Your annual meeting should be an enjoyable social event as well as a business meeting. A catered or potluck meal is always fun, as are featured speakers, awards, skits and other
lighter activities. The meeting can also be a time to recruit new members by demonstrating how the League functions. Check resources on lwv.org to be sure you are prepared.
We have all heard said that ideas are worth a dime a dozen EXCEPT the one that works. After all an idea is just a thought, with no value until it is put into action. EXECUTING THE IDEA is the key to profiting from the idea, not the idea itself.
Leaders have noticed, myself included, when there are activities and action items we need to do but we don’t want to do them for whatever the reason, we seem to always “Yes, But!” to the solution. Our “Yes, Buts” paralyze us. I bet you know these "BUTS" and can even add a few!
Here are some typical scenarios:
I heard this quote this past weekend and thought it was terrific! You can make it easier on yourself by delegating! Look to your membership for assistance- not just board members. In order to "get a grip" on who will be the ones to tap on the shoulder, you have to know your members.
(Did you know that elected officials can be members!!!!!!)
Just as it is difficult to lead if you do not know where you are going, it is also difficult to lead if you do not know whom you are leading! Members break into four areas.
The Election Audits Task Force was convened in spring 2008 by President Mary Wilson with the charge to produce a report taking a comprehensive view of election audits. Audits should go beyond Election Day activities and functions, and examine all aspects of the election process. Leagues should find this report useful in talking with their legislatures and elections officials about election auditing.
January 15, 2009
TO: Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
FROM: Mary G. Wilson, President
RE: Climate and Energy Policy
Over the years, I have visited Leagues that make you want to join, and Leagues that make you want to head for the nearest exit. Of course, these Leagues change all the time, and it will depend upon their leaders which kind they are. With all of the responsibilities League leaders have, and I might add do so well, there is one that is lacking from many. Can you guess what this is?...
So few really know how to identify and train potential leaders and foster a team!
Why should you spend time on developing leaders?
January 14, 2009
Dear Speaker Pelosi:
On behalf of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) and undersigned individual organizations, we are writing to ask you to bring H.R. 157, the “District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act,” (“DC VRA”) to a vote as soon as possible. Before Congress begins to consider an economic recovery package and many other proposals that so greatly affect our nation’s future, it should assure the citizens of Washington, DC and Utah that Congress is committed to giving them a fair and equal voice.
January 12, 2009
To: Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
From: Mary G. Wilson, President
Re: SCHIP Reauthorization
The League of Women Voters urges you to support reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) when it comes to the House floor for a vote. In the years since Congress first passed SCHIP, the program has provided access to health care coverage to six million low-income children. However, there are still over nine million children who remain uninsured.
How can you be sure that your League will be in good hands when you go off board? If you are truly a good leader then you should be prepared!
Create a succession plan that proactively deals with all the things you (or the board) are scared might happen when you leave.