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The State League pays monthly for a Pro Zoom account, which lets us host meetings of up to 100 participants with no limit on meeting time. State Zoom account is available on a first come, first served basis. Default meeting time is one hour - please contact us at lwvor@lwvor.org if you need more time.

If your League has local events that you would like listed here, please send them to Andrea Capere to be included below. ⭐LWV of Clackamas County LWV of Clackamas County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Coos County LWV of Coos County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Corvallis LWV of Corvallis Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Curry County LWV of Curry County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Deschutes County LWV of Deschutes County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Klamath County LWV of Klamath County Events ⭐LWV of Lane County LWV of Lane County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Lincoln County LWV of Lincoln County Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Linn County Unit LWV of Linn County Unit Facebook page ⭐LWV of Marion and Polk Counties LWV of Marion and Polk Counties Events Page ⭐LWV of Portland LWV of Portland Website ⭐LWV of Rogue Valley LWV of Rogue Valley Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Union County Unit LWV of Union County Unit Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Umpqua Valley LWV of Umpqua Valley Events Calendar ⭐LWV of Washington County Unit LWV of Washington County Unit Events Calendar

The excitement of the League of Women Voters of the United States Convention has settled, and now it's time to turn inspiration into action. Our new national president, Sania Irwin, has reaffirmed the League's commitment to taking bold action in defense of democracy. LWVOR President Mark Kendall poses with LWV National President Sania Irwin at the 2026 LWV Convention. During our conversations at the Convention, she praised LWV Oregon's leadership in expanding youth membership, challenging federal overreach through the courts, and making the strategic decision to strengthen our capacity by doubling our staff. Just as importantly, she committed National's support to help amplify our work, improve collaboration among state Leagues, and share successful strategies so we can spend less time reinventing the wheel and more time advancing our mission. That momentum continues August 9-10, when the LWVOR Board of Directors and portfolio leaders gather for our annual Board Retreat. This year's theme, "Not More, But How?", reflects our focus on working smarter, building stronger systems, and preparing the League for the future. Together, we will develop a succession planning framework modeled after the national League, review our organizational structure, and clarify roles and responsibilities across every portfolio. We'll also tackle important questions that will shape the future of LWV Oregon: How do we consistently uphold our statewide brand? How do we recruit young members and keep them engaged? What does it take for local and state Leagues to model civil discourse? Which leadership roles need stronger succession plans and recruitment strategies? How do we better prepare Board members and volunteer leaders for their fiduciary responsibilities? What tools and practices can reduce volunteer fatigue and burnout? Just as importantly, we'll define how we measure success. We'll identify key performance indicators that allow us to track our progress, including: The number of Oregon high schools participating in the Student Mock Election. Member retention rates. Growth in youth membership year over year. Additional metrics that reflect the health and impact of our organization. We're also excited to share a few staffing updates. LWV Oregon recently welcomed Andrea Capere as our new Communications Coordinator. Andrea has quickly immersed herself in the League's work, bringing fresh ideas, strategic communications expertise, and a thoughtful approach to strengthening our outreach. As she continues to learn the many moving parts of our organization, we appreciate your patience and partnership during this transition. We're also pleased to announce that Lindsay LaPlante has accepted the role of half-time Development Director. Lindsay has served as our half-time Membership and VOTE411 Director, and during the search process for a Development Director, the Human Resources Committee recognized that her deep relationships with local Leagues and strong understanding of LWVOR's fundraising needs made her an outstanding fit. We look forward to the leadership she'll bring in this expanded role. There is tremendous energy across the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Thank you to our local Leagues, volunteers, and members for welcoming our new staff, supporting one another, and continuing to stand together in defense of democracy and the empowerment of voters. In League, Mark Kendall LWVOR President

Jean Pierce, Action Chair Over the past few years, local Leagues in Oregon have been asked to participate in several consensus studies. But there appears to be some confusion about the consensus process and why it is important. At the 2025 LWVOR convention, a 3-part K-12 education study was approved to Address: Exceptional Learners Safe and Healthy Schools Career and Technical Education The LWVOR action committee cannot take any action unless we know what League members think about an issue. Currently, LWVOR has no K-12 positions addressing the three topics, so we have not been able to weigh in on legislation that addresses these important topics. We DO have positions regarding funding of K-12 education, assessment and high stakes testing, attracting and retaining teachers, charter schools, civic education, and not using public funds for private schools. The consensus process means: A study committee researches a topic and creates a well-documented report The report is shared with experts in the field to determine whether Anything is omitted Anything is inaccurate There are any grammatical errors Based on their feedback, a revised report is submitted to the LWVOR Board for approval, along with consensus statements that present pros and cons and any supplemental information such as a video explaining the main ideas in the study. Local Leagues and units have 3 months to schedule a consensus meeting, during which League members determine whether they agree, disagree, or reach no consensus regarding statements. Each statement focuses on only one topic so that there is no confusion what League members mean if they agree or disagree. Reaching consensus does not necessarily mean taking a vote. After hearing reasons why League members agree or disagree with a statement, the meeting facilitator says, “I am hearing that there is general consensus that…” or “I am not hearing any consensus about this statement.” Members confirm whether that is Correct. The local League or unit submits a report which records not only whether members agree or disagree but also major reasons why they disagree or cannot reach consensus. Based on the responses, a member agreement committee develops the final wording for a position. The position needs to be written in general terms so that it stands the test of time and the position does not need to be updated when (for example) the name of a committee or a number changes. Positions represent what League members consider the ideal situation, which might not look like the current reality. The LWVOR Board decides whether to approve the position wording. If they do approve it, the position is immediately available for advocacy. While the focus of a state consensus study is creating a position that can be used to support or oppose state legislation, it is possible that a local League might be able to find something in a position which they can use for local advocacy. Delegates to the next LWVOR convention are asked whether they approve the new K-12 positions as well as all other positions in Issues for Action We have created separate timelines for the three parts so that local Leagues and units only need to consider approximately 20 statements at a time.

The League of Women Voters of Oregon seeks to empower voters to understand governmental issues and to participate in the political process. STAY INFORMED! Sign up for all League communications and newsletters here! Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Youth Civic Engagement Join the League Legislative Reports Read Our Studies Latest News League Promotional Items For Sale League Updates August 2026 Local League and State Unit Events Voter Newsletter What is the Consensus Process? Voter Newsletter Read More LWV Urges Congress to Exercise Its Authority Read the Letter To become a member, join one of 15 local Leagues and Units in Oregon. Learn more about join ing Oregon's Sanctuary Law: Know Your Rights Learn more Attend An Event See Events Check out upcoming public events happening around the state. Events are hosted by LWVOR and other Oregon Leagues.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice resources for members of the League of Women Voters. / Brand Guidelines / Brand Guidelines and Resources Brand Guidelines (LWVUS) League of Women Voters Brand Standards Includes logo best practices, color profiles, and more. Find logo files and branded merch here . Get the PDF Flickr Photo Archives (LWVOR and LWVUS) Photo Archives for Local Leagues to Use Use any of the photos you find here for your League branded material. LWVOR Archive LWVUS Archive

/ Member Handbook / Member Handbook This resource will acquaint new and existing members with League principles and processes so you can take full advantage of the opportunities of membership. Contents are linked below. MISSION STATEMENT HISTORY NONPARTISANSHIP VOTING MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS CONVENTIONS AND COUNCILS FINANCE VOTER EDUCATION ACTION COMMUNITY INFORMATION PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS LEAGUE LANGUAGE INDEX Membership Organization Principles and Action Program Finance MISSION STATEMENT 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. HISTO RY Carrie Chapman Catt and others organized the League of Women Voters of the United States in 1920. The League of Women Voters of Oregon was also founded in 1920. The League’s first goal was to teach women how to exercise their new right to vote; the scope was soon enlarged to include service to all citizens. Political action based on knowledge gained from study became the cornerstone of the League’s diverse agenda. NONPARTISANSHIP The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for elective office. Because of scrupulous adherence to this nonpartisan political policy, the League takes action only in the public interest and only on issues on which members have reached agreement after conducting studies. However, as individuals, League members are encouraged to join fully in the political process. VOTING MEMBERSHIP Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to people of all genders, age 16 and up. The League of Women Voters works on local, state and national levels. At all levels, members have a voice in what will be studied, what action will be taken, how League money will be spent, and who League leaders will be. The League is a grassroots organization, and members are dedicated to local Leagues as the foundation for local, state and national impact. The League of Women Voters Education Fund, created to strengthen League activities in education and voter service, functions under the auspices of the League of Women Voters, but legally exists as a discrete organization. Contributions to the Education Fund can be considered tax‐deductible. The Education Fund never advocates and never lobbies. MEETINGS Each local League determines its own schedule and meets typically nine times a year. A meeting for all members is usually called a General Meeting. The membership may divide into smaller groups, called units, which meet for discussion. Units are effective for different interest groups or when members are scattered over a large geographic area. Members meet to study and to discuss issues such as voting rights, land use, taxes, water resources, human needs, international trade and issues of local concern. All League meetings are open to the public. Each local League holds an Annual Meeting to elect officers, set local dues, and adopt local programs, bylaws and budget. All members can and should attend the Annual Meeting. CONVENTIONS AND COUNCILS The national Convention—for the League of Women Voters of the United States—is held biennially in even‐numbered years, with Washington D.C. the location every other national Convention. Delegates are elected by local Leagues in numbers proportionate to their membership. Any voting member of the League is eligible to serve as a Convention delegate. Observers and guests may attend but not vote. Delegates debate and vote on program, budget, financial support, and bylaws. They elect officers for the next biennium. The national Council is held in odd‐numbered years. Voting members include two delegates from each state plus the national Board of Directors. The League of Women Voters of Oregon holds its Convention in odd‐numbered years and Council in even‐numbered years, using similar rules. FINANCE League is a nonprofit organization that must have adequate financing to operate and to achieve its goals. Local Leagues adopt budgets to support local, state and national activities. Financial support comes from members, non‐members and the community at large. Dues are a major income factor in local League budgets. Each local League decides the amount of dues and the method for collecting them. Dues can be paid on the membership anniversary or at the beginning of the fiscal year. A large portion of the dues, called Per Member Payment or PMP, supports state and national League mission. The League conducts fundraising campaigns at every level to augment income from dues. Dues are only tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law for League nonprofit status determined by the IRS. VOTER EDUCATION The League of Women Voters of Oregon qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code and may accept tax‐deductible contributions. In part, these funds are used for Voter Service activities and balanced, impartial information on governmental issues, study guides, surveys, research projects and litigation in the public interest. The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government. The League of Women Voters believes government should be responsive to the will of the people in the following ways. 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 which affect the general welfare; ● promote a sound economy; ● adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems. The League encourages citizens to register, vote, and take part in government and politics. League members register voters, sponsor candidates and issue forums or debates, and provide information about voting. The LWVOR Voters’ Guide is an important resource for state elections. It provides objective, balanced election information and does not state League positions. The Voters’ Guide is available in many formats including easy‐to‐read, Spanish, Internet, large‐print and audio. We also coordinate a statewide mock election for K‐ 12 schools to help students learn the importance of participating in democracy. Rights of US Residents The League of Women Voters believes that: ● every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; ● every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; ● no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination. The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of the proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. World Citizenship The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organizations and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace. ACTION After reaching an agreement and announcing a position, local, state, or national Leagues take action by: ● working with other organizations (coalitions); ● speaking out through letter‐writing and e‐mail campaigns and through visits to legislators and public officials (based on our positions, we support or oppose legislation, ballot measures, etc.); ● testifying at legislative and administrative hearings; ● monitoring elections and other government activities; ● litigating to help clarify laws in the public interest. The League sends observers to meetings of local, regional, state and national government bodies. Observers do not speak for the League but attend meetings to listen, to learn, and to make factual reports. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Educating Oregonians about government and relevant state and local issues is a major League activity. Through community handbooks, political directories, and factual studies of issues, the League provides unbiased information necessary for an informed electorate. Community organizations often call upon the League for speakers on selected topics about government. PROGRAM Annual Program Planning League program at every level consists of those issues members choose for concentrated study and action. At each year’s program planning meeting, members discuss ideas for local and state or national program topics or studies. Deciding What to Study Proposals are submitted to the appropriate Board of Directors. The Board then considers the proposals, formulates a recommended program, and presents it to the membership at the Annual Meeting of the local League or to the delegates at the state or national Convention. Not‐recommended items can also be considered at each level. Such issues must fall within League principles and must be ones on which government action can be taken. Final decisions on state and national programs are made by a vote of the delegates to the respective Convention. The Study Process Once a study has been adopted, the Board appoints a chairperson of the “resource” or study committee and other members are solicited to serve on the committee. The resource committee gathers information on the study item, analyzes information, clarifies issues, and identifies problems. The committee presents all sides of the issue to members. The study may include tours, guest speakers, interviews and other activities. When the study has been completed, a report is published. Formulating a League Position Before the League can act, members must agree in broad terms on various aspects of the issue. To formulate a position, or statement of action, the League takes consensus. Consensus, or agreement, is reached through group discussion. Mem‐ bers come to an overall “sense of the group” as expressed through the exchange of ideas and opinions. It is from this agreement that the League formulates a position statement for action. League positions can also be reached through concurrence, or agreeing with a proposed statement. League members or Boards can concur with recommendations or a statement from a task force, a resource committee, a unit group, or any League Board. PUBLICATIONS League publications are important tools for carrying out our purpose. They are researched, written and distributed by members at every level. The League provides its materials free of charge to members, and in most cases, to the public. Aside from program study reports and Voters’ Guides mentioned earlier, other publications include member newsletters published locally, nationally, and at the state level (usually titled The Voter, although some local Leagues have their own titles), the Legislative Report (a statewide e‐ newsletter published during legislative sessions), and the National League’s email member newsletters. Other publications include annual reports, study report summaries, presentations, websites, and more. In order to accommodate a diversity of needs, items are published in multiple formats, including audio, and online. LEAGUE LANGUAGE INDEX Arranged alphabetically by topic Membership Voting Members US citizens at least 16 years old who have paid dues or who are Life Members. Members At State Members who do not reside within the geographic area of a local League, and choose to pay League dues for membership at the state level. Household Membership Two or more members at the same address; one person pays full dues and each additional person pays half the amount. Life Members Those who have belonged to League for 50 or more years and no longer pay dues. Associate Members Members under 16 or non-citizens who have paid dues. Organization Board Administrative body consisting of officers plus elected and appointed directors. Education Fund A separate organization established by the League to accept tax-deductible contributions, the funds of which can be used only for educational or Voter Service activities, such as a League study or Voters’ Guide. Nonpartisan Describes the League’s policy of not supporting or opposing political parties or candidates. Portfolio The specific program or administrative responsibility of a Board member, such as international relations, land use or public relations. Many League Boards are moving away from the portfolio system, with Board members assuming responsibilities as necessary. Units Small discussion groups. Not all Leagues use units. They work well in larger Leagues or those spread over a large geographic area. Principles and Action Governance One of the four areas in which the League studies and acts. Governance refers to the workings of the three branches of government, especially state legislatures and Congress, where laws are made. It includes taxation and other financial matters of the state or nation. International Relations The relationship of our country to other nations in trade, peacekeeping, the United Nations, etc. This is the second major area of League concern. Local Item A topic of concern and possible action in the city or county of a local League. Natural Resources A third major area of League interest. It includes air and water quality, land use, energy, transportation, and waste disposal. Social Policy The fourth area of concern to League members. Social policy covers education, health, housing, corrections, issues affecting women and children, human rights and civil liberties. Program Concurrence General agreement of League members to a statement of position written by the Board or other group at any level of League. Concurrence is often used to update an existing position. Consensus General agreement of League members following thorough study and discussion. League positions are based on member consensus. Observers League members who attend and monitor meetings of government councils, boards and commissions. Position A statement of beliefs of League members on a particular issue, reached by consensus or concurrence of members after thorough study and discussion. The position is adopted by the appropriate board, according to the level at which the study was done (local, state, or national). Action, pro or con, is carried out on the basis of positions from any level of League. Study The process of researching and analyzing an issue from all sides. Finance PMP Per Member Payment—monetary support for the state and national Leagues as decided by Convention delegates. mission history nonpartisan votingmembers meetings conventioncouncil finance votereducation action communityinfo program publications leaguelingo memberhip organization action program finance2