Issues, Studies and Positions

In the League of Women Voters at all levels--national, state and local--Leagues identify issues, conduct formal studies of those issues, take positions based on those studies, and take action when they have a position that supports the action.  Explore the process in detail below.

Issues

In League, the issues that we choose for concerted study, education and advocacy are called Program. Program can include both education and advocacy.

Local Leagues engage on a regular basis in Program Planning, when issues for emphasis are identified for local, state and national Leagues. The process always begins at the local level when members meet to identify  the priority issues they will recommend to their local Board of Directors for local emphasis for the state or national League.  The Program Planning process is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member has the opportunity to influence the selection of issues where the local, state, and national League will focus time, talent and money.

The program that is ultimately adopted is decided at the local annual meeting, or at a state or national convention, by a majority vote.

Local Leagues engage in state League (LWV of California/LWVC) in odd-numbered years. National program planning is conducted in even-numbered years. 

Click to download a PDF with detailed information about the Program Planning Process and LWVNCSD's Positions.

Studies

What is the study process?

1. Study Committee members create a study kit that includes articles, books, data in the form of charts and graphs, videos, suggested speakers, discussion questions, and other resources.
2. After thorough study, members meet to review the study report and reach consensus, the process by which substantial agreement among members is reached on an issue.  If the members reach consensus, the board develops suggested positions based on that consensus.
3. The Study Committee  reviews the suggested positions to generate a consensus statement that in turn becomes the recommended position on the issue. 
4. That recommended position is presented to the membership. The proposal may be adopted, amended, or be rejected at that time.
5. If a position is adopted,  League can take action on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action can not be taken on that issue.

What studies are there?

Studies from across the nation are in our League of Women Voters Education Fund Clearinghouse for Studies.

Positions

The Issues for Education and Advocacy are the goals driving the actions our Local League takes throughout the year. You can find documentation on national, state, and local issues and positions and how they are determined below.