How Positions are Developed:  The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause. That action can include testifying in the state legislature, attending government commission meetings, asking our own reps and senators and governor to support or oppose specific bills. We also advocate with the public, through print and forums, to explain issues and our positions.

Positions begin with a study, defined in its scope and timeline by the board. Any study, whether it be at the national, state, or local level, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership for a decision, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (beyond those who were part of the study committee) explore the facts revealed by the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus. No, we don’t always reach consensus. If so, those parts of the issue are not included in the resulting position.

The board affirms the position. Only then can action or advocacy be undertaken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken in the name of our organization, though of course individual members may always follow their consciences in taking action.

Annually the state League and the national League boards determine legislative priorities for the year. However, our positions allow us to take action on non-priority issues if the situation warrants.