How We Take Action

League action is often thought of as "Action Alerts" from the National League of Women Voters or "Calls to Action" from the State League, but our League work in Monterey and San Benito Counties is also action. For instance, members of the League of Women Voters of Monterey County also take action when we:

• Testify before a local governing body.
• Express League opinions on radio or TV or in the printed press.
• Participate in or hold a town hall meeting on a timely local issue.
• Talk to a friend about League positions.

The League acts both on current program positions and on principles. How we act -- the process used both in making action decisions and in taking action -- is what makes the League unique. Action that is based on decisions of informed members and that involves these members is what sets the League apart from other organizations. And the fact that we are members not only of our local League, but also of the League of Women Voters of California and the League of Women Voters of the United States makes us a powerful constituency when the League acts in concert.

Since its inception, the League has worked for change, taking action as an essential follow-up to study and consensus on issues. The Board of Directors approves action on local issues. Action on California and National issues is at the request of, or with the consent of, those levels of the League. There are really two types of action:

• Official Action is action taken in the name of the League by the President or her/his authorized representatives and approved by the appropriate League Board. It is confined to League positions. When taking official action, the League speaks with one voice, the voice of a substantial majority, as expressed in consensus.

• Member Action. The role of the member in action is vital. Each member is urged to stay informed and to take action as an individual in support of League positions. Action may be letters, phone calls, or personal contacts with elected or appointed government officials and their staffs. At times, members will be asked to respond to an official League Call-To-Action, often on specific legislation. Members are also urged to attend public hearings and legislative sessions, especially those at which League testimony is being given in order to demonstrate support for the League.