Action and Advocacy

Action and advocacy are important roles for the league. We keep on top of what is going on at the local level in order to identify problems or issues that merit League or community attention, and then act as necessary to enable that community attention. Our League programs regularly include:

• Adopting major issues for study and preparing detailed fact sheets on the findings. In scope, these studies could be on national, state, or local issues.
• Bringing research findings to the attention of League members for debate and discussion with the objective of reaching consensus positions which the League then adopts.
• If action or advocacy is needed on an issue where the League has a position, we move to the forefront equipped with solid facts and study materials that help present the organization's views. We do that by writing letters, calling legislators, testifying at hearings, writing to the media or other interested groups and organizations to bring about a desired policy or legislative result.

Community Services

One or more of the following services can be provided by the State and by most Local Leagues. A Speaker Bureau roster of volunteers is available to speak to community groups, businesses, schools, and organizations Election Monitors Nonpartisan volunteers are available to monitor elections, count ballots, and perform other related tasks for community groups and others. Debate Moderators Nonpartisan volunteers are available to moderate local or state-wide debates on issues. Workshops The State League conducts Lobbying Courses and Legislative Days, and other similar activities and workshops that are open to both members and the public. These serve not only to educate but to enable a more active and participating voting population. Some of the above services are free; others may require a donation or a specific fee. For specific information about what services are provided, contact LWVMD

Educational Outreach

The League of Women Voters of the United States produces educational and informational material on a variety of issues. You can learn more about their services from the National Web Site. In Maryland, at both the State and Local League level, we:

• Collect and provide unbiased, fact-based information on issues.
• Produce and distribute pamphlets and brochures to give citizens a variety of useful information about impending legislation and how to reach their representatives and learn of community resources available to them. Many are free; others are available for a very modest fee.
• Conduct or co-sponsor forums and community meetings on important local and state-wide issues to ensure an informed citizenry and electorate.

Voter Services

The League of Women Voters

Registers voters

Sponsors debates, forums, and candidate nights

Publishes online and printed Voters' Guides to inform the electorate prior to elections.