Part I: The Cornerstones of LWV

2013 LWV OhioLeadership TrainingThe LWV of Ohio, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Part I: The Cornerstones of LWV Why, oh why, are we here?

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization… …that helps make democracy work!

Nonpartisan– always and forever! A LWV neither supports nor opposes a political party or candidate……. Never, not no-how, not nowhere, no! But why not?

“Political” - What does that mean? Plus… It’s to LWV’s advantage to have politically active members. Why?

Why is it important that your League’s nonpartisan policy be current – and be reviewed / approved every year?

Are there limitations or restrictions that LWVs must follow when…. …informing and encouragingactive participation in government? …increasing understanding of major public policy issues, or …influencing public policy?

“Positions”are the cornerstones of our voter-service, voter-protection and advocacy work. What are “positions”? Where the heck do they come from?

A STUDY: the method used to create and update policy positions. • All 3 levels of League do this. • Local League studies are the heart of Leagues and the action they take ! • How else might they benefit a League?

CONSENSUS: How League decisions are reached. • Consensus is the overall sense of the group as expressed through the exchange of ideas and opinions. • Win-win situation; everyone’s ideas are considered and discussed. • Consensus does NOT mean unanimity nor is it simply a majority.

Or by CONCURRENCE: Adopt another League’s existing position. • LWVUS can concur w/ local / state position. • State can concur w/ local / other state’s. • Local can concur w/ other local or other state’s position. Note: Use with caution! The “parent” position and supporting research must be fully understood and applicable at the adopting level.

We operate as a 3-tier organization. LWVUS Positions & Principles • Can be used for advocacy by what Leagues? LWVO Positions • Can be used for advocacy by what Leagues? Local League Positions • Can be used for advocacy by what Leagues?

Part II: Taking ACTIONThe Rules of the Road - # 1 • The LWV always speaks with one voice! • Who is the League’s spokesperson? Why?

# 2: “Notty” Issues about ACTION! • Local League boards may choose not to respond to a particular US or OH call to action. • BUT local boards may nottake action in opposition to a LWVUS or LWVO position. Individual LWV members are free to take whatever action they wish if they do so…. - in their own name; - do not speak for the League; and - are not limited by the nonpartisan policy.

Taking ACTION: Rules of the Road # 3 Sometimes preparing to take action requires consultation with other Leagues.

Consultation with a neighboring LWV(s) is required if … …one League’s action would affect another League / affect something in “their” turf. Example?

Consultation w/ LWVO is required if… …a local League plans an action that would involve contact with state government officials where the state League has not requested or taken action. Example? Why?

Consultation w/ LWVUS is required if… …a local/state League plans an action that would involve contact with federal government officials where LWVUS has not requested or taken action.

But wait – there’s another important thing to consider: #4LWV: The incredible two-headed org! • Operating Fund: 501 (c) (4) • Education Fund: 501 (c) (3) Who cares? What’s the difference?

LWV – Operating Fund… …is the nonprofit entity known in IRS lingo as a 501(c)(4) that – accepts donations that are not tax deductible. conducts and funds lobbying activities.

A LWV’s Education Fund… …is a 501(c)(3), a charitable organization funded bytax-deductible donations, that • can conduct/fund research on public policy issues, • can undertake educational and voter-service projects, and • can advocate – but not lobby—on issues. Goal: to provide voter services / info to Ohioans – and can be used for some membership activities.

Okay – we’ve got the organizational basics down. But remember: League Lingo (and acronyms) can be really confusing…. How many ways do we use “position” in League Land? “Program”? And beware of League acronyms!! * PMP -- MAL -- ILO -- BOE -- SOS -- c3 -- c4

Part III: All this takes leadership – and you’re part of the leadership team! Uh-oh…? You will be managing: - Information - Time - People Now what??? Where to begin?

Tip 1:Learn all you can about your job (whether it’s new to you or a ‘repeat’). How? What resources can you tap?

Including – understanding the board’s function. The board… • Sets priorities and goals for the organization. • Sets and follows policies. • Carries out overall planning and decision-making. • Supports membership, development, advocacy and visibility activities. • Promotes the LWV in the community. • Safeguards LWV’s reputation for nonpartisanship. • Has overall fiscal responsibility for the LWV.

It’s the board’s responsibility to promote LWV “Best Practices” Have bylaws, the first 3 articles of which = LWVUS’. The rest provide for democratic procedures. Establish / maintain a nonpartisan policy. Hold an annual business meeting of the membership. Hold regular board meetings. Meet financial obligations (per member payment) to LWVO and LWVUS. Adopt financial plan for sustainability & carrying out the League’s mission. Work to increase membership and promote diversity. Act in ways that are consistent with League principles, positions and policies. *

Key LWV Resources • Best Practices for Leagues • Nonpartisan Policy • Speaking for the League • Best Practices: Voters’ Guide & Candidates’ Debates / Forums • Joining a Coalition • Conflict of Interest • Diversity Policy

Tip 2: Herding Cats - Board and Committee Meetings What strategies do you recommend?

Effective Board / Committee Meetings • Written – timed -- agenda sent out ahead of meeting. • Begin / end on time. • Parliamentary or at least business-like procedure. • Written reports, motions and background material sent (and read and understood) in advance. • Full attendance or prior notification if unable to attend. • Full discussion / consideration of proposals – all voices heard. • Policy-making at board mtgs / committee work at committee mtgs. • Minutes taken for reference and sent out ASAP. • Clear assignment of responsibilities.

Minimizing Bored Boards / Cmtes - KNOW each other! - HAVE FUN and HAVE FOOD!! - Avoid wasting each other’s time. - Focus on solutions, not the problem. • HAVE FUN and HAVE FOOD!! Examples?

Tip 3: Another key to success - Develop the all-important annual calendar! Uh? What’s an annual calendar?

An annual calendar helps boards:

Tip 4: A member does not need vast League experience before s/he can be a League leader. No – you’re kidding! Why not?

Tip 5: Respect your own (and others’) limitations! There’s no room for martyrs—or for those who bite off more than they can do but don’t tell anyone. Delegate!

Tip 6: Steps to Delegation - Review the assignment. - Organize the task into manageable pieces. - Recruit (enthusiastically)! - Explain how the assignment fits into the total program/it’s value.

Tip 7: Grow, Innovate and Improve • Treat every new – and old -- LWV activity as an opportunity to “do over.” • Question the status quo. • Send all – including yourself – searching for new ideas. • Add adventure and fun to everyone’s work.

Tip 8: Make it safe for others (and yourself) to experiment. • Don’t automatically discard ideas that sound strange. • Honor your risk takers. • Model risk taking. • Debrief every “didn’t work” as well as every success.

Tip 9: Achieve Small Wins that promote consistent progress and build commitment.

Tip 10: Celebrate LWV accomplishments regularly! Schedule celebrations – regularly. Be an enthusiastic supporter of others – and have a support team!

Bonus Tip:Your confidence and genuine enthusiasm for the LWV will be reflected in the board’s and members’ attitudes.

THE END -Thank you to LWVUS for providing material used in this presentation.

Part I: The Cornerstones of LWV