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LWV Membership Leadership Development (MLD) Program. Right now. . . . There are Big Challenges facing our democracy Highly politicized, partisan dialogue Laws threatening to DENY voters the right to vote (not seen since the days of the Poll Tax!) Voters crave authentic solutions
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Right now. . . There are Big Challenges facing our democracy • Highly politicized, partisan dialogue • Laws threatening to DENY voters the right to vote (not seen since the days of the Poll Tax!) Voters crave authentic solutions • Want nonpartisan, factual information from a trustworthy source
The League is Needed NOW! • League needed more than ever • NOW is the time to leverage our League voice & promote our focused, quality work • Heightened level of visibility and activity As we capitalize on this critical year in a unified way, the voters win and so does theLeague.
IMAGINE IF… • EVERY League was capitalizing on this election year for voters and for the League – and growing itself in the process? • EVERY League had its own coach for support, guidance, and ideas? • EVERY League leader was trained and mentored and felt inspired and confident leading?
The Long-term Vision of MLD… Every League in the country has a support network and ongoing training! It’s happening NOW!
Foundation of The Program • Growingpartnership ALL Leagues. • Intentionally focused strengthening and growing League in ALL we do. • Using tried-and-true best practices.
Growing partnership among the 3 Levels of the League. . . • Speaking with a united and POWERFUL voice • Working towards a common mission • Sharing resources • Sharing knowledge
Structure of Partnership LWVUS State Local LWVUS Board Shur Fellows LWVUS Staff State Board State Coordinator State Coaches League Board Coordinator Committee
Direct Link to LWVUS Resources through national coaches - the Ruth S. Shur Fellows!
Within the League, we are. . . . • Coaching • Training • Working in Teams • Implementing Best Practices
Outside the League, we are. . . • Intentionally including Membership & Leadership Development into all League activities • Developing External Relationships – partnerships with the media and community organizations • Actively engaged & visible in our communities
Success is Happening, too! • Turning around our membership numbers! • 41 states and DC participating • 23 Ruth S. Shur Fellows (national coaches) • Over 100 State Coaches • More community involvement , visibility, and connection • Renewed hope and enthusiasm! Belief in the power of our mighty voice!
What are the MLD Best Practices?
Outreach Best Practices Outreach and Visibility • Direct – Person to Person • Allied Partner Groups • Media (Traditional and New) Actively ASKING people to join
Direct Outreach: the ASK Direct Outreach = asking people to join • One-on-one • Addressing a group Making the ASK • A – Always be ready! • S – Show your enthusiasm! • K– Know what matters! (to your audience)
Allied Organizations: Build Relationships • PARTNER with other organizations in your community who work on issues and activities together. These organizations can offer opportunities for local Leagues to reach potential new members.
Media Opportunities: Build Relationships • Using the media is BEST way to reach LOTS of people at once. • Create a Media list (traditional & new media… blogs, etc.) • Reach out to Media before, after, and during each event • Be visible all year long
Leadership Development • Prepare members to lead through building knowledge and confidence • Intentionally identify and include emerging leaders in League activities • Little things at each event • Listen to what they are interested in • Move them up the rungs of experience • Create a LWV Leadership Ladder
Growing Your League Today!Power the Vote – Power the League Leverage the 2012 Elections! Strive to . . . • Host at least 5 registration events • Host at least 1 candidate forum/debate • Pursue an online voters guide - hopefully on VOTE411.org • Meet with local elections officials to discuss their plans and yours • Identify 5 key media contacts and communicate at least once monthly • Conduct get-out-the-vote with registrants, volunteers, and online networks • Consider a poll watching/poll worker recruitment program • Take advantage of related LWVUS and state trainings, materials, etc.
Remember the Best Practices! • Always ASK the community to participate and invite them to join the League every chance you get! • Partnering with other community organizations to put on voter registration drives or candidates forums. • Involve the media at events and to promote events before and after they happen. • Engage current members in volunteering! They could lead the League one day!
What’s Happening in Our State? • State Coaches have been selected and will be trained in mentoring skills and techniques by LWVUS. • Local Leagues will be selected to participate in the program. • Participating local Leagues and new state coaches will be trained at an LWVUS-funded training in the state in the summer/early fall.
Benefits of Participation • SUPPORT from state coaches • LINK TO NATIONAL from Ruth S. Shur Fellows • IDEAS AND BEST PRACTICES included in materials (manual, worksheets, templates) • TRAINING in growing the League • NETWORKING with other League leaders Ultimately more MEMBERS and new LEADERS to Defend and Strengthen our Democracy!
Hear from State Coaches. . . • “Having a League president tell me our calls have been a big help [has been a big reward for me]. I coached her through streamlining its board to remain active, instead of folding.” ~Lynn Williams, TN
What are Local Leagues Saying? “I thought our Legislative Forum Tuesday night was a huge success for our League. Not only did the chance to collaborate with other organizations give us a boost, but we passed a clipboard around the audience during the event. We got 36 people's contact info who said they would like to be notified about future League speakers at the Topeka library!!Local League members really came out for the event.The forum was Skyped live to 3 librariesincluding Dodge City and will be replayed this Sunday night on KPR. Tell LWVUS, the membership ideas work!” ~Grace, LWV of Topeka-Shawnee
What are Local Leagues Doing? • LWV of Baltimore County (MD) signed up 3 new members at their Legislative Brunch prior to the start of the Maryland General Assembly! • LWV of Greater Lafayette (IN) is holding two lunches each month- one for the public and a “just for fun” lunch for League members to socialize and talk about issues they are passionate about!
What’s Next? Speak with your State League board about how to participate! • Get materials from LWVUS • Learn best practices to grow the League • Develop a plan that fits your League’s priorities • Receive ongoing support from a state coach • Serve as a state coach for other local Leagues in your state
Together we can make the League stronger in our communities.