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League of Women Voters: 101

League of Women Voters: 101. Presented by: The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties. 1. Agenda. Overview of the League History Organization Operations Finance League Principals LWV NC ODC League: Who’s Who? ODC Areas of Focus Partners

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League of Women Voters: 101

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  1. League of Women Voters: 101 Presented by: The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties 1

  2. Agenda • Overview of the League • History • Organization • Operations • Finance • League Principals • LWV NC • ODC League: Who’s Who? • ODC Areas of Focus • Partners • Upcoming Events

  3. What is the League? • The League is a national non partisan political organization • Doesn’t support or oppose candidates or parties • League is an ‘ action group’ • Promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in gov’t • Influences public policy through advocacy and education • Members are urged to be involved in the political process • The League helps ‘Make Democracy Work’

  4. League Goals • Strong vibrant and growing organization • Have a powerful and visible image in community • Influence public policy thru Advocacy • Educate public on issues of interest • Support voting and fair elections

  5. 1920 League

  6. History of the League • Organized in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt before the 19th Amendment was ratified • Goal to educate newly enfranchised women become politically educated/responsible voters • 800 Leagues in every state and DC, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands • 130,000 members and supporters nationally

  7. LWV North Carolina • NC League first formed in 1920 • 1930 had 4 league chapters • Final state League formed in 1951 • Currently 15 Leagues and 3 Members at Large (MAL) units • 900+ members statewide • 167 ODC members • State Board of Directors oversees NC League organization

  8. How is the League Organized? • Parallels US representative gov’t (local, state and federal) • Members determine policies and Program at all levels • Presidents speak for the local Leagues • Each League has an elected BOD • Local Program setting meeting is the Annual (Business) Meeting • officers are elected • dues and budgets are set • bylaws are amended • adopt our Program for the year • Next Annual Meeting May, 2015

  9. Organization (con’t) • Decisions are made at the state or national biennial Convention • Delegates represent their local or state Leagues proportional to membership • NC’s next Convention is June 5-7 in Durham • Alternate years meetings are called ‘Councils of Leaders’ • Two delegates from each local League or state attend • All League members can attend these events/ only delegates can vote

  10. How the League Operates • Action Group • Identifies issues for action only after careful study and when members agree (consensus vs majority vote) • Advocacy agenda is called ‘Program’ • Must inspire member interest and commitment • Can League be effective and make a difference? • Would our efforts be duplicative of another organization • Is underwriting required? • Are there other organizations/partners who have asked for our assistance? • Move to study or action once program items are selected

  11. How is the League Financed? • Member Dues • kept low so affordable (currently $55 per yr) • portion goes to state and national • Fundraising to support program activities is essential • National, state and local Leagues all raise funds

  12. ODC Board • President: Brenda Rogers • VP: Janet Hoy • Secretary: Ruth Ann Groh • Treasurer: Susan Marston • Director: Krishna Mondal: Voter Protection and Education • Director: Linda Borkowski: Membership • Director: Erin Barbato: : Webmaster and Social Media: • Director: Marna Doucette: Program • Can appoint add’l members as needed

  13. ODC League Areas of Focus (Roundtables) • Voter Services and Protection • Access to voting • Information about candidates and issues • Voter registration outreach • Legal action as necessary • Education • Health Care: • ACA open enrollment #2 • Insurance 101 • Medicaid Expansion: Close the Gap! • Environment (water quality)

  14. ODC League Partners • Elections and Voting: • Democracy NC • NC Center for Voter Education • Operation Jumpstart • Health Care: • NC Justice Center • Planned Parenthood • Environment: • NC Conservation Network • Women’s Issues: • NC Women United • Mom’s Rising

  15. Upcoming Events • Chatham organizing meeting • Voter registration events: • Durham Centerfest Sept. 20-21 • National VR Day: Carrboro Arts Center Sept 23 • Festifall: CH Oct 5 • UNC Telethon: November • Holiday Lunch: Dec • November- April Program Lunches • May 2015- Annual Meeting

  16. The League of Women Voters(in summary) • A non partisan political organization that advocates for issues but does not take positions on candidates or parties • Leagues influence public policy through education and advocacy • ‘Making Democracy Work’ by fostering active civic engagement and enhancing access to the vote • Founded in 1920 through women’s suffragette movement leading to passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution • Chapters nationwide with 15 in NC

  17. This is Your League! ‘The more time and talent you are willing to invest, the more you will gain from being a member. Be active. Get involved. There is no shortage of opportunities!’

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