LWVSA Program of Work Planning Steps

Please keep in mind that the campaign for Making Democracy Work® adopted at the 2020 national Convention is the overarching goal of League work across the country. We will consider ideas and actions that will make a difference in our local and statewide communities, with a consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion. And importantly, it is important to remember that proposals will be carried out by volunteers!

Please give the listed items below consideration before coming to the Program of Work Planning Meeting on Jan. 12.

1. To begin the process, it is important to be familiar with current local and state positions. Check out these links.

• LWVSA Positions are here: https://my.lwv.org/washington/spokane-area/positions (this document also includes Positions in Brief for both LWVWA and LWVUS).
• Complete LWVWA positions are available in the entire Program in Action 2019-2021 - https://lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/Program%20In%20Action%202019-20.pdf

 2.   If League doesn’t already have a position, before you try to describe the issue, ask yourself whether there is a government solution to the problem and whether there is enough time to do a study and then act to influence the resolution of the problem.

3.  Consider these suggestions ---A good way to determine a state or local issue for study you would be willing to work on is to ask yourself, “What are my community’s interests?” Here are some suggestions to consider as you select an issue for League work.

• Consider which issues hold such vital concern to our members, our local communities and our state that they demand attention now.
• Consider issues where the League’s special expertise or perspective would be valuable.
• Consider issues that can more likely result in positive changes when informed citizens work on them.
• Consider issues where the League has opportunities to collaborate with other individuals and groups.
• Consider that League members are motivated to work on an issue that has a measurable impact on our communities and/or our state; issues where there is a way to evaluate the results.

4.   Come to the Program Planning meeting with your ideas ---

• Be ready to suggest items --- Name the Issue and specify what role the issue should take: Action Effort, Citizen Education, Update, or Study.  See Glossary terms below.

5.   To Propose a new item, provide these details:

• The TITLE identifies the proposed Program of Work item.
• The SCOPE explains whether it is an Action Effort, Citizen Education, an Update on an issue previously studied, or a New Study/Concurrence. The SCOPE should outline the direction of the work and include the important components.  One paragraph is usually long enough.
• The OUTLOOK for work should help members determine whether the item is practical and manageable.  
• Please include:
• The expected length of time needed for completion
• Possible sources of information
• Role of local Leagues
• Names of five members willing to work on the project and their contact information
• The anticipated expected expense for the Program of Work plan

 GLOSSARY OF TERMS (League Lingo)