Studies are the heart of League work. Without studies we have no positions from which to take action. No positions which we can use to support oppose state or national legislation, take a position on a local ballot measure or speak out on a proposal before the city council or neighborhood group. It all starts with a study.
At the LWVUS Convention in 2014 a discussion of Citizens United lead to a decision to review Key Structures of Democracy. As a part of this we have two studies due this winter.
The first one is the Constitutional Amendment Study. The
study questions are currently available on line and are accompanied by brief pro and con statements to encourage discussion.
Background materials are available here and more will be posted in the coming weeks. This study must be completed before our November board meeting, so is a fall project.
The second part of Key Structures under review regards Money in Politics. Background on this study and suggested reading is available
here. This study will lead to an update of the League position on campaign finance. Is financing a political campaign protected speech under the First Amendment? For those interested in following this a
Google Group is up and running. More material to follow.
A
Webinar with background and orientation to both studies is scheduled for noon PDT, Wednesday, July 29th.
Register now if you are interested in participating in either study.
Information on state and local studies will be here in coming weeks. Becoming a part of a study group is a great short-term way to learn more about how League works. Contact
Ann Williams if you are interested.
