Program
“Program” is the League’s term that encompasses identifying and studying issues, developing policy positions, deciding advocacy priorities, and taking action.
Program planning
Each year League members meet to decide advocacy priorities for the year and to review policy positions for needed updates. The consensus of members is noted and used for adopting advocacy priorities at national and state conventions and at local annual meetings.
How League policy positions are developed & adopted
In order to be able to advocate and take action on an issue, the League must first have a policy position that is developed through study and adopted by the processes of “consensus” or “concurrence.”
If existing positions are lacking or deficient for an issue of interest, League members can vote to undertake a formal study. An appointed study committee prepares research reports and a set of questions, known as consensus questions, for defining positions. All members have the opportunity to review study materials, consider the consensus questions, and provide input, usually at a consensus meeting. Consensus, defined as agreement by a substantial majority, will determine if a new position is adopted or if changes to an existing position are made.
Positions, that have been already researched and adopted by another local or state League, can be adopted by “concurrence” without further study.
Detailed guidelines for the study process, consensus, and concurrence can be found on the LWVUS website: