Resolution Regarding Setting of LWVUS Action Priorities

Whereas neither the LWVUS Bylaws Article XII Sec. 2. on Program, nor current LWVUS practice, provide for any method for members to give input to setting action priorities,

Be it resolved that:

LWVUS shall formulate proposed action priorities, with rationale and pros and cons, which shall be sent to the presidents of state Leagues and ILOs at least one month prior to the convention.

At convention the LWVUS Board shall present its recommendations for action priorities.  Convention delegates may propose additions, deletions and modifications to LWVUS proposed action priorities.

The convention shall adopt action priorities for the biennium by majority vote on each item presented to it.

If circumstances emerge requiring a change in action priorities, LWVUS will notify state Leagues and ILOs of the reasons for the change in priorities as soon as reasonably possible.

Rationale: As stated in current LWVUS bylaws, program includes action, but no method of members giving input and setting priorities is identified. This resolution sets forth a process for informing Leagues of LWVUS-recommended action priorities, for allowing input from delegates on proposed action priorities, for giving delegates a voice in adopting priorities, and for promoting member understanding of the reasons for necessary changes to the adopted priorities.

Pros:

--allows delegates to have input into LWVUS action priorities

--increases transparency in the advocacy process

--will generate more commitment to action by grassroots when they have a say in the priorities

--recognizes that members have knowledge and expertise which should be harnessed when selecting priorities

-- legislative proposals frequently take many years to pass allowing LWVUS the ability to forecast areas of action

--promotes member understanding of reasons why priorities occasionally must be modified

Cons:

--may limit flexibility necessary to respond to legislative issues

Proposed by LWVCT delegates 5/15/08

Resolution Regarding Council 2009

Whereas no procedure for submitting resolutions exists in the LWVUS bylaws,

Therefore be it resolved that:

A resolution procedure shall be proposed and adopted at the 2009 Council to be used as a Convention rule at the 2010 Convention.

Rationale: The current proposed Rule 10.1 of Convention Rules does not create a permanent procedure.  This creates uncertainty because each convention theoretically could have a new rule governing resolutions.

Pro:

-- Promotes thoughtful deliberation a year in advance

-- Eliminates uncertainty regarding requirements for resolutions

-- Is an incremental step toward codifying a new procedure

Con:

-- The procedure is untested.

Proposed by LWVCT delegates 5/15/08

Resolution To Enable State-Level Leagues to Lobby Their Own Delegations

Whereas Leagues may act on national program only in conformity with positions adopted by the LWVUS

Be it resolved:

That state-level Leagues may lobby their own U.S. delegations on issues of importance to their state and members without approval of the LWVUS Board provided their advocacy is consistent with existing positions and that they inform the LWVUS  Board of their action.

Rationale: This resolution would allow state-level Leagues, including Leagues such as those in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., to lobby their own U.S. Congressional delegations on LWVUS positions.  LWVUS has limited time and resources and, therefore, must focus its advocacy efforts on a few selected issues.  However, legislation proposed at the national level is wide-ranging and diverse — not limited to only a few issues.  This proposal will enable state League leaders to advocate on issues of importance to their states.

Pros:

-- enables state leagues to take action on proposals of importance to their states

-- limits to approximately 50 entities

-- advances LWV public policy goals beyond the handful of issues that LWVUS is able to work on

-- augments the League “presence” at the national level

Cons:

-- League positions are broadly stated which allows for potentially divergent interpretation of the positions.

Proposed by LWVCT delegates. 5/15/08

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