Resources

League of Women Voters^®
of Missouri

What are League resources

Voters Service. Effective Politically. 2008 Positions.

Voters Service/Citizen Information

Voters Service/Citizens Information activities directed toward encouraging citizens to register and vote, and to participate in government and politics. League provides factual information about voting procedures, candidates, and ballot issues. (When the League has a position on any issue, separate material is published to promote the League's stand. This is done to insure the distinction between League action and Voters Service.) Voters Service activities are directed at all eligible voters in the community and may take the following forms:-sponsoring candidates' meetings and interviews-publishing candidate responses to League questionnaires-registering eligible citizens to vote-making voting information to the public-"get out the vote" campaigns. Contact your local League if your group would like to co-sponsor a candidates' forum with the League. Citizen Information encompasses all other activities Leagues undertake to help members and the public to utilize government services and to understand and participate in government and politics at all levels. Citizen Information activities identify issues and raise questions so that citizens can think the issues through and reach their own decisions. Such activities are not used to persuade or promote League positions. Some examples of Citizens Information activities are:-printing publications on government structure and services-conducting workshops on issues-having an active observer corps to keep abreast of developments on various boards and commissions-conducting "how-to" seminars for members and the public.

How to be Effective Politically

Making your voice heard in Jefferson City and Washington is both effective and easy to do. Elected officials are very sensitive to the views of their constituents, especially to those who are thoughtful and articulate. Letter writing is the most common way people communicate with their elected officials, and it is remarkably effective. Even so, you may wish to consider other kinds of contact. The personal visit, for instance, is an option that is often over looked, but just one visit with your representative can have an impact and will, at the same time, pave the way for future communication. Telegrams and mailgrams, short and precise, work well too. One visit, phone call, letter or telegram may not always acoomplish your goal, but your opinion does make a difference. The more you know about those you elect to represent you, the easier it is to communicate effectively. There are many sources of information. One good source is your local newspaper. If the paper prints voting records, clip them, along with other stories on your senators and representatives. Many members of Congress publish newsletters to keep their constituents aware of their activities. Ask to be added to the mailing list. A variety of public interest groups produce legislative newsletters, too. You should also know on which committees your elected representatives serve. Most senators and representatives specialize in the issues that come before their committees. If your representative or senator is the chair or ranking member of a committee or subcommittee, those positions give them - and you- added leverage. If your representative or senator is not a member of a committee that has jurisdiction over an item of particular interest, contact the committee chair.

Where We Stand

Click here to see 2008 State Program in Brief

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: June 24, 2010 11:09 PDT.