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League Essentials
EMPOWERING VOTERS. DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.
Lunell Haught, PhD
LWVWA President
July 2020
Federation: an encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or more localized entities.
• Not centralized or decentralized or chapters, but a
League - an association of entities for a common purpose, united by common interests or goals.
national – state – local
grass roots
21 Leagues in Washington, 2400 members C3 and C4
Members of a local League, Members at Large, Units at Large, anyone over 16 can be a member.
Organization
• Local League Presidents
• Membership Engagement Leadership Development (5 MELD pods)
• Civics Education
• Advocacy plus Lobby Team
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
• Voter Services
• Create your own!
Networks across Washington
• Mission
• Empowering voters. Defending democracy.
• Vision
• We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.
• Value
• We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
Basics
• The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund is dedicated to strengthening citizen knowledge of government in Washington State. The Education Fund sponsors and supports nonpartisan educational projects that help people better understand major public policy issues and become active and informed participants in their communities and in their government.
LWVWA Education Fund Mission
• Founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 during the convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, after a 72 year struggle to ratify the 19th Amendment.
• Valentine’s Day
• Purple - Lavender
• Multiple strategies
• Yellow Roses
How do you describe League members?
Legacy
1944 UN Established, LWV carried out public support campaign. One of the first organizations recognized as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO).
1972-82 Work to ratify Equal Rights Amendment
1976 Emmy Awards for National Presidential Debates
1988 Withdrew from debates because of demands from political party on debate process
1993 National Voter Registration Act – Motor Voter
2002 Help America Vote Act
2006 VOTE411 launched
2019 People Powered Fair Maps (gerrymandering, list purges…75 court cases in 2 years)
• The choice made in 1920 to neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate for public office continues today.
• The League is a political organization and encourages members to participate fully in the political party of their choice.
• Certain League officers and leaders may not participate in partisan politics while they serve the League.
• Each League’s board of directors is responsible for drafting and carrying out a nonpartisan policy in its community.
• Check your policies and procedures for your nonpartisan policy
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As a League, We are Nonpartisan
Preamble: The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose purpose is to promote the informed and active participation of citizens in government. As an organization, the League does not support or oppose candidates for public office, and acts only on those issues chosen by the membership for study and action. The League believes that political parties are essential to the American system of government and participation of informed citizens is beneficial to the political parties and to the system. Consequently, the League encourages its members as individuals to be active in the political parties, in finding and supporting candidates for public office and in seeking election to public office.
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to protect the credibility of the League of Women Voters as a non-partisan organization which does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Only to the extent that the public and its elected officials are convinced of the League's genuine non-partisanship, will the League be able to render effective voter service activities and gain a wide base of support for its positions on governmental issues.
What can you do when?
Depends on if you hold a League office, are a director, are on social media, are a forum moderator, etc. Currently working on state-wide conversation about how to be nonpartisan in an increasingly partisan world. The president speaks for the League.
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LWV Nonpartisan Policy
• LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
• We will actively work to remove barriers to full participation in this organization
LWV WA DEI Policy
• gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
Types of diversity…
Bylaws – rules adopted by a group to control the actions of members – creates a structure – need membership approval to change – you can do what your bylaws say you can do – vote at Annual meeting
Policy – deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes – board can change Procedures – how to do something
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LWV Policy Procedures Bylaws Positions
• Well educated – by book or by experience
• Opinionated – good for having a brain workout
• Value LWV credibility
• Over a lifetime League members move into and out of activity depending on life stage and situation
• Action occurs in the streets and in the salons…we need all types of engagement
• Most have family members and life situations that are more diverse than one might expect.
About members…
• Dues go to the local League • Scholarships are available through LWVWA upon the
recommendation of a local League president. Some local Leagues also offer scholarships
• A Per Member Payment (PMP) goes to LWVWA to pay for staff, newsletters, advocacy expenses, computers, technology, grants to local Leagues, office rent, communications network, mailings, data bases…
• A Per Member Payment (PMP) goes to LWV for all of the above and legal, development, research staff. PMPs are waived for all students. https://www.lwv.org/league-management/policies-guidelines/guide-lwvus-services-leagues
• All budgets are available.
Dues and Per Member Payments
Activities
Register Voters, Observe public meetings, Civics Education, Forums
and Debates, Panels, Programs, Lobby Team member, local/state
positions – welcoming committee, MELD, Voter Services, TRY (They
Represent You), Action Workshops, Lobby Day, Issues, Studies
• State Civic Ed Grants for project
• Can be used for part of Per Member Payments
• Voter Service Activities – Registration, Citizen Education: Election Issue Information, Debates, Forums
• Civics Education in Schools – The State We’re In: Washington
• New Studies
• Council (Training and Education, alternate odd years)
• Tax deductible potential
• State: Endowment/Investment Account, 5% annually goes to support part of state infrastructure
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League of Women Voters Education Fund – a 501 (c)3
Advocacy
National: Impact on Issues has positions
State: Program in Action for positions
Local: Positions for advocating with County Commissioners, City Council, Conservation Districts etc.
Lobby Team (+/- 12 volunteers and contract lobbyists
Action Workshops (throughout the state each year)
Lobby Day (Olympia annually)
Convention (business meeting alternate even years)
Council (education and training meeting alternate odd years)
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League of Women Voters 501 (c)4 Status
Study + Consensus = Position
• Consensus = Collective opinion of a substantial number of League members after objective study of an issue and which represents the membership as a whole. It is not a vote and it does not necessarily mean all members agree with everything.
• Concurrence: Agreement by League members with a position on an issue reached by another League, study committee, task force, or League board. The membership votes on concurrences at the convention or annual meeting following publication of material to provide members with information about the issue.
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League of Women Voters Advocacy and Lobbying is based on positions
Advocacy = pleading for or against causes, as well as supporting or recommending positions.
Lobbying = an attempt to influence specific legislation
Types of lobbying: 1. Direct lobbying is communication
• Directed to a legislator, staff or other governmental employee who may participate in the formulation of legislation, that refers to AND expresses a view on specific legislation; OR
• Directed to the public, that refers to AND expresses a view on a specific referenda or other ballot measure.
• Grassroots lobbying is communication that is directed to the public AND refers to AND expresses a view on specific legislation, AND includes a statement that directs readers to contact their legislators or include the contact information for a legislator or employee of a legislative body.
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Advocacy/Lobbying
• Education
• Reject privatization of core services
• Prohibit employees and elected officials after leaving government service for two years from working for any private company for which they had oversight responsibilities or authority over awarding contracts
• Limit methods of financing political campaigns … And more
League of Women Voters Positions
GOVERNMENT
TRANSPORTATION
• Balanced state transportation policy that defines the role of the state and supports increases in funding to provide adequate revenue, flexibility, energy efficiency and safety in a multi-modal system of transportation.
…And more
League of Women Voters Positions
NATURAL RESOURCES
• Support an energy policy within Washington State. Action to educate the public on energy conservation.
• Global Climate Change See LWVUS Impact on Issues.
• Coordinate planning and ensure environmental quality in the use of water, air and land resources.
• hazardous waste generated in Washington and action to promote safe management of that waste which is produced.
… And more
League of Women Voters Positions
SOCIAL POLICY
. Administration of Justice
. Action to maintain a separate court system and facilities for youths
. Children's Programs
. Children’s Services
. Day and Early Care and Education for Children
. Economic Diversification . Gun Control
. Health Care . Human Resources services
League of Women Voters Positions
Studies: ABC Accurate Balanced (objective and unbiased) Credited (show sources)
Board activates based on Program of Work decided at Convention
President appoints Study Committee Chair and Members Approves study outline and major changes; Appoints Reading Committee; Resolves Conflicts Approves & Publishes Study; Evaluates Consensus
Committee Chair
Study Committee
Board Liaison Editor
Formatting Editor Staff
• clear member support for adoption of the study item;
• board approves member agreement process;
• study process is open to all members;
• good consensus questions or a concurrence statement developed;
• members learn about issue through background information;
• members understand process for consensus;
• member agreement process conducted in an atmosphere of trust;
• committee develops draft statement of position, based upon analysis of member responses;
• board evaluates whether agreement has been reached and crafts final statement of position to adopt;
• maintenance of records for future understanding of agreement.
League Study Checklist
• Study + Consensus = Position
• League only Advocates or Lobbies based on Positions (US, State, Local)
• We are a grass roots organization
• What if there is usually agreement with just one political party?
• Over the past 100 years that has changed sides several times…The League is nonpartisan; the League is about public policy – not politicians or parties.
Then what?
Lunell Haught President Spokane Area Maintain focus on impact, local League connections
and infrastructure improvements
Support the Board members in their portfolio work
Coordinate local and state activities to avoid duplication and ensure wise use of resources
Take the blame
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Susan Fleming 1st Vice President/MELD Liaison Clark County
DEI Chair and liaison for MELD and redistricting
Create a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan for WA
Work with local Leagues to develop and implement DEI work
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Amanda Clark 2nd Vice President/ Fundraising and Development/MELD Liaison Seattle King County
Develop an overall strategy for fundraising Develop and implement funding plans for LWVWA
operations, voter services, and advocacy activities Work with local Leagues to raise funds for mutual
benefit Nonpartisan culture lead
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Jean Snider Secretary Snohomish County
Nominating Committee Co-Chair for State Council Snoops Chair (LWVWA Research and Evaluation)
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Joanna Cullen c4 Fund Treasurer/MELD Liaison Seattle King County
Track and ensure deposits are correct and that funds are distributed as designated by the state board
Present periodic statements and reports to the state board at its regular meetings and an annual statement to the convention or council
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Myra Howrey c3 Education Fund Treasurer MELD facilitator Kitsap County Track and ensure deposits are correct and that funds
are distributed as designated by the state board Present periodic statements and reports to the state
board at its regular meetings and an annual statement to the convention or council
Track and ensure accuracy of local League education fund accounts
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Linda Benson MELD Chair and Co-chair for State Council Clallam County
Coordinate MELD Committee Available to act as a neutral facilitator for local
Leagues’ planning meetings
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Beverly Austin Civics Education Chair Spokane Area
Publish and distribute The State We're In Work with local Leagues on civic education
programs Lobby the legislature to further civic education in
Washington state
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Mary Coltrane Voter Services Chair Seattle King County
Facilitate voter services network Chair statewide Debate Steering Committee Coordinate state League forum/debate activities
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Donna Dekkert Fontaine Housing Issues/MELD Liaison Seattle King County
Homeless focus
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Lea Galanter Communications Seattle King County Work with local Leagues in developing stories and promote their
Leagues Advocate for the LWVWA by monitoring social media (Facebook,
Twitter, and LinkedIn) Edit text for the weekly newsletters, the LWVWA website, letters to
the editor, The State We’re In: Washington, and press releases Work to ensure consistent and professional League messaging,
style, and graphics as well as share state and national guidelines and style with local Leagues
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Joan Lawson Advocacy Chair Seattle King County
Increase League member involvement in influencing public policy
Engage network of local League advocacy liaisons to the Lobby Team and Board of Directors
Ensure support of Legislative Newsletter and contract lobbyists Act as primary communication channel between Lobby Team
and LWVWA Board
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• Administration (President) Lunell Haught
• Advocacy (c4) Joan Lawson
• Civics Education (c3) Bev Austin
• Communication Lea Galanter
• Convention/Council Linda Benson/Jean Snider
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Susan Fleming
Portfolio – network leads
LWWA Board of Directors 2019-2021 (c3&c4)
• Fundraising/Development Amanda Clark/Donna Fontaine
• Finance Off board R Peggy Smith
• Investment Off board Barrie Austin
• Membership Engagement, Leadership and Diversity Linda Benson
• Program of Work (Studies) c3
• Voter Service c3 Mary Coltrane
• Administrative Director (staff) Amy Peloff
LWWA Board of Directors (c3&c4) Portfolios
Develop a robust external League communication plan
Increase civic and issue education
Enhance voter services
Enhance advocacy outcomes affecting public policy
Motivate attitudes toward the value of civic involvement
Build stronger relationships with League allies and partners
LWVWA Strategic Plan Increase League Impact
Help local Leagues increase membership and new leadership
Increase diversity of ethnicity, age, gender. and socio-economic status at all levels of League
Support on-going training and exchange of ideas
Support local League fund development
LWVWA Strategic Plan
Facilitate Local League Work
Hire additional staff
Develop necessary funding to achieve League goals
Invest in technical support needed to support state and local Leagues
Develop and implement short- and long-term communication plans
Establish policies and procedures needed to assure organizational effectiveness and continuity
LWVWA Strategic Plan Strengthen Organizational Capacity
• League of Women Voters – of your local League
• League of Women Voters of Washington www.lwvwa.org
• League of Women Voters of Washington facebook facebook.com + lwvwa
• https://twitter.com/lwvwa https://www.linkedin.com/company/3830424/admin/
• League of Women Voters of Washington Legislative Newsletter (available to public) https://lwvwa.org/wa-state-league-newsletters
• League of Women Voters of Washington VOTER (available to public)
LWV Websites - Communication
• TWIL (This Week in League) – from the state on the 2,3,4th Friday
of the month, and the state VOTER on the first Friday.
• Local VOTER and messages from National – you can manage your subscriptions. If you’re not getting something please check your junk file
https://lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/Membership/ParliamentaryProcedureQuickGuide.pdf
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LWV communication continued
• League Lingo – Glossary:
• https://lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/Glossary%20of%20League%20Terms_12.31.19.pdf
Terminology, Acronyms, and League Jargon
“ The case for women is not that they are inherently better or more moral. It is that they are half of humanity and should have the same opportunities– and be judged by the same standards– as the other half.” Chinamanda Ngozi Adichie Author
