Empower Voters.
Make Democracy Work.
The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding in major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley was founded in 1946 as the Closter League.
By 1964, it included 11 municipalities in the Northern Valley and was renamed the LWV of Northern Valley.
Today the Northern Valley League draws members from Alpine, Bergenfield,
Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Edgewater, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale,
Leonia, Montvale, New Milford, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, River Vale, Rockleigh, Tenafly,
Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.
The League is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in principle and practice.
At our annual holiday dinner, in the spirit of giving and in support of the League of Women Voters’ immigration policy, members were invited to donate toward food assistance for families whose loved ones are currently detained at Delaney Hall in Newark. Following the event, Nike Bach and Teela Banker visited Delaney Hall and met with the dedicated volunteers from Pax Christi, who show up daily to support families and friends waiting to visit detainees, often standing outside in snow, wind, rain, and cold, with no shelter. Many detainees have not seen a visitor in months, and the visiting schedule is strict and subject to sudden changes. Thanks to the generosity of our members, we were able to provide 14 ShopRite gift cards in the amount of $25 each. These were received with deep gratitude and appreciation. Thank you to everyone who donated. If you would like to support this effort, please reach out to Teela Banker by email with the subject line “Delaney Hall” at [email protected].
Upcoming League Volunteer Events
Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Location: To be determined. Details will be posted here or emailed to members.
31
January
2026
Our Reorganization Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Closter Public Library.
Location: Closter Public Library 280 High Street, Closter, NJ
12
February
2026
Join us for an informative discussion on immigration topics affecting New Jersey, led by guest speaker Paula Rogovin. This event will provide insight into current policies, challenges, and community impacts related to immigration in NJ.
Time: 7:00 PM (tentative) Location: To be determined.
1
March
2026
Due to the imminent snow storm, We the People, Reclaiming the Power to Choose, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 1. Join the League of Women Voters Northern Valley and Forward United for a free public forum on voting rights and democratic participation, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Please note the new date on your calendars.
1 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center.
17
March
2026
Our March meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00 PM (tentative). The meeting location is to be determined and will be announced soon.
Candidate Forum (Oct. 23, 2025): Demarest Council & Northern Valley Regional Board of Education
March 8, 2025 – Guest Speaker: Carol Simon Levin, portraying Matilda Gage, shared inspiring stories of abolitionists, suffragists, and advocates for women’s, Native American, and migrant rights.
September 29, 2024 – Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s great-great-granddaughter, Coline Jenkins, spoke at the event and showcased authentic suffrage-era banners and documents.
The League of Women Voters
Established in 1920, following passage of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote, the League is one of the nation's most respected grassroots organizations. Nationwide, members in about 800 local leagues and Washington, DC, Hong Kong, and the Virgin Islands, work to empower citizens to shape better communities by providing information, education, and advocacy.
The League is proud to be non-partisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at all levels of government. It has done this since its inception.
The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley is a member of the Bergen County, New Jersey, and National Leagues.