Policies & Bylaws (proposed changes 2018)
As an organization, the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons (LWVH) is nonpartisan. It does not support or oppose political parties or candidates for public office.
After member study and agreement, the League may take action on public issues and policies. If such issues and policies are identified with a particular party or elected official, the League’s support of that issue or policy is not to be construed as support for that official or party.
The LWVH encourage its individual members to participate in the political process. There is no restriction to the general membership on political activism on behalf of candidates or political parties.
Board members shall not chair, administer or participate in political campaigns or events. This policy applies also to the chair or co-chairs of the Voter Services Committee.
Board members shall not run for or hold elective office. Upon declaring for an elective political office, a board member must resign from the board. Reappointment is at the discretion of the board.
Board members may run for and serve in volunteer, nonpartisan positions in the community; for example, as a member of an advisory board or a school or library board.
Board members may not speak publicly against League positions or advocate against them. As a result of their close identification with the League, board members and off-board portfolio chairs have a special responsibility to see that their activities do not compromise the nonpartisanship of the League.
In all of the above, exceptions will be left to the discretion of the Board.
LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. 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.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
