“Action is agitating, organizing, educating, pleading, and persuading” – Carrie Chapman Catt
Some members questioned what they could or could not do, as League members and on their own, regarding the Women’s March, before League became an official member organization of the March. In order for all of us to be clear on this issue, let’s go over what the rules are regarding this issue, and others that may arise in the future.
League members must keep in mind that THE LEAGUE SPEAKS WITH ONE VOICE – Only the identified League spokesperson, usually the president, is responsible for getting the League position to the public.
However, League members are encouraged to express views individually and to share the information obtained as a result of League studies, positions or information. Once a League position is arrived at, that is the League position; and the relevant board determines when, where and how to apply the position thereafter.
BUT, it is the prerogative of an individual member to take no action or to take contrary action as an individual. Thus, as individuals, we all have the right to contact our public officials about matters of concern. What we learn from League sources can always be used to inform a person’s individual action.
If you decide that you want to get involved in the political discourse as an individual, here are some other pointers:
Gather the material you need for informed action.
1. Check in often with the LWVUS, LWVNY (www.lwvny.org) and your local League websites. In particular, read the Facebook and Twitter feed on each to learn of recent activity, action alerts and what other Leagues are doing.
Even if you do not have a Twitter or Facebook account, and even if you do not want either, you can follow what the LWVUS and LWVNY are doing and saying by reading the posts on their websites.
2. Sign up to receive updates from LWVUS. From Homepage (www.lwv.org) Click on: Thanks for marching. You will find a list of actions an individual can take
Click on: Get involved Sign up to become part of the on-line community. Once you sign up, you should receive updates on league action on national front.
Click on: Action alerts You’ll find pre-filled-in info on how to let your opinion be heard.
3. Check in with LWVNYS web site often.
There you will find:
- Action alerts on state legislation
- Facebook and Twitter feeds. The LWVNYS site often shares and retweets information from local Leagues. By reviewing this material, you can see what is happening in areas close to you so you can join in local action.
- Blog. Our Legislative Director, during the legislative session, posts a weekly blog with insightful and current information on what is happening in Albany. By checking in with this blog, you can keep up with the issues which are most important to you
4. Check into websites of organizations which share the League’s concerns.
- Women’s March website and app – The organizers of the Women’s March have developed a program called 10 actions for 100 days. The first action was a post card writing campaign, the second is to organize and join Huddles which are meetings to bring together like minded individuals to familiarize themselves with the important issues and developments.
- Voices – This is an action app which contains alerts from various organizations, including LWVNYC. Once you indicate the organizations in which you are interested, you will receive information about the actions supported by those organizations.
- We the People petitions on the White House website
5. Take Action.
- Join with your local League in its action efforts.
- Reach out to election officials on your own.
- As a general rule, personal visits and engagements are best, followed by telephone calls, then letters, emails, tweets and posts on Facebook.
