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National Popular Vote Compact Leader's Guide

Be a Part of History
Grassroots agreement on positions is one of the League's greatest strengths. Preparing for and taking consensus is hard work, but worthwhile. The resulting position will allow the organization to educate the public and affect national policy for years to come, just as we have been doing in other areas for 88 years – it is part of the organization's history.

LWVUS National Popular Vote (NPV) Compact Study Committee
Gail Dryden (CA)
Barbara Klein (AZ)
Sue Lederman (NJ)
Carol Mellor (NY)
Jack Sullivan (CA)
Chair, LWVUS Board Member Carolie Mullan (TX)

Scope of the Study
As a result of action taken by delegates at LWVUS Convention 2008, the committee was charged to:

"Study the advisability of using the National Popular Vote Compact among the states as a method for electing the President."

Consensus Timeline
September 2008 to April 30, 2009 – Local Leagues and ILO's take consensus
May 1, 2009 – Deadline for the LWVUS to receive consensus response forms
May 1, 2009 – June 1, 2009 – NPV Compact Study Committee determines consensus and formulates position
June 11, 2009 – LWVUS Board adopts the position at board meeting associated with Council 2009

Educating Members
Local Leagues should use the LWVUS NPV Compact Study Committee materials to help members learn about the issues and also help educate the public. A study is always a good opportunity to attract potential members and obtain visibility for the League. The materials listed below are all available on the LWVUS Web site (http://www.lwv.org/NPV); they should be copied and printed for distribution as needed:

Background Paper
Pros
Cons
Resource List
Text of the NPV Compact
Consensus Questions
Abbreviated, Voter-ready versions of the longer articles listed above (Background paper and Pro and Con papers)

Discussion List
The LWVUS NPV Compact Discussion List has been operating since September 2008. The list, open to all League members, allows participants to share information about resources, ways to effectively educate League members on the NPV Compact issues, the study/consensus process in general, and ideas about preparing for and holding consensus meetings. The discussion list is not a venue for debating issues. Each League should have at least one member on the list to pass on ideas and/or ask questions about the study/consensus process. To subscribe, go to the Web site (https://member.lwv.org/member.asp).

Tips for Taking Consensus
Consensus is the process the League uses to reach member agreement on study issues, and is neither a simple majority nor unanimity; instead it is an overall sense of the group. In other words, consensus results from answers to questions on which members can find common ground and agreement. Group discussion that allows an exchange of ideas and opinions is the preferred way to achieve consensus, but local Leagues and ILO's may also choose to use questionnaires and email polls

Consensus Meeting
Prior to the Consensus Meeting, publicize the availability of NPV Compact Study Committee materials to League members. These materials are all found on the Web site at http://www.lwv.org/NPV. If members are adequately prepared prior to the Consensus Meeting, a two-hour meeting can allow sufficient time to fully discuss the seven Consensus Questions and come to agreement

Select a consensus meeting date, time and place that will encourage attendance - a member's home or a private room in a public facility. The location should be one where members will be comfortable discussing the issues. Make it fun – how about wine and cheese or a potluck meal? Although non-members may attend consensus meetings as observers or visitors, only League members may participate in the consensus process. A local League's consensus on a national issue does not constitute a final LWVUS position and should not be publicized.  

Moderator
Recruit the best possible moderator in your League for your consensus meeting. The moderator does not necessarily need expertise on NPV Compact issues, but should be as objective as possible about the subject. The moderator communicates discussion norms (see "Discussion Skills" section below), keeps the discussion focused, gives everyone the opportunity to speak and recognizes member agreement, while adhering to a predetermined schedule (the time available divided by the number of questions).

Member Experts
Ask several League members to become experts on background information for the consensus question. They will be able to provide factual answers for assigned questions as needed. Make multiple copies of background materials available at the consensus meeting.

Recorder
Appoint a League member to record participants' responses and to take notes as a basis for comments, if needed. Comments are limited to a total of 150 words. The Recorder, or another designated member, will post the local League's responses electronically on the Response Form on the LWVUS Web site.

Discussion Skills
Publicize a list of good discussion skills or norms in a Voter article, reminding members that not everyone will have the same opinions. The point is to find a way in which members can find common ground. Suggested norms include:

• Listen thoughtfully.
• Keep an open mind.
• Do not interrupt.
• Speak in turn.
• Keep comments short - do not monopolize the discussion.
• Differ with dignity – no personal attacks.
• Stay focused – no digressions.
• No sidebar conversations.