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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

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Welcome to the League!

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  1. Welcome to the League! ….or what have I gotten myself into?

  2. The League of Women Voters is the organization where hands- on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement.

  3. 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!

  4. Structure of the League Nonpartisan

  5. Grassroots Structure of the League of Women Voters League of Women Voters of the United States (855 State and Local Leagues) State Leagues (LWVNYS is one of 50 State Leagues) Local Leagues (LWV ___ is one of 56 local Leagues in NYS) The League’s positions and decisions flow from local Leagues to the State and National.

  6. What Does the League Do? ADVOCACY PUBLIC EDUCATION Study of Public Policy Issues VOTER SERVICE Voters Guides Debates Registration Teaching Advocacy ISSUE FORUMS Lobbying YOUTH INITIATIVES E-Mail Visits Take Me To Vote Students Inside Albany Phone Calls Letters & Faxes Vote 18

  7. Nonpartisan and Political • The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. • The League takes action on governmental issues after careful study and substantial agreement by members. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN AND BE ACTIVE IN POLITICAL PARTIES

  8. Where Do League Positions Come From? • Leagues study issues • Local level - selected at annual meetings • State level – selected at LWVNYS’ biennial Convention • National level – selected at LWVUS’ biennial Convention • STUDY TOPICS MUST BE CAPABLE OF BEING ADDRESSED BY GOVERNMENT AT THE LEVEL AT WHICH THEY ARE ADOPTED.

  9. Consensus = Member Agreement • It is not a vote. • It is a process for finding a position that most members can agree with.

  10. How is Consensus Reached? Study committee is formed. • Researches topic • Presents findings to members • 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

  11. How Does the League Do Advocacy? Public Advocacy • Press releases • Letters to the Editor • Public Meetings to educate voters E-mail Alerts You can sign up at lwvny.org and lwv.org

  12. Lobbying Efforts • Visiting elected officials at offices • Talking with legislators at other venues. ( i.e. legislative breakfasts) • Writing, emailing or phoning a legislator

  13. How does the League Help Voters to Participate in Government? CANDIDATES’ FORUMS

  14. VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES

  15. ADVOCACY FOR VOTERS We advocate for accessibility and for election processes that encourage fullest participation in the electoral process. ADVOCACY FOR TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT We support the Open Meetings Law and the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) FORUMS ON PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

  16. REVIEW • Summary • Questions

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