Speak With One Voice
October 2025

PURPOSE
This policy clarifies who may speak on behalf of LWVRA and when they may do so. LWVRA’s goal is to see members civically engaged in their individual capacity, while maintaining consistent and timely public messaging and visibility.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Generally – Only the President speaks for LWVRA unless otherwise authorized by the board of directors, or this policy.

2. League Members Speaking in Their Individual Capacity – Members are still welcome to participate in political processes in their individual capacity, including testifying at the legislature, but should state that they are speaking only in their individual capacity and not on behalf of any organization. Members should not identify themselves as a League member if testifying. Members may state that they are informed by or have learned about issues through LWVRA.

3. Press Releases – Press releases shall be drafted by or at the direction of the President or designee. Approval by President is needed. If the President is unable to approve due to timeliness issues, then Vice President may approve.

4. Press Inquiries – The President or their designee may answer press inquiries.

5. Lobbying/Advocacy – No member may lobby or advocate on behalf of LWVRA to local government without authorization from the LWVRA board of directors, to county government without authorization from the Ramsey County Advocacy Task Force and the LWVRA board of directors. See the LWVMN’s Speak with one Voice for other lobbying/advocacy. Lobbying materials may be drafted by LWVRA Advocacy Committee members, then approved by the LWVRA board of directors.

6. Advocacy Letters – Signing onto advocacy letters must follow the Sign-On Policy.

7. Coalition Delegates – Delegates attending coalition meetings must follow the Coalition Policy.

8. Prescheduled Media Opportunities – Prescheduled media opportunities include broadcasted media interviews and events. The President or their designee may appear as opportunities arise.

9. Letters to the Editor to Local/Regional Newspapers from LWVRA on Statewide Issues – Criteria for letters to the editor from Local LWVs about statewide issues shall be drafted by or at the direction of the LWVMN Executive Director and approved by LWVMN the board of directors. The LWVMN President may draft templates for local LWV use.

LWV US' Member Rights and Responsibilities statement: "Members may not make statements on behalf of LWV or purport to represent LWV through any public medium, including online media, unless specifically authorized to do so by their state or local League or LWV US. Before submitting any Letters on behalf of the League, check with your League president or advocacy chair to ensure alignment with your state League’s advocacy policies and procedures."