LWVBA Advocacy

The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area believes that government at the regional level should be structured so that it can effectively and responsibly solve those problems that transcend political boundaries. The LWVBA, by including all nine Bay Area Counties, makes possible League Study and Action on region-wide problems and issues.

LWVBA takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause. LWVBA positions result from a process of thorough study focused on a regional issue. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership.

Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.

It is the consensus statement -- the statement resulting from the consensus questions -- that becomes a position. Firm action or advocacy can then be taken on the particular issue addressed by the position. Without a position, action/advocacy cannot be taken.

Our positions address Regional Government, Regional Planning, Environment, Natural Resources, Hazardous Materials Management, Social Policy, Surface Transportation, and Airport Transportation and are available in these documents:

Regional Transportation Position (pdf)
Regional Government & Planning Position (pdf)
Environmental & Natural Resources Position (pdf)
Hazardous Materials Position (pdf)
Social Policy & Housing Position (pdf)