What Do Members Do?
There is a large range of opportunities in the work of the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula. Some are of long or short duration, some require a considerable time commitment, some very little time, some are meeting-intensive, and some can be done from home. The following are opportunities for members to be involved in the work of our League:
Provide Voters Service
Voters Service incorporates the activities for which the League is best known to the public. Every member is encouraged to participate in these activities:
- Help with a Candidates' Forum, voter registration, or a Pros and Cons session.
- Work at the polls and donate the stipend to the LWVMP.
- Tell anyone and everyone about Smart Voter.
- Share the Pros and Cons handout with friends, family, and co-workers and encourage them to vote.
- Forward action alerts to interested friends and family members.
Increase Membership
- Bring a friend to the "Lunch and Learn with the League" monthly meeting.
- Send in the new member form from the monthly newsletter, The VOTER, with the name of a prospective member so that she/he will receive a copy of the newsletter and membership information.
- Tell a friend or co-worker about our web site as an opportunity to learn more about the League.
- Ask a friend or acquaintance to join the LWVMP and support our goals.
- Share copies of the newsletter or other brochures with friends.
- Mentor a new member.
- Drive a member to the General Meeting luncheon if she/he doesn't have a ride.
Participate in a Resource (Study) Committee
- Participate in the study group on an issue the League is concerned about.
- Offer to do background research and fact-finding through readings, interviews, surveys, etc. on an issue proposed for study.
- Study an issue in depth and share the knowledge with other Members.
- Attend the Unit Meeting on an issue that is being studied.
- Host a Unit Meeting at your home.
- Help present to the membership for discussion, pros and cons of various alternatives, consideration of the issues, and a search for solutions.
- After the study is completed, stay together with the committee members as an "action" committee and make recommendations to the Board on ways to implement the new position.
Help Choose League Program
- Suggest an idea for study. If the Board likes your suggestion,
the idea will be publicized in the newsletter. The criteria for
selection of program are:
- The issue must be one on which governmental action is needed.
- The issue must fall within the principles of the LWVUS.
- See "How We Establish a Position on an Issue."
- Participate in the spring Program Planning Session.
Take Action
- Write a letter to the editor in support of a League position.
- Go to our web site and email your local elected officials regarding a local issue.
- Write or fax your representatives in support of a League position.
- Contact your representatives when you receive an action alert from the State or National League.
- See "How We Take Action."
Stay Informed
- Attend the "Lunch and Learn with the League" monthly meeting.
- Read the monthly newsletter, The VOTER.
- Stay informed about local, state, and national news on issues that the League has positions on.
- Subscribe to the State and National newsgroups in order to stay abreast of important issues.
Be a Board Member or Chair a Committee
We are always looking for new members for the Board of Directors or for appointed positions. You don't have to know everything there is to know to be a Board member. Our League has many experienced League members who can help you "learn the ropes."
Our current Board of Directors includes the President; Vice President; Secretary; Treasurer; Education and Action Chairs for Government, Natural Resources, and Social Policy; Voters Service, Membership, State/National Action, and Publicity Directors; The VOTER Editor; and the Webmaster. Appointed positions include the Luncheon Logistics, Mailing, Budget, and Financial Planning Committees.
Help with Other Opportunities
- Help with a mailing.
- Participate in a telephone tree when all the League members need to be contacted.
- Distribute flyers at local libraries, bookstores, and community bulletin boards.
- Proofread the monthly newsletter or the annual Membership Handbook.
Be a League Observer
Observe at a council, agency meeting, or public forum, and report your observations back to the Board or to the newsletter Editor.
Support the League
Make a contribution to the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula or to the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
Even if you couldn't or didn't want to volunteer your time, we would still welcome your membership in the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula and would be grateful for your financial support of the important work of the League.
