HELEN NARAMORE FLUKER
Helen Naramore Fluker was born
March 22, 1919, in Wichita, the daughter of Harry and Gula Finch Naramore. She
attended Lawrence schools and graduated from Kansas University in 1941. The League of Women Voters Lawrence-Douglas County established its Helen Fluker Open and Accessible government award in 1998 after her death.
She
worked for the Department of the Army before joining the Department of State,
where she was assigned to the then U.S. Legation in Kabul, Afghanistan. There she worked as secretary to the U.S. Minister Plenipotentiary.
Subsequently, she was active in American political and community affairs at home--interspersed with her service abroad to family and to the United States through her work in India, Thailand and Australia as well as in pertinent regional organizations.
Helen returned to Lawrence in 1974 where she became involved in the Meals-on-Wheels program, the initiation of Catholic Community Services and the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. She joined the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and served as a member of the board of directors of the League of Women Voters of Kansas.
ABOUT HELEN
Helen's experience in the foreign as well as the local political scene mader her a unique resource for the Lawrence League of Women Voters. But her chief impact was her skill in mentoring.
Helen was a hostess, graciously opening her home for meetings whether they be board meetings, new member meetings, unit meetings, committee meetings or just a League member or two seeking her counsel. She would happily usher them into her kitchen for a "cuppa." Many League issues were discussed in that kitchen with its endless supply of coffee and comraderie.
Helen twice served as Chapter President from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1989 to 1990. Her efforts were concentrated on recruiting new members, organizing finance drives and mentoring new board members. Her primary interest was in promoting open and accessible government in Lawrence and Douglas County. She encouraged open discussion by everyone, and she was never reluctant to express her own point of view. She insisted particularly that the League maintain its nonpartisan policy.
Helen's warmth and concern for the League of Women Voters was reflected in the commitment she inspired from its members.