League of Women Voters of the
Lewis-Clark Valley
P.O. Box 178
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
You as a Member May...
- Elect officers and directors
- Attend unit meetings
- Volunteer for resource committees
- Participate in program selection on all League levels
- Help make the voice of the League heard
The Member: The League structure is designed to give members every chance to voice their views. Because League is a grassroots organization, every member is encouraged to become a member of study or action committee. This is the key to League success.
The Program: The League's program consists of governmental issues chosen by the members for concerted study and action. At program-making meetings the members discuss their ideas for local, state and national program. The proposals are submitted to the Board. Individual members may also submit proposals. The Board considers all proposals and then presents a recommended program for consideration at the annual meeting or convention. Final decision on state and national program is made by delegates to respective biennial conventions. The recommended program requires a majority vote for adoption. A non-recommended item may also be placed before the delegates; it usually requires a larger vote for adoption.
Criteria which must be considered when selecting a program...
...The issue must be one on which government action is needed.
...The issue must fall within the Principles of the League.Board of Directors: At each level of the League, Boards are elected by the membership to manage the activities of the League. There are usually five elected officers: President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer. The remainder of the Board (depending on the size of the League) is composed of a number of elected and appointed directors.
Study Committees: Established to study a public issue of League concern, a study committee researches, clarifies and develops a focus for League consideration. It then becomes a resource committee with responsibility to present facts to the members. In small Leagues the material is presented directly to the membership. In large Leagues where there are several units, the material is presented at a briefing session which is attended by a representative from each unit. They in turn present the material to the members of their unit.
Other Committees: There are also committees for other categories of League work (Voters Service, Membership, Budget, etc.). These committees carry out the balance of the League's work.
Observer Corps: The League maintains observers at meetings of various local, regional, state and national governmental bodies. Observers do not speak for the League but attend these meetings to listen, learn and to make factual reports of the proceedings. The League's reputation as civic monitor has been earned by the Observer Corps of the local Leagues.
Public Relations: Voter Service and results of League studies and League action are conveyed to the public via the printed and electronic media. Press conferences, public service announcements and programs on radio/television, education material in the form of brochures and pamphlets, statements given to governmental bodies, speakers bureaus- and beyond this, the members' enthusiasm as they build community respect for League opinion; meeting friends, fellow employees, potential contributors- all are a part of the plans and techniques to promote the League's purpose.
Publications: The League has a large and growing list of educational publications on local, state and national issues. Highly respected, League publications are the result of through research. Publications catalogs provide complete information on available materials including films, tapes and slide shows.
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