Welcome to the League!
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Transcript of Welcome to the League!
Welcome to the League!
….or what have I gotten myself into?
The League of Women Voters is the organization where
hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic
improvement.
You will: Understand the structure of the League
as a grassroots organization Speak confidently on why the League
is the most trusted organization in America.
Share your enthusiasm!
Structure of the League Nonpartisanship
League of Women Voters of the United States
(855 State and Local Leagues)
Grassroots Structure of the League of Women Voters
State Leagues
Local Leagues
(LWVSC is one of 50 State Leagues)
(LWV ___ is one of 11 local Leagues in SC)
The League’s positions and
decisions flow from
local Leagues to the State
and National.
What Does the League Do?PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVOCACY
VOTERS SERVICE
ISSUE FORUMS
YOUTH INITIATIVES
Voters Guides Debates Registration
Voter Registration
Fair Judiciary Project
Leadership Training
Study of Public Policy Issues
Teaching Advocacy
Lobbying
Phone Calls
Letters
Visits
Nonpartisan and Political
The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.
MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO
JOIN AND BE ACTIVE IN POLITICAL PARTIES
The League takes action on governmental issues after careful study and substantial agreement by members.
Where Do League Positions Come From?
Leagues study issues
Local level - selected at annual meetings
State level – selected at LWVSC’s biennial Convention
National level – selected at LWVUS’s biennial Convention
Consensus = Member Agreement
It is not a vote. It is a process for finding a position that most
members can agree with.
How is Consensus Reached? Study committee is formed.
1. Researches topic2. Presents findings to members3. Formulates consensus questions
Leagues submit consensus responses to the appropriate level of League
…local boards …state boards ...national boards
LEAGUE FORMS A POSITION ON THE ISSUE FROM
CONSENSUS REPORTS
How Does the League Do Advocacy?
Public Advocacy
1. Press releases
2. Letters to the Editor
3. Public Meetings to educate voters
Email Alerts
You can sign up at lwvsc.org and lwv.org
Lobbying Efforts
1. Visiting elected officials at their offices in the district or at Statehouse
2. Talking with legislators at other venues.
( i.e. legislative breakfasts)
1. Writing, emailing or phoning a legislator
How does the League Help Voters to Participate in Government?
CANDIDATES’ FORUMS
VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES
ADVOCACY FOR VOTERSWe advocate for accessibility and
for election processes that encourage fullest participation in the electoral process.
ADVOCACY FOR TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
We support the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
FORUMS ON PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES
Summary Questions.
REVIEW