Guide to LWVUS Services for Leagues

About Us 

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) staff works to promote the League’s mission and work at the national level, and to support over 750 state and local Leagues in their work on League priority issues within the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®, within the Women Power Democracy programmatic focus. Women Power Democracy comprises a four-pronged approach to tackle systemic challenges to voting rights through advocacy, litigation, and organizing. Those four areas are: 1. Democracy Defense Fund, 2. Expand the Franchise; 3. Democracy Truth Project; and 4. People Powered Fair Maps. LWVUS also works on a profile of urgent issue areas including climate change, criminal justice system reform, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), health care reform, and immigration.

The intended purpose of this document is to serve as a guide of the services LWVUS provides for local and state Leagues and to capture and demonstrate the work LWVUS does at the national level. This document also serves as a directory of how to contact LWVUS on various topics and questions.

This is a living document that will undergo updates and additions as it evolves.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

• Advocacy
• Litigation
• VOTE411
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Membership & Organizational Management
• Brand & Image Assets
• Digital Communications
• Press
• Organizing
• Grants
• People Powered Fair Maps
• Finance & Fundraising
• Information Exchange
• National Meetings
• What We Can’t Assist With 

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What we do at the national office

LWVUS Staff are dedicated professionals in Washington, DC, and around the country. We are committed to advancing the organization’s priorities through advocacy, development, communications and messaging, organizing, executive administration, and more. Meet the LWVUS leadership and staff.

How we support state and local Leagues

LWVUS staff can support state and local Leagues in the following areas: 

Advocacy 

The League performs advocacy work through the Democracy Defense Fund arm of Women Power Democracy: Protecting voting rights and advancing a more equitable democracy through advocacy and voter protection efforts. The League also advocates on social justice issues because systemic inequities prohibit people from participating equally in our democracy.

Federal Advocacy

State and local Leagues that would like to take action at the federal level, other than through an LWVUS Action Alert, must complete the Federal Action Form on the League Management Site to connect with LWVUS staff and ensure that the League is speaking with one united voice. The LWVUS board and staff set the legislative priorities at the federal level and national staff can work with state Leagues in establishing or updating their advocacy and lobbying plans. Leagues can also connect with the national advocacy team at [email protected].

LWVUS Lobby Corps

In addition to professional staff, the LWVUS Lobby Corps plays a key role in promoting League issues and conducting direct lobbying around LWVUS positions to members of US Congress. The LWVUS Lobby Corps is made up of League volunteers from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area and often includes partnerships with state Leagues that offer constituency or expertise for key Capitol Hill meetings. The work of LWVUS Lobby Corps members increases the influence that the League has on the Hill and helps further our engagement with Congress on issues that matter most to our work. LWVUS Lobby Corps will follow up with state League presidents regarding their visits to facilitate the sharing of information across all levels of the League. Note, you can check with your state League to see if they have a state-level Lobby Corps that works on state-level positions.

State Advocacy

On priority issues within the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®, as well as urgent issue areas, LWVUS and LWV Education Fund (LWVEF) provide a wide variety of support to state Leagues, including toolkits & guides, strategic guidance and training, communications resources, and, when possible, pass-through grant funding (see below). The goal of these tools is to help state and local Leagues identify the most relevant and useful resources for high-priority advocacy topics, including voting rights, improving elections, redistricting and census, and money in politics. LWVUS staff can also offer limited support around urgent issues related to climate change, criminal justice reform (e.g., gun safety), the electoral college, the Equal Rights Amendment, health care reform, and immigration. Many of the resources are formatted for printing and aimed at helping Leagues educate and activate the public using unified messaging. State Leagues can connect with the national office on state advocacy issues at [email protected].

Clearinghouse

The League of Women Voters Education Fund Clearinghouse contains studies and research conducted by League members across the country. The purpose of the site is to share League study documents among state and local Leagues and with the public. LWVUS does not maintain the Clearinghouse site, but LWVUS does endorse it as a resource for Leagues. The site is maintained by a group of League member volunteers.

Litigation

The League’s litigation is part of the Democracy Defense Fund arm of Women Power Democracy: protecting voting rights and advancing a more equitable democracy through legal advocacy. The League's legal work centers on issues relating to the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®, as well as emerging issues including reproductive justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, immigration, the Equal Rights Amendment, Statehood for DC, and more.

Guidance for Leagues considering litigation can be found here, and this includes questions to consider as Leagues contemplate taking legal action.

For additional information about what to expect when engaging in litigation, see this guide.

For details about the League's legal work, see the LWV Legal Center.

As always, the LWVUS litigation team is available to answer questions. For support, please contact [email protected].

Federal Litigation 

Leagues are encouraged to work with their point of contact on the LWVUS Litigation team (or to contact [email protected]) when considering any federal legal action or federal litigation. The LWVUS Litigation team can provide support prior to any action being taken. Under League bylaws, only LWVUS may take action on the federal level. This includes federal legal advocacy or litigation in federal court. Before taking any official action on litigation in federal court (i.e., a court with “US” in the name), including signing a retainer or filing a complaint, please complete the Federal Action Request Form to seek approval from LWVUS. LWVUS will respond to the request within 48 hours.

The Federal Action Request Form will ask for the following information:

• The proposed legal action or litigation;
• The LWVUS position underlying the basis for action (found in Impact on Issues);
• Name(s) of partners, including potential legal counsel;
• Court where the case would be filed or entity where legal action is directed;
• Deadline for confirming participation and basis for the deadline.

Once federal legal action or federal litigation is approved by LWVUS, the LWVUS Litigation team will support your League throughout your matter. LWVUS will also provide communications support in coordination with your legal counsel. See below.

Special Note Regarding State Litigation

LWVUS approval is not required for litigation in state court. Nevertheless, Leagues are asked to take the following actions related to legal action filed in state court to ensure effective coordination and promotion of the League’s work around the country:

1. Alert the LWVUS Litigation team (via your contact or [email protected]) ahead of any new legal action in state court. LWVUS will ensure your case will be added to the LWVUS Legal Center and can promote the case, as capacity allows.
2. Send the LWVUS Litigation team important filings or updates (or ask your legal counsel to do so) to help us keep the LWVUS Legal Center up to date.
3. Reach out to the LWVUS Litigation team for support when needed, especially for legal matters arising within the campaign for Making Democracy Work® — voting rights, improving elections, campaign finance/money in politics, and redistricting.

 

Litigation Communications 

The national office is also available to provide communications support to state and local Leagues for filed litigation in federal court and select state court cases. The national communications team will proactively reach out to Leagues filing federal litigation. The LWVUS communications team can provide talking points, writing/revision support for press releases, media contact lists, media training, etc., where the team deems appropriate and useful. Leagues can connect with the national communications team at [email protected].

VOTE411

The League’s VOTE411 work operates inside the Expand the Franchise and Democracy Truth Project prongs of Women Power Democracy.  

Expand the Franchise: Increase voter participation through our VOTE411.org platform and voter registration, education, and mobilization programs, with a focus on underrepresented populations or low-propensity voters. 

Democracy Truth Project: Countering mis- and disinformation and advancing better public understanding of the democratic and electoral process. 

VOTE411.org

LWV Education Fund (LWVEF) manages VOTE411.org, the League’s premier nationwide voter education resource. VOTE411.org serves millions of diverse voters every single year. National staff manage many aspects of VOTE411, including the technical needs, marketing the site, and promoting partnerships with other organizations and media partners.  

The VOTE411.org voters’ guide program enables local and state Leagues to publish information on the candidates and issues in their area on the website. There is a cost-share associated with creating a voters’ guide, though the average cost per voter served ranges from 2 to 5 cents each year! For more information on how your League can create candidate information on the website, contact [email protected]. 

National staff maintains the site’s vast array of state-specific voting information (in partnership with key state and local Leagues) and provides training and technical support to the hundreds of Leagues who use VOTE411 to create voters’ guides across the country. LWVEF also maintains a private listerv for League admins who participate in the voter guide system. If a League member is the admin for the VOTE411 program in their area, they can email [email protected] to subscribe.

VOTE411 Logos and Brand Standards

Logos, colors, and requirements for VOTE411 branding are available for download on the League Management Site. The red and blue VOTE411 logo with raised hands has been retired and should be replaced with the purple speech bubble logo.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

With the League’s mission to empower voters and defend democracy, we commit to equity for all voters and the recognition that democracy is strengthened by the inclusion of all the diverse voices within the community. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not buzzwords; they are commitments to our organizational mission and values. This starts with the organization’s DEI policy, which applies to all levels of the League. Resources are available for individual reflection/learning, for organizational change, and for wider community engagement. If you have questions or success stories for the LWVUS DEI Committee, please contact [email protected].

Membership & Organizational Management

Roster Support

The Roster Manager Portal is used to update your League’s information (membership, officers, location) in the LWVUS database. The membership information provided through the LWVUS Roster Manager Portal is used for a variety of purposes, including helping prospective members find a League and contact League officers, documenting voting rights at Convention, ensuring members get LWVUS e-newsletters, and assessing Per-Member Payment obligations. Important: local League information displayed on LWV.org comes directly from the Roster Management Portal, so if you see inaccurate information on LWV.org, please check to make sure your information is correct in the Roster Management Portal first.  

For technical assistance with the Roster Manager Portal, please email [email protected]. Roster Support requests are generally responded to within two business days but may take longer during peak periods.

For questions about your Per-Member-Payment (PMP) balance please reach out to [email protected].

Organizational Changes

Per the LWVUS Bylaws, the LWVUS Board must approve the formation, merging, and disbandment of League entities, as well as all League name changes and boundary changes. The LWVUS Board votes on organizational changes several times throughout the year. State and local Leagues should send any organizational change requests to the LWVUS Board via the online form below. A guide to forming a local League is available on the League Management Site.

ONLINE FORM: LEAGUE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES

If you have questions about organizational changes, please reach out to your state League first, as it must approve any organizational changes before the LWVUS Board will consider them. For questions about how LWVUS processes organizational changes, please contact [email protected].  

Member-At-Large Units (MALUs)

Rules and procedures for the formation and operation of Member-at-Large units (MALUs) are the responsibility of state Leagues, and members of MALUs are recognized by the LWVUS Board as members of state Leagues. Therefore, organizational changes concerning MALUs do not require LWVUS Board approval and states are not required to report MALU organizational changes to LWVUS. However, if MALUs would like a League ID in the roster portal and/or an LWV logo, they need to fill out an online form for recognition by LWVUS, which will ask if the state League has approved the establishment of the MALU. Leagues can complete the Member At Large Unit Recognition form here. Under "Request Type," select "MALU Recognition."

If you have questions about Member-at-Large units (MALUs), please reach out to your state League first, as rules and procedures for the formation and operation of MALUs are the responsibility of the state League. For questions about how LWVUS processes requests for MALU recognition, please contact [email protected].

50-year Membership Certificate

For members who have reached their 50-year mark, LWV provides a certificate. For more information, email [email protected].

Organizational Emergencies

If your League is facing an emergency related to leadership, governance, inter-member conflict, or in your community, contact [email protected].

Business Cards

The LWVUS communications team has created a template for League business cards to be used for professional printing. While a preview of the card can be viewed on the business card page, the template file is an Adobe Illustrator file, which requires the use of that software to open and edit. This file is intended for use with a professional printing service, who should be able to open and edit the file to add the necessary information for League leaders. LWVUS does not recommend printing business cards on home printers. Additionally, Leagues may order customizable business cards from the LWVUS Merchandise Portal. For questions about business cards and this template, contact [email protected].

Data & Evaluation

LWVUS's evaluation & outcomes department focuses on promoting and creating a culture of effective data use at all levels of League. This means providing guidance to staff and League members on data collection methods (quantitative and qualitative), data collection processes (how to collect data), and how to use data effectively. For questions or more information on evaluation & outcomes, contact the LWVUS evaluations department at [email protected].

Brand and Image Assets  

Brand Standards

The LWVUS communications team is responsible for monitoring the digital presence of the League’s brand across multiple platforms. On an annual basis, staff reviews League websites, social media platforms, and newsletters to ensure brand compliance to protect our trademark. Leagues should regularly review their use of the LWV brand using the Brand Standards outlined on the League Management Site.  

Logos

Current LWV logos are available for download on the League Management Site. The current logo is the open “LWV” with a swoosh. The logo displaying “LWV” inside a blue box has been retired, as has any logo using serif font. Leagues should NOT attempt to build their own logos. Find guidelines for how to use the logo on the League Management Site. Leagues can email the communications team at [email protected] with specific questions. 

• Standard LWV logo. Downloadable standard (not League-specific) LWV logos can be found on the League Management site along with brand standards for their usage.   
• State & local logos. Logos for every state and local League are available for download on the League Management Site. 
• VOTE411 logos and brand standards. Logos, colors, and requirements for VOTE411 branding are available for download on the League Management Site. The red and blue VOTE411 logo with raised hands has been retired and should be replaced with the purple speech bubble logo. 

Photos and Graphics

As a reminder, when including images in League materials, be sure to review each image’s permissions closely before incorporating it. Using photos and graphics in League materials – including social media posts and newsletters – without the appropriate permissions can open up the League to legal action or fees. Even if your League has used photos in the past without permission, you can still be charged thousands of dollars in retroactive licensing fees. Incidents like these are not unique, and all Leagues should make efforts to avoid these types of situations. To help Leagues do so, here are some recommendations from LWVUS:  

1. Use your own images. You always have ownership of the photos you take – you can never go wrong with using something your League has created. You can use our photo release template to get permission from photo subjects. 

2. Use images from the LWVUS Flickr site. All of these images are owned by the League of Women Voters and licensed for use by local and state Leagues.  

3. Use free stock photos from legitimate websites that are licensed for public use. Pay special attention to any requirements on these images. Some images require an image credit back to the website and/or photographer. Here is a list of several of these reputable free image sources.  

4. Review your website for copyright infringement. Follow these steps on the League Management Site to prevent your League from receiving a copyright infringement claim. 

For a full explanation about image use, visit our Image Use Guide on the League Management Site. For questions about image use, email [email protected].

Merchandise Portal

LWVUS has created the LWVUS Merch Portal, where Leagues can bulk order LWV-branded products created by the national office. It’s important to note that LWVUS will not be profiting from this Merch Portal, but we have created this site in order to provide brand consistent products for Leagues nationwide to easily order online. Leagues are not required to use these products and can continue to customize their own items using the official logos and brand standards.

Digital Communications

Social Media

Guidance on how to use social media for League work can be found in the Social Media Toolkit on the League Management Site. This toolkit also includes two introductory webinars explaining how to think about and use social media. Social media graphics and sample posts related to specific topics can also be found on the League Management Site under the Communications tab.

Website

There are various options available for local and state Leagues to use for their website. LWVUS recommends a careful review of multiple options to find a suitable vendor and platform. Leagues may use whatever website host they choose, but we recommend starting with the products and services offered by our Technology Partners.

Technology Partners

LWVUS has built relationships with software, platform, and service providers that have been willing to work with us to integrate content, data, and/or offer special pricing for Leagues to manage their member database and website. Those partners are listed on our Technology Partners page on the League Management Site. Leagues are encouraged to reach out to these partners directly via the contact info on that page to learn more about the services they offer.

Resources

Trainings on various communications and technology topics can be found on the Technology & Communications Webinar series page. While this webinar series was retired in January 2021, the recordings and linked resources remain available.

New Media Facebook Group

LWVUS monitors a closed Facebook group called League of Women Voters New Media Group for League members only to exchange ideas, share graphics, and trade social media communications tips. Members must have a Facebook page in order to join the group. Members can join by visiting the group page, clicking “request to join group,” and answering the questions that appear in their message box asking them which League they belong to. Once a moderator has verified the requester’s League membership, the member will be added to the group.

Press

Many of our press resources are part of Women Power Democracy’s Democracy Truth Project: Countering mis- and disinformation and advancing better public understanding of the democratic and electoral process. 

Earned Media Support

On priority issues within the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®, LWVUS staff can help state Leagues with drafting press releases around major announcements and lawsuits where the Comms team deems appropriate and useful. LWVUS staff can also build media contact lists and coordinate press distribution for state Leagues on priority issue subject matter. Leagues should fill out the Federal Action Form or contact [email protected] to connect with the national office communications team. 

Templates & Talking Points

The LWVUS communications team regularly provides messaging resources via the League Management Site and the League Update email newsletter—including talking points, toolkits, social media materials, downloadable graphics, and press release templates for current events and upcoming priorities. Some of these are specific to a current issue or event, and some are more evergreen and adaptable for many different uses. For questions about templates and tools, contact [email protected].

Press Guides & Tools

The communications team has developed a number of tip sheets and guides to help Leagues with telling their story in the press. Tips for Media Interviews and Tips for Op-eds and Letters to the Editor are great resources for every state and local League president or spokesperson. Specific press release templates can be found in the Talking Points & Templates section of the League Management Site. Helpful trainings on press messaging can also be found on the Technology & Communications Webinars page.

Organizing

Many of our organizing resources and trainings are part of Women Power Democracy’s Democracy Truth Project: Countering mis- and disinformation and advancing better public understanding of the democratic and electoral process. 

Organizing Resources

LWVUS and LWVEF are working to grow and strengthen Leagues, League members, and our ability to lead organizing efforts around key actions and events through trainings, monthly community calls, virtual relational organizing tools, online toolkits, strategic guidance, and one-on-one calls. Recordings of past webinars and organizing tools can be found on the League Management Site. Upcoming training sessions are announced in the League Update newsletter email. 

OutreachCircle

The OutreachCircle digital tool enables an integrated approach to relational organizing that builds relationships between an organization and its supporters as well as between supporters and their networks of family and friends. Your League can acquire this powerful tool, free of cost, with training and ample onboarding support. Find out more about OutreachCircle on the League Management Site.

National Campaign Support

The LWVUS organizing team works directly with League leaders and staff by providing technical assistance in the areas of base building, campaign strategy, relational and campaign organizing, volunteer engagement, leadership development, coalition building, as well as direct support for large actions and signature events. If you would like to increase your organizing capacity, reach the organizing team at [email protected].

Election Priorities Training

LWVUS and LWVEF provide year-round training and sharing of resources on our core election priorities: voter registration, voter education, voter mobilization, and voter protection (see state advocacy section above), and community-based power building through organizing. LWVUS/EF maintains and regularly updates a wide array of resources on these topics, including webinar trainings, training manuals on specific topics, sample voters’ guide questions and debate materials, and more. These resources are shared via the League Update newsletter, through one-on-one support for Leagues, and through other direct channels. These resources are updated with the latest industry best practices, include, whenever possible, available polling and tested messaging, and incorporate feedback from the field to ensure all Leagues are benefiting from the best possible knowledge base.  

Partnership Development

LWVUS and LWVEF participate in a wide variety of coalitions, and we forge and maintain a large number of strategic partners with allied nonprofit organizations, corporations, media entities, and more in order to further our goals and bring opportunities to state and local Leagues. All partnerships are driven with our overall strategic organizational goals in mind. When appropriate, coalition and partnership opportunities are shared with state and local leagues via the League Update newsletter. For help with local partnerships, see our guide for partnerships and nonpartisanship.

Grants

Pass-through Grants

On a limited basis, LWVUS and LWVEF are fortunate to be able to provide state and/or local Leagues with pass-through grant funding to support their work on core Making Democracy Work® and election services issues. Pass-through grant opportunities are announced via the League Update newsletter email. The national office will provide training, toolkits, visibility resources and more as part of the grant process and is available to work directly with grantee Leagues to address any issues throughout the grant period. Leagues with questions about an active grant can contact the main point of contact listed in their grant contract.

People Powered Fair Maps™ (PPFM)

People Powered Fair Maps™ is one prong of work under Women Power Democracy: Leading with advocacy, public education, and organizing to create fair, transparent, people-powered processes and eliminate partisan and racial gerrymandering in states during the redistricting process. 

Work on PPFM will continue as state and local Leagues work to build capacity and awareness for the next round of redistricting following the 2030 Census. Leagues are encouraged to put measures into place that would increase transparency in the redistricting process or build more people centered processes such as establishing independent commissions. For questions about policy analysis or legislative opportunities, please reach out to [email protected]. Additionally, Leagues can use PPFM work to build their base of supporters and questions about base building can be directed to [email protected].

PPFM-branded merchandise and the Census/Redistricting handout are available for bulk purchase on the LWVUS Merch Portal.

Public-facing items for People Powered Fair Maps™ can be found on the PPFM landing page on lwv.org.

Finance & Fundraising

Financial Filings

LWVUS staff responds to requests for assistance with completing IRS requirements, including acquiring an EIN, filing a yearly 990, and offering advice on which activities are allowed based on a League’s IRS tax status. For more information, contact [email protected].

Fundraising Support for Local/State Leagues

LWVUS provides toolkits and templates to help local and state Leagues with their fundraising efforts. Leagues can find information on starting a fundraising program and resources to help local and state Leagues fundraise via individuals, foundations, and through crowdfunding on the League Management site. Resources include fundraising modules with templates and documents to download that can help Leagues get started and expand their fundraising capabilities.

Tax-deductible Donations

LWVEF operates the State and Local Grants Program at no cost to participating Leagues. This program allows state and local Leagues that are not 501c3 to collect tax-deductible donations. These funds are to be used locally to support core LWV mission activities like candidate forums, scholarships, voter registration events, and studies on core and local priorities. Contact Nora Pullen ([email protected]) to learn more.

Estate Plans

LWV welcomes estate and planned gifts. For more information about language for bequests, or questions on planned giving, please visit our Planned Giving Website. Questions can be directed to Cathy Jenkins at [email protected]. The LWVEF Federal Tax ID number is 53-0239013.

Removal from Fundraising List or Donation Questions

To be removed from a fundraising list, including direct mail or email, please contact [email protected]. For a question about a donation, please contact Cathy Jenkins at [email protected].

Information Exchange

League Management Site

LWVUS maintains a section of LWV.org specifically for League members called the League Management Site. Here, League members can find the login to the League’s roster management portal and LWVUS bylaws and policies, as well as curated tools, issue area guidance, governance resources, downloadable graphics, press release templates, and more. The League Management Site can be accessed via the purple button at the bottom of the LWV.org homepage.

League Update Newsletter

LWVUS sends a bi-weekly email newsletter to all state and local League presidents and other interested members. The League Update includes important information about grant opportunities, stories from nationwide Leagues about their work, information about upcoming webinars and trainings LWVUS offers, and surveys for Leagues to give feedback to help LWVUS better serve them. Those who wish to receive the League Update newsletter can subscribe on the League Management Site homepage.

Community Calls

Each month, LWVUS and LWVEF partner with different Leagues to engage League members, leaders, and volunteers in active dialogue on a variety of important topics. Community calls in the past have covered themes like how to continue engaging during COVID, the importance of investing in capacity growth, how to build strong and diverse alliances and partnerships, and how to develop effective campaigns. This space is available for Leagues that wish to share successes and best practices, or discuss challenges around organizing, campaigns, and base building work. It is a great opportunity to build relationships of mutual support with Leagues around the country. Community calls can be found on the League Management Site. If you are interested in co-leading a community meeting with us, please email [email protected].

Advocacy Issues Information Exchange

LWVUS enables Leagues to connect with one another on the Equal Rights Amendment through a Facebook discussion group. To join, click "Join Group" at the top of the page (a Facebook profile is required to join Facebook groups). LWVUS and LWVEF also facilitate regular webinars, called Wellstone webinars, for Leagues participating in pass-through grants. Find past Wellstone webinars on the LWV/Wellstone Training Series page on the League Management Site.

VOTE411

LWVEF also maintains a private listerv for League admins who participate in the voter guide system. If a League member is the admin for the VOTE411 program in their area, they can email [email protected] to subscribe.

New Media Facebook Group

LWVUS monitors a closed Facebook group called League of Women Voters New Media Group for League members only to exchange ideas, share graphics, and trade social media communications tips. Members must have a Facebook profile in order to join the group. Members can join by visiting the group page, clicking “request to join group,” and answering the questions that appear in their message box asking them which League they belong to. Once a moderator has verified the requester’s League membership, the member will be added to the group.

Shur Fellows

The Ruth S. Shur Fellows are comprised of volunteers from across the country. The Fellows work with state League leaders around best practices to engage new members and volunteers, gain visibility in the community, and develop new leaders with the goal of furthering our mission impact work in communities throughout the nation.  For more information, contact [email protected].

National Meetings

National Convention

In even-numbered years, LWVUS hosts a national convention for all Leagues. All local and state Leagues and ILOs are encouraged to send delegates, which are apportioned based on a formula defined in our bylaws. This multi-day event includes plenary sessions in which delegates representing local and state Leagues vote on the LWVUS Board of Directors and Nominating Committee, bylaws amendments, the budget, and our priorities for the next biennium. This event also includes trainings, networking opportunities, and more. A first call (save-the-date) to Convention is announced during the Fall proceeding the event, and information is regularly shared via the League Update newsletter and on the League Management Site. Questions about national convention should be sent to [email protected]. 

National Council

In odd-numbered years, LWVUS hosts a national council for state and other League leaders. During Council, leaders receive training, discuss League priorities, and have the opportunity to network. Questions about national council should be addressed to [email protected].

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What we can’t assist with:  

Although LWVUS staff would love to support state and local Leagues with all of their needs, we are unable to provide support around the following:  

• Phone support. In the past, LWVUS has had "call center"-type customer service for member calls. While staff have some capacity to answer questions over the phone, LWVUS no longer has dedicated staff to handle phone support for member questions. The best way for members to have their issues addressed is via email, for which staff are dedicated to a 48-hour response time. 

• Sending email on behalf of state and local Leagues. LWVUS cannot email the national list on behalf of state and local Leagues. 

• Non-priority issues. The Impact on Issues handbook provides state and local Leagues with dozens of policy positions to leverage for action in their communities. LWVUS cannot assist with state and local League issues that do not fall within the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®. Leagues are, of course, still encouraged to take on issues that pertain to their community outside of Impact on Issues. 

• Legal services/individual conflict resolution in the elections and partnerships space. While LWVUS makes every effort to support Leagues, especially through the wide array of election services resources and trainings we make available, we cannot in every case help resolve issues, especially as they arise in the area of debates and other events. Leagues should consult their own legal counsel to gain clarity on the rules governing candidate debates and forums and utilize LWVUS’s available best practices on the League Management Site.   

• Website design. There are no current plans for LWVUS to provide state and local Leagues with website templates or design direction. There are various options available for local and state Leagues to use for their website. LWVUS recommends MyLO (My League Online) or ClubExpress, which offer League-specific templates and tools. However, Leagues may use whatever website host they choose. Find out more about these options on our Technology Partners page on the League Management Site. 

• Insurance. Insurance varies greatly from state to state. LWVUS does not have any type of umbrella coverage. Leagues are encouraged to secure coverage from a local company.   

The national office receives a variety of requests for partnerships and activities related to issues we don’t work on. We do our best to provide support, resources, or guidance where we can, but we are unable to assist with every request. 

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We are grateful for all the work state and local Leagues are doing. If you have questions about this guide, please ask them at [email protected]. Friendly reminder: this is a living document, which we hope to evolve and build upon to better communicate how LWVUS can support Leagues. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other Leagues and other members within your League.