Citizen Participation in the Policy Management Process

Abstract

Throughout its 55 years, the League of Women Voters has studied and worked with government at the local, state, and national levels. Its founding purpose-to encourage the informed and active participation of all citizens in government and politics-has been the basis for involvement in virtually every area of governmental concern. While the present national program, which is adopted by the entire 140,000-plus membership, is broadly divided into the areas of environmental quality, land use, human resources, international relations, and representative government, local and state Leagues independently select additional areas and specific issues for examination and action. Belief in the necessity for informed citizen participation is the backbone of local League involvement in schools, health facilities, environmental matters, correctional institutions, zoning, local financing, city charters, taxes, day care, citymanager government, recreation areas, and housing, to name a few. State Leagues bring their energies to bear on such matters as constitutional revision, fair apportionment of legislature, welfare reform, election laws, women's rights, education, and court reform. Initially League interest in citizen involvement took the form of encouraging participation in the political process through studies of public issues and Voters Service activities, such as candidates meetings, voters guides, and explanations of ballot issues. More recently, it has become apparent that