Volunteer Opportunities
The League of Women Voters is a grassroots organization. In Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, all of us are volunteers! Every action you take with the League helps our community be more fully represented in democracy. Most of our work is learned by doing; we partner experienced League members with new volunteers. We work together and support each other along the way!
Here’s where you can make a difference.
Voter Services
empower voters and increase representation.
Staff a voter information and registration table to answer questions about the election process and register voters. All the materials you need are provided including information to answer any question that comes your way. You won’t be alone. We often partner an experienced member with a new member. If you love meeting people, this is for you.
Increase voter turnout for local elections. Get those who are registered out to vote for all the races - primary, school board, and local elections. Work with the community, postcard, make phone calls, and get creative to get every registered voter to the polls.
Provide resources and information on the elective process. Encourage more citizens to run for office. Teach the public what makes democracy work.
voter education
Equip voters with knowledge.
Candidate Events are a cornerstone service from the League. Volunteers communicate with candidates, set up events, and do publicity. Be a coordinator, moderator, timer, or question vetter. You’ll learn a lot about local politics and get to know the candidates. If you like detail, being in the know, or organizing this may be for you.
Vote411, the League’s online voter guide, is populated with information gathered locally by volunteers. We strive to cover all elections including primary and school board. Be a League liaison to a school district, municipality, political party, or library. Solicit information from candidates by asking questions and following up on responses. It’s interesting work, focused around election cycles, that requires a little perseverance.
Educate the public about mis and disinformation and the role of local government. Use social media to promote civics.
ADVOCACY
Make our voice heard on issues that matter.
There are many issues that the League is concerned about and working on. Some of these include environmental protection and climate change, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, healthcare, education, childcare, immigration, housing, voting rights, election security, government transparency, fiscal policy, ethics reform, social justice, book banning, gun control, criminal justice, and human rights.
Coordinate a local action for the League or in collaboration with other community organizations.
Focus on issues that matter to you. We need members who will research and keep track of an issue in need of action and alert membership. This requires becoming familiar with League positions and keeping abreast of topics and legislation. Gather first-hand stories on the impact of Federal and State government actions on our community.
Attend county or local government meetings as a League Observer. Advocate for transparency in government.
Lobby elected officials on one of the many issues that the League is concerned about. Draft a letter to elected officials or a Letter to the Editor for Board approval. Attend Lobby Day in May when League members from across the state come together and learn about issues and visit their State legislators in Albany.
Study the issues. At times we participate in studies examining an issue in the hope of reaching consensus on a position. We need members to review and present the League study materials and facilitators to guide the discussion at a consensus meeting.
Setup an event for members to work on issues that they care about. This requires some organizational skills, a love for advocacy, and working with other members.
Youth Programs
engage young people in the political process.
Students Inside Albany sponsors two high school juniors to attend a conference with other students around the state. During the four day conference, students learn about the process of public policy, State operations, and how policy is shaped and enacted. They observe legislative sessions and shadow their representatives. Volunteers work a short period of time during the winter to revise the application, solicit applicants, evaluate student’s applications and help choose two students. If you are looking to make a positive impact on a student’s life without a long term commitment, this is the position for you. It is very rewarding.
Take Me To Vote is a program for 5th graders. Students have their parents take them to vote and receive a sticker or stamp at the polls. The school with the most participants gets a plaque and a visit from their state legislator. Work with school administrators and teachers, providing material and information. After the election, tally up the results and announce the winners. Arrange for the plaque and visit with the school and legislator. If you are familiar with school systems, love awards, and kids, this may be for you.
First Vote encourages high school seniors to register to vote. Provide information to schools and possibly speak. It is an annual project. If you are familiar with the school system or just love the idea of getting the youth vote out, this may interest you.
Outreach to local college students to increase civic engagement. Curate materials from the League for college students.
League Support
Provide the framework for the league’s work
Organize an event. It could be an educational event, a member meeting, a rally, or lobbying event. We need volunteers to setup our Membership Orientation, Winter Gathering, and Annual Meeting.
Work on a fundraiser. Our most notable event is our Famous Person Fundraiser. We find an actor to portray a famous person, such as Susan B Anthony. Work with other members to make it happen. It’s fun and satisfying when all the pieces come together.
Join a committee. The Budget Committee works for a couple months each year to develop the League’s annual budget. The Membership Committee works to attract, involve, and retain members. The Nominations Committee ensures the League has leaders in place to guide the organization, provide structure, and establish policy.
The Communications Team gets information to members and the public by working on the League’s newsletter, email blasts, social media platforms, website, press releases and relationships. We need people who like to work with graphic design, write, edit, organize materials, and manage social media as well as members who will take and share photos and videos of League activities.
Help keep the League working online by being a Zoom Host, editing and posting for YouTube, or using the League’s laptop and camera equipment to make events available remotely. No experience needed. We will teach you.
Interested in a new venture? Tell us about your interests and we'll help you get started.