global warming, earth day celebrations, TIF districts, health care, electoral college.

Voter registration.

Voter forums.