The term “Program” is a term used by the League of Women Voters to denote policy issues that are proposed for study with the goal of reaching a consensus on a position or a concurrence with a position of another League. In addition, the purpose of having a local Program is to educate and empower citizens to be more civically engaged in our democracy.  Yearly, League members will identify and study one-to-three issues important to the local community and will then set relevant advocacy and action priorities.

The Education Position underwent a major revision during 2023 and 2024.  After considerable study, research and input from League members, the revised Position was adopted at the LWVSNM Annual Meeting on April 13, 2024.  Click here to read the new Position and its Addendum. 

In 2024, the Affordable Housing Position underwent revision.  You can read it here.  You can also review the study that preceded the Position’s adoption:  “Beneficial Electrification and Affordable Housing Study.”  The LWVSNM Affordable Housing Committee continues to monitor the activities of affordable housing providers in the community, advocates for increases in the amount of such housing including working to identify funding sources, advocates for appropriate changes in city ordinances, and educates the public about housing issues.

The LWVSNM Library Position underwent an update in 2024 and 2025. One of the changes made was to expand the scope of the Position to allow for support and advocacy for rural libraries, in addition to Las Cruces’ Branigan Memorial Library.  Read the updated Position statement here.

As a resource, read this article authored by the Dean of the Library, Kevin Comerford, at New Mexico State University.

One of the core activities within LWVSNM is Voter Services.  The year-round work provides support for VOTE411, a web-based Voter Guide that provides citizens with voting information and profiles about candidates running for office.  The LWVSNM also prints Voter Guides in English and Spanish during General election seasons.  Plus, the League sponsors candidate forums, and provides voter information over social media, in flyers, and at events throughout the community.

There is an active Voter Services Committee.  Several volunteers are regularly needed throughout the year for this committee.  Contact the League (lwvsnm@gmail) if you can assist in any way.

LWV members and others throughout Southern New Mexico can benefit from a better understanding of how county government works.  In particular, counties play a significant role in addressing the needs of under-served rural populations. Hold at least one meeting to discuss how we might approach this topic in a longer-term study.

LWVSNM is an organization fully committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policymakers to strengthen democracy. A strategic action plan was developed in 2021 with a vision that seeks to prevent and reduce poverty in order to develop a well-functioning democracy. This includes increasing diversity in LWVSNM membership related to ethnicity, age, and needed skills. Advocating for economic and income equity through a variety of elements, such as education, health care, living wages, and job opportunities, is essential to reach the vision goal. Read the strategic plan here. 

Read the League’s statement regarding equity and justice for all and the late George Floyd. (June 2020)

• LWV NM Positions
  

• LWVUS – Impact on Public Policy Issue