Skip to main content
 
HomeEmailingsNewsletters/Emails
Date: 4/2/2026
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



"History is clear: People-led movements—not force, not one politician—are how we end authoritarianism." ` League of Women Voters USA on NK3.
 
We were there at the historic No Kings 3 rally in Orlando making our voice heard while members elsewhere also participated.
See our full Photo Album HERE and make sure that you are following us on SOCIAL MEDIA (click the icons top right) to watch our video clips about the event and MORE.  Shown below left, highlighted in the Orlando Weekly, Sandy Cawthern--roadside warrior, and a snapshot of us on the way to the rally.

LWVFL makes a stand against voter suppression
LWVFL along with others filed a suit challenging the legislation the governor signed into law that will make it harder for eligible American voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
 
Of note, the FL Constitution already states that ONLY American citizens are allowed to vote...in other words, it's already illegal but we need a new law to make it more illegal?
 
Make sure to follow LWVFL updates in their emails and newsletters as support will be needed to fight for voters' rights.
GREAT TURNOUT as Leaguers unite, learning how to defend democracy!
 
Our newest members and committee chairs were on hand this week for our bi-annual showcase and welcome. The enthusiasm was contagious.  If you missed it, enjoy the Photo Album HERE and start exploring opportunities with our Committees here.  Shown above left, new member Penny Sell enjoyed her first day of retirement with us. Right, Co-Pres. Jane Hursh speaks with Vera Clark. (photos by Sue Foreman and Carol Wonsavage)

NEXT WEEK--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. A few of the groups who will be there include Hope CommUnity Center, Immigrants are Welcome Here Coalition, and Orlando Singing Resistance.
 
*There will be a FOOD DRIVE benefitting immigrant populations--non-perishable food items only.

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.
 
SPECIAL GUEST joining us remotely: LWVFL President Jennifer Lowe-Minor
 
We will be transacting business as required in our bylaws, celebrating the accomplishments of our League and the hard work of our members.

IN THE COMMUNITY
In February, the Speaker’s Bureau presented to the Women Empowerment Club at Orlando Science High School.
Participating LWVOC members: Mary Ann Feldheim (3rd from left), far right--Jenny Green Chan, Jean Yglesias
 
Interested in hearing about what they offer?  Email them at lwvocspeakers@gmail.com
Voter Services was at EVANS HS for a student presentation and provided voter registration information. Shown at the 2nd shift:  Anne Packham, Victor Collazo, Margo Hamel, Lauren Houk, Mary Ann Coffey, Bobby Sena, Denise Burton, Sheila from the SOE, not shown--Betty Saulpaugh & Kathleen Cavanaugh
 
If working with older students is your interest, we have connections with local universities and help support their on-campus organizations.
REACH out to Mary Montanus for more information.

SPRING RENEWAL
Ours is an incredibly rich and diverse community. The DEIA Committee has been discussing the many cultural and religious celebrations that take place in Spring. Although these traditions differ in theology and practice, they share striking common themes-fasting and feasting, light overcoming darkness and the reawakening of nature. We know we are better neighbors (and engaged voters) when we know one another. To learn more about origins, foods and symbolism of Spring Festivals, click: Spring: A Season of Reflection and Renewal
Shown enjoying the League Spring BBQ, Melva Ross-Bentley and Melinda Wright

>>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.
   
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
 
Hot Topics Audio/Visual and Photography Help
The Hot Topics Committee needs your technical expertise.  If you're comfortable (or ready to learn) using programs that control audio/visuals, we need you. Our current guru has done the hard work already and he can teach you how to manage the programs on a League laptop during Hot Topics.  
 
PHOTOGRAPHER needed for Hot Topics!  Once a month, we need your photography skills (hobbyists are welcome)!
Contact our Co-Chairs: Diana Smith or Karen Estrin

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
 
Speakers always needed to handle our public outreach.  We offer different topics and our Speaker's Bureau committee is happy to train you.  For more information, contact Chairperson Jean Yglesias lwvocspeakers@gmail.com


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.
 
Arthur Sklut
Charlene Westman
Sophia Schwartz
Renee Seltzer
 
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!
 
Leslie K. Oneal
 
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.