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Nonpartisanship Policy of the LWVUV

As revised August 2, 2004

  1. The League of Women Voters of the Upper Valley is a nonpartisan political organization. We neither support nor oppose any candidate or party, but we DO take action on governmental issues after careful study and member agreement.

  2. Nonpartisanship is characterized by an attitude of tolerance and open-mindedness. It includes a willingness

    • to acknowledge one's biases,
    • to explain one's own opinions,
    • to listen respectfully to other opinions,
    • to search for areas of agreement, and
    • to define differences.
       

  3. League meetings are conducted in a fair and balanced manner in keeping with our nonpartisanship.

  4. League members are encouraged to participate fully in the political process and in the party of their choice. However they should differentiate clearly between their own personal views or actions and the positions of the League.

  5. To protect League's nonpartisanship policy, board members agree not to run for or hold political office (other than local offices that are appointive or primarily concerned with administration of elections or infrastructure). Additionally the President, Voter Service Director(s) and other sensitive offices, as determined by the Board, may not take an active, visible role in a campaign for a political candidate or for a non-League issue.

  6. The political activities of a spouse or relative of a Board member should be considered as separate and distinct from the activities of the Board member.

  7. To insure that League membership lists are not used by political organizations, they must include this statement: "This list is intended for League use only. Any other use requires the permission of the local League president."

  8. Local League members, including Board members, should at any time bring specific problems or questions regarding this policy before the Board.

(Paragraph 5 is adapted from the Los Angeles, CA nonpartisanship policy.)

To facilitate understanding of League nonpartisanship, consult these definitions.