Policies /
The submission deadline is Friday, February 27.
One of the many important business items at the national convention is the review and possible amendment of the LWVUS Bylaws. Below is the process that Leagues should use to propose an amendment. All proposed amendments are reviewed by the Bylaws Committee.
Bylaws Committee:
- Tracy Adkison, Chair (LWVUS)
- Jane Ruby, Vice Chair (Chicago)
- Stacey Chavis (LWVUS)
- Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins (NC)
- Jennifer Muroff (MA)
Proposals will be considered ONLY if they are properly worded and received by February 27, 2026.
Click the button below to access the bylaws amendment proposal form. You can view a PDF preview of the form here.
BYLAWS AMENDMENT PROPOSAL FORM
Before Getting Started
1. Review the instructions on this page, along with the recorded presentation on the bylaws amendment process. (Passcode: 9.@sug4v)
2. Make sure that the proposal has been approved by your League, and that all required information below is ready to be cut and pasted into the form.
- The specific Article and Section being amended.
- The current bylaws language.
- Your proposed changes, using [ ] brackets to denote words to be deleted and ALL CAPS to denote words to be added.
- A rationale for each amendment that is no more than 100 words.
Please note that tracked changes will not work in this form.
Example of Bylaws Proposal From a Prior Convention |
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Article II Purposes and Policy Section 1. Purposes. The purposes of the LWVUS are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation [of citizens] in government and to act on selected governmental issues. Proposed by LWV Minneapolis (MN422) Rationale (provided by LWV Minneapolis): In our community and all across the country, there are thousands of immigrants who are not yet citizens. We, as the LWV, work with them to inform them about democracy and prepare them to be good citizens. Even if a resident is not a citizen he or she has a right to understand the system and to take action to ask questions of their school board members who direct the education of their children. This is true for other local officials who daily impact the lives of residents. |
3. Have your League ID (the five-digit code consisting of your two-letter state abbreviation and 3 additional numbers) handy. If you don't know this number, you can find it listed on your League's page on the Find A Local League page of the LWVUS website.
For state Leagues, use your state abbreviation followed by three zeroes. While helpful, entering your League ID is not required.
Please note that:
- This form is NOT for individual members to share their suggestions. The bylaws state that all proposals must come from a state or local League (or the LWVUS Board).
- If your League has more than one proposed amendment topic, you must fill out an additional form for each one using the same link.
Convention delegates will vote on any proposed changes to the LWVUS Bylaws that are submitted by the deadline and are moved during the Plenary.
Bylaws FAQs
What is the difference between a policy and a bylaw?
Bylaws are the organization’s foundational governing rules. They establish the legal and structural framework for how the nonprofit operates. Bylaws are:
- Legally binding: They must comply with state and federal law and are often required for incorporation and tax-exempt status.
- Difficult to change: Amendments usually require a vote of the board (and sometimes members) with advance notice.
- High-level: They outline the core structure and processes of the organization.
Policies are detailed internal rules or guidelines that direct day-to-day and operational decisions. Policies are:
- Not usually legally required, but essential for good governance and management.
- Easier to change: The board can adopt, revise, or remove policies without the formal amendment process required for bylaws.
- More detailed and flexible: Focus on specific practices and standards.
Where can I read current LWVUS Bylaws?
Review the current LWVUS Bylaws here.
What is the deadline to submit proposed bylaws?
The deadline to submit bylaws is February 27.
What is my League ID?
Your League ID is the five-digit code consisting of your two-letter state abbreviation and 3 additional numbers. If you don't know this number, you can find it listed on your League's page on the Find A Local League page of the LWVUS website. For state Leagues, use your state abbreviation followed by three zeroes. Including your League ID is not required, but recommended.
Will I receive a reply after I submit a proposed amendment?
After submitting a proposed amendment, you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your submission has been received, along with the option to save a copy. You will be contacted only if committee members have questions about your submission.
Who serves on the Bylaws Committee?
The Bylaws Committee is comprised of:
- Tracy Adkison, Chair (LWVUS)
- Jane Ruby, Vice Chair (Chicago)
- Stacey Chavis (LWVUS)
- Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins (NC)
- Jennifer Muroff (MA)
Can my League submit more than one proposal?
Yes. Be sure to submit one form per proposal.
I am an individual. Can I propose a bylaws change?
The bylaws state that all proposals must come from a state or local League (or the LWVUS Board).
I have additional questions or need more information.
If you have reviewed the information on this page and watched the recorded presentation on the bylaws amendment process (Passcode: 9.@sug4v), please contact the Bylaws Committee at [email protected].