About the League

League of Women Voters^®
of Santa Fe County

Read about the League and review LWVSFC policies and by-laws.

Mission. Principles. Vision, Beliefs, & Intentions. History. LWVSFC Policies. LWVSFC Bylaws.

Mission

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The organization derives its strength from the energy and commitment of more than a hundred and fifty thousand members and supporters nationwide.
Founded in 1920 after a 72-year struggle to gain women's right to vote, the LWV began the effort to help in the education of 20 million women on how to exercise their new political rights and responsibilities. Although programs and priorities have changed over the years, the League has remained true to its basic purposes.
The League of Women Voters has two separate and distinct roles.

Education: we present unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues.

Action/Advocacy: we are nonpartisan, but after study, we use our positions on issues to advocate for or against particular policies.

To conduct our voter service and citizen education activities, we use funds from the League of Women Voters Education Fund, which is a 501(c)(3) corporation, a nonprofit educational organization. The League of Women Voters, a membership organization, conducts action and advocacy and is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) corporation.

Principles

The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
We further believe:

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.

Every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; 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.

Efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.

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.

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.

Vision, Beliefs, & Intentions

The goal of the League of Women Voters of the United States is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.
We:

ACT after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues at all government levels.
BUILD citizen participation in the democratic process
ENGAGE communities in promoting positive solutions to public policy issues through education and advocacy.

We believe in:

Respect for individuals
The value of diversity
The empowerment of the grassroots, both within the League and in the community.
The power of collective decision-making for the common good.

We will:

Act with trust, integrity and professionalism.
Operate in an open and effective manner to meet the needs of those we serve, both members and the public.
Take the initiative in seeking diversity in membership.
Acknowledge our heritage as we seek our path to the future.

History

The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920 during the convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. The convention was held just six months before the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote after a 72-year struggle.
The League began as a "mighty political experiment" designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters. It encouraged them to use their new power to participate in shaping public policy. From the beginning, the League was an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that citizens should play a critical role in advocacy. It was then, and is now, a nonpartisan organization. League founders believed that maintaining a nonpartisan stance would protect the fledgling organization from becoming mired in the party politics of the day. However, League members were encouraged to be political themselves, by educating citizens about, and lobbying for, government and social reform legislation.
This holds true today. The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. The League has a long, rich history, that continues with each passing year.
Click here to read more about the League and its history.

Policies--League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County

Membership: The membership list is not public. It is for the use of League members only. Any other use will be determined by the board of directors.
Dues: The individual membership is $48/year. Dues for additional members in the same household are $32. Dues are collected during the months of September through November for the membership year, September 1 through August 31. Members joining April 1 through August 31 will have their membership recognized through the upcoming year, thus receiving a 13-17 month membership. Scholarships are available at the president's discretion.
Statements: All statements made in the name of the LWVSFC require approval by the LWVSFC president.
Reservations: League members are responsible for the cost of any reservation they make. If they have not canceled by the designated deadline, they will be billed for the cost of the activity.
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By-Laws--League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County

ARTICLE I Name
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County. The local League is an integral part of the League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.

ARTICLE II Purpose and Policy
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County shall be to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government.

Section 2. Policy. The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County may take action on selected local governmental measures and policies in the public interest in conformity with the League of Women Voters of the United States. It shall not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

ARTICLE III Membership
Section 1. Eligibility. Any person, eighteen years or older, who subscribes to the purpose and policy of the League shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2. Types of Membership. The membership of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County consists of three types:
a) Voting members shall be those U.S. citizens whose dues are currently paid.

b) Associate members shall be all others who join the League. Associate members do not have a vote.

c) Honorary life members shall be members who have belonged to the League of Women Voters of the United States for 50 years. No further dues shall be collected and all privileges will be retained as a voting member.

ARTICLE IV Officers
Section 1. Enumeration and Election of Officers. The officers of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County shall be a President, a first Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. A second Vice President may be included as an officer. The officers shall be elected for terms of one year by the general membership at an Annual Meeting, and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors have been elected and qualified. Officers shall take office immediately after the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. The President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Board of Directors. The President may, in the absence or the disability of the Treasurer, sign, or endorse checks, drafts, and notes. The President shall be, ex officio, a member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The President shall have such usual power of supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the President and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Board. The out-going President will remain on the Board the year following her/his term as President.

Section 3. The Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents, {in the order of their rank,} shall in the event of absence, resignation, disability, or death of the President, possess all the powers and perform all the duties of that office, until such time as the Board of Directors shall elect one of its members to fill the vacancy. The Vice Presidents shall perform such duties as the President and the Board may designate.

Section 4. The Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all board and general meetings of the League and of the Board of Directors. Copies of the approved/accepted minutes will be filed in the office of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County. The President shall notify all Officers and Directors of their election. The Secretary shall sign, with the President, all contracts and other instruments when so authorized by the Board and shall perform such other functions as may be incident the Secretary's office.

Section 5. The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of these monies, shall deposit them in a bank designated by the Board of Directors, and shall disburse the same only upon order of the Board. The Treasurer shall present statements to the Board at its regular meetings and an annual report to the Annual Meeting. At least quarterly, the remaining balances of budget line items shall be reported to the Board. The books of the Treasurer shall be reviewed after the close of the fiscal year by a qualified person appointed by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V Board of Directors
Section 1. Number. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the League, four elected Directors and not more than six appointed Directors.

Section 2. Manner of Selection and Term of Office. The four elected Directors shall be elected by the general membership at each Annual Meeting and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors have been elected and qualified. The elected members may appoint such additional Directors, not exceeding six, as they deem necessary to carry on the work of the League. The terms of office of the appointed Directors shall be one year and shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual Meeting.

Section 3. Qualifications. No person shall be elected or appointed or shall continue to serve as an officer or director of this organization unless he or she is a voting member of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County.

Section 4. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors by reason of resignation, death, or disqualification of an officer or elected member may be filled, until the next Annual Meeting, by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors. Two consecutive absences from a Board meeting without notification to the President or Secretary, and without valid reason, shall be deemed a resignation.

Section 5. Powers and Duties. The Board of Directors shall have full charge of the property and business of the organization, with full power and authority to manage and conduct same, subject to the instructions of the general membership. It shall plan and direct the work necessary to carry out the Program as adopted by the National Convention, the State Convention, and the local Annual Meeting. The Board shall create and designate such special committees as it may deem necessary.

Section 6. Executive Committee. There may be an Executive Committee consisting of the President, two other officers, and two Board members, elected by the Board of Directors. The executive committee is empowered to act for the Board in emergency situations arising between its meetings. All actions taken by the executive committee in emergency situations shall be reported to the Board at its next regular meeting. The executive committee is empowered to make recommendations to the Board for appointments of Board members.

Section 7. Meetings. There shall be at least nine regular meetings of the Board of Directors annually. The President may call special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall call a special meeting upon the e-mail or surface mail request of five members of the Board. The Board may conduct either regular or special meetings by e-mail or telephone conferencing provided that all board members have access to the electronic media used. Procedures for discussion, debate and voting shall be in place prior to the convening of such a meeting.

Section 8. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VI Financial Administration
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County shall commence on the first day of May of each year.

Section 2. Dues. Annual dues in the amount to be determined at the Annual Meeting shall be payable September 1. Members who fail to pay their dues within two months after they become payable shall be dropped from the membership rolls after the mailing of the November Voter.

Section 3. Budget. A budget for the ensuing year shall be submitted by the Board of Directors to the Annual Meeting for adoption. The budget shall include support for the work of the LWVUS, LWVNM, and the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County.

Section 4. Budget Committee. A Budget Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors immediately following the Annual Meeting to prepare a budget for the ensuing year and to supervise the current budget. The proposed budget shall be sent to all members two weeks before Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall not be eligible to serve as chairman of the Budget Committee.

Section 5. Development. The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County, under the direction of the Development Chair, shall raise funds necessary for that part of the budget not covered by membership dues by:
a. soliciting nonmember contributions from the community;

b. soliciting member contributions; and

c. any other practical means approved by the Board.

ARTICLE VII Meetings
Section 1. General Meetings. There shall be at least four general meetings of the membership each year. Time and place shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Annual Meeting. An Annual Meeting shall be held between March 15 and May 31, the exact dates to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting shall:
a) adopt a local program for the ensuing year;

b) elect officers and Directors and members of the Nominating Committee;

c) adopt an adequate budget; and

d) transact such other business as may properly come before it;

e) receive written reports from officers and chairs of committees.

Section 3. Quorum. Twenty members shall constitute a quorum at Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VIII Nominations and Elections
Section 1. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of five members, two of whom shall be members of the Board of Directors. The Chair and two members, who shall not be members of the Board, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting. Nominations for these officers shall be made by the current Nominating Committee. The other members shall be appointed by the Board of Directors immediately following Annual Meeting. Any vacancy on the Nominating Committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Report of the Nominating Committee and Nominations from the Floor. The report of the Nominating Committee of its nominations for Officers, Directors, and members of the succeeding Nominating Committee shall be sent to all members two weeks before the date of the Annual Meeting. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be presented to the Annual Meeting. Immediately following the presentation of the report, nominations may be made from the floor by any voting member, provided the consent of the nominee shall have been secured.

Section 3. Elections. The election shall be by ballot. When there is but one nominee for an office, and no nominations are made from the floor, the ballot may be eliminated and the Secretary may be instructed to cast a unanimous vote for the nominee. A majority vote of those qualified to vote and voting shall constitute an election. Absentee or proxy voting shall not be permitted.

ARTICLE IX Program
Section 1. Authorization. The governmental principles adopted by the National Convention, and supported by the League as a whole, constitute the authorization for the adoption of program.

Section 2. Program of the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County shall consist of:
a) such current local government issues as the membership shall choose for concerted study, action, and sustained attention to permit continued action, and

b) action to protect the right to vote of every citizen.

Section 3. Action by the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting shall act upon the Program using the following procedures:
a) the Board of Directors shall consider the recommendations sent in by all voting members and the recommendations from the Local Program Planning Meetings two months prior to the Annual Meeting and shall formulate a Proposed Program.

b) the Proposed Program shall be sent to all members two weeks before the Annual Meeting.

c) a majority vote of the voting members present and voting at the Annual Meeting shall be required for adoption of items in the Proposed Program as presented to the Annual Meeting by the Board of Directors.

d) recommendations for Program submitted by voting members two months prior to the Annual Meeting but not recommended by the Board of Directors may be considered by the Annual Meeting provided that the Annual Meeting shall order consideration by a majority vote. Non-recommended program items must be adopted by a two-thirds vote.

e) only those program recommendations which have been made following the above procedure will be considered. Items not previously submitted cannot be considered at the Annual Meeting.

f) any study item adopted by the general membership at the Annual Meeting shall be dropped automatically if a chair is not found within sixty days of the Annual Meeting.

Section 4. Changes in Program. In case of altered conditions, program changes may be made, provided that information concerning the proposed change has been sent to all members at least two weeks prior to a general membership meeting at which the change is to be discussed. Final action by the membership may be taken at the same or a succeeding meeting.

Section 5. Member Action. Members may act in the name of the League of Women Voters only when authorized to do so by the appropriate Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X National Convention, State Convention and Council
Section 1. National Convention. The Board of Directors, at a meeting before the date on which the names of delegates must be sent to the national office, shall select delegates to that Convention in the number allotted the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County under the provisions of the Bylaws of the League of Women Voters of the United States.

Section 2. State Convention. The Board of Directors, at a meeting before the date on which the names of delegates must be sent to the state office, shall select delegates to that Convention in the number allotted the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County under the provisions of the Bylaws of the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.

Section 3. State Council. The Board of Directors, at a meeting before the date on which the names of delegates must be sent to the state office, shall select delegates to that Council in the number allotted the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County under the provisions of the Bylaws of the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.

ARTICLE XI Parlimentary Authority
Sections 1. Parliamentary Authority. The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII Standing Rules
Section 1. Standing Rules. The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County may adopt, pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order Revised, such Standing Rules as may from time to time be necessary and convenient to the governance of the internal affairs. No standing rules shall conflict with or take precedence over any provisions of these Bylaws.

Section 2. Amendments. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present and voting at the Annual Meeting, provided the amendments were submitted to the membership in printed form at least two weeks in advance of the Annual Meeting.

(Passed February 22, 1951. Amended at Annual meetings in 1953, 1955, 1956, 1961, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.)

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