Action and Advocacy

League advocacy:

is based on member study and agreement on selected issues and involves concerted efforts to achieve public policies consistent with League positions

League lobbying:

promotes or opposes specific pieces of legislation

Advocacy is a broader concept than lobbying. While lobbying can be part of an advocacy strategy, advocacy does not necessarily include lobbying. Lobbying is defined as an attempt to influence specific legislation, both legislation that has already been introduced in a legislative body and specific legislative proposals that the League or others may either oppose or support. Lobbying includes action that transmits a point of view on a specific piece of legislation to elected officials or their staffs, as well as action urging the public to contact their legislators about a specific piece of legislation. Lobbying activities must be funded through general operating funds (501(c)4).

Advocacy activities, on the other hand, can sometimes be funded with tax-deductible monies. This is the case even when only one side of an issue is presented, as long as no call to action on a particular piece of legislation is issued. Such activities can include: (1) developing public policy briefs that analyze issues and provide detailed information and recommendations for addressing them through specific reforms and (2) providing forums for discussing issues and educating policymakers and the public.

The process used in formulating positions and in taking action at the grassroots level makes the League unique and sets the League apart from other organizations. The fact that we are members not only of a local League, but of a state League and of the League of Women Voters of the United States as well, makes us a powerful force in Washington, DC, and constituent lobbying at home. This one-two punch gives the League a special impact in influencing national legislation.

Coal Train Concerns

Dioxin in the Port of Olympia

Shoreline Management

The Olympia Isthmus

Climate Change

Water Resources

Alternative energy

Growth Management

Universal health coverage

Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance

Thurston County governance