The following are a few of the questions Carol Whitesell prepared for her workshop at Council 88. Take this true/false quiz and see how informed YOU are about League program.
1. Program in the League refers to the speaker or other activity on the agenda for a general meeting or unit meeting.
2. The primary purpose of a League study is to inform the members about an issue and make them aware of the problem.
3. Any member may propose a new study at the annual meeting, and the members may vote to approve it.
4. A local League may act on a national League position at the local government level without adopting the item at the annual meeting.
5. As long as one or two members are interested in an issue and willing to do the work, it is a good idea to adopt the item, so as not to lose their interest.
6. Only League members may serve on a study committee.
Answers
1. FALSE. In the League, program refers to the governmental issues that League members choose for study and concerted action. It is not just the topic or speaker for a meeting.
2. FALSE. The primary purpose of a League study is to reach member agreement on a SOLUTION to a community issue and prepare the League to take ACTION to remedy the problem.
3. FALSE. Only those issues which have been proposed by members and reviewed by the Board during the program planning process may be considered for adoption at the Annual Meeting. The process is similar at all League levels and is set forth in the Bylaws.
4. TRUE. But the Board should be sure members are informed about the local situation/problem and understand how and why the position applies locally. The Board must also consider the financial implications of any major action program that was not included in the adopted budget.
5. FALSE. When considering whether or not to adopt a program study item, it is the responsibility of the members and leaders to ask questions such as:
- How much member interest is there in this issue?
- Is this a crucial time for the issue?
- Is the community interested and could we develop support?
- Does political reality permit effective action?
- Will it attract members?
- What are the prospects for funding anticipated educational materials and activities and an action campaign when member agreement has been reached?
6. FALSE. Any interested person may serve on a League study committee. It is also a smart way to get people interested and knowledgeable about League. Be sure to invite them to join.
April 1988
October 1988
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