Positions for Action

League of Women Voters of MPLS Positions for Action

The League of Women Voters of Minneapolis takes positions on public policy issues through a process of study, discussion, and member consensus. These Positions for Action guide our advocacy, education, and engagement at the local level.

While the League is nonpartisan, we are not without positions. Once consensus is reached, we use these positions to inform the public, engage with elected officials, and advocate for policies that strengthen democracy and improve life in Minneapolis.

In addition to local positions, LWV Minneapolis also relies on League of Women Voters Minnesota (LWVMN) and League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) positions when taking action on broader issues.

How Our Positions Are Developed

League positions are created through a grassroots process that includes:

  • In-depth research and study

  • Input from community members, experts, and stakeholders

  • Discussion and consensus among League members

These positions reflect careful analysis and shared understanding, allowing the League to advocate with credibility and clarity.

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Our Positions

  • Structure

    Support of responsive and efficient structures and procedures of Minneapolis government. (Updated June 2005)

    Civil Service Support of affirmative action; fairness in hiring, employment and dismissal of City Employees.

    Citizen Participation

    Support of opportunities for all citizens to participate in effective ways in the decisions of local government.

    Finance/Budget/Property Tax

    • Support of sound fiscal policy and new sources of revenue. (Updated June 2004)

    • Support of improved budgetary procedures for city government. (Updated June 2004)

    • Support of policies to strengthen the city’s tax base. (Updated June 2004)

  • (Updated April 2008)

    Housing

    • Support of governmental responsibility for emergency housing needs.

    • Support of policies that provide for a variety of housing that meets the needs of a diverse population

    • Support of the use of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund in order to preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing in Minneapolis.

    Planning and Urban Renewal

    • Support of effective administration and coordination of planning functions.

    • Support of long-range planning goals and programs.

  • Police & Public Safety

    (Updated September 2021)

    • Support of fair and adequate law enforcement for all people.

    • Support of measures to ensure equal justice for all person regardless of race and socio-economic status.

    Juvenile Courts

    Support of legal assistance and services for children in the justice system.

    Guns

    Support legislation and public policies to reduce gun violence.

  • (Updated June 2003)

    Support of adequate financing, effective organization, responsive planning and continued improvement for the Minneapolis Public Schools with the goal of quality, integrated education for all.

  • Family Violence/Prevention of Violence

    • Support of improved procedures for agencies dealing with family violence.

    • Support of improved services for the victims.

    • Support of violence prevention programs in our community

    Welfare/Income Assistance

    LWVMpls uses LWVUS and LWVMN positions when taking action on these issues.

    Equal Opportunity

    • Support of policies and procedures to ensure equality of opportunity in Minneapolis (including equal opportunity in housing, education, public accommodations, public services, and employment).

    • Support of efforts to eliminate racism in our community.

    Child Care/Early Childhood Education

    • Support of quality child-care concerned with the physical,social, emotional and intellectual development of the child.

    • Support of sufficient public funding for childcare programs.

    • Support of public policies and programs that value and support young children, their families, and those who work with children and families.

    Child Support

    Support of stricter enforcement of court-ordered child support payments.

    Adolescent Health

    • Support of coordinated and accessible health, education and social services for pregnant and other teens.

    • Support of teenage pregnancy prevention efforts in the Minneapolis Public Schools.

    • Support of adequate and reliable funding for adolescent health care.

    Health

    LWVMpls uses LWVUS and LWVMN positions when taking action on these issues.

    Indian Affairs

    Support of adequate services for American Indians in Minneapolis.

    Livability

    Support of public policies and action to maintain and improve the livability of Minneapolis neighborhoods.

    Libraries

    (Updated February 2007)

    Support of adequate financing and sound administrative procedures for libraries and cooperation between library systems on a regional basis.

    Parks

    (Updated May 2016)

    Support of adequate financing, sound administrative and planning procedures, and assurance of transparency and responsiveness to community concerns for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation system.

Using Positions for Action

These positions are not just statements. They guide how the League takes action.

The League:

  • Educates voters and the public on key issues

  • Engages with elected officials at the city, state, and national levels

  • Issues action alerts and advocacy opportunities

  • Supports policies that align with established positions

By grounding advocacy in researched, consensus-based positions, the League ensures its work remains credible, consistent, and impactful.

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Join the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis

Support informed advocacy and help shape the future of public policy in Minneapolis.

As a member, you can:

  • Participate in studies that lead to new Positions for Action

  • Engage in advocacy efforts backed by trusted research

  • Stay informed on local issues and policy decisions

  • Contribute to meaningful civic change in your community

Join today and be part of a network committed to informed action and strong democracy.

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Woman with glasses and a hat holding a large photo frame, standing in front of a colorful, glittery backdrop. She is wearing a purple t-shirt with white letters, and is holding a purple cartoon cat cutout. There are signs that read "Minnesota Flinge" and "Join the Adventure!" in the background.

Common Questions

  • Positions for Action are official League stances on public policy issues, developed through research and member consensus, that guide advocacy and education efforts.

  • Positions are created through a structured process that includes research, community input, and agreement among League members.

  • The League is nonpartisan and does not support political parties or candidates. Its positions are issue-based and grounded in research and consensus.

  • No. The League also uses positions from the Minnesota and national League organizations when taking action on broader issues.

  • They guide voter education, advocacy, and engagement with policymakers at all levels of government.

  • Yes. Members play a key role in studying issues, participating in discussions, and helping build consensus on new positions.