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The Common Good

by Karen Kay Leonard, President

When I hear the phrase “the common good,” it inevitably takes my mind to League of Women Voters. In my experience, the League is the only non-faith organization that consistently looks beyond itself when creating positions on issues, striving to understand what would serve the common good.

The common good does not take into account whether my friends or I will make money or lose money if a certain policy is enacted.

The common good is not concerned with whether people like me will be protected from risk.

The common good refers to what would serve a populace well, whatever their philosophic orientation, economic status, political affiliation, or type of work.

Because I am a teacher, I regard public schools as our country's most outstanding example of an institution created to serve the common good. Every youngster is to be taught there, without exception. Such education surely supports the common good.

What does League of Women Voters do for the common good? The answer varies by area, but here are some examples:

• maintains a strictly nonpartisan stance
• helps citizens get registered to vote
• urges voters to become informed about candidates and issues
• sponsors candidate forums and debates
• encourages candidates to publicize their views
• considers the “pros” and “cons” about issues it studies
• encourages citizens to vote
• publishes directories of government officials
• facilitates community conversations about issues
• monitors governmental agencies at every level – local, state and national
• works for governmental transparency, efficiency and accountability

What does this work cost the average citizen? Not a dime!

That is why we continually say, “The League of Women Voters is where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement. JOIN LWV where leaders are actively engaged in effecting change at the local, state, and national levels.” People not willing to join still can contribute financially, either to the operational budget (not tax-deductible) or to the Education Fund (tax-deductible).

What will you do today for the common good?