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Embodying our commitment to civic engagement, the LWVOC took part in a rally earlier this week outside Orlando City Hall protesting the proposed annexation of Deseret Ranches, a 52k+ acre development in East Orange County. Shown below, League President Rev. Kathy Schmitz flanked by many Leaguers as she and others spoke at the Save Orange County press conference. The city gave initial approval to the measure with the second hearing scheduled for Oct 21. Read full Orlando Sentinel article HERE. Photographer credit, Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda of the Orlando Sentinel
Keep scrolling to see more ways that the League is involved in civic engagement! |  |
(Note: Performance is at Edyth Bush Theatre while Shakes gets a new roof.)
| | OCT 6, Amendment Informational
Are you election ready? In Orange County, voters have six proposed amendments to the state constitution. The public is invited to hear a presentation by the League of Women Voters, "VOTER GUIDE to the FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS" on Sunday, Oct 6, noon to 1:15 pm.
First Unitarian Church of Orlando, 1901 E. Robinson St., Orlando, is hosting this in-person event in its Sanctuary. Also, online viewing will be available on their Facebook page: facebook.com/orlandouu/live_videos
| | |  | | Sept 29, Central FL Young Voters, 3PM
Live taping of "Engage in your Community"
Guest: LWVOC board member Victoria Shrinker
Attend the live event at South Rock Community Church
Recorded version will air Oct 1st, 3PM
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OCT 15, Fall League Showcase, 6PM
New Member Welcome to the League
@Winter Park Community Center
FREE parking and
Refreshments
Everyone welcome!
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 | Register HERE We expect this to be another highly attended event!
In celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we look to this year's theme: “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future.” We honor the trailblazers and listen to rising Hispanic leaders in Central Florida tell us where they stand on key voting issues and their plans for change.
Panelists include:
- Cecilia Gonzalez, a UCF student and advocacy coordinator for Voting Rights at LatinoJustice PRLDEF (Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund)
- Ricardo Negron-Almodovar, serves as the Florida senior campaign manager for All Voting is Local
- Carla Rivera is the Legislative and Policy Manager at Alianza for Progress
- Samuel Vilchez Santiago, member of the Venezuelan-American Caucus and chair of Orange County Democrats.
- Moderator Kirstin Delgado, morning anchor for WFTV, Emmy nominated veteran journalist of 14 years and author
Visit our Hot Topics page for all the details including bios of our panelists.
Join the DEIA Committee in honoring the contributions and accomplishments of the Hispanic community by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15). It's an opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy the rich and complex cultures that make up the Hispanic diaspora. We know that nearly 35% of central Florida's population identifies as Hispanic or Latinx and represents one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Follow the link to learn more about local festivities, dining and exhibits: visitorlando.com/blog/post/hispanic-heritage-month-orlando/: |
Celebrating National Voter Registration Day last week Sept 17
LWVOC was represented at the NALEO (Nat'l Assoc. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) Press Conference, joining local leaders to inspire our community to register and vote. A special shoutout from the Orange SOE recognized LWVOC's efforts—twice! Together, we’re empowering every voice to be heard. Group photo shown L-R: Leaguer Gisselle Martinez - Center for Justice, Jorge Figueroa President of Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Central FL, FAMU rep., Leaguer Barbara Lanning
| | Leaguers were in attendance for the screening of "One Person, One Vote?" at the recent Global Peace Film Festival. Post-film, they participated in a special Q/A reception with film director Maximina Juson shown above right. | The Gun Violence Prevention committee had a special guest at this week's zoom meeting, Dr. Phyllis Ottley, Asst. Director of Nat'l CDC Division of Violence Prevention.
The committee restarted this year and is looking for more members. Contact Linda Coffin at lcoffin@bellsouth.net if you'd like to take part in future meetings as well as tabling events at local events dispersing gun safety information, etc. | | | | In a joint event, LWV Orange County and Seminole County participated in a voter outreach event at PJI’s Peace in the Park Sept 21st at Central Park in Winter Park. LWVOC volunteers were Alicia Homrich, Christine Hammock, Karen Price, Alissa Torres, Alice Filteau, Valerie Schulz, and Leslie Lieberman. Joint volunteers from Gun Violence Prevention Committees were also present. Thank you Leaguers… registering voters and saving lives with the distribution of gun locks! | Orange County Charter Amendments
LWOVC supports all 10 Orange County Charter Amendments.
Be sure to prepare! This November’s ballot will be 5 pages long. There are lots of ballot questions: 10 for the Orange County Charter and 6 for the state. Attend the Oct 6 LWVOC event "Voter Guide to FL Amendments" detailed on our calendar. | | Even if you’re already registered, it’s a good idea to CHECK your registration. Visit VOTE411.org/check-registration by OCT 7 to confirm your registration information in case you need to update it. |  | WATCH the candidates on the LWVOC YouTube Channel HERE. From recorded candidate forums, you can watch the candidates in action to help you make your final ballot decision.
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LWVOC hosted a special Hot Topics in May of this year. It dove into the recent pivotal rulings concerning abortion rights in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court has made significant decisions, including paving the way for the implementation of a six-week abortion ban and allowing Floridians to vote on whether to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution. Take the time to reread our RECAP here which provides a review of the event, bios of the panelists, a photo album and a video link of the program or go directly to our YouTube channel and view it by clicking below:
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| FOLLOW - LIKE -SHARE We need your help to grow our social media accounts, engaging ALL voters, especially our younger generations. You can click the media icons at the top right of this email to go DIRECTLY to our accounts or click on the links below.
Currently, we're highlighting a campaign from Leaguer Bobby Sena and his team to educate voters. FOLLOW-LIKE-SHARE
| | | Special Alert! The Voter Services team is fielding multiple requests for Leaguers to "table" at community events with voting information and they invite all members to join their efforts!
To register voters, members must pass the certification test and then they can volunteer at events. Certification training and testing information can be found on the Voter Services Committee page CLICK HERE
New Voter Services members will be partnered with experienced members at tabling events and community activities to learn how to engage citizens as well as become familiar with the various policies and procedures we must follow. 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 | SIGN UP HERE! Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings.
|  | | Can you help us take care of our Adopt-a-Precinct teams on NOV 5? Volunteers will provide food/beverages throughout election day at assigned times/locations as our precinct workers are NOT allowed to leave their precincts. We've begun scheduling early because we know that plans can sometimes get derailed at the last minute.
Check our Volunteering Opportunities as we have remaining slots open and importantly, we also need "stand-by" volunteers who can be called upon "at the last minute" if needed. For those opportunities, please email the coordinator: Charlotte Coppenhaver @ ccoppenhaver@me.com
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PRIDE PARADE OCTOBER 19 SAVE THE DATE
LWVOC will march around Lake Eola again in Orlando’s Pride Parade on Saturday, October 19 at 4 pm.
The DEIA committee invites you to “Come Out With Pride” as allies of the LGBTQ community, celebrating our healthy democracy that requires all voices to be included, respected and heard. Sign-up and details will be in next week’s newsletter. Questions, TEXT Summer Ellis at (703-244-1231) | | |
 | | Louise Williams
Mindy Bender
Howard Vincent Kurtz
Johanna Lopez
Mary Dysart
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
|  | We are almost there! The Double Your Gift Campaign is close to our goal.
Visit our Donor page to see the MANY different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County. | | |
| With the primary and presidential elections around the corner, we hope you have plugged into the power of your vote to protect democracy.
Jennifer and Phil Anderson are back! Thanks to their generosity, we are pleased to announce that any gift you make by November 5 will be doubled by a matching grant up to $25,000.
| 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. | |