Part I – Chapter 4
We work on vital issues of concern to members and the public
Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that people should play a critical role in democracy. Throughout the years, the League has continued its dual purposes of education and advocacy, engaging in studies on representative government, international relations, natural resources, and social policy.
Our Principles
Our work on issues adheres to our core principles, the “concepts of government” to which the League subscribes. The principles authorize the adoption for national, state and local action. Any action on the principles must be taken in conjunction with current League positions to which they apply and on which member agreement and understanding are known to exist. These principles and league public policy position statements then come together as our “Program for Action.”
The Principles are rather broad when standing alone, so it is necessary to exercise caution when considering using them as a basis for action.
LWV believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
LWV believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.
LWV believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.
LWV believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
LWV believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation; promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest; share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare; promote a sound economy; and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
LWV believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
Our Program for Action
The Program For Action is the implementation of LWV Principles and public policy position statements. Some positions are adopted at the national level by LWV US. Others are adopted by LWV Minnesota. The public policy position statements serve as the basis for the national, state and local Leagues to take action. A League typically may not take action unless there is a position that has been formally adopted that supports the action. Position statements are usually adopted at Convention after lengthy study and consensus by League members; sometimes they are adopted by concurrence with another League’s position.
National action to the federal government or a member of Congress is directed by, or must be authorized by, LWV US. Action concerning the state government, including the Governor, a state agency, or the state legislature, must be authorized by LWV Minnesota. Local LWVs may only take action on federal or state advocacy only when authorized by LWV US or LWV Minnesota. If you have questions about how action is authorized, or would like to seek authorization for an action, please contact LWV Minnesota at info@lwvmn.org.
For more detailed information on our positions and priorities:
https://www.lwvmn.org/our-positions
LWV Minnesota’s Program for Action:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkMc-POVWXVKUkWSqj7pKFJoY19ccu6U/view
LWV Minnesota’s Summary of Select Positions:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EzXIi0WKaw-40x9bCb_nJKJHW5jUMZfL/view
LWV United States’ Impact on Issues:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TxqdkQAWc6lwlNM3s9S92kiBAksnQjiJ/view