Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy propels us to educate ourselves, and, in turn, the public, on current public policy issues.
At our meetings, we have presentations on critical issues.
You can view them here
We encourage and support informed and active participation of citizens in all levels of government. We align our advocacy work with the positions delineated by LWVUS and LWVMN. There are three areas of Minnesota LWV legislative emphasis: Democracy, Climate Change, and Racial Justice.
The LWVMN has formed a Climate Change Task Force to bring together League of Women Voter members in Minnesota who have a specific interest in climate change, and provide a network for sharing information, defining action opportunities, coordinating education and advocacy activities, and inspiring others to work on the issue of climate change in our state and local communities.
We held a program about plastics and climate change in March of 2024.
Watch the presentation here and view these resources:
View the LWV-WBLA Plastics and Climate Change Program Slideshow
View Plastics and Climate Change Resources 2.24
We held program education sessions about climate change in March 2023:
View the LWV-WBLA Climate Change Program Slideshow
View the LWV-WBLA Climate Change Handouts
On October 11, 2023 Professor David Schultz, Distinguished Hamline University Professor of Political Science & Legal Studies discussed the history of the Electoral College and whether it is still relevant in America today. Is the direct–popular vote–a better way to determine the next president and vice president? Read an Article by Dr. Schultz on: Minority Rights and the Electoral College: What Minority, Whose Rights?
We are a non-partisan organization. We do not advocate for or against any candidate or political party.
How We Arrive at Our Positions
The positions formed through our study process on the local, state or national level are the basis of our advocacy work. Studies generally take up to two years to complete and draw on balanced pro/con materials, information from technical experts, public officials and community members. After carefully studying all aspects and consequences of a public policy issue, the committee performing the study creates a report and consensus questions for members to consider. If the members reach consensus (substantial agreement), the board of directors forms a position based on the consensus. At this point, the League may act in support of, or in opposition to, legislative proposals.
In addition, a League may adopt a position through Concurrence, the act of agreeing with a statement of position reached by another League or Leagues.
Taking Action
There are many ways, in addition to voting, that the LWV helps you have your voice heard by elected officials and policy makers during the legislative sessions:
- Members can stay informed about the legislative session by subscribing to the LWVMN Capitol Letter. Members are encouraged to write letters to their local newspapers and to contact their legislators to express their opinions;
- The Minnesota and national LWV offer members Action Alerts, providing specific information on an upcoming bill and encouraging members to contact their representatives to take action;
- You can join the LWVMN Lobby Corps to advocate at the Capitol (or virtually) for League positions.
- The LWVMN also has an Observer Corps whose members watch and summarize legislative committee hearings to keep abreast of the status of bills we are following.
- Learn more about the LWV member Observer and Lobby Corps.
