LWVMA
The positions that LWVMA supports are summarized in the document Where We Stand.
Where We Stand is the collection of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts positions, with a brief history and summary of action taken under each position. The dates after each position refer to the years in which the positions were adopted. More details about the League process may be found in the background section of each program item.
LWVUS
Impact on Issues includes the official LWVUS statements of position for each program area, briefly traces significant past actions and achievements, and indicates links among positions. The LWVUS public policy positions reflect the program adopted by the most recent convention of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Impact on Issues is updated following each biennial convention.
View the on-line edition of Impact on Issues 2022-2024.
Adopting a Position
The League’s program consists of those governmental issues that the League has chosen for concerted study and action at the national, state or local level. Steps in adopting a position are:
- Formal adoption (by members at an annual meeting or by state/national convention delegates) of an issue for study.
- Member study and agreement on broad concepts.
- Formulation of a position by the appropriate board of directors.
- Action as directed by the board of directors.
- Annual or biennial re-adoption of the position.
Local League Action on State and National Issues
Local Leagues are encouraged to apply the positions from both documents to local or regional issues. It is the responsibility of the local League board to determine whether member understanding and agreement exist, and whether the action makes sense in terms of timing, need and effectiveness. Before taking action on regional issues a local League must consult with other Leagues that might be affected.
Local Leagues should consult with LWVMA or LWVUS, as appropriate, if they have questions about the applicability of positions to local or regional issues. Local Leagues which wish to advocate for or against a bill filed in the state legislature that affects only one city or town should work with the Legislative Action Committee to determine relevant positions. Here is the LAC policy on local League action on such municipality-specific bills.