Our Work

Our Work

When Does the League Advocate?

The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause.

Positions result from a process of study. Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.

It is the consensus statement -- the statement resulting from the consensus questions -- that becomes a position. Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.

Learn about the League's positions at the City, State, County, and National Levels.

Summary of Local Action

The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles currently is active in the following areas:

  • Changes to Retirement Benefits for the Employees of the City of Los Angeles
    The cost of pension obligations is a major driver for the ongoing structural deficit that the faces the City of Los Angeles. Efforts to deal with this deficit have resulted in a significant reduction in city services. The League supports raising the retirement age, reducing the rate of accumulation of benefits, and more cost-sharing between the City and its employees. Find out what we advocate and how to take action. Read the  PDF icon LWVLA Study on Retirement Benefits for Los Angeles City Employees

  • Carbon Reduction and Climate Change
    The LWV of Los Angeles strives to raise community awareness about climate change and advocates actions by local agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Join the CRaCC committee which meets monthly to discuss strategy and promote initiatives to address climate change locally. Click here for more information or email Margie Engel at green [at] LWVlosangeles.org. Read how you personally can take action against global warming, and how you can join others to take action. Read LWVLA's letter to Mayor Eric Garcetti: PDF icon 2014-2-5-lwvla-letter_to_mayor_on_climate_change.pdf

  • Ranked Choice Voting
    The League supports ranked choice/instant runoff voting in municipal elections. Read the League's letter to the Ethics Commission urging its support for IRV.

  • Campaign Finance Reform
    The League supports measures before the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission to use City matching funds to reward a broader base of campaign donations. Read PDF icon LWVLA's Letter to the Ethics Commission, May 30, 2012<br><br>

  • Los Angeles City Zoning
    The League has opposed the proposed Community Care Facilities Ordinance. If passed, this ordinance would restrict or eliminate many shared living arrangements, potentially forcing many vulnerable Angelenos into homelessness. Read our letter to Council members: PDF icon LWVLA Letter on Community Care Facilities Ordinance. For more information on the ordinance, visit the Stop CCFO website. The CCFO has been referred to committee.

Interested in joining us as an activist? Contact action [at] lwvlosangeles.org

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