Frequently Asked Questions

I joined the League (or I’m thinking about it)! How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved with the work of the League of Women Voters of San Francisco. Visit the Volunteer page for a list of available opportunities. There are many short term and long term options to fit any schedule. Many of our volunteers choose to join a Committee to get the most updated information on volunteer opportunities and our current projects. Still unsure how to get involved? Email us at volunteer@lwvsf.org.

What do committees do?

Our committees do the bulk of the work of LWVSF. Each committee has designated responsibilities and is led through their tasks by the Committee Chair. Some committees meet on a monthly basis - Communications, Advocacy, and Membership- and some meet on an “as needed” basis, and do the much of their work remotely - Voter Services, Education, Development, and Nominating. For further information regarding our committees, visit the Committees page.

How do the actions of LWVSF relate to the actions of the League at the regional, state, and national level?

When you join the League, you join at the local level, but also become a member at the regional, state and national levels. Most members engage in-person most frequently at the local level – the League of Women Voters of San Francisco members (and sometimes the public) are all invited to events put on by LWVSF. Where the levels of the League interact most is their work. The levels are related in a top-down structure, meaning that if the League of Women Voters of the U.S. makes a decision, it applies to all Leagues on the state, regional and local levels. There are positions that the League of Women Voters of the U.S. has, for example, that must be adhered to by all of the Leagues in the U.S. However, if a local League studies an issue and develops a formal position, it isn’t necessarily upheld all the way up to the League of Women Voters of the U.S. level.

Conventions are another way that the Leagues work together. The League of Women Voters of California holds statewide conventions in odd years and the League of Women Voters of the U.S. in even years. This is a great way for Leagues to interact and share best practices, and come to consensus on the League’s future.

What are the benefits of becoming a LWVSF member?

In addition to supporting the League, being a LWVSF member has many privileges. Members can learn about local politics, meet face to face with their local representative, and get invaluable experience in the political arena. In addition, any League member gets to vote on the focus areas of the local, regional, state and national Leagues. Therefore, by being a member of a local League you actually get to influence the work of a powerful, national organization.

Members set the direction of the organization and vote on the LWVSF budget, board members, and other important organizational decisions. Members can also take higher leadership roles and can attend the  League of Women Voters of California and League of Women Voters of the U.S. conventions on behalf of the League of Women Voters of San Francisco. We also host 5 events for members each year!

When I click on the Join button, I see different levels of membership. What do each of these levels mean?

The standard membership is $85.00 yearly. A Household can join for $120.00 yearly. The higher levels of membership are in recognition of those individuals who are members and donate at higher dollar amounts.

Can men join the LWVSF?

Yes, people of all genders are welcome and are encouraged to do so. The LWVSF Board of Directors has adopted a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.

I am a student; can I join?

Yes, students are encouraged to join. Minimum age is 16, and there is a reduced price of membership:  $25.00 a year.

I cannot afford the full membership fee.  Are there any alternatives?

Yes, on the Membership page, there is an option to Pay What You Can.  This level of membership includes all of the full benefits of membership in the LWVSF.

How is LWVSF funded?

We are funded by a combination of grant sponsors and individual supporters. A very small percentage of our income comes from membership dues.

How does the nonpartisan policy impact League members?

When people think of the League, they think of a trustworthy, non-partisan body. The title of “member of the League of Women Voters” indicates someone who embodies these traits, which can be difficult seeing as, of course, we are individuals with widely varying opinions and beliefs.

The most important consideration is to be aware of when you are being perceived as an individual, and when you are perceived as a League member. At a League meeting or event, speaking about a League position or representing the League before the public, members should remember the League’s nonpartisan policy. Any political activities members choose to engage in outside the League – attending a candidate rally, commenting on local policy, etc. – should be done so outside of their League affiliation.

How can I stay current with LWVSF activities and upcoming events?

There are several ways to keep up-to- date with what’s going on with the League. One of the best is our monthly email newsletter. You can sign up to receive the League of Women Voters of San Francisco newsletter here. Members can also keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, which are regularly updated with League events and activities.