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Date: 7/11/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


Typically, the LWVOC takes a summer break in July for Hot Topics but this election year, the topics are too important!  We filled the WP Events Center again at yesterday's  Courting Voters-Judicial Candidate Forum.   With 11 candidates given time to introduce themselves as well as answer multiple questions, we want to thank our esteemed moderators (The Honorable Leticia Marques and The Honorable Reginald Whitehead) for their expertise in guiding us through this compelling forum, ending the program on time with equal attention given to all candidates.  A recording of the event will be on our YouTube Channel soon and you can always visit our Facebook page (click on icon-top right) to see a copy of the Live Feed.  Look for a RECAP next week that will include easy resource links.  Enjoy the snapshots below taken by Carol Wonsavage as well as her full Photo Album HERE.  Shown L-R (top): LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Judge Reginald Whitehead, Shelley and Fred Lauten; (lower L-R): Susan Morris, Maura Smith, 1st VP Lee Rambeau Kemp, guest, Jeremy Markman, Cynthia Mackinnon

Our Hot Topics program aims to bring you dynamic panelists who will explore the most pressing issues of the day, fostering conversations that lead to positive change as well as highlighting accomplishments and future goals. Next month, we're focusing on the art of CONVERSATION itself.

Don't miss out—register NOW for August's program: "Civil Discourse, Not Civil War." With election season heating up, discussions on critical topics are becoming increasingly challenging. We've invited a special panel (shown below) of local leaders to share their insights and advice on navigating civil discourse versus civil chaos. 
BE VOTE READY
AUG 8 is the last day to request a VBM (Vote-by-Mail) ballot for Aug 20 Primary Click HERE to request a ballot.
 

Your vote-by-mail ballot will not count if the signature on the return envelope does not match the signature on file. Signatures often change due to age, injury, or illness.

To update your signature, complete a Florida Voter Registration Application (English PDF, Division of Elections Website).
Download a Florida Voter Registration Application (Spanish PDF, Division of Elections Website)

If you have questions, contact the Supervisor of Elections office:
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 16, 6pm
Virtual New Member Welcome
"Learn how to be a Leaguer"
 
July Committee Meetings
LWVOC doesn't slow down in the summer!
Join a committee meeting and start your advocacy journey.
July 24, noon-1pm, Zoom Event
Gun Violence Prevention Comm. Mtg
Our speaker will be Laura Buck, the Be SMART lead from Central FL Moms. She will train people in Be SMART so we can table at events together to give out Gun Locks.
For ADMISSION to meeting, email: lcoffin@bellsouth.net
The DEIA Committee would like you to join us in celebrating members and voters with disabilities by honoring their inherent dignity and inalienable rights, promoting their visibility, experiences, struggles, and by applauding their achievements. Disability Pride is celebrated in July because the Americans with Disabilities Act  (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990
The (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination including access to voting, employment, transportation, public accommodations,  communications, and in relation to entry to state and local government services.
From the American Bar Association, more about Disability Pride Month here.
 NEW to the League?  We're hosting a Virtual New Member event on July 16 that will answer any questions you may have about how to move forward as you seek advocacy and volunteer opportunities.  All members welcome though. Register HERE
 
Longtime Leaguer but have questions?  We have an entire menu of "Member Resources" on our LWVOC.org website.  Be sure to "log in" to the system at the upper right corner of the home page.  Once there, scroll to "Members" and check out the many pages we've dedicated to helping you on your League journey including links to a full YouTube Playlist for website tutorials!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Special Alert!  The Voter Services team is fielding multiple requests for Leaguers to "table" at community events with voting information. The VS (Voter Services) team will TRAIN you and it's easy to share a passion we all have...educating voters!  Click on the committee link above or reach out to our Co-Chairs if you'd like to learn more:  Kathy Sheerin or Gina Hall 
YOU CAN HELP!  Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings.
Adopt-a-Precinct League volunteers spend LONG hours staffing precincts on election day and it's not convenient for them to dash out to grab food.  Instead, we have another team (hopefully, you'll be a member of it) that brings in snacks, drinks, and meals for them.  Here's the precincts that we're staffing on AUG 20.  Sign up today:
Contact Anne Coppenhaver ccoppenhaver@me.com if you have questions.
The League of Women Voters of Orange County is in search of a Treasurer.
 
 
If you would be willing and able to consider serving our League in this capacity, please contact Kay Hudson at 407-432-2364
or email her: lwvkay@gmail.com
LWV of Florida is seeking volunteers to staff a table this SAT 8am-6pm at the Unified Voices Summit sponsored by a non-partisan coalition of organizations.  "The first annual Unified Voices Summit: Protecting Educational Freedom in Florida is to celebrate our educators, protect public education, and speak out in one voice to defend our rights of free speech and free expression."
Volunteers needed for Friday (July 12) set up 10am-4:30pm, staffing a table on SAT (July 13), 8am-6pm (vols will work in shifts)
Contact LWVFL VP Barbara Lanning 2VP@LWVFL.org  to take part in this important and special event.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
TRAINING SUCCESS  An enthusiastic group of about 15 people attended the Candidate Forum Training this week; they were treated with an engaging, educational, and thorough presentation by Carol Foglesong (shown below), a master moderator of community candidate floor trainings. The training lasted about an hour and a half, and since then, participants have enthusiastically volunteered to be moderators, question checkers (as Carol calls them), and timekeepers. We are now ready to significantly expand our candidate training team with some very experienced leaders eager to learn new skills.  The enthusiasm and appreciation for Carol's incredible training have prepared us to move forward confidently with teams equipped to meet the summer's demands.
 
LOOK FOR future training opportunities PLUS upcoming candidate forums hosted by LWVOC volunteers.
 Robin Doran
 
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
 
Visit our Donor page to see the many different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County.

Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community.

To further explore how becoming a Hot Topics Sponsor can align with your business goals, please contact LWVOC Vice President, Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE

A range of sponsorship levels are available.

Why Give?  Your financial support fuels our mission to educate, empower, and advocate for informed and active voters. As we strive to build a democracy that works for everyone, your donation becomes a catalyst for positive change. Your gift supports:

Voter Empowerment: We are dedicated to providing unbiased and comprehensive information to voters. Your donation bolsters information and education initiatives, allowing voters to make more informed choices at the ballot box.

Civic Engagement Programs: Our community outreach and educational programs encourage active participation in civic life. Your support helps organize events and community forums that foster dialogue and engagement among community members.

Advocating for Democracy: The League of Women Voters of Orange County is a relentless advocate for policies that enhance democracy and protect the rights of all citizens. Your gift adds your voice as an advocate for positive change.

Accessible Elections: We work tirelessly to ensure that elections are accessible to all citizens. Your gift helps eliminate barriers to voting and promotes fair and inclusive elections.

 Ways You Can Make a Difference

One-Time Gift: A single gift has a significant impact on our programs and initiatives.

Sustaining Gift: Join our community of sustaining donors by making a monthly, quarterly or annual commitment to support our goal for a vibrant democracy.

Corporate  or Individual Sponsorship: Partner with us to promote social responsibility and contribute to the betterment of our community.
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