Disciplined focus - Out front - Editorial

As I write this column, your board has completed the first year of its two-year term. National board and staff have worked together from the beginning under a set of guiding principles adopted to structure the League's agenda for the 2002-2004 biennium. Specifically, the principles include: (1) focusing on a limited number of priorities, (2) increasing attention on activities with an external focus, and (3) enhancing partnerships with local & state Leagues. In short, our emphasis is on "disciplined focus."

It has been challenging and difficult at times, but we recognize that we must focus our resources if the League is to achieve visibility, impact and organizational development.

Our efforts are paying off. We have had significant impact this past year, especially in our core areas of election reform and campaign finance reform. LWVUS work on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) fully integrates our advocacy and education work and engages state and local Leagues. On this issue, the media considers the League the "go to" organization. The League makes a difference in election reform!

With the arrival of fall 2003, we enter a critical phase in the election cycle. During the year ahead, LWVUS plans to limit its activities to key priorities. Education and advocacy efforts on elections and campaign finance reform, civic engagement and global democracy programs, and incorporating DNet into our voter education and outreach agenda are just a few planned efforts.

One of our biggest challenges in the year ahead will continue to be maintaining our focus on priorities. According to Percy Maxim Lee, LWVUS President from 1950-1958, focus is not a new problem. She noted at that time, "It is my contention that the League should not duplicate the work of other organizations. The League should turn its attention to areas of public policy in which it can make a unique contribution."

Keeping our eye on the challenges--maintaining disciplined focus, cultivating financial support and meeting significant competition--and working as a team, we can have impact. In order to do this, however, we must he more effective and agile in communicating with our membership and the public. We will be trying new ways of reaching audiences, electronically and through the Internet, that allow our message to be carried more widely and more quickly.

If we work together, guided by our principles, the country will benefit and so will the League. There is excitement about what we can accomplish. Together, we will make a difference!

COPYRIGHT 2003 League of Women Voters
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group