Overview
The League of Women Voters of Washington adopted a Strategic Plan in 2017 to achieve three goals: increase impact, facilitate local League work, and strengthen organizational capacity. This report summarizes the results of 100 interviews with both randomly selected members and those who work in specific League areas (e.g., voter services, civic education, or advocacy). This interview information informed a follow-up membership-wide survey. The interviews and all-member survey are two of three research elements. The final one focuses on the League’s impact on external agencies, organizations, and voters and will include both surveys and interviews. The project's design and implementation were conducted with the assistance of Washington State University’s Department of Psychology and Division of Governmental Studies and Services.
The semistructured appreciative inquiry interviews were conducted over Zoom by members trained in the appreciative inquiry technique. They were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify primary and secondary themes. This report identifies these findings and is the first step in the LWVWA using evidence-based recommendations for continuing, discontinuing, or modifying strategies and tactics used in pursuing the LWVWA’s three main goals.
Findings
The most frequently cited experience for checking out the League was through a friend's invitation, second was through an event or advertisement. Also cited was an interest in politics, either in general or for a specific issue. Notably, members frequently mentioned the personal relationships that grew out of their involvement with League members.
Twenty-three members said that through League events they were able to fulfill a sense of civic responsibility. When asked about their values, goals, and objectives, members shared with the League the importance of nonpartisanship, equity (voter rights), and civic education. Many specifically referenced democracy. Frequently cited high points for members included activities that involved informing and educating the public and decision-makers, followed by making connections with League members and serving in leadership positions.
Positive changes cited in the interviews were the use of technology, including Zoom-hosted meetings and social media; the increase in new members and attendance; efforts in working toward more diversity; and intra-League connections.
When asked about the future of the LWVWA, the most frequently mentioned answer was an interest in having more organizational diversity in terms of age, race, culture, and political party—a League that is representative of the whole community. Reputation/recognition was the next most frequently mentioned desirable future, followed by doing more civic education, receiving more guidance from the state League, and stronger connections with other Leagues.
When asked about how to attain the best future for the League, respondents identified more engagement from volunteers, collaborating with others, and increasing connections internally and externally through technology. Evaluating success in this future included an increased and more active membership, more diversity, and collaboration with other organizations and Leagues.
When asked what else members wanted to share with the interviewers, they reinforced the importance of supporting and mentoring new members and working to help them better understand the League. This should include how new members can use their interests and talents in the League.
Conclusion
These are preliminary findings based on interviews. The interviewees included state Board members, local presidents, and members of state committees, including Advocacy/lobbying, Civic Education, Voter Services, Observer Corps, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Many interviewees had experience with multiple programs and aspects of the League. One-third of the interviewees were randomly selected and proportionally represented local Leagues. This, coupled with the all-member survey, will guide the future work of the League. Download the full Appreciative Inquiry Interviews Report.
