Introduction to the League
by Jeanne Melaugh, admin. vice president
Our mission statement begins "The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization" The nonpartisan word often causes confusion. Nonpartisan is defined as "based on, influenced by, affiliated with, or supporting the interests or policies of no single political party." So although we take positions on issues, we neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate (appointed or elected) for public office.
Nonpartisanship toward candidates and political parties is critical to the effectiveness of the League's unique voter service/citizen information work. It also provides a strong foundation for the work we do in support of issues. Action on legislation, ballot proposals, and issues is obviously more effective when the public and the legislators believe that the League's conclusions are based on merit rather than politics.
The League is a political organization. Our nonpartisan stance does not mean that we should not get involved in controversy. Our League was recently accused of violating our nonpartisan policy because of what was viewed as a partisan position. We were taking a stand - consistent with our League positions - on a controversial political topic. We will be a strong and effective political force to the degree that we can deal with and accept controversy and avoid using our nonpartisan policy as a shield for not getting involved.
Also, we encourage members to participate fully in the political party of their choice. It is an advantage to the League to have politically active members. That said, we must be very careful that our political views and preferences are not in evidence at League functions, events at which we are cosponsors or participants, or at our luncheons. When candidates are often introduced as guests at our luncheons, care must be taken to make it an introduction, not an advertisement. Especially our directors, but even members need to be cognizant of remaining nonpartisan in any circumstances where they are perceived as a representative of the League.
The source for the above was www.lwvus.org. The definition for "nonpartisan" is from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
If you have any topics that you would like addressed or that you think would benefit our members in Introduction to the League, please email them to LWVMPca@yahoo.com or call 648-VOTE
