We made a difference!

Election Day 2004 may seem like a distant memory in this new year as we gear up for the new Congress and our legislative activities. But let's not forget the amazing work we all did in voter registration, voter education and getting out the vote. The League was at its best during the 2004 election season and I congratulate each and every League member for your hard work. We did, indeed, make a difference!

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to eight states between September and November to promote the 5 Things voters needed to know on Election Day. In addition, Leagues across the country distributed the 5 Things cards and spread the word to voters, local media and election officials, helping to ensure that we delivered a consistent and vital message nationwide.

We printed almost a million cards and sent them out to our Leagues, other organizations working on getting out the vote and libraries across the country. I visited 20 cities, where I did over 100 interviews on television and radio, and with individual members of the press and editorial boards. The resulting publicity, both for the important voter message and for the League itself, was unparalleled. And, on the day before November 2nd, the 5 Things card was down-loaded from the League's Web site over 40,000 times!

There are several "lessons learned" from this effort that we all should apply as we move forward.

* First, the credibility of the League is high. Under the right circumstances, when the League speaks, the media and the public listen.

* Second, a clear message--with a concrete product--penetrates the information clutter. Our message was simple and direct, making it easy for the media to cover and for voters to remember. The 5 Things card was a perfect image for television.

* Third, when we focus, we make a difference. A single timely, urgent message stands out in the public's mind when it is clearly defined and delivered. Other organizations and the media picked this up and used it extensively in the final weeks before Election Day.

* Fourth, when all levels of the League work together, our impact is the greatest. Local and state League representatives joined me in editorial board meetings and radio and newspaper interviews, providing the essential local and state perspective to support our national message.

Election Day 2004 is over, but not the work of the League. If we are to continue to make democracy work by serving as a voice for citizens and a force for change, each of us must focus on increasing League membership. Given our visibility and the credibility we enjoy, if we work together and offer a clearly defined membership message that focuses on what we do, why it is important and what new members will gain from membership--we will grow.

The time is now!

BY KAY J. MAXWELL

LWVUS President

COPYRIGHT 2005 League of Women Voters
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group