How We Operate – Federated Model
LWV operates at three levels: local, state, and national.
The federated structure of LWV comprises a national League and affiliated state and local Leagues that are separately incorporated. The local and state Leagues work in cooperation with the national League under rules incorporated into their bylaws.
Those who join the League become members of their local League, their state League, and the national League.
We are truly a grassroots, consensus based organization, and we take action
What is an Action?
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.
What is a Position?
Positions result from a process of study.
What is a Study?
Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of 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.
What is a Consensus?
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 positions 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.
Litigation
The League of Women Voters fight for the issues that matter most to communities: protecting the right to vote, promoting fair and accessible elections, ending big-money corruption, and reinforcing the dignity that people across the country deserve. We have taken numerous legal actions: