©2004 League of Women Voters of Baltimore City All rights reserved.
6600 York Road, Suite 211 | Baltimore, MD 21212 | Tel 410-377-7738 lwvbaltimore@verizon.net
Last Update 02/02/2007
Since 1920 - Empowering People to Shape Better Communities
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About Us
MISSION AND ORGANIZATION (cont.)
ORGANIZATION
How does the League Work?
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization and, as such, does not endorese any candidate for public office. The League functions on threee levels - national, state and local. On each level issues are choosen for study. After study of an issue by its members, the League (national, state or local) seeks consensus concerning the issue. The League uses its position for advocacy. The League at the appropriate level may lobby or otherwise support the League's position when the issue comes before the appropriate governmental body for consideration. The League may also lobby to get a position before the legislative body so that legislation may be written or revised. In addition to advocacy,the league at all three levels is involved in citizen education.Organizational Structure.
The League is governed by a board of directors elected by the members. Any member of the League may be active in a committee or committees. All members are invited to attend board meetings. The Baltimore City League, like all branches of the League, is engaged in voter education services, and political advocacy and action.Voter services
These activities are performed by the Community Education Committee, and the Voter Guides and Services Committee of the Baltimore City League. Please see voter services for their responsibilites, current activities and needs.Advocacy and Action
Baltimore City League members advocate and take action on position regarding economic and social issues that affect the general welfare of the citizens of Baltimore City. The City League has ten committees, which study issues and follow legislation regarding specific areas of public concern. These are City Government, Community Education, Health, Housing (City and County), International Relations, Natural Resources, and Transportation (City and County). Based on their knowledge and research, a committee may make recommendations to the membership regarding a position and/or specific action they wish the City League to accept .Unit Meetings
The mechanism for soliciting member concensus on an issue is the unit meeting. These meetings are held each quarter in four locations around the city. Usually, members are asked to consider one issue per quarter. Prior to each meeting, the study committee will have provided the members with background material and the pros and cons of the issue. If the unit meetings result in a city-wide concensus on the issue, the League then has an official position and will advocate and take action to support that position.Action Alert Tree
Without mobilization, however, there would be no action. In addition to lobbying, performed by the co-presidents and their designees, the Action Alert Tree is a committee responsible for notifying members of League positions, and urging them to take specific action, such as writing or calling legislators when action is needed.Support
The League of Women Voters of Baltimore City is supported by membership dues, contributions, and tax-exempt donations to the Sadie Crockin Memorial Fund, which helps support our voter education services,a 501 (c)(3)activity.