How the League of Women Voters Makes an Impact
The League of Women Voters empowers voters and strengthens democracy through these core activities.
Voter Service and Citizen Education
The League provides unbiased, non-partisan information about elections, the voting process, government, and public policy issues.
Advocacy and Action
The League takes action on issues only after studying them and determining the will of its members through consensus. While advocacy may include taking positions on policies, the League never supports or opposes political parties or candidates.
While the League’s action and advocacy efforts are conducted through its 501(c)(4) membership organization, LWVCC’s voter service and citizen education activities can be funded by the LWVCC Education Fund and the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts Scharfman Education Fund. Both are nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organizations.
All LWVCC members are also members of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and the League of Women Voters of the United States.
By-laws and Policies
By-Laws
The League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle (LWVCC) is governed by its By-Laws adopted May 20, 1947, and most recently amended in June 2023.
Non-Partisan Policy
In accordance with its Non-Partisan Policy, LWVCC does not support or oppose any political party or candidate — a principle that is essential to the effectiveness of its voter service and citizen education efforts, and that provides a strong foundation for its work on issues.
LWVCC's Policy on Candidate Forums and Debates extends the principles of the Nonpartisan Policy to guide these opportunities to promote interest in the election, provide a fair forum for candidates, prepare voters to cast informed ballots, and give voters an opportunity to judge candidates' character and relevant knowledge and skills, and document candidates' statements on their positions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well. Learn more about the League’s DEI policies on the LWVMA website.
Who Speaks for the League
Official statements on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle may only be made by the designated Spokesperson or the Communications Chair, as authorized by the Board. This ensures that all public positions, advocacy efforts, and communications reflect the League’s established policies and the consensus of its leadership.
The League’s voice is expressed through its Board and Committees in accordance with its mission and nonpartisan principles. Committee Chairs may speak publicly on behalf of their committees, provided that their statements reflect official League positions and the Board is kept informed of planned communications.
