Program Planning

Program is the issues that the League of Women Voters chooses for concerted study, education and action at local, state and national levels. Program can include both education and advocacy work.

The Program Planning process is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member has the opportunity to influence the selection of issues where the local, state, and national League will focus time, talent and money. It takes the enthusiasm and interest of our members to keep our program vital. Program Planning is the League’s equivalent of voting in an election; it is each member’s voice!

The process starts with the local League Program Planning meeting(s), the meeting(s) at which members propose the areas on which they’d like the local, state, and national League to focus their energy and resources (staff, board, consultants, and volunteers) over the next two years. The choices could be a new study, an update of an existing League of Women Voters position or concurrence with an existing or proposed position.

The Local Program Planning process for the League of Women Voters of San Francisco (LWVSF) occurs every two years, on odd years. The goals for the Local Program Planning meeting is to propose Areas of Focus (priority issues) and Position Recommendations to the LWVSF Board of Directors. The Local Program is adopted by LWVSF members at the Annual Meeting. The Areas of Focus that the local League proposes as priorities may be based on current League work or on new topics the local League would like to focus on. 

The State Program Planning process for the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) occurs every two years, on even years. Work is managed by the LWVC Board of Directors, state staff, and volunteers across the state. ​​ Local Leagues share their top issues with the State League and these issues are then put to vote at the State Convention by the delegates who attend from each local League.  The issues voted on by these delegates then become part of the priority issues and the recommended program for the State League.

The National Program Planning process for the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) occurs every two years, on even years. Work is managed by the LWVUS Board of Directors and national staff. ​​ Local Leagues share their top issues with the National League and these issues are then put to vote at the National Convention by the delegates who attend from each state and local League.  The issues voted on by these delegates then become part of the priority issues and the recommended program for the National League.