​New Member Handbook
2026-2027
CONTENTS
rev 5/1/2026
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Appendix Two: LWVT Officers and Directors
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Appendix Three: LWVT & State Committees; Local Coalitions
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Appendix Four: LWVT Program
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Appendix Five: Local League Positions
Introduction to the League of Women Voters
Congratulations on your decision to join the League of Women Voters, 100+ Years Strong. You now belong to one of the nation’s most widely recognized, respected and effective citizen organizations in the country. The LWV Tallahassee was formed in 1956 and held its 70th Anniversary celebration in 2026.
When you join the league you become a member at all three levels: the local Tallahassee League (LWVT), the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) and the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS).
In the League, we are not all organizers or speakers. We do not all think alike or support the same political party. Some of us have the time and energy to be active members, while others have little spare time. At different times in our lives we have different assets to offer. But together we have the intelligence, skills, energy, and enough time that, when put together, make up an important, effective, and purposeful grassroots organization.
In short, the League can help you be an interested, informed, and effective citizen and you can help the League. This is your League. The more time and talent you invest, the more you will gain from being a member. Be actively engaged and involved regardless your level of physical involvement; there is no shortage of opportunities for planners, thinkers, and doers.
When you are ready to get involved, please fill out this short interest form. We will contact you directly.
Purposes and Principles
Mission: Empowering Voters; Defending Democracy
Vision: We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge,
and the confidence to participate.
Values: We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through two very distinct roles: education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund works to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in government and to increase understanding of major public policy
issues. Donations to the Education Fund are tax deductible.
The League adheres to principles or concepts of government. The League Principles serve two functions:
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authorization for adoption of national, state, and local programs; and
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as a basis for acting at the national, state, and local level.
The Principles are in Appendix One of this handbook.
Nonpartisan Policy
Updated November 18, 2020, LWVT Board of Directors
In 1920, The League of Women Voters made a choice: The League would neither support nor oppose any political party or candidate for public office. This decision continues today to ensure that the League’s voice is heard above the tumult of party politics. This nonpartisan policy has added strength to the League’s positions on issues and has made wide acceptance of League voter service and other educational activities possible.
At the same time, the League is a political organization and encourages members to participate fully in the political party of their choice, to run for office, to contribute their time, finances, energy in support of candidates as well as to be active generally in the governmental process. It is an advantage to the League to have politically active members. For its active members, it can be a personally satisfying experience.
Our nonpartisan policy is the cornerstone of our Voter Service program: candidates appear at our events because they trust our forums will be fair and impartial and they know they will be treated with respect. Candidates give information to the League because they know it will not be used for partisan purposes. This reputation for fairness and independence accounts for the confidence placed in our positions by interested citizens, other organizations, and the media.
While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary in order to maintain our nonpartisan policy, which has always been a major source of strength for the League. For example, all members should refrain from displaying League membership (buttons, banners, clothing, etc.) and simultaneously indicating her/his/their political affiliation or candidate preferences or endorsements.
Nonpartisan Policy Applicable to the Board of Directors, and Certain Committee Chairs
The Officers and Directors comprising the Board of Directors (the Board) recognizes that because of close identification with the League, each Board Member has a special responsibility to see that his/her/their activities do not create a partisan impression.
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Elected Office. Board Members may not run for nor hold any elective office.
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Political Party Office. Board Members shall not serve in any elected position in a political party.
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Campaign Contributions. The President, Vice Presidents, and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs may not attend fundraising events or make campaign contributions for candidates. Other Board Members may attend fundraising events and make campaign contributions for candidates at any level.
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Political Campaigns. The President, Vice Presidents, and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs shall not chair or administer fundraising or political campaigns, chair a campaign event or work in a significant way in the campaign of a candidate for office at any level. Other Board Members may not undertake such activities for candidates for local office, but may do so for candidates for federal or state office.
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Social and Other Media. Board Member shall not indicate her/his/their political affiliation or candidate preferences or endorsements at any level of government in the media, including on social networking sites or other public venues that also prominently identify her/him/they as a member of the League or LWVT Board.
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The President, Vice Presidents and the Voter Services, Lobby Corps, and Local Government Chairs may attend free political party events for information only.
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The political activity of a spouse or relative of a Board Member is considered separate and distinct from the activities of the Board Member.
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Members shall present questions about specific situations to the Board if this policy does not resolve the question.
Membership
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Any person who subscribes to the purposes and policy of the League of Women Voters shall be eligible for membership.
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The minimum age for voting membership is sixteen.
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Joining automatically makes you a member of our local, our state, and national league. You may participate, attend meetings and apply for leadership positions at any level.
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Associate members of a League are those who are under 16 years of age; or are voting members of another League.
A member of one League is welcome to volunteer with or donate to additional Leagues as an Associate Member, but cannot be reflected as a member of another League in the portal. Associate members are manually tracked.
LWV of Tallahassee Board of Directors
LWV of Tallahassee Board of Directors At all levels of the League, Boards of Directors are elected to manage activities. The Tallahassee Board of Directors (the Board) includes five officers: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary; six Directors elected by the members; and up to six Directors appointed by the elected Officers and Directors. A Nominating Committee secures and vets candidates and presents a slate to the Membership at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting is held in late April to elect the Board, set the budget, and approve the program for the coming 7 year. The current Board of Directors along with terms of office is found in Appendix Two of this Handbook.
WHAT THE LEAGUE DOES
Speaking with One Voice for the League
Before we begin a discussion of what the League does, it is important for all members to be aware that Only the President or his/her/their authorized representative speaks on policy matters in the name of the League. Individual members may not put forth League positions in public testimony or publications without authorization. However, members are encouraged to speak or write as informed individual citizens
Program
While the League is an action group it may take action only on issues that have been studied and on which the members are agreed. This approach to action is responsible for the League’s reputation for thorough study, a reputation that is pivotal to our political effectiveness. Every local League decides each year on an action agenda which is called the program and is developed by an ad hoc Committee which presents it to the Board for review. The last step in developing the year’s program is to present it to members at the Annual Meeting for member approval. The current Program is in Appendix Four.
National and state Leagues also develop programs, but these span several years. You can find the national and state programs online at:
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National Issues and Positions: Impact On Issues can be found on the national website (lwv.org) under League Management (no PW needed) or may be purchased on Amazon.
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Florida Study and Action Issues: State Program, Study & Action + State Bylaws - League of Women Voters of Florida (lwvfl.org)
Password: SusanBAnthony
Study and Action
Study and Action The Tallahassee League has several Study and Action Committees. The committees consider the programs of state and national League in determining the issues they will address locally.
Study, Consensus and Concurrence
Local Leagues often participate in national and state studies or conduct studies of their own to determine a League position on issues. Any member may participate in a study; these small groups provide wonderful opportunities for learning, networking, and friendships.
Unlike many other public-interest organizations, the League does not rely on majority votes for decision-making related to study results. Rather, it seeks consensus through member discussion of specific key questions. Once consensus is ratified by the Board the decision becomes a League position and can be used to direct action. Current LWVT Local Positions are found in Appendix Five.
A League may also act by concurrence. A League’s membership or its Board may concur with the recommendations of a task force, a League Committee, decision statements formulated by League Boards, or positions reached by other Leagues.
Engagement Opportunities
In addition to Study and Action Committees, there are multiple ways to engage internally and externally to maintain the League as a vibrant voice and force for advocacy. Any member may participate in one or more simply by attending meetings. More on this below, but a full list of activities and committees, and coalitions may be found in Appendix Three of this Handbook.
When you are ready to get involved, please fill out this short interest form. We will contact you directly.
League Action on Issues
League action takes many forms – lobbying, monitoring meetings, sending digital communications, social networking, neighborhood canvassing, polling citizens, circulating petitions, developing, and publishing documents, forming coalitions and other activities. Actions are based on the League program and are intended to:
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increase public awareness of an issue and
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achieve a resolution of it consistent with League goals.
Local/State Advocacy
Local advocacy, including observing local government and school board, and contacting the Leon County State Delegation is conducted year-round and is guided by the LWVT Board. In addition Tallahassee League members are in a unique position to support the LWVFL Legislative Priorities at the Capitol during legislative sessions. The latter is guided by the state league.
Members may be called to assist at School Board or Commission Meetings, the Capitol, or other county locations. Activities may include attending and representing the League’s position at committee hearings, attending press conferences, rallies, and marches.
Elections & Voting Rights
This particularly important area of League activity is often what the community thinks of first when the League is mentioned. Activities take many forms: providing non-partisan education at various community venues on voting topics, sponsoring candidates meetings, debates, and interviews; publishing candidate responses to questionnaires; registering citizens to vote; making voting information available; sponsoring and participating in get-out-the-vote campaigns; and publishing background materials on current public issues and lists of sources of information on these issues.
The Tallahassee League is continuously active educating voters and providing support to the voter registration/updating process. The US League website, Vote411.org, is a national candidate information resource. We help populate the online system for use by local voters. We 9 partner with other groups to present candidate forums, sometimes taking the lead and sometimes handling one component of an event. Election years are exciting and extremely busy for League members.
Citizen Information
Written brochures, pamphlets and coordinated activities are designed to raise awareness and provide balanced information on all sides of an issue. This information sharing helps citizens understand public issues and reach their own decisions. They are distinct from the League’s action agenda, which may call for work towards a particular resolution of an issue.
Community and Campus Outreach
LWVT engages in the community through direct contact at tabling events and attendance at local gatherings and special events. We utilize electronic forms of messaging, including constant contact and social media, as well as our close relationships with community leaders and other advocate organizations to keep the public informed. You will see some of our coalition partners in Appendix Five. We have a close association with area campuses and provide support to various events through FSU PIRG and PeoplePowerFL. Member volunteers offer information about the League and issues supported by the League.
MEETINGS and REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS
Board Meetings
The Tallahassee Board generally meets monthly; although Special Meetings may be called, and summer meetings may be replaced with Strategic Planning or other member outreach activities. The Board is a working Board, and meetings include both business items and information sharing. Members are welcome to attend regularly scheduled meetings (Third Wednesday most months 6-8PM via Zoom). Contact miriambarfield@gmail.com to confirm attendance.
Annual Membership Meeting
An annual meeting is held in April to elect Board Officers, a Nominating Committee, and three of six Directors (staggered terms), set the budget, and approve the League Program for the coming year. Any ByLaws changes are also presented and approved. Notice of the meeting is published in The Voter.
Holiday Brunch
League members look forward to the December Holiday Brunch when we hold our traditional fun’raiser auction and often have an activity, invite a speaker or musician(s) to entertain and inspire.
Hot Topic Events
These events offer important news, developments, and trends with insightful analysis and commentary and may be conducted electronically or in person; many include guest speakers. The venue for in person events may include a luncheon or dinner. Look for announcements on Face Book, Instagram, and in The Voter. This is an opportunity to become actively engaged with the League through networking with other members, engaging in League business, and hearing 10 important information and announcements. Hot Topic events are an excellent way to introduce your friends to the League. Details are provided in pre-event announcements, including topic, speaker, location, time, and any fee to attend.
COMMUNICATIONS and PUBLICATIONS
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The LWV Tallahassee Voter is a newsletter published the first Monday of every month. Current and back issues are available on our League website under the Member Resources drop down menu, or at the following link https://www.lwvtallahassee.org/the-voternewsletter.
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Constant Contact, an email marketing service, is the means by which both the Tallahassee League and our State League send information to members who have email addresses. New members are added to the address lists.
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Websites - lwvtallahassee.org is an excellent source of information about the Tallahassee League. The League of Women Voters of Florida’s website is lwvfl.org and the LWVUS website is lwv.org.
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Action Alerts are emails sent by the US or State League asking members to contact elected officials about current issues and Florida Legislative and national Congressional votes.
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Know Your Public Officials, a list of national, state, and local elected officials, is published by LWVT Voter Services in both online and print format. Print copies are made available at the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office, and local libraries.
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Our phone number is 850-309-3005. Leave a message.
Our mailing address is LWVT, 1400 Village Square Blvd., Suite 3, Box 115 Tallahassee, FL 32312-1231
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Our email address is info@lwvtallahassee.org.
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Our Facebook page is found at www.facebook.com/LWVTallahassee. Please “like” us and feel free to “share” posts.
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Our Instagram account is found at https://www.instagram.com/lwvtlh
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Our YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeL5HUh1ZycBpltiVzvOQCw
DEFENDER of DEMOCRACY
Having read this far you are now an informed fellow Leaguer – one of thousands nationwide proud to be a defender of Democracy! With every event and activity you will learn more. If you haven’t already selected your committee, fill out this short interest form.​
Appendix One: LWVT Principles
The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that all powers of the U.S. government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation in government and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen’s right to vote should be protected; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.
The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. The League believes Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
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The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
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Last Update: October 21, 2020, LWVT Board of Directors
Appendix Two: LWVT Officers and Directors
The Tallahassee Board of Directors (the Board) comprises five officers: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary; six Directors elected by the members; and up to six Directors appointed by the elected Officers and Directors. One appointed position is reserved for the President of FSU PIRG. Board Officers and a Nominating Committee are elected by the membership to serve one-year terms; Directors may be elected by the membership to staggered two-year terms, or may be appointed by the Elected Board to serve one-year terms. Staggering Director terms assures a level of continuity on the Board between election cycles. The six elected Nominating Committee and Immediate Past President are nonvoting resource members to the Board.