What is Program Planning?

In League, Program means the issues that we choose for concerted study, education and action at local, state and national levels. Program can include both education and advocacy work.

The Program Planning process is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member has the opportunity to influence the selection of issues where the local, state, and national League will focus time, talent and money.  

It takes the enthusiasm and interest of our members to keep our program vital. You’d never skip voting in an election; you shouldn’t skip the League’s equivalent. The program planning process is your voice!

The Issues for Emphasis (priority issues) your League proposes as priorities may be based on current League work or on new topics you believe we should focus on. 
2022 Annual Planning Meeting ​
Members shared their voices on issues that matter most and areas to focus on in 2022-2023.

Thanks to those of you who attended a productive Program Planning event in February!  This annual morning of priority-setting helps us plan how to focus our energies in the next League year.  

NEXT STEPS:
Members will vote on the issues for emphasis recommended by the Board at our Annual Meeting on May 14, where you will also vote on next year’s leadership and the budget. Please join us that day at the Baylands Cafe at Palo Alto Municipal Golf Club, 1875 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.
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9:30 - 10:00 am - Social time/continental                       breakfast   
10:00 am - 12:00 pm - Business meeting
Guest speaker:
         Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada
​View the Toolkit:

Culmination of Program Planning: National and State Conventions​

The National Program for the League of Women Voters of the United States occurs every two years, on even years. Work is managed by the League of Women Voters of the US Board of Directors and national staff. ​​ Local Leagues share their top issues with the National League and these issues are then put to vote at the National Convention by the delegates who attend from each state and local League.  The issues voted on by these delegates then become part of the priority issues and the recommended program for the National League.
The State Program for the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) is held every alternating two years, on odd years. The program issues prioritized from each local League are shared at the State Convention typically at the beginning of the summer (June/July), and voted on by the delegates from each League. The program planning process culminates in the delegates’ adoption of the statewide program. A strong program planning process leads directly to Convention, where priorities are set from both a policy and a budgetary standpoint. LWVC board members carefully consider the input from League members as they formulate the recommended program for the State League. 
​Learn more about our current Local and National Programs and current areas of focus.

League Lingo Explained

Here is a wonderful Episode from the 'What would Alice Paul Do' Podcast on LEAGUE LINGO.  Program Planning and more is explained!

Advocacy & Action >>

LWV Palo Alto in ACTION
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​What is Program Planning?​​