The LWV of Needham Club
at Needham High School
The League of Women Voters of Needham Club at Needham High School started in the fall of 2018 as an official NHS club, with faculty advisor Cathy Dowd, who is also a member of LWV-Needham. The club was founded by sophomores Eva Gorenburg and Eleanor Mackey, who served as co-presidents for its first three years and helped establish the foundation of the group.
Today, the club is led by co-presidents Lucy Pearlman and Lila Jantzen, along with advisor Marina Moloney. The club has grown to include more than 30 members who are active and involved. All student members are registered with the state and national Leagues and receive newsletters from all three levels.
The club meets regularly, creates its own projects and events, and collaborates with LWV-Needham on important initiatives throughout the year.
In 2020 The Needham Channel aired a news report on the LWVN Club at NHS.
Projects
Encouraging Students to Vote
In 2023, the Club produced a video featuring elected local, state, and federal officials, who encouraged students to exercise their right to vote. Produced entirely by the League of Women Voters of Needham at Needham High School Club.
Birthday Bags
One of the Club’s signature projects is creating and distributing “birthday bags” for students at Needham High who are turning 18. Each bag includes materials that encourage voting and civic engagement, such as a letter from the LWV president about the importance of voting, mini constitutions, information on voter registration and the voting process, and a few patriotic-themed gifts and treats. The goal is to help new voters feel informed, supported, and excited to participate in their first election.
The Club maintains an Instagram account where it posts information on elections and advocacy. Visit the club on Instagram.
Voter Registration
Each year, the Club organizes voter registration events for Needham High School students who are eligible to register. These events are usually held during lunch blocks or other high-traffic times so students can easily stop by. Club members help explain the basic steps of the registration process, provide the necessary forms or online access, and answer general questions about how registration works. The goal of these events is to make the process straightforward and accessible so that any student who wants to register has the opportunity to do so right at school.
Get Out The Vote — Informed Voters
Before local, state, and national elections, the Club puts up informational posters around Needham High School to remind eligible students that an election is coming up. These posters point students toward reliable sources where they can learn more about voting procedures and the candidates who are running. The goal is simply to make sure students know when elections are happening and where they can find accurate, unbiased information to help them stay informed.
Participation in LWV-Needham Forums
Club members have also taken part in various Ballot Question and Candidate Forums hosted in the community. As part of their involvement, students have helped with event preparation, greeted attendees, and introduced speakers or segments of the program. Participating in these events gives students firsthand experience with how local civic discussions are organized and allows them to contribute in a meaningful, professional way.
Ballot Question Forum, October 2019