Betsy Cushman, president of the LWV-DDH.

DEARBORN — The League of Women Voters of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights (LWV-DDH) celebrated the League’s 95th anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Byblos Banquet Hall with hundreds in attendance, including state, national and local leaders. 

The event, entitled “Empowering Democracy”, included speeches from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D- Dearborn); Mayor Jack O’Reilly; Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko and Betsy Cushman, president of the LWV-DDH, among others. 

The LWV, a national non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates. 

“Ninety-five years of dedication to educating voters, studying and advocating on issues and promoting good citizenship is an impressive record,” Cushman said. “Even more impressive is that accomplishments such as registering more than 2,000 students to vote in the last three years here in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights are thanks entirely to members who volunteer their time and talent because they believe in the goals of the League of Women Voters.” 

The national, Michigan and Detroit Leagues were founded in 1920 as part of the women’s suffrage movement. The League is celebrating its 95th anniversary throughout the country this year. The Dearborn league grew out of the Detroit league in 1951 and merged with the newer Dearborn Heights League in 1972. 

Proceeds raised at the gala went to the LWV-DDH Education Fund, which encourages the active participation of citizens in government. 

League members Zaineb Hussein of Dearborn Heights and Fred Hoffman of Dearborn were dinner co-chairs and reflect some of the diversity of the membership, which is open to men and women who believe in the League’s mission to encourage broad participation in government. 

Hussein, a Lebanese American, works as the director of Constituent Services in the offices of State Sen. David Knezek (D- Dearborn Heights). She joined the LWV-DDH two years ago and praised the organization for its work in educating and informing voters during elections over the years. 

Since the LWV’s inception, voters have turned to local League chapters for information on ballot proposals and candidates. 

 “We didn’t tell them how to vote, but offered them factual information,” Cushman said. “the award was a really grateful citizen. I know that made a difference. 

“Registering voters, especially in the high schools or at swearing-in ceremonies for new citizens, that is a pleasure,” she added. “Imagine the students’ faces when they see that we care whether or not they vote; and I’ve seen the tears running down the faces of U.S. citizens and shared their joy in being able to vote in this country.” 

The LWV-DDH distributes its “Who’s Who” voting guide during every election season to inform and educate votes about candidates and ballot proposals. 

Several other local, state and community leaders attended the event, including Sen. Knezek; State Sen. Morris Hood (D- Dearborn); State Rep. Harvey Santana (D- Detroit); Wayne County Commissioners Gary Woronchak and Al Haidous; State Rep. Julie Plawecki (D- Dearborn Heights); members of the Dearborn Board of Education; Council President Susan Dabaja; Councilman Mike Sareini; Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder and Judge David Turfe of the Dearborn Heights 20th district court. 

For more information on the LWV-DDH call 313.278.6476.  To view the LWV-DDH “Who’s Who” guide online visit www.lwvddh.org or vote411.org.