NON PARTISAN POLICY
The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is a nonpartisan political organization: nonpartisan in that it never supports or opposes any candidate of political party; political in that it does act on those governmental issues selected by its members and on which a position has been reached through study and member agreement. Recognizing that the League experience uniquely equips members for public life and wishing to encourage them to utilize their special knowledge and abilities, members are encouraged to participate fully (as individuals) in party politics.
The activities of certain board members, however, must be limited to preserve the League's nonpartisan reputation
The President and the Voter Service Chair and other members determined by the Board to be publicly identified with KVLWV may not:
1. Run for or hold political office
2. Serve as a delegate to political party conventions
3. Fill a visible role in a candidate_s campaign
4. Attend political caucuses or conventions
5. Attend political club meetings and political functions
6. Hold office in a political party or club
7. Publicly display support for a candidate for political office (i.e, yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons, distribute candidate campaign materials) or make any partisan statements in public gatherings
8. Permit use of one_s name in endorsements of candidates, including writing personal checks for an amount reportable by the candidate, or publicly soliciting money for a candidate
9. Hold coffees or candidate forums for candidates, unless all candidates for that office are invited
10. Serve on a board of directors or in a leadership role in an organization that endorses candidates
A board president or the Voter Service Chair who wishes to become a candidate, or to actively campaign for a candidate, must first resign their League office. They may not hold League office again until the next annual meeting. The board must also issue a news story announcing the resignation and the name of the new President and reaffirm the League's Political Activity Policy. A leave of absence until after the election may be taken if one of these officers wishes to actively campaign for a spouse who is running for political office.
The Board must approve any member who is asked to represent League on any board or commission or to speak publicly for KVLWV.
A member should not express personal opinions when serving as an Òofficial observerÓ for KVLWV.
Policy on Membership in, or Participation with, Other Organizations
KVLWV will not become a dues-paying member of any organization or make organizational contributions to any other organization or cause. With Board authorization, KVLWV may cooperate with other organizations in promoting compatible positions. The following should be taken into consideration prior to Board authorization:
1. Is the project related to an established League position?
2. How much member time will it require?
3. What will it cost?
4. Will League_s participation be clearly non-partisan?
KVLWV shall not co-sponsor candidate events with any group that officially rates or endorses candidates.
All policies of KVLWV shall be reviewed annually at the June Board Meeting
These Policies officially adopted by the Kittitas Valley League of Women Voters at the Board meeting on August 21, 1997.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS