Become a member

In general, yes. As an organization, we're nonpartisan but political, which means we do not support or oppose candidates or political parties. We do take positions on issues, policies, and legislation.

We encourage the political involvement of our members. Our democracy and political parties benefit from the participation of informed people. Our members as individuals can be active in a political party, participate in a candidate campaign, or seek election to public office. However, while doing those activities, members should not wear a League logo or represent themselves as a League member. They also may not conduct those activities while performing a service or attending an event as a League member or volunteer.

There are some limits put on the political activity of our board members to maintain the nonpartisanship of the organization.

Membership in LWVSF has many perks. In addition to supporting the League, you'll learn about politics, meet with local representatives, and get invaluable experience in public policy and government.

We host many events for members, some with expert speakers, some just for fun.

Because we're a member-led grassroots organization, you'll have many opportunities to learn new skills and take on leadership roles. You'll help set the direction of LWVSF by voting on our budget, board of directors, and other key decisions. And, members can educate people about elections, register voters, serve on or chair a committee, advocate about an area of focus, serve in an appointed seat, and more!

You can influence the work of the national and state Leagues. LWVSF members vote on the areas of focus of the local, state, and national Leagues. They also can attend the state and national League conventions on behalf of LWVSF. Membership in LWVSF includes membership in the California and U.S. Leagues.

People of all genders are welcome to become members. We're fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Even if you don't live in San Francisco, you're welcome to become a member.

We have members who live elsewhere in the Bay Area and beyond who have a connection to San Francisco. They may have roots in the city, family who lives here, or a job based in San Francisco. Or they may have previously lived in the city, are temporarily employed somewhere else, or have plans to move here in the future. And some simply want to support our voter education and policy advocacy work.

Some members who moved out of San Francisco become donors instead to continue to help us defend democracy.

Members who are not San Francisco residents are not able to serve in some of our appointed seats because of city regulations that govern these appointments.

Each person can only be a member of one local League.

Everyone joins the League as an individual member. 

Individual membership is $75 (recommended) or pay what you can ($20 minimum)

Dues are per year. You can add a second member ($150 total for both recommended, $40 for both minimum), but they need a unique email address. 

20% of dues supports LWVSF, with the rest split by the state and national Leagues. You become a member of LWSVF and the state and national Leagues.

Starting March 2025, these membership types are no longer available:

• Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Eleanor Roosevelt: Instead, join as an individual member and make a separate donation to LWVSF. Your donation supports our important voter education and advocacy programs in San Francisco and is fully tax deductible.
• Household: Instead, join for yourself and a second member for $150 (recommended for both) or pay what you can ($40 minimum for both). If more than two people in your household want to be members, the others need to join separately.
• Student: Instead, join as an individual member and pay what you can ($20 minimum).

Your membership dues are split by three Leagues with different tax designations. Part, but not all, of your League membership dues may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Tax deductibility of the three membership dues portions:

• LWV of San Francisco, 20% portion - Yes, because LWVSF is a 501(c)(3)
• LWV of California, 47% portion - No, because it is a 501(c)(4)
• LWV of the U.S., 33% portion - No, because it is a 501(c)(4)

LWSVF's EIN is 94-2804620.

Yes, students are welcome if they're at least 16 years old. Join as an individual member at the recommended $75 level or pay what you can ($20 minimum).

We also encourage you to also consider applying for our Youth Council.

You can pay what you can for membership ($20 minimum). You'll get the same benefits.