The League of Women Voters of the United States adopted a Member Rights and Responsibilities Policy last May. This policy lays out the rights and responsibilities associated with being a member of the League of Women Voters—at all levels of our federated structure. The purpose of the policy is to ensure all active members are committed to maintaining the mission and integrity of LWV.
In reading this new policy, three ideas struck me as significant takeaways:
- Member responsibility for promoting respectful discourse. We live in tricky times where civil discourse is not necessarily a given. To that end, the policy reminds us that this is the rightful expectation of every member when engaging in League activities.
- Speaking with one voice. Active members are active because they want to make a difference. This is tremendously important. At the same time, making a difference is possible because embedded in League culture is the idea that though we are working on many different projects in different arenas, we work together. The member policy calls this out by noting that statements on behalf of the LWV must be authorized by the local, state or national League.
- Complaint process. For the first time, National League has provided state and local Leagues with guidance to develop a complaint process. The state Board is developing such a process now so that every member has the ability to make a complaint about a concern in a productive manner.
The member policy notes that the League provides members with opportunities to make a difference. As volunteers, we bring time, passion and energy to our work. Understanding our rights and responsibilities as active members will ensure each volunteer gets the most out of their volunteer experience.
Perhaps most importantly, the member policy supports both the League's Diversity, Inclusion and Equity policy and our nonpartisan policy—at all levels of the League. The clarity this policy brings to member rights and responsibilities, along with our DEI and nonpartisan policies, can shape the League in a constructive manner for years to come. Your takeaways may be different than mine. I urge you to take a close look and chat with other folks you're working with. It's a conversation worth having.
Mary Coltrane
LWVWA President
