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STANDS ON ISSUES

Propositions in Elections

Based on the positions below, we sometimes recommend specific yes or no votes on state propositions on the ballot.

See "Ballot Measures" for our recommendations.

Our grassroots organization has studied issues in the following categories and developed positions:

• Government
• Natural Resources
• Social Policy
• Sustainable Communities
• Growth Management
• Children and Family Issues

We also have stands on national issues, including International Relations.

After positions are adopted by our members, we take action.

Current Issues and Partners

We partner with other organizations on issues important to us. See

• California Alliance for Public Schools
• California First Amendment Coalition

How we develop our stands on issues

The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when we have a position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause.

Positions result from a process of thorough study. Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details, both positive and negative. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.

It is the consensus statement — the statement resulting from the consensus questions — that becomes a "position." Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy can not be taken.

Consensus is the overall decision-making process by which substantial agreement among members is reached on an issue.