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Date: 10/9/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


So here we are again...Hurricane Edition #2 Newsletter and a day early!  Hopefully, you've made your storm plan and you're safe and sound reading this.  Orange County's resources can be accessed here: https://newsroom.ocfl.net/media-advisories/press-releases/2024/10/milton-updates/
 
The storm has caused us to cancel today's Hot Topics.  If circumstances allow, we will host a free Hot Topics Zoom event next Wednesday, Oct 16 with the available panel for "Strength in Diversity: The Complex Hispanic Vote," honoring  Hispanic Heritage Month.  Watch our social media and emails for updates.
 
Spare time while you're eating your storm snacks?  You still have time to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot! Click HERE to request your ballot.  For your vote to count, they must receive your voted, signed vote-by-mail ballot no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day – postmarks do not count.  They can be mailed, dropped off at any early voting location or delivered to the SOE office on election day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCT 15, Fall League Showcase, 6PM New Member Welcome to the League @Winter Park Community Center, 721 W New England Ave, Winter Park
FREE parking and Refreshments  Everyone is welcome!
OCT 12, 7-9pm, Multiracial Celebration of Reproduction Heroes
RJ COLLAB+, a coalition of the country’s leading Reproductive Justice Organizations, is thrilled to invite you to The Joy and Justice Tour - Orlando. This event will be a vibrant celebration of the powerful voices and tireless efforts of Latina, AAPI, Black, Youth, and Queer changemakers who are shaping the future of reproductive justice. Click for registration details:
OCT 15, noon, Special guest at Educ. Mtg
 
The Education Committee will meet on Tuesday, Oct.15th at noon via zoom.
We will hear from Judi Hayes, plaintiff in the federal lawsuit fighting book bans in schools, and a presentation on the renewal of the OCPS half penny for construction on this year's ballot. All are welcome to attend!
 
To attend, email: cbramuchi@gmail.com 
 
 
BE VOTE READY
Click HERE to read and download quick reference voting guides in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Take time to prepare as this November’s ballot will be 4 pages long! There are lots of ballot questions: 10 for the Orange County Charter and 6 for the state. We've prepared a special voter guide to help you navigate your amendment choices. 
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.
 
Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney  Candidates: Andrew Bain and Monique Worrell
Orange County Supervisor of Elections  Candidates: Karen Castor Dentel, Dan Helm, Wes Hodge, Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund
Ninth Judicial Circuit Judgeship Group 15 Candidates: Jeff Ashton and Alicia Peyton
District 5 Orange County Commissioner Forum Candidates: Steve Leary (did not participate in forum) and Kelly Semrad
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:
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
LWVOC members will be in attendance at this weekend's Orlando Philharmonic event at the Dr. Phillips Center: Opening Night welcomes the return of GRAMMY Award-winning Aoife O’Donovan whose enchanting melodies and evocative lyrics weave an unforgettable musical tapestry about the women heroes in her piece America, Come. This work is inspired by the lives and letters of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in a musical exploration of voting rights for women during the 1920’s.
Leaguers, make note that we will be gathering for a group photo at event!
Click HERE to learn more about Aoife O'Donovan's "America, Come."
Possibly still available: Click HERE for tickets.
LWVOC tabled and attended the Friday opening night of the Shakespeare Theater's production of "What the Constitution Means to Me" (which was actually held in the Edyth Bush Theater since the Shakes is having renovations done - it runs through Oct. 13) -- Several Leaguers attended the play, which shows how the founding fathers failed women when drafting the Constitution.  Shown L-R: Carol Wonsavage and Kathy Schmitz
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers Needed! LWVOC will be going to Colonial High School on Tuesday, Oct. 22 to do presentations and register/pre-register students to vote.  The Supervisor of Elections Office will also be there to take possession of the voter registration forms.
 
Easy sign up below for various times (just be logged into the system as a member to access)
LWV UCF is planning an exciting campus-wide event on October 30th to encourage students to vote early, by mail, or at the polls.  They have asked for our participation and support. There will be festivities at the Reflecting Pool with tabling and snacks, and perhaps golf carts for transportation to the Orange County early voting site right on campus. We have also been invited to become roving campus ambassadors for all things voting (canvassers). We have openings in both the morning and early afternoon shifts on October 30.  Get your steps in!  Sound like fun?? Sign up on our Volunteer Page!!
 
 
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
 
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. 
Sophia Nunez
Devon Massot
Nick Massot
Patricia Sayers O’Neill
 
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
Kathy Schmitz and Charlie Behrens
 
Ann Patton, in honor of Joan Erwin
 
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 NOV 5 election 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.

Click to DOUBLE your gift

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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