1. League of Women Voters: 101
Presented by:
The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties 1

2. Agenda LWV NC Overview of the League ODC League: Who’s Who?
History
Organization
Operations
Finance
League Principals
LWV NC
ODC League: Who’s Who?
ODC Areas of Focus
Partners
Upcoming Events

3. What is the League?
The League is a national non partisan political organization
Doesn’t support or oppose candidates or parties
League is an ‘ action group’
Promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in gov’t
Influences public policy through advocacy and education
Members are urged to be involved in the political process
The League helps ‘Make Democracy Work’

4. League Goals Strong vibrant and growing organization
Have a powerful and visible image in community
Influence public policy thru Advocacy
Educate public on issues of interest
Support voting and fair elections

5. 1920 League

6. History of the League
Organized in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt before the 19th Amendment was ratified
Goal to educate newly enfranchised women become politically educated/responsible voters
800 Leagues in every state and DC, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
130,000 members and supporters nationally

7. LWV North Carolina NC League first formed in 1920
1930 had 4 league chapters
Final state League formed in 1951
Currently 15 Leagues and 3 Members at Large (MAL) units
900+ members statewide
167 ODC members
State Board of Directors oversees NC League organization

8. How is the League Organized?
Parallels US representative gov’t (local, state and federal)
Members determine policies and Program at all levels
Presidents speak for the local Leagues
Each League has an elected BOD
Local Program setting meeting is the Annual (Business) Meeting
officers are elected
dues and budgets are set
bylaws are amended
adopt our Program for the year
Next Annual Meeting May, 2015

9. All League members can attend these events/ only delegates can vote
Organization (con’t)
Decisions are made at the state or national biennial Convention
Delegates represent their local or state Leagues proportional to membership
NC’s next Convention is June 5-7 in Durham
Alternate years meetings are called ‘Councils of Leaders’
Two delegates from each local League or state attend
All League members can attend these events/ only delegates can vote

10. How the League Operates
Action Group
Identifies issues for action only after careful study and when members agree (consensus vs majority vote)
Advocacy agenda is called ‘Program’
Must inspire member interest and commitment
Can League be effective and make a difference?
Would our efforts be duplicative of another organization
Is underwriting required?
Are there other organizations/partners who have asked for our assistance?
Move to study or action once program items are selected

11. How is the League Financed?
Member Dues
kept low so affordable (currently $55 per yr)
portion goes to state and national
Fundraising to support program activities is essential
National, state and local Leagues all raise funds

12. ODC Board President: Brenda Rogers VP: Janet Hoy
Secretary: Ruth Ann Groh
Treasurer: Susan Marston
Director: Krishna Mondal: Voter Protection and Education
Director: Linda Borkowski: Membership
Director: Erin Barbato: : Webmaster and Social Media:
Director: Marna Doucette: Program
Can appoint add’l members as needed

13. ODC League Areas of Focus (Roundtables)
Voter Services and Protection
Access to voting
Information about candidates and issues
Voter registration outreach
Legal action as necessary
Education
Health Care:
ACA open enrollment #2
Insurance 101
Medicaid Expansion: Close the Gap!
Environment (water quality)

14. ODC League Partners Elections and Voting: Democracy NC
NC Center for Voter Education
Operation Jumpstart
Health Care:
NC Justice Center
Planned Parenthood
Environment:
NC Conservation Network
Women’s Issues:
NC Women United
Mom’s Rising

15. Upcoming Events Chatham organizing meeting UNC Telethon: November
Voter registration events:
Durham Centerfest Sept
National VR Day: Carrboro Arts Center Sept 23
Festifall: CH Oct 5
UNC Telethon: November
Holiday Lunch: Dec
November- April Program Lunches
May Annual Meeting

16. The League of Women Voters (in summary)
A non partisan political organization that advocates for issues but does not take positions on candidates or parties
Leagues influence public policy through education and advocacy
‘Making Democracy Work’ by fostering active civic engagement and enhancing access to the vote
Founded in 1920 through women’s suffragette movement leading to passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution
Chapters nationwide with 15 in NC

17. This is Your League! Be active. Get involved.
‘The more time and talent you are willing to invest, the more you will gain from being a member.
Be active.
Get involved.
There is no shortage of opportunities!’