Learn more about what a league study is and how it is conducted

League Studies

Once an issue has been adopted for study by the members, a study committee is formed to assemble study materials and plan the process by which the general membership will be able to learn about the issues.
The committee is responsible for preparing consensus questions for one or more discussion meetings (consensus meetings), in which members attempt to come to agreement. Each consensus question is framed so that it is neutral, in terms that allow multiple possible conclusions.
The committee prepares summaries of alternative points of view on each question and provides enough information so that members can do their own further research as desired. Depending on the complexity of the issue, the study committee may decide to hold informational meetings prior to the consensus meetings. These meetings can be primarily for members, or they may be organized as public civic education meetings.
After the consensus meetings have been held, and arrived at consensus on each question (or failed to arrive at such a consensus), it is the role of the board or steering committee to approve the final wording of a position statement consistent with the consensus. Since many League positions are retained for decades, they need to be worded generally and flexibly so they can be used in a variety of advocacy situations. Details such as references to specific legislation or technology must be avoided, since they could limit League advocacy in unknown future situations.
Finally, as with all League positions, the position as formulated must be adopted annually (or bienially) to remain part of the League's program.