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How the National Women’s Lobby Works for You
The National Women's LobbyTM coordinates and advocates for women along with national and state-based non-governmental women's organizations to increase the influence of women in political
affairs through:
- Monitoring state and national legislative activity and taking appropriate action.
- Serving as a link between political decision makers and women's organizations.
- Reporting the needs and issues of women to political decision makers.
- Promoting the creation and implementation of public policy that supports the needs and viewpoints of NWL members and member organizations.
The structure shown above is for both the national and statewide NWL organizations. Each state organization mirrors the national structure - and may address local issues using the same process as the national organization.
The NWL is comprise of six principal organs:
General Assembly - the primary organ of the NWL. The General Assembly shall be comprised of all individual NWL members and one delegate each from every Association Member of the NWL. This includes state-based organizations as well as national. Through the use of technology, the NWL will reach very quickly to a broad and deep representation of women leaders in the U.S.
All campaigns and resolutions must be supported by a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly votes cast to be acted upon by the NWL. However, even with an affirmative two-thirds vote, member organizations may decide whether or not they wish to participate or support a given campaign or resolution without jeopardizing their participation in the NWL.
The General Assembly shall meet virtually whenever a resolution or campaign is submitted for consideration.
High Council of Leaders (HCL) - coordinates the activities of the NWL. HCL members are delegates (one per organization) of women's non-governmental organizations with national scope (presence in at least 25 states and paid membership of 1,000 or more).
These delegate leaders are traditionally the presidents or council leaders of national women's organizations (trade associations or non-profits). Their organizations and their leaders act independently of any political party or religious authority.
The HCL may bring proposed campaigns or resolutions directly to the General Assembly (bypassing the committee process). The HCL may edit, revise, add to or remove portions of proposed campaigns or resolutions prior to submission to the General Assembly. Campaigns and resolutions must pass through the HCL with at least 51% affirmation (of votes cast) to be presented to the General Assembly.
Delegate organizations to the HCL may include written comments with each resolution or campaign to clarify the viewpoint of their organization. HCL members also serve as delegates to the General Assembly The HCL shall elect a president and four person steering group to assist with coordination. These leaders shall serve until they are replaced by a majority vote of the HCL.
Women's Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) (committee) - addresses the economic development issues of entrepreneurs including small business growth, access to government procurement markets, international trade, access to capital and job creation.
Members of committees may bring proposed campaigns or resolutions to the HCL for consideration (see proposal process) with at least a 51% affirmation (of votes cast) of the committee.
Committee members will also reach into their communities to understand issues and challenges and create reports and studies to help support the campaigns and resolutions of the NWL. All reports and studies must be presented to the HCL for approval prior to publication by the Secretariat.
Committee leaders may champion NWL resolutions and campaigns to political and community leaders. Each committee selects a four person steering group to assist with the coordination of the committee. These leaders shall serve until they are replaced by a majority vote of the committee.
Women's Social Policy Alliance WSPA (committee) - addresses the broad list of government policies that affect the lives of women including healthcare, education, budgets, victim's rights, etc.
See details of committee as listed above under WEDA.
Women's International Affairs Alliance (WIAA) (committee) - addresses the U.S policy and relations with other countries with a special focus on the needs of women around the globe. The WIAA also works to establish relations with women's lobbies from other countries to work in coordination toward common goals.
See details of committee as listed above under WEDA.
Secretariat - The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce serves as the Secretariat of the NWL providing the administrative and representative backbone of the organization. The USWCC shall provide a senior leader to serve as the Secretary General and community liaison of the NWL. (The USWCC will also provide delegates to the HCL and General Assembly to represent USWCC members.)
Click here to view a larger version of the NWL Process.
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