LWVUS points out in its Membership Leadership Development Handbook that “how groups learn to handle conflict sets the stage for everything they do together. Research has shown that conflict resolution can spiral up or down." The Handbook recommends that Leagues adopt a conflict resolution policy to prepare for addressing the inevitable conflicts that cannot be easily resolved.
LWVWA adopted a policy for conflict resolution at its October Board meeting. The policy began as a complaint resolution process but moved beyond that into a much broader policy. Based on guidelines provided in the LWVUS guidance on complaint processes, it addresses conflicts at the state League level—among Board members and in LWVWA committees, including the Lobby Team. It does not address conflicts at other levels of League. But the LWVWA Board of Directors hopes that this document can serve as a model for local Leagues, if they don’t already have a policy of their own.
The process in this policy is based on the concept that the best resolution is among those directly involved, and at the earliest possible time. It provides a path for formal intervention and support, should the conflict not be resolved at the lowest level.
We encourage our members to read the new policy in the LWVWA's Policies and Procedures here. See page 10 in that document for the policy summary and Appendix C for the policy in total. For more information, contact Shelley Kneip or Cynthia Stewart.
Also take a look at the Membership Leadership Development Handbook. Among its many other features, It has a wealth of information about conflict, including about causes, types and ways to resolve it.
