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Date: 3/26/2026
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


Our presence matters—whether at the large rally at Orlando City Hall or at smaller gatherings in our surrounding communities. Our voice is respected, and our thoughtful participation models the precious American right of dissent. We will be peaceful. We will be respectful. We will be heard. We are called to this moment by our history—and by the future we intend to build. 
MAR 28, 12 - 2PM   Orlando City Hall  League Guidance HERE
Leaguers, we will gather on the sidewalk on the North side of the Dr. Phillips Center Lawn (South St.) beginning at 11:30 and will walk over to the main rally as it starts at noon. Those arriving later can look for the collection of purple. Although not required, please register HERE for possible updates, etc.
 
 Important information from LWV: Rally and Protest Guide
(shown below at 2025 rally, Michael and Ann Patton)
 
MARCH 31, 6PM, LWVOC Showcase and Welcome
 
Whether you're a new member or just need a refresher, JOIN us at our upcoming Spring League Showcase and New Member Welcome!
 

It's time for our 2026 Annual Meeting, April 11, 9am-noon 

 Log in and REGISTER HERE

*Non-members are welcome to attend but may not speak or vote on League business.  We will be transacting business as required in our bylaws, celebrating the accomplishments of our League and the hard work of our members.
After observing deportation tactics in Minneapolis, communities like ours are asking the question: Could that happen here? Our Hot Topics panel discussion focuses on immigrant rights and why they matter to everyone, including citizens. The League of Women Voters of Orange County will host an April 8 Hot Topics discussion — “Why Immigrant Rights Matter to Us All” — that focuses on threats to immigrants’ due process and what voters can do to counter efforts that weaken everyone’s constitutional rights.
 
The moderator is Kate Aschenbrenner, an assistant professor who teaches immigration law and directs an immigration clinic at Barry University. Panelists include Ericka Gómez-Tejeda, who coordinates the local Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition and also serves as organizing director for the Hope CommUnity Center; Josephine Arroyo, an Orlando attorney who works with immigration cases and also is an assistant professor at Rollins College, and Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel, who has reported on immigration issues.
 
*Note that there will be a Hot Topics Overtime following the program, upstairs at the WP Events Center.
Longtime Leaguer Marty Sullivan has thoughts as he retires this week from two terms as a Winter Park Commissioner.
 More honesty in government
A statement in Monday’s Orlando Sentinel got my attention; not because it was written, but rather because it needed to be said (“Florida’s sunshine law descending into darkness”).
I wish this sentence in Martin Dyckman’s commentary would never have to be said: “Citizens need to keep their local governments honest.” I served as a local elected official. My unquestioned bedrock value was honesty. To state that we need more honesty from our government lays bare a truth that I hope we would never have to voice. Cont. reading in Orlando Sentinel HERE.
Arab Festival, Mar. 22 ~ Voter Services volunteers enjoyed a beautiful day of celebration of Arab American art, music, and food while performing voter outreach at the annual cultural heritage festival organized by the Arab American Community Center. 1st shift volunteers (right) were Saudi Ellis, Joann Polley, Sandra Barker, and seated Kaitlyn Hemberger. 2nd shift volunteers included (left) Kaitlyn H., Victor Collazo, and Gina Hall. 3rd shift volunteers were Kaitlyn H., Jennifer Willman and Melinda Wright. Big thanks to Caitlin, a new member and Rollins student, who volunteered for all three shifts!
>>Check out our Volunteering page for more ways to get involved.
 >>Click How to Volunteer video for easy instructions!  Volunteer opportunities are open to League members only.
 
High School Voter Registration and Speaker Presentations
We partner with Student Government Associations (SGA) at lunchtime to register students to vote and often with staff from the Supervisor of Elections office. All volunteers must have taken and passed the LWVFL Voter Registration Assistance Quiz and be registered with Orange County Public Schools as ADDitions Volunteers for whichever high school you're volunteering for.
 
  
Hot Topics Merch Table
Once a month, come a little early to Hot Topics to set up and manage a table selling our League branded merchandise. Upcoming opportunities in April
Voter Info/Registration Community Events
All volunteers must have taken and passed the LWVFL Voter Registration Assistance Quiz
 
 
 
 
Observer Corps
Volunteers observe council meetings (via Zoom or in person) and submit for Gov. committee. Check the Volunteer page for Orlando and Apopka opportunities.
 
NEEDED:  Voter Outreach volunteers who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole!!  Please contact>> Saudi Ellis
APRIL 16, 6-8pm
Central Florida Public Media is hosting an Engage in Community experience focused on redistricting and how district lines are drawn, what they mean for representation, and how they can shape communities like ours here in Central Florida.
 
Daniel Imperato
Joann Polley
Ann Adams
Shannon Herrera
 
Share this newsletter and encourage your friends and family to JOIN HERE
*Current members, don't forget that you'll be renewing through our national LWVUS site! Watch your email for reminders!
 
Celebrate Women's History Month by giving in honor of important women in your life!
 
LWVOC offers multiple ways to $upport our non-profit with giving preferences such as "planned giving" as well as our "Giving Society".  Explore these and more on our Giving page HERE.  Contact Lee Rambeau Kemp if you have questions.

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

Also, check out our NEW Fund Development Committee page if you'd like to become more involved in our efforts.
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