What is League Program?
The LWV “Program” is the educational and advocacy platform adopted every two years. It implements the League mission of “Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy” through education and advocacy. Program Planning is the grassroots process by which LWV selects the work needed to implement our mission through education and advocacy. All League action, advocacy, and education are based on support for League Positions and League Principles. League action in support of League Positions may be taken only in those areas where there is member understanding and agreement.
What is Program Planning?
During the “Program Planning” process members propose the program of work for the state League (LWVWA) for the next biennium. It begins at the local level, where members throughout the state consider issues their local league believes are important and should be addressed. Each local league puts out a call to its members to participate in the planning process. Members can propose issues to be addressed, and the local league will collectively decide what to prioritize and to submit for state consideration.
The proposals from Local Leagues must be made at least three months prior to convention. They are considered by the LWVWA board, which will formulate a recommended program at least 40 days prior to convention. At Convention, members decide the issues from the local leagues to be placed on our state level program agenda for the ensuing biennium (2025-2027). The process for Program Planning is set forth in the LWVWA Bylaws Article XII.
Identifying Issues for the State Program
Local leagues can propose the following items for the state League program: (1) a study; (2) an update to an existing study; (3) concurrence with an existing study; (4) an educational program; or (5) an Action/Advocacy project.
- A Study is an in-depth, objective and authenticated review of an issue. A Study is completely objective and does not advocate any position or outcome, but it may flag issues of interest to the League. Once drafted, and approved by the LWVWA board, a Study goes through a consensus process. The consensus process asks League members’ opinions on the issues identified in the Study and come to agreement on whether the LWVWA should adopt certain positions. It is a two-year process. When considering whether to propose a new study, ask:
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- Does the League already have a position?
- Is there a government solution to the problem?
- Is there enough time to conduct a study, adopt a position and then act to influence a resolution?
- An Update to a position is done where the basis of the Study is valid, but there have been subsequent developments that may warrant additional information and positions. Generally, an update includes additional research and an update to the study. It follows the same process as a Study, including a consensus process to update or adopt positions. When considering whether to propose an update to a study, ask:
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- Is the League position still useful?
- Is the position sufficiently general?
- Are there significant developments in the issues that are not reflected in the current position
- A Concurrence is an adoption of a stated position based upon a study done by another league. When considering whether to propose a concurrence, ask:
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- Is the existing study applicable or comparable to our state?
- Is the existing position of sufficient use to us?
- Does the existing study sufficiently cover the issue?
- Does the existing study meet the standards required for LWVWA studies?
- A Citizen Education Project is a program for educating the public and League members on certain topics. It is more limited than a study, but also must be objective and supported by citations to credible authorities. When considering whether to propose an Education Project, ask:
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- Does the community need help in understanding this issue and its possible solutions?
- Is there enough time to develop and implement our project before citizens must make a decision?
- Is it more important to help citizens understand this issue than to advocate our League position at this time?
- Action/Advocacy Priorities: Action is always the goal of the League’s study process. Member understanding and strong support are essential for successful action. When considering whether to propose an Action/Advocacy Project, ask:
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- Are the timing and the political realities right for success?
- Does the community expect or need the League to be a player on this issue?
- Will League action on this issue make a significant difference?
- Could a focused, targeted action campaign enhance LWV visibility and stature?
- Do our members understand our position and our action goals?
A local league program planning meeting typically includes discussions for both local and state (in odd numbered years) or national (in even numbered years) issues. Proposals for the state League are reviewed and approved by the Local League board and submitted to the LWVWA. The LWVWA Board then determines which proposals to recommend, which is voted on by the delegates at Convention.
In making recommendations for State program items, it is important that members review the Program in Action, which sets out adopted state positions and Impact on Issues, which sets out the national LWV positions. In discussing issues to suggest, consider the following questions:
Is the issue of vital concern to our members, our communities and our state that demands attention now?
- How does the issue relate to the LWV mission?
- Is the issue one where the League's special expertise or perspective would be valuable?
- Would addressing the issue likely result in positive changes?
- Would this issue provide the League opportunities to collaborate with other individuals and groups?
League members are motivated to work on an issue that has a measurable impact on our communities and/or our state; issues where there is a way to evaluate the results.
In any event, it is crucial that there are League members willing to lead and serve on committees before selecting a recommendation.
What We Need from Your Local League
Local Leagues determine their planning meeting date, typically sometime in January. In order to process submittals and give proper notice prior to Convention, Local League recommendations Your Local League recommendations must be received by the State no later than March 6, 2025.
