Dear LWVIL Member,
Lately, a question often directed my way goes like this –
what’s so special about the League of Women Voters of Illinois?
Why should I choose the LWVIL, why not some other organization?
One response that often resonates is a look at the advantages of the vertical structure of our organization.
The basis of the LWVIL is our local Leagues. The local League system facilitates the connection of friends, neighbors, and people with common assets and challenges. It also provides a platform for establishing community specific goals, devising action plans, having a voice, and making change right where people live. This grassroots network provides an opportunity for anyone to take part, however they are able at the time.
Work of local Leagues grows and benefits from a state level of support – communication systems, shared ideas, resources and organized legislative monitoring and action. Our national organization, LWV-US, provides resources relevant to all states and represents our local interests and positions in our nation’s capitol. Our hardworking LWV-US Volunteer Lobby Corp, communicates with state level organizations and meets with our federal representatives to educate and to advance our positions. LWV-US pursues litigation and supports state league level litigation. LWV-US joins like-minded organizations in statements and actions to voice our positions and urge necessary action.
This important work of our national organization, along with the accumulated local and state league efforts around the country, elevates the LWV reputation everywhere. It circles back to us, and we benefit here in our state and local Leagues. The energy, creativity and determination of members at every level of our organization serves to boost our status, influence and efficacy. Our LWV organization is uniquely poised through our design and our multi-issue foci to achieve and to lead as we carry out our mission.
I’m asking for your help in improving our state league function in this vertical organization structure. Please send me an email -- share your thoughts on the role of the state league – what is it that the state league should do for local leagues and for members? I look forward to your ideas.
As you engage with the league, know that every person and every effort matters. Benefit from the advantages of our unique organization and connect in the way that works best in your life right now.