Studies and Positions
The League of Women Voters takes action on public issues only when an official League position exists. These positions are developed through a careful, member-driven study and consensus process. If members have not studied an issue and reached consensus, the League has no position—and therefore does not take action.
Studies may be conducted at the national, state, or local level and typically last one to three years. During this time, League members engage in a thorough and balanced examination of an issue, considering facts, data, and perspectives both for and against potential policy approaches. This deliberate process ensures that League positions are informed, nonpartisan, and credible.
What Studies Are Available?
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National studies from across the country are available through the League of Women Voters Education Fund Clearinghouse for Studies.
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State-level studies conducted by the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma can be found on the State League’s Program and Studies page.
These resources help members and the public understand the issues currently under study and how League positions are formed.
What Is the Study Process?
Each study is guided by a Study Committee, which prepares a study kit to support learning and discussion. Study kits often include:
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Articles and books
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Charts, graphs, and other data
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Videos and suggested speakers
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Discussion guides and consensus questions
Members use these materials internally and often in community settings to better understand the issue.
Consensus is the League’s decision-making process and reflects substantial agreement among members. Consensus may be reached through a series of meetings, surveys, or other engagement methods.
Once consensus is reached:
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The Board develops recommended positions based on member input.
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These recommendations are submitted to the Study Committee.
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The Study Committee reviews all submissions and drafts a consensus statement based on the consensus questions.
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Members—often through delegates at Convention—review and vote on the proposed position. The proposal may be approved, amended, or rejected.
If a position is adopted, the League may then take firm action or advocacy on the issue. Without an adopted position, the League does not act.
Impact on Issues
Impact on Issues is a key resource developed by the League of Women Voters of the United States. It is designed to help League leaders use LWVUS public policy positions effectively at the state and local levels. This publication is available for purchase or can be viewed for free by download.
How the League Acts on Issues
The League of Women Voters of Oklahoma County:
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Acts only on issues where a local, state, or national League position exists, or when acting under established League principles
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Never lobbies in opposition to an existing League position
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May use any local, state, or national League position to advocate at the local governmental level without seeking additional authorization from the State or National League
For more information about how studies are conducted, read the National Guidelines for LWVUS Studies.