Nation, State, & Local Priorities
State League Shoreline Study Moves Into the Consensus Phase
The LWVWA has positions related to shorelines, but in 2019 members at Convention agreed an update was in order. A study, following League procedures and protocols was undertaken. That study is now going through the "consensus process" required before new positions may be added and used by state and local Leagues for advocacy.
shoreline STUDY documents
There are several documents members will want to review prior to attending the Study Consensus Meeting. Here they are. If you have questions as you are reviewing these materials, you may send an email to lwvthurston@gmail.com. You can send your questions about the study process or content to the attention of Shelley Kneip, shelleykneip@comcast.net. Questions about the consensus process can be sent to the attention of Peggy Smith, rpps4u@comcast.net.
Shoreline Study 2022
Consensus Discussion and Questions
Consensus Questions
Study Process Briefing
Consensus Process
LEAGUE STUDY CONSENSuS MEETING
The LWVTC Shoreline Study Consensus Meeting will be on Saturday January 7, from 9 am to 1 pm. All local League members are urged to participate in the process. Prior to January 7 members should have reviewed the study, The Shoreline Management Act at 50+ Years, and consensus questions.
During the Consensus meeting we will work in breakout groups to discuss and work to reach consensus about the study questions. We will ultimately make decisions about how our League will respond.
The LWVTC must submit its response to the state League by January 16, 2023. Once all local Leagues have responded, the LWVWA Board will determine whether consensus has been reached and draft a position(s) which can be used for advocacy. They will be reviewed by members at the 2023 convention.
League Members Meet Annually to Set Priorities for Study or Action
ESTABLISHING THE LEAGUE PROGRAM OF WORK
Along with proposals for local study or action, recommendations are made about national League priorities in even-numbered years, and state League priorities in odd-numbered years. Volunteers then develop proposals for consideration by League members. Local proposals are reviewed by the LWVTC board and forwarded for consideration during the LWVTC Annual Meeting. If approved by the members, the proposal becomes part of the League’s priorities (Program of Work).
If approved, these proposals comprise the League Program of Work for advocating and educating the public on issues that League members are passionate about, and to which they devote their time, energy, and resources. The Program of Work may include local events, forums, actions, or study.
Current Programs
NEW & ONGOING
Three new Programs were approved by members during the 2021 LWVTC Annual Meeting including: Update of the LWVTC Indian Treaty Rights Position; Local Good Governance Program; and Speak Out For Equity (SO4E). In addition, one ongoing Program, the Water Study Update was extended to allow for report writing, consensus and position development.
A Program Proposal that called for the LWVTC to promote civil discourse and civic engagement led to a public forum on November 4, 2021,
Communication Strategies for Contentious Conversations. This forum featured a bi-partisan panel of retired women legislative leaders and training by the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County.
Based on long-standing national, state and local positions, the Thurston League also follows and advocates on issues of high priority within our community. This includes actions to address homelessness and housing; the Community-Driven Review of Thurston County Agricultural Policies and Programs; and implementation of the Thurston County Climate Mitigation Plan.