Creating an Elevator Pitch for LWVE

by Betty Hayford

Board members gathered in small groups to identify key features of the League and quick ways to convey information about the importance and wide scope of our activities.

At our August 12, 2026, meeting the LWVE Board was given a challenge: Develop an elevator pitch for the League, one that you would be comfortable giving. What is an elevator pitch? It is a clear and concise description of what the League is and how it contributes to the community. Whether it actually takes place in an elevator or in a conversation with a friend, it should take less than a minute and should present a positive picture of the League that reflects a lively and effective organization. It might attract a new member or spur a current member to become more involved.

In preparation for our meeting, Jennifer O’Neil, longtime League member, board member, and officer, offered us a model based on text from the LWV website. “The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots non-profit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. We engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote...”

With this as a starting point, we broke into small groups, facilitated by Board Secretary Kelly Fidei, to consider the separate features and how they fit together. Each of us in the League participates in our particular way, so what are the specific activities that we do to realize this mission? The League commitment to democracy reflects our commitment to helping support active, informed citizens. This is where the League moves into action: registering voters, holding candidate forums, producing voter guides like VOTE411, and supporting the national League effort to preserve voting rights. The LWVE Legislative Luncheon, reported on in this issue, is a prime example of informing our members of work in the Illinois legislature and the importance of maintaining contact with the legislators who represent us.

We also noted the importance and precision of the League’s commitment to non-partisanship. The League never supports individual candidates or political parties. But we do express our views and take action on political issues. Through League meetings, action alerts, the Intercom, or broader public discourse, we are committed to analyzing public issues and sharing what we learn.

For some members, the most important thing about the League may be its involvement in broad national issues. These days, that might mean protecting the right to vote and access to the polls or working for immigration policies that preserve individual and human rights. For others, local government and policies, such as housing and zoning or developing a responsible City budget, are priorities.

The League provides a framework for each of us to work for a stronger community. We encourage every member to devise your own elevator pitch that balances our lofty mission with some concrete actions.

Return to INTERCOM SEPTEMBER 2026 page.

Add me to the LWVE emailing list.

Creating an Elevator Pitch for LWVE