LWV Studies

The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause. Positions result from a process of study.

Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, 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. The League can then take firm action or advocate for a particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.

Positions are updated after the study is complete and the new positions approved.

Local Studies

Local studies provide an opportunity to research a local issue, and perhaps will lead to a new position. Past studies that lead to positions are summarized with the LWV-Needham positions.

State Studies

The League of Women Voters participates in LWV of Massachusetts studies as well. The most recent state studies were about the ballot question process and reparations for Black Americans.

National Studies

LWV-Needham has participated in national studies including Agriculture, Constitutional Amendments, and Money in Politics.

State and National positions are posted on the respective websites.