LWVMA Study Committee

 

Transportation 1975 Position

Home Rule 1966 Poistion

STUDY COMMITTEES:   Transportation and Home Rule

 

 

Study Committees:   Transportation and Home Rule

 

Last month during Convention 2009, the LWVMA membership recommended two re-studies for this biennium. One concerns our Transportation position of 1975 and the other is our Home Rule position last studied in 1966.  I’d like to encourage anyone interested in either subject to get involved with one or both of these committees.  To help clear up any frequently asked questions, I’m listing a series of common questions below to help spur you on to jump right onto a committee.

 

A study or re-study of a League position seems like it could cover a lot of topics. What is the scope of the re-studies? 

 

Once volunteers come forward and form a committee, the group as a whole will discuss the topic and determine if all or only certain areas of the current position will be studied.  This is accomplished with help and guidance from a liaison to the State Board.

 

How many people need to participate to make the re-study successful?

 

There is no real limit to the amount of members but at least 8 to 10 consistent, dedicated and committed members are necessary to form a well-working committee.  The more people involved, the easier it is to share tasks and work toward your goals.

 

How much time do I need to devote to serving on the committee?

 

Once formed and a chairman or co-chairmen have been elected, you’ll decided as a group when and where to meet and how often.  Some committees have done a wonderful job scheduling conference calls on a regular basis to keep everyone’s time and travel in check.  Other committees met once per month, when feasible, at various locations convenient to their members.  It is up to the group to decide how to organize the committee and what to tackle within specific time frames.

 

What are the resources available to a study group from the State League?

 

The state office employs interns for the summer months and occasionally beyond.  Those interns are excellent resources for study committees needing specific research or fact-finding for the group.  Also any paperwork or items created for forums, educational materials for distribution to the local Leagues, or reports on topics relevant to the study can be tasks given to an intern to complete. Aside from the hard-working interns, the Executive Director, Office Administrator and all Board members are available for questions and can help you find the right person to help answer your questions or address concerns.

 

I’m ready to join a committee.  What do I do now?

 

Anyone wishing to join the re-study committee for either Transportation or Home Rule, please call the League office at 617-523-2999.  Let us know your name, local League or town, phone number and email address.  As soon as we have a list of people, we'll help you get organized so you can begin the important and fun work of conducting a League study.  I had a wonderful time working on the Fiscal Policy Study and would be happy to talk to anyone needing more information on the process, activity and organization of a study committee.  Please feel free to call me or email me as well – zbennett@lvma.org, or 617-523-2999.