League of Women Voters advocacy is based on stated positions on issues; those positions, at the national, state and local levels, are developed through member study and consensus. 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. We also use national League positions found in Impact on Issues.
League advocacy actions include, but are not limited to, providing information to League members and to the public, building public opinion, and supporting or opposing legislation. Methods to do this can include lobbying, testifying at public hearings, using public forums and the media, panel discussions, League publications, and communication with public officials.
LWVMA’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC) is our lobbying arm and is composed of specialists in specific areas. The specialists review bills and recommend to the LWVMA board which bills to support or oppose. The specialists also testify before legislative committees, urge member support of legislation, and work with other organizations in coalitions to pass certain bills. The LAC holds a Day on the Hill lobby day every session to provide an opportunity for all League members to speak with their legislators. Interested in becoming a legislative specialist on the LAC? Click here for a job description.
LWVMA also advocates for its priorities by participating in rallies, hosting educational forums on issues, writing letters to the editor, and many other initatives to raise public awareness of issues we consider critical to the strength of our democracy and the well-being of our Commonwealth.
For more information about our advocacy efforts, contact Jen Muroff.
