By Mary Coltrane, Program Chair, LWVWA

One of the most interesting things about the League is the way we arrive at our positions. As you likely know, the League of Women Voters—at all levels—will only take action on positions that we have on the books. This year is the first time in many years that the state League will be adding new positions to its accumulated positions—some going back as far as the 1950s, such as Redistricting and Reapportionment (1955).

How does this happen? Local Leagues submit program ideas to the state Board, typically in January, in odd-numbered years. The state board compiles a list of recommended—and not recommended—items for consideration at the state convention. If an item is approved, a study committee is formed to produce the study. When they have completed their work, the fun part begins: finding consensus and writing a new position.

At the 2019 and 2021 conventions, delegates approved two studies: the Shorelines Study Report 2022 (now available) and a Washington state local and regional news study (you can read all about the forthcoming study in this TMIL). The committees charged with producing these reports are now ready to send them to local Leagues for review and consensus-making. Each local League participating in this process will return consensus statements to the state League and new positions will be drafted—keeping in mind that there may not be consensus on the issues the studies illuminate. That’s what we’ll find out.

The League is proud to have many new members; many may not be familiar with this process. The end game is a position that’s based on member understanding. That’s what makes a League stance so powerful. Your local League will be holding meetings to discuss and review the study findings and answer the consensus questions, so be on the lookout for the opportunity to participate.

Playing a part in one of these discussions will remind you that civil discourse is possible even when exchanging a wide variety of views on an important topic. The state Board knows that not everyone can participate, but we want to make it as easy and fun as possible so it will work for you. Whether you are a new or a longtime member, please join the state Board program team at a general meeting where we will go over the study-to-consensus-to-position process in detail. Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. and watch for the Zoom link in a regular Tuesday update from the state League.