Mission Statement
The mission of LWV Minnesota is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. We take action on selected governmental issues after study and consensus by our membership. We encourage our members to be informed participants in political activity, but as a nonpartisan organization, we neither oppose nor support a political party or candidate even when the office is unaffiliated with a party. That does not preclude us from taking positions on issues and we have taken many positions over the past many decades. Our platform is nonpartisan so that there is no question of our interest in anything other than the general welfare of our democracy and its citizens.
Education
We provide nonpartisan information to others with the understanding that they will use it to make their own decisions. We actively encourage our community to register to vote, to cast their votes and to communicate policy priorities to those holding public office. We provide information and training on voting procedures, candidates, issues, moderator and event training, effective lobbying, and running for office. Candidate forums are a highly visible example of our education initiatives.
Advocacy
We are nonpartisan in our advocacy, though we are active in in seeking particular outcomes in policy or legislation. LWV Minnesota's positions are based on study and consensus of our members. When we work with public officials on legislation or policies that address our concerns on an issue, it is because of their position on the issue, not because of their party affiliation.
Diversity
The League of Women Voters of Park Rapids affirms its commitment to reflecting the diversity of Minnesota in its membership. LWVPRA strives to overcome barriers of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability in the activities of the organization. LWVPRA recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Securing appointments: The board may encourage and assist League members to secure appointments to government boards, commissions, and committees. Unless clearly designated, appointees are not official representatives of the League.
Serving on Boards: Board members may serve on other boards. However, if a serious conflict arises between the two entities, it should be brought to the attention of the League board for direction.
Approved May 29, 2024
LWV Park Rapids Nonpartisanship Policy
The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing any candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.
While the League encourages informed, active participation in government and politics by its members, the Board of Directors of LWV Park Rapids believes that some basic limitations on political activity by members of the Board, while they are serving in this capacity, are necessary to protect the nonpartisanship of the League as an organization.
Elected or Appointed Offices: (applies to all Board members)
- A Board member shall not run for, nor hold, any partisan elective office at any level of government while an active member of the Board.
- Board members may run for or hold a nonpartisan elective office at the discretion of the Board.
- Board members may serve as appointed members of city, county, state or national boards or commissions, provided the board or commission and the appointment is not associated with a specific political party.
- Political Party Activities:
- A Board member shall not serve in any official position in a political party at any level unless they ask for a leave of absence from the board.
- All board members may participate in party precinct caucuses.
- The President and Voter Service Chair shall not seek delegate status in the political party caucus or convention process because it involves declaring support for a particular party or candidate.
- A Board member shall not chair or administer fundraising for a political campaign, chair a campaign event, be a spokesperson, or work in any other significant and visible way in the campaign of a candidate for partisan elective office at any level of government.
- Board members may participate in election campaigns in behind-the-scenes and support roles.
- All Board members should refrain from posting LWV signs on their property alongside candidate or ballot proposition yard signs.
Campaign Contributions:
- The President and Voter Service Chair may not attend fundraising events or make contributions to campaigns or candidates for any local, state level or statewide office. (Clarification) It is generally appropriate for any Board member to make contributions of any size in local elections outside of the local League’s supported area; elections outside of Minnesota; or for national political races.
- Social and Other Media: Because they represent LWV to the public, the President, Vice President, Voter Service Chair, Advocacy Chair, and Candidate Forum Coordinator shall not indicate their political affiliations or candidate preferences at any level in the media, including social networking sites or other public venues that may also prominently identify them as a member of the LWV Park Rapids
- . This does not preclude Leaders from serving as Election Judges in any capacity as the party affiliation is not a matter of public record.
- Board members shall not speak publicly or work against any League position.
Stipends: Board members may not accept personal stipends or grants for League projects while sitting on the policy-making board that is responsible for administering a grant.
Honoraria: Board members may accept honoraria.
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