I'd like to address what I would characterize as the outrage voiced during our 2008 Annual Meeting at the thought that only two members from our local League were attending the LWVUS National Convention, when our local League had an authorization for three voting delegates. The good news - three of our local League members did attend the 2008 LWVUS Convention: Marta Bookbinder, Kathee Tyson and I, and we all attended as voting delegates.
I was truly taken aback, and yes, hurt, to learn during our Annual Meeting's "Directions to the Board" that so many of our members believed not enough was done to solicit convention delegates and that so many members felt the Board had let the membership down. To help improve communications I'd like to provide the following background:
"The Call to Convention" was published in the March and April Voters.
Based on our local League membership headcount as of December 31, 2007, our League was allotted three voting delegate seats at the LWVUS 2008 Convention.
As of early April, our League had three members who had expressed a desire to attend as voting delegates. Unfortunately due to family responsibilities, one pledged attendee had to cancel later that month.
No other local League member came forward wanting to attend the LWVUS Convention. Wasn't that a shame when we have over 250 members? So one week before the Convention registration deadline, our third seat was given to a member from our "sister" League, LWV of South San Mateo County.
In late May, Marta Bookbinder, a relatively new League member, shared her wish to attend the 2008 Convention. Marta, I am happy to say, did attend, and her desire to be a voting delegate was easily accomplished during the early hours of the Convention.
Going forward, when "The Call to Convention" is published for either a state or a national convention, I hope more than three members raise their hands to attend. Mark your calendars now! The next state convention will be held in May 2009 in Long Beach. The next national convention will be held in June 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Delegates to state and national conventions take part in major decisions affecting the League's goals and operations, and so budgeting to send delegates from our League to conventions is a valuable investment in the future. Travel, lodging, convention registration and the fee for the banquet dinner are paid for by our League. Our only request is that members who attend accept the full responsibility of being a delegate. Being a delegate involves listening to the views expressed by other delegates during debate before deciding how to vote. Preparation should include the following:
Becoming familiar with convention materials sent from state or national which contain important background information on decisions to be made. Delegates need to read these materials carefully, so they'll be prepared to participate actively in the meeting. Traditionally they go "informed," but not "instructed" by their boards on how to vote.
Learning elementary parliamentary procedures which will enable the delegate to participate to the fullest extent in discussions and floor debate and to make motions for convention consideration.
Participating in orientation sessions held to brief delegates.
Attending the orientation for "first timers." Parliamentary briefings are regularly scheduled at national conventions, but delegates should arrive early to participate, since they take place before the opening session of convention.
Reporting the result of the convention to your local League. These reports are most valuable when they include you own personal impressions and experiences as well as major organizational decisions.
Participating as a delegate to a state and/ or a national League convention is a rewarding and an exciting experience. Besides being forums for important decision making, these meetings provide an opportunity for members to experience the diversity and unity of the League as they meet, talk and exchange ideas with members from other areas of the state or the country. No other experience offers such a rich opportunity to share and grow and take pride in the League.
Going forward, my hope is that you'll trust your Board more. We are all volunteers doing our best, working hard to represent you.
© Copyright
League of Women Voters of North and Central San Mateo County, California. All rights reserved.
![[LWV]](images/lwv76.gif)
