2. Welcome to the League! ….or what have I gotten myself into?

3. The League of Women Voters is the organization where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement.

4. You will: Understand the structure of the League as a grassroots organization Speak confidently on why the League is the most trusted organization in America. Share your enthusiasm!

5. Structure of the League Nonpartisanship

6. League of Women Voters of the United States (855 State and Local Leagues) Grassroots Structure of the League of Women Voters State Leagues Local Leagues (LWVSC is one of 50 State Leagues) (LWV ___ is one of 11 local Leagues in SC) The League’s positions and decisions flow from local Leagues to the State and National.

7. What Does the League Do? PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVOCACY VOTERS SERVICE ISSUE FORUMS YOUTH INITIATIVES Voters Guides Debates Registration Voter Registration Fair Judiciary Project Leadership Training Study of Public Policy Issues Teaching Advocacy Lobbying E-Mail Phone Calls Letters Visits

8. Nonpartisan and Political The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN AND BE ACTIVE IN POLITICAL PARTIES The League takes action on governmental issues after careful study and substantial agreement by members.

9. Where Do League Positions Come From? Leagues study issues Local level - selected at annual meetings State level – selected at LWVSC’s biennial Convention National level – selected at LWVUS’s biennial Convention

10. Consensus = Member Agreement It is not a vote. It is a process for finding a position that most members can agree with.

11. How is Consensus Reached? Study committee is formed. 1. Researches topic 2. Presents findings to members 3. Formulates consensus questions Leagues submit consensus responses to the appropriate level of League …local boards …state boards...national boards LEAGUE FORMS A POSITION ON THE ISSUE FROM CONSENSUS REPORTS

12. How Does the League Do Advocacy? Public Advocacy 1. Press releases 2. Letters to the Editor 3. Public Meetings to educate voters Email Alerts You can sign up at lwvsc.org and lwv.org

13. Lobbying Efforts 1. Visiting elected officials at their offices in the district or at Statehouse 2. Talking with legislators at other venues. ( i.e. legislative breakfasts) 1. Writing, emailing or phoning a legislator

14. How does the League Help Voters to Participate in Government? CANDIDATES’ FORUMS

15. VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES

16. ADVOCACY FOR VOTERS We advocate for accessibility and for election processes that encourage fullest participation in the electoral process. ADVOCACY FOR TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT We support the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) FORUMS ON PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

17. Summary Questions. REVIEW