Advocacy

Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has been an activist grassroots organization whose leaders believed that people should play a critical role in democracy.

The League was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

Throughout the years, the League has continued its dual purposes of education and advocacy, engaging in studies on representative government, international relations, natural resources and social policy.

Advocacy issues are separated into three categories:
government, natural resources and social policy.

All LWV action is based on program or positions arrived at by consensus or concurrence among the membership.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan (LWVMI) takes action when it is necessary to contact state officials – the governor, members of the Michigan House of Representatives or Senate or directors of state departments.

Also, local Leagues may ask LWVMI to take action at the state level by submitting a support/oppose form found on the LWVMI website: https://lwvmi.org/lwvmi-positions/.

“Impact on Issues” is a publication designed to help League members use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the national, state, local and regional levels. The intention is to inspire Leagues to use national positions to act in their own communities.

“Impact on Issues” has been organized so that “Taking Action” is front and center, followed by the "League Principles." Then, for quick reference, the LWVUS public policy, “Positions in Brief,” summarizes the more detailed positions in the sections that follow.

For each of the major issue areas, the listing gives the full official statements of positions in bold type. The history sections provide background for each position and trace significant actions and achievements.

Click here to find "Impact on Issues."