LWVMC — League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Maryland — our local League, the grassroots of the League which deals with concerns of our community. LWVMC members also belong to the regional, state, and national League organizations.

LWVNCA — League of Women Voters of the National Capital Area, generally referred to as NCA. This inter-League organization deals with regional issues and is made up of all local Leagues in the Metropolitan Washington Area (suburban Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia).

LWVMD — League of Women Voters of Maryland — our state organization which deals with matters before Maryland’s executive and legislative branches of government. Sometimes referred to simply as “state” (as in “State will be testifying next Monday”).

LWVUS — League of Women Voters of the United States, the national organization which represents us in our nation’s capital. Sometimes referred to simply as “national” (as in “National will be holding a press conference next week”).

CONCURRENCE — Agreement of the members with a specific statement of position developed by another League or League level.

CONSENSUS — The “sense of a meeting” on study issues, i.e., general agreement of the members on specific questions. Consensus may be taken at a Unit meeting or a general meeting.

FACT SHEET — A publication included in our newsletter which gives background information on the subject to be discussed at the upcoming Unit meeting.

HANDBOOK — A booklet sent to all members in August of odd-numbered years which includes a directory of officers, Board members, and committee chairs; the calendar of League events for the coming year; policies; budget; program of studies and positions; and by-laws. An update is sent to all members in even-numbered years.

LEAGUE STUDY — An examination of an issue selected by members at any of the three League levels to be included in the following year’s program. A committee researches the issue and presents its findings to the members in a Fact Sheet and at Unit meetings where members discuss the issue. When the issue warrants a new or revised League position, the committee prepares consensus questions and delivers a consensus report.

LEAGUE POSITION — A stand developed through League study and consensus and used to influence public policy. Positions reflect the thinking of members, express the views of the League on issues, and form the basis for League action.

LOBBYING — A League presentation to a legislator or legislators advocating a position on public policy agreed to by League members through consensus.

PROGRAM — A term used to refer either to an agenda (as in “LWVMC members selected three new studies for local program next year”) or to positions already determined on issues (as in “LWVUS program includes a position on International Relations”).

BOARD MEMBER — An officer or director elected by members at Annual Meeting or appointed by the Board.

OFF-BOARD — Term for a League member who has accepted a responsibility for a specific job but does not attend Board meetings.

PMP — Per Member Payment to other League levels to support their efforts. Of LWVMC’s current $55 annual dues, $23 goes to LWVUS, $14.00 to LWVMD, .80 to LWVNCA, $6 to the office, and $11.20 for all other LWVMC activities.

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