welcome to the league! ….or what have i gotten myself into?

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

E-Mail

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