LWV Membership & Leadership Development (MLD) Program
The Big Picture…
Right now. . .There are Big Challenges facing our
democracy• Highly politicized, partisan dialogue• Laws threatening to DENY voters the right to
vote (not seen since the days of the Poll Tax!)
Voters crave authentic solutions• Want nonpartisan, factual information from a
trustworthy source
The League is Needed NOW…more
than ever!
What if… the League were to do its good work in this critical year in a focused and intentional way…
Who would benefit? What could those benefits look like?
What could it mean for the future?
Understanding our strengthsLooking to the futureSeeing possibilitiesEmbracing changeProviding vision Giving support
All while doing the goodwork of the League!
Core of MLD…
What if?
Who else?
Yes, and…
Imagine if…•EVERY League was capitalizing on this election year for voters and for the League – and growing itself in the process?
•EVERY League had its own coach for support, guidance, and ideas?
•EVERY League leader was trained and mentored and felt inspired and confident leading?
How do we get there?
MLD Basics Partnership among ALL levels of League.
Intentionally focused on:1.Recruiting new members2.Engaging current members3.Developing new leaders in ALL we do.
Using tried-and-true best practices.
What does the “partnership” look like?
Speaking with a united and POWERFUL voice
Working towards a common mission
Sharing resources Sharing knowledge
Structure of Partnership
LWVUS State Local
State Board
State Coordinator
State Coaches
LWVUS Board
Shur Fellows
LWVUS Staff
League Board
Coordinator
Committee
Critical Component: COACHES!
Every League in the country has a support network and
ongoing training!
Within the League, we are. . . .
Training
Working in teams toward common goals/vision
Implementing Best Practices
Coaching
Outside the League, we are. . . Intentionally including
Membership & Leadership Development into all League activities (especially “public” ones)
Developing External Relationships – partnerships with the media and community organizations
Increasing the League’s profile or visiblity in our communities
Best Practices for Membership
Media
Allied
Direct
3 Types of
Outreach
HOW?
Leadership Development
Prepare members to lead through building knowledge and confidence
Intentionally identify and include emerging leaders in League activities (i.e., Create a LWV Leadership Ladder)
Success!41 states and DC participating
23 Ruth S. Shur Fellows (national coaches)
Over 100 State CoachesBetter membership numbers
More community involvement , visibility, and connection
Renewed hope and enthusiasm! Belief in the power of our mighty voice!
What are Local Leagues Saying? “I thought our Legislative Forum Tuesday night was a huge success for our League. Not only did the chance to collaborate with other organizations give us a boost, but we passed a clipboard around the audience during the event. We got 36 people's contact info who said they would like to be notified about future League speakers at the Topeka library!! Local League members really came out for the event. The forum was Skyped live to 3 libraries including Dodge City and will be replayed this Sunday night on KPR. Tell LWVUS, the membership ideas work!”
~Grace, LWV of Topeka-Shawnee
Together we can and are making the League and our communities stronger.