Frequently Asked Questions about the LWVC Board and Nominating Committee

All board members must be voting members of the LWVUS and of the LWVC. Candidates who are not League members are also considered as long as they are passionate about the League’s mission and are willing to join the League if nominated to the slate.

Officers, directors, and nominating committee members are elected by the Convention delegates for a two-year term and can reapply for a consecutive term. Officers and directors nominated and elected may (and will likely) serve concurrently on both the LWVC and LWVCEF boards.  The LWVC Board is nominated and elected through this nominations, application, and elections process.  The LWVCEF does not have members and the Board is separately appointed.

Each Board determines its annual meeting schedule, however the LWVC Board generally meets in July, September, December, March, and May. Board meetings are typically held on Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm.  Meetings are typically held via Zoom, but some are scheduled in-person.  If budgeted, an in-person retreat is scheduled in the summer.  Special Meetings are scheduled throughout the year, as needed.  In the past, these have been held via Zoom during the week in the evenings for approximately 1 hour.  

Time spent on LWVC work as a volunteer Board member depends on specific assignments and other individual commitments. Workloads vary and often time requirements come in spurts. For example, the workload is heavier immediately preceding and following Board meetings, which occur five-six times a year, and with planned events. On average, board activities require 10-20 hours a month. 

Yes – and frequently.  Development is part of total Board responsibility.  A  “give or get” policy of $2500 annually is in place.   It is important that all Board members make a financial contribution so that outside funders are confident there is total Board participation. Individual amounts vary and are always confidential.  Board members will be requested to participate in a variety of development activities, as specified by the Development Committee in partnership with staff.  In the past this has included making donor thank you calls, writing and sending donor thank you cards, introducing executive staff to potential donors/funders in your network, hosting house parties, attending house parties, helping to plan/market events, assisting with bringing in event sponsors, helping cultivate new donors, etc.  Every Board Member will be expected to participate in some (not all) of these activities.

Culture is always evolving and sometimes depends on the people at a given time.  However, the LWVC Board believes in and strives for a culture of inclusion, belonging, collaboration, and continuous learning.  We act as a collective, providing strategic leadership and direction to the LWVC.  We respect the League staff as experts and professionals.  We work in close, collegial partnership with the staff and each other to move the LWVC forward.  On this board, every voice matters.  We believe in bringing our opinions, expertise, and perspectives, and leaving our egos at the door. We understand that the LWVC serves the public and we strive to hear many voices to inform ourselves in doing so.  We welcome varying points of view to ensure that we have full discussions and consider all perspectives when we are making decisions.  We do not shy away from difficult conversations, but we approach them with respect and open minds.  We serve with humility, a sense of humor, and support each other and our staff.

Board members may be asked to travel within their respective regions and to accept speaking engagements at local Leagues or fundraising events. 

Much of the work of the Board is done in committees.  Board members will have a minimum of two committee assignments.  Committees have varying meeting schedules depending on their subject matter and how active their work is at a given time.  Board members should plan for each committee to meet a minimum of once a month, and require individual work between meetings.

In general, Board members cover their costs up front and submit a request for reimbursement, if they require it. Basic costs for board meetings and the LWVC Convention are paid through budgeted funds. Expenses while on state board business are reimbursable as per board policies and allowable by law. 

Visit our “Join the LWVC Board” page to learn more and submit your nomination or application.