Ready to talk it out?
If you, like so many others, feel the need to share your thoughts about today’s challenges and opportunities, the LWVOC has something new just for you.
🌿 Introducing Democracy Circles ~ a members-only space that goes back to our grassroots… roots!
WHEN: Launching late October/early November
WHAT: Monthly gatherings for meaningful, structured, and lightly facilitated conversations about democracy and the issues shaping our communities
WHO: League members only (Not a member yet? Join today so you don’t miss out!)
👉 [Click here] to learn more and let us know you’re interested. This isn’t a commitment—it simply helps us shape the Circles to fit our members best.
*Shown below, Leaguers Beth Coffey and Pat Grierson and group shot of participants at past "Speakeasy" events held to promote casual gatherings.
|  | | UNIDOS! At Hot Topics yesterday, we gathered to celebrate Hispanic heritage as well as engage with the well-informed panel about the community's rising influence, diversity, and challenges. A full recap will be coming soon with event recording, review, and more photos. Shown above l-r: LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz, panelists Rene Gomez, FL Rep. Johanna Lopez, Ricardo Negro-Almodovar, and LWVOC Co-president Jane Hursh, Moderator: Ybeth Bruzual Photography by Carol Wonsavage | | NEXT MONTH's Hot Topics is Oct 8 and will cover the issue of Redistricting.
Panelists and moderator will be announced soon. | | | We are getting A LOT of requests for tabling at local events and need VOLUNTEERS! Check out the information below to sign up and help us empower voters. Visit Volunteering Opportunities often as it is updated regularly. | |
CLICK below to view a short "how-to video" on our YouTube channel and start your volunteering era with the League.
SEPT 13, Lake Fran Clean-up
Shoreline Cleanup with Keep Orlando Beautiful
SEPT 15, Info Table at Jones HS
Presentation & *voter registration
SEPT 16, Lake Ivanhoe Clean-up
Shoreline Cleanup with Keep Orlando Beautiful
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*For voter registration tabling, you must have taken and passed the League voter registration test HERE
SEPT 17, Spanish speaker needed
Mi Familia Vota needs a presenter on redistricting
SEPT 19, Lake Eola Clean-up
Shoreline Cleanup with Keep Orlando Beautiful
SEPT 26, Info table at Innovation HS
Presentation & *voter registration
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Speaker: Cheyenne Drews, Progress Florida; Presenting the State of Medication Abortion and Discussion Points
|  | Join LWVOC members in marching in the Orlando Pride Parade on October 18 in the Lake Eola neighborhood. By participating, our League will have an opportunity to affirm our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and to an inclusive democracy where all voices are heard.
Date: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025
Time: 4PM Parade start; Assemble 3PM
Dress: League Polo shirts (white or purple), League T shirts (please request, if needed), dark pants, comfortable shoes
Other: We'll have Votes for Women sashes, a convertible with 3 spots, and a League banner.
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- People with disabilities are a powerful part of the voting population, in every community and every political party.
- Yet, too many barriers keep voters with disabilities from accessing their right to vote.
- DVRW was created by people with disabilities to raise awareness, advocate for removal of barriers, and make sure the community’s needs are represented.
This week is about standing up for disability voting rights, celebrating the community, and building power together.
*Shown above right, DEIA Co-chair Marilyn Baldwin receiving voting instruction from an SOE assistant
| | |  | | Mabel Butler (shown 2nd from left with fellow 2025 Women's History month honorees) has died at 98.
From the Orlando Sentinel: “During her years in public office, Butler championed affordable housing, fought for representation in government, and played a pivotal role in bringing the Florida Classic to Orlando,” her family said.
“Known as the ‘Matriarch of African American politics in Orlando and the community at large,’ she continued to serve well into her later years, especially through her volunteer work at the L. Claudia Allen Senior Center.” Cont. reading HERE
LWVOC expresses its deep condolences to the family and heartfelt thanks for her untiring work as a "Warrior for Democracy". |  | The Celebration of Terry Gillam’s life will be held in the Camellia Room at Harry P. Leu Gardens on September 28 from 2:00 to 4:00.
Her friends and fans are invited to join her family in reflecting on what a remarkable and delightful person she was. As the celebration will be catered, an RSVP to Lynn Gillam by September 15 is appreciated. His email address is lynnalg39@gmail.com.
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| |  | | THIS SATURDAY! Make a difference by helping to support "Moms Demand Action" as they seek to protect kids by keeping guns out of schools.
And once you've obtained your baked goodies, consider attending the next event (shown here beside this one) on having a meaningful dialogue about immigration in the US. |  | The Immigration Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming screening of the documentary "Fostering Welcoming Communities" on Saturday, Sept. 13.
United by our human experience, Forever Welcome works to advance the American Dream by fostering inclusive and welcoming communities through awareness, advocacy, and action. We generate empathy and understanding for people who immigrate to the U.S. by bringing their personal journeys and contributions to light. | | |
 | | The Global Peace Film Fest Sept. 16-21 will host 20 films with 13 of them directed by women. LWVOC members/supporters can use a unique code L3@wv for online ticket sales. With the use of this code, both get 10% off each ticket AND GPFF will donate $4 from each ticket to LWVOC. Two movies listed below may be of particular interest:
Lilly starring Patricia Clarkson as Lilly Ledbetter (Tues. 9/16, 6pm at Enzian Theater). The film covers her story from working in the Goodyear Tire factory in Alabama, through her sex discrimination lawsuit that went to the Supreme Court, to the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Act.
She Runs the World, about Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in history, who fought for the rights of women athletes after her sponsor cut her pay by over 50% when she was pregnant. |  |
Celebrate the Sun in the Sunshine State! Join members of Third Act and partners GenCLEO and Citizens Climate Lobby for a informal social gathering with information and discussions on the power of Solar Energy and Energy efficiency.
Meet our Speaker, State Rep. Anna V Eskamani PhD. Come out to spend time with others who care for our planet and pick up some free Third Act Merchandise and Signage.
LWVOC will be tabling with voter information at the event:
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| This special event will bring together local leaders, nonprofits, and experts to explore the critical intersections of heat, hurricanes, and health — and the solutions we can build together for a more resilient Florida. This future would be especially impactful for marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by harsher hurricanes and rising temperatures. The symposium will feature speakers from the CLEO Institute, the Miccosukee Tribe, Live Wildly, 1000 Friends of Florida, and Save Split Oak, along with Professor Ahmad of Barry Law. The government panel will include Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Representative Anna Eskamani.
Date: Friday, October 17th
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Location: Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law Complimentary food will be provided! Registration link:
| | | | |  | | Nancy Davis
Elizabeth Drose
Michelle Casas
Beverly Acosta
Learn all about the benefits of League membership. Visit our JOIN page here. |  |
We have many different ways for you to $upport the LWVOC.
Visit our newly revamped Donate page for more information.
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Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community and we have a range of sponsorship levels available. To further explore how to become a sponsor, please contact LWVOC Vice President and Fund Development Chair Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE
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