HomeVolunteer Activist Opportunities

Volunteer Activist
Opportunities

"Do not despair because you cannot heroically and single-handedly save the world. There are things you are in a position to do. Do those things, and do them well, knowing that you are contributing to what can only be a collective struggle for change". Pattrice Jones via Vine Sanctuary News, Lessons for Activists from Ursula K. LeGuin

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Observer Corps

An observer is an individual who attends a governmental meeting, notes what happens at the meeting, and reports back to the League and (hopefully) the community. By attending public meetings of local governmental bodies/agencies, observers learn more about what their government is doing. They learn about the issues facing their community and are empowered to take action if warranted. (From the LWVUS publication Observing your Government in Action: Protecting Your Right to Know.)

Observers keep elected and appointed officials on notice; they let them know that someone is watching what decisions are being made and how they are being made. An Observer Corps is a structured way for individuals to exercise their right to know.

Volunteer to monitor local governments and school districts in Albany County:

Albany City
Albany County
Bethlehem
Colonie
Guilderland
Albany City Schools
Bethlehem Central School District
North Colonie School District
South Colonie School District
Guilderland School District
Or any other municipalities or districts in our county.
Contact: Patricia Sibilia

Voter Services Program

Volunteers of all ages over 18 are sought to:
Register voters: At new citizen ceremonies, in Albany County jail, at public events.
Organize and conduct candidate forums for the county, municipalities and districts within the county, and state legislators who represent our county.
Promote voter education at public events and festivals.
Help prepare our online voter service site, Vote411.org, for primary and general elections.

We also will provide orientation and train other organizations to register voters at community events.

To become involved in voter services, contact: Deb Liebman

LWVAC Standing Committees

Members work through our standing committees, which carry out the work of LWV of Albany County. Contact any committee chair by email at lwvac@lwvalbany.org.

Educational Events Committee plans and implements educational programs for members and the public. Contact Paula Brewer, committee chair.

Advocacy Committee monitors League issues and notifies members of pending issue and opportunities to take action and takes part in state legislative visits. Contact Cathy Dryden, committee chair.

Membership Committee acknowledges new and renewing members and engages new members, and hosts an annual member meeting(s). Contact Pat Maxon and Britt Westergard, committee co-chairs.

Communications Committee members handle social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), e-news, website, media releases/public relations. Contact Chris Deyss, committee chair.

Fundraising and Development Committee plans and leads implementation of fundraising mailings, e-events, and other events. Contact Christine Florez, committee chair.

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Nonpartisan, Political, Grassroots

THE LEAGUE IS A NONPARTISAN POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

The League acts in support of, or in opposition to, selected governmental issues. It does not support or oppose candidates, factions or political parties. League members, as individuals, may support candidates of the political party of their choice.

THE LEAGUE IS GRASSROOTS

Every year, we define our program of work, based on the positions we have adopted. The program guides our activities, implemented through our units and committees. At annual program meetings, members suggest subjects and issues. At the Spring annual meeting, members select which of these issues should be researched and studied.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

THE LEAGUE IS COMMITTED TO DEI

LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makes in creating a more perfect democracy.

Educate, Advocate, Empower

CANDIDATE & COMMUNITY FORUMS

We sponsor free, nonpartisan candidate forums and organize periodic forums on ballot issues and other civic concerns.

ADVOCACY

After member study and agreement, the League works to influence public policy through education and advocacy.