We are truly a grassroots organization…
The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause. Most of our actions are the result of the work of a committee. See all LWVN Committees.
Positions result from a process of study. Any given study, whether it be local, state, or national, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of the pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.
Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms a position based on that consensus.
It is the consensus statement — the statement resulting from the consensus questions — that becomes a position. Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.
The process used in formulating positions and acting at the grassroots level makes the League unique and sets the League apart from other organizations. The fact that we are members not only of a local League, but of a state League, and of the League of Women Voters of the United States, makes us a powerful force.
Local, State and National Positions
Local: The ongoing Positions of the LWVN fall into the broad categories of City Government, Human Services, Land Use, and Environmental Quality, and were approved by the LWVN membership at the 2020 Annual Meeting.
State: The positions of the Massachusetts League are found in Where We Stand, and fall into the broad categories of Government, including voting and elections; Natural Resources; and Social Policy, including meeting basic human needs and education.
National: The positions of the League of Women Voters US are found in Impact on Issues. The LWVUS public policy positions reflect the program adopted by the most recent convention of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Impact on Issues is updated following each biennial convention. The most recent national convention took place in 2020. Here is more information on the 2020 National Convention.