by Lunell Haught, LWVWA President

In League… meaning in close cooperation or in partnership with.

One way we are in league together is we use a consensus process, and at this time, we are working on consensus for studies on Shorelines and Local News. We don’t vote or take an expert's word for important issues. Consensus depends on learning about an issue (reading and understanding a study) and expressing your opinion about what you’ve learned during a dialog with other members. The result is a statement that captures the essential ideas of which the members of a local League agree. This statement goes on to the state board of directors so that a position can be created that is based on the informed wisdom of the membership. It is ratified at convention.

Consensus is a defining characteristic of the League of Women Voters. Although there are many in the League who are experts on the facts and history of an issue, you are an expert on how different policy approaches will affect your life and the lives of others like you. What YOU think is essential in the way the League operates. Being a welcoming organization means members can understand an issue and from their perspective contribute their good judgment about a topic. Democracy includes many perspectives, and we get to demonstrate that and practice it in our consensus process.