THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
"The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy."
This is our Mission Statement, found at the top of every issue of our newsletter.
The League of Women Voters ... That is us, the women and men of the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula.
... a nonpartisan political organization ... Nonpartisanship is the basis for everything we do, as you can see from this quote from the LWVUS Bylaws, Article II, Section 2: "The League may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest. It shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate."
... encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy ... Our monthly general meetings, our publications, our letters to government officials, our participation in schools, our candidate forums all serve these purposes.
Keeping the distinction between education and advocacy was the basis for a lengthy discussion at our August 17 Board training session. Keeping this distinction is why at our October general meeting, which is for ourselves and the public that wants to know, advocacy will be the theme of the day and you will hear which propositions the League supports, which it opposes, which it has no opinion on, and why in each case. Keeping this distinction is why at the many public forums Voters Service has planned for October, education will be the theme, and you will hear pros and cons only but no League positions. Keeping this distinction why the public and government officials listen when the League speaks and in fact seek our input.
I'm looking forward to a great League year and hope you are too. See you in September when we will hear Xandra Kayden speak about our civil rights after the Patriot Act. Reading her article in the State VOTER will be a good preparation.
--Marilyn Maxner, President
