Program Resources

Program Glossary

Use of the following League terms will help to avoid confusion and misunderstanding during discussion and debate of Program. 

CONCURRENCE	Members are asked to agree with a statement or position held by another League or recommended by a League board or committee. The statement must be approved or rejected as written.
CONSENSUS	Substantial member agreement; the sense of the group rather than a majority opinion.
ISSUE FOR EMPHASIS	An issue/topic adopted by convention delegates as a program item on which state and local Leagues will mutually focus their efforts. May include concerted action using existing state or national positions, and/or community education on selected issues. (Also called Issue for Education and Advocacy.)
LIMITED STUDY	A new study with a narrow scope and usually of short duration.
NOT-RECOMMENDED PROGRAM	Issues of interest to a number of members but not receiving enough support to appear on the proposed program.
POSITION	The stand of the League on a public policy issue and the basis for action.
POSITION UPDATE	A study of limited scope to reevaluate an existing League position in light of new information, changed circumstance, and/or conflict with another position. The goal is consideration of a change in position. Any new position resulting from an update is adopted by the appropriate board and affirmed by the convention or annual meeting.
PROGRAM	In the League of Women Voters, “Program” consists of the body of policy issues we choose for study, education and action at local, state and national levels. Program can include both education and advocacy work.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAM	Subjects that reflect the thinking of most of the members in the state and are recommended by the appropriate board for adoption.
REVIEW	Members ask the board for evaluation of a current position for clarity, relevance, effectiveness. No change is made in the position statement.
SCOPE	Definition of the limits of a study and possible areas of exploration, developed by the study committee and approved by the appropriate board.
STUDY	The process of gathering information for discussion by members with the aim of reaching consensus and establishing a position.
VERTICAL POSITION	LWVUS, LWVC or ILO (Inter-League Organization) positions are designated as vertical if they may be used as the basis of action at other levels of League without prior permission.

Study Process

Check the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund Study Process for details.