The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, national organization that:



- Encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government

- Works to increase understanding of major public policy issues

- Influences public policy through education and advocacy The League of Women Voters (LWV) works at the local, state, and national levels, paralleling the levels of American government.



Anyone of voting age -- male or female -- may join as a voting member.



Where We Stand is the collection of League of Women Voters of Massachusetts positions, with a brief history and summary of action taken under each position. This edition reflects the state program adopted at the 1997 Convention and includes updates of LWVM action in each program area. The dates after each position refer to the years in which the positions were adopted. More details about the League process may be found in the background section of each program item.



Vision, Beliefs and Intentions



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



The League of Women Voters of the United States is a nonpartisan political membership organization, which:



• acts after study and member agreement to achieve solutions in the public interest on key community issues at all government levels.



• builds citizen participation in the democratic process.



• engages communities in promoting positive solutions to public policy issues through education and advocacy.