Advocacy
The League follows local issues and identifies opportunities to get involved and advocate for a course of action. We review our positions and decide whether we can get involved. This then feeds our action and advocacy priorities. The action and advocacy committee members, after approval by the league Board of Directors, decide how to take action and who will do it.
League Positions
The League’s program consists of positions and advocacy on issues of importance to the community.
The League of Women Voters develops its positions by considering an issue and its importance to the community. Members then conduct a thorough study and analysis of the issue. When the study is complete, the study team creates a set of questions, which are answered through consensus among League members. The answers to the questions are used to develop the League position on the issue. The position is then considered and adopted by the board of directors, and subsequently by the membership at the annual meeting.
Formulating a position or statement of support is just the beginning of League action. One of the League’s purposes is to act on those political issues on which the League has a position. Action begins with members spreading interest and information to family, friends, neighbors and other community organizations. Another way we take action is by supporting or opposing legislation or policy according to out positions. This can mean writing letters or speaking to the city council, county commission, school board, state legislatures and other organizations. Without a position, the League is unable to take action on an issue, worthy as it may be. The League may form coalitions with other organizations to advocate for change.
The League has clout because League members are known to do their homework. League publications, based on well-researched studies, are known to give the pertinent background and pros and cons necessary for informed decision-making. League members are encouraged to become observers at meetings of governmental bodies to monitor their activities and to update the rest of us on how the public is being served by their elected officials.
The League of Women Voters develops its positions by considering an issue and its importance to the community. Members then conduct a thorough study and analysis of the issue. When the study is complete, the study team creates a set of questions, which are answered through consensus among League members. The answers to the questions are used to develop the League position on the issue. The position is then considered and adopted by the board of directors, and subsequently by the membership at the annual meeting.
Formulating a position or statement of support is just the beginning of League action. One of the League’s purposes is to act on those political issues on which the League has a position. Action begins with members spreading interest and information to family, friends, neighbors and other community organizations. Another way we take action is by supporting or opposing legislation or policy according to out positions. This can mean writing letters or speaking to the city council, county commission, school board, state legislatures and other organizations. Without a position, the League is unable to take action on an issue, worthy as it may be. The League may form coalitions with other organizations to advocate for change.
The League has clout because League members are known to do their homework. League publications, based on well-researched studies, are known to give the pertinent background and pros and cons necessary for informed decision-making. League members are encouraged to become observers at meetings of governmental bodies to monitor their activities and to update the rest of us on how the public is being served by their elected officials.
