Issues and Positions

The League of Women Voters, at all levels, only takes action on an issue after careful consideration. This starts with a study and continues with the development of a consensus among members. The final step is the formation of a position, which is required before action can be taken. Another way to arrive at a position is through concurrence.

How Does The League Select Issues for Emphasis?

In League parlance, “program” means the issues that we choose to emphasize for voter education or action at either local, state, or national levels. 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 on which a local, state, or national League will focus time, talent, and money. Every two years, local Leagues engage in Program Planning. Based on the results of this, the Board of Directors makes recommendations to the biennial convention delegates about the program to be adopted for the coming two year period.

For more detail about the process, read the article on Program Planning from the April 2021 Voter

Positions

Leagues at every level take positions based on study and consensus among members. The League uses these positions to advocate for public policy changes.

The Napa League’s Issues for Emphasis. Then it was time to discuss LWVNC’s program for the next year. After discussion, participants voted to narrow our local focus to the following three issues, in order of priority:

As a general rule, background materials presenting the pros and cons on the issue being considered are provided to Leagues and members in the concurrence process.

US, California and Bay Area Positions

LWV US

The League is a true grassroots organization. These positions were studied and discussed within local Leagues over the country before delegates to a national convention voted to approve the final words. Current League of Women Voters US Positions

LWV California

All Leagues in California have also developed positions on issues over the years that relate to issues that affect the entire state. Current California Positions

LWV Bay Area

The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area or LWVBA, includes all nine Bay Area Counties. It makes possible League Study and Action on region-wide problems and issues. Current LWVBA Positions