Policies of the Board of Directors

Last updated March 5, 2026

Political Activity Policy – Non-Partisanship

The purpose of this description is to avoid having League Board members identified with any candidate for public office or any political party.

•  Board members shall not hold or run for public office.  If a Board member decides to run for public office or is appointed to an unexpired elective office, she/he shall resign from the Board before public announcement of this candidacy.  Any league announcement of such resignation should avoid the appearance of support for this person as a candidate.  Unsuccessful candidates or public officeholders whose elected terms have expired shall not be eligible for appointment to the Board until two (2) months after the election.

•  Board members planning to work visibly for a political party or candidate shall inform the Board prior to undertaking the activity.  The Board shall decide whether the member must resign following procedures set forth for candidates for offices described above or the member may remain on the Board or the member may continue his/her duties in a temporary, off-Board assignment. 

• Board members in especially visible positions, such as President,voter service or membership chair, should not display candidates’ yard signs or bumper stickers.  

• Board members may sign nominating petitions, but may not circulate them.

• Board members may contribute money to parties and/or candidates of their choice, but may not solicit contributions.

• No petitions for candidates for political office may be circulated where a League meeting is taking place.

• Petitions supporting issues, except those on League positions approved by the Board, may not be circulated where a League meeting is taking place.  

• Board members may serve on government commissions or boards only if the commission or board is: non partisan in nature and/or cognizant of the fact that its decisions would not necessarily be endorsed by the League. League members serving on government commissions or boards do not represent the League unless officially designated by the League Board of Directors. 

• The political activities of a spouse or relative of a Board member are to be considered separate and distinct from the activities of the Board members.

• Only those candidates for public office certified to appear on the ballot may be invited to participate in pre-election forums, voter guides and other pre-election activities sponsored or co-sponsored by the League.  Write-in candidates shall be considered “certified to appear on the ballot” if they have filed required forms with the appropriate clerk.  

Representing the League

The League shall speak with one voice.

• A member of the Board of Directors may not speak or in any way work against a League position.  Non-Board members may not use the League name in opposing a LWV position or in supporting an issue on which the League has no position.  
• All League action shall be taken by the decision of the Board in accordance with the By-Laws.  In cases where a Board decision cannot be obtained prior to an action being taken because of time limitations or unavailability of Board members, a League representative shall be given discretion to act by the President and shall be thoroughly oriented by the President or by the Executive Committee if the President is unavailable.  The Board shall be advised of action taken.
• Generally, no literature other than League literature shall be distributed where a League meeting is being held unless authorized by the Board.  However, invited speakers are welcome to distribute literature related to the topic they have been invited to address.  Board approval is necessary for any announcements or solicitations from other organizations where a League activity is being held.  In cases where prior Board decisions cannot be obtained because of time limitations, the President or Executive Committee can approve such announcements or solicitations.  This policy shall be communicated to speakers at the time meeting arrangements are made.
• The Executive Committee shall be the League’s officers.  Agreement of a majority of the executive committee shall be required for actions taken with their authority.

 League Membership

• The League, in both its values and practices, affirms its belief and commitment to diversity and pluralism.  The League recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making, and subscribes to the belief that diversity and pluralism are fundamental to the values it upholds.  The League will actively work to ensure that our membership represents or exceeds the diversity of the community.
• Inclusiveness enhances the organization’s ability to respond more effectively to changing conditions and needs.  The League will promote the participation in all activities of the League of all persons whatever their gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.  The League will take affirmative action to ensure that there is no discrimination in membership with regard to gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.  
• Membership duration and categories are consistent with policies of the LWVUS.

Local League Documents

• The President shall approve final wording and sign or co-sign letters regarding League positions and/or representing the League as a whole.  All letters and fact sheets shall be seen by the President.  
• Board reports should be sent electronically to Board members prior to the meeting.  
• Reports of substantive material for discussion at a Board meeting shall be provided to Board members at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.  
• All reports shall be titled and dated. 
• Resignation from the Board shall be presented to the Board in writing
• Meeting formats: if appropriate, LWV meetings will be held “in person” in suitable venues. In situations where face-to-face meetings would present a risk to attendees, or if circumstances otherwise prevent attendees’ physical presence, virtual platforms  may be used. Meeting rules as defined in Bylaws shall be followed regardless of format.

Convention, Council, and Workshop Delegates

• Authorization for Convention, Council, workshop or required meeting expenditures shall be granted by the Board.  Authorized attendees will be informed in advance of the event of the expenses which will be reimbursed.  Expense policy for any authorized representatives to the above shall be as follows:  
  •  Transportation by private car – reimbursement for gas; every effort should be made to carpool.
  • Lodging – required expenses shall be covered based on double occupancy.
  • Meals – meals provided by the Convention, Council, workshop or meeting shall be paid for by the League. Registration – required amount.

League Monetary Procedures

• Board members are to submit all receipts, invoices and vouchers for reimbursement to the Treasurer.  In order to be eligible for reimbursement, an expense voucher must be submitted within sixty (60) days after the expense is incurred, or within thirty (30) days of the last day of the fiscal year, whichever occurs first. 
• League funds shall not be used for memorials or flowers in the event of death or illness of any League member or death or illness in a League member’s family.  Voluntary donations may be collected from members for such purposes.  The Board may send a note of sympathy. 
• A committee chairperson who makes arrangements for speakers shall be responsible for complete arrangements of fees (subject to Board approval), hospitality and expressions of thanks.  Out-of-town speakers will be offered reimbursement for mileage and/or lodging on a case-by-case basis. 

Nominating Committee

The nomination slate shall be approved by all members of the Nominating Committee (named in Article VIII of the Bylaws) before it is presented to the membership.

Annual Transition

• Outgoing Board members and committee chairs will brief their successors and orient them to the Google Drive. New Board members will be asked to review the Boards Bylaws and Policies.
• Between the Annual Meeting and the first Board meeting of the new League year, Outgoing Board members shall brief their successors and shall be responsible for transferring files (both paper and electronic) and background information to successors or to the President for archiving as appropriate. (See Records Management Policy). Successor Board members shall confirm to the President that the information transfer has occurred.
• At the first meeting of the new League year, the President shall appoint a committee to review the Policies of the Board of Directors and present any recommended revisions at the following meeting. Revised Policies shall be effective immediately upon approval. 

Records Management

• Working files will be maintained and organized on the Leagues’ Google Drive. Files will be systematically reviewed and organized by appointed custodians who have been granted access to the Google Drive. Documents that are to be retained permanently will be presented to the local Historical Society for archiving.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (adopted 2/2024)

• The League has adopted the DEI policy of the LWVMI as follows.
•  Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization’s mission and achievements as well.

Communications (adopted 6/2024)

• The League intends to maintain an active and relevant public presence, using multiple forms of digital, print and video media.
• Annually, the Board will authorize members to be responsible for creating and distributing content about the organization. Access to each form of media will be backed up by at least one other individual prior to posting or distribution. 
• The Communications programs will be developed at the monthly Board meetings and will result in a Communications work plan with individual assignments. 
• Operating instructions for the website and social media are maintained and updated by the Secretary or a designee. Instructions are housed in the Google Drive.

Policy revisions made 2/2026 – approved 3/5/2026