| PULSE Anniversary thoughts and memories
June 2026, Co-Pres. Rev. Kathy Schmitz ~ "10 years ago, most of Central Florida went to sleep in one reality and woke the next morning to a horrifying new reality. The massacre at the Pulse Nightclub changed everything. This week we have been remembering the 49 lives taken from us, hearing the memories and struggles of their loved ones, and acknowledging once again the deep mental and physical trauma with which the survivors continue to live." Cont. reading HERE
(Kathy shown below left in far-right corner leading a 2016 candlelight vigil)
June 2016, Co-Pres. Sara Isaac ~ "Sunday was surreal. With the sound of helicopters on TV and hovering over the Pulse nightclub a few miles from my home, I watched as somber community leaders confirmed that Orlando was home to the latest, and worst, mass shooting in America." Cont. reading HERE |  |  | | ROADTRIPPIN'
We're seeing Leaguers take some epic summer road trips. Shown: Sue, Valada, and Lee walking in the footsteps of giants. Share your summer League adventures with us, too!
Reply to this newsletter with your snapshots and let's see your League summer! |  | Breathe in Hope Spa Day Event
The LWVOC Immigration Comm. with the Faith Leaders Network gave Hope Community Center a day of fun to unwind. If you joined the League to be "in service" for the greater good, then THIS is what you can do! Explore the Immigration Committee and learn more about the Hope CommUnity Center. | | |
 | | JUNE is Nat'l Gun Violence Awareness Month
The Gun Violence Prevention Committee along with community partners Moms Demand Action, YaYa's Dream, and Brady United presented a screening of No More Empty Rooms with a panel discussion following. Get involved and take action against gun violence with these groups. |  | Diversity is our superpower.
Communities that treat everyone with dignity and respect thrive. During Pride Month, the DEIA Committee encourages League members to celebrate the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
For a day of fun and music, join "Come out with Pride" on June 20 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. This "bold and unapologetic" event highlights the intersection of Black identities for a celebration of culture, music and community engagement.
Love & Liberation: A Juneteenth Pride Celebration: Details HERE | | |
 | Orange County Judge candidates convened at yesterday's Hot Topics to answer questions from the moderator as well as League members. Shown L-R: Co-chair for Hot Topics-Karen Estrin, Moderator-Judge Roger McDonald, Asima Azam-Grp 5 candidate, Judi Hayes-Grp 21 candidate, Cherish Adams-Grp 17 candidate, Co-Pres. Kathy Sheerin, Judge Roger McDonald, Joy Goodyear-Grp 17 candidate, Kafi Kennedy-Grp 5 candidate. Photography by Carol Wonsavage
Full RECAP coming soon! The next Hot Topics is JULY 15-Habeas Forum: Candidates for Ninth Judicial Court. Register early HERE | Almost HALFWAY there to our matching goal of $25,000!
Help us fuel up for Election 2026! | DID YOU KNOW that only 20% of membership dues go directly to LWVOC? Yes, our state and national Leagues receive the bulk of your dues, and we understand that they have a lot of legal/organizational fees to pay for in efforts to defend our democracy...but that means we have to make up a large difference locally!
Our generous Visionary Sponsors (Jennifer and Phil Anderson) have offered a $25,000 Match, doubling every contribution this summer!
Every dollar you give DOUBLES the power to support our efforts to empower voters. Wonder what we spend our money on? View our year's Budget Assumptions Here.
| | Dr. Maureen Washburn
Michelle Ouimet
Eugene Picciano
Chris Moore
Dorothy Gabriel
Carmen Lett
| | | Luisa Rodriguez-Scott Natahlia Alicea Karen Cannon
Jeff Bondy Devon Hoernschemeyer Churck Washburn
|  | | SAVE THE DATE for a Day of Action on August 8, 2026, in honor of the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of
More details coming soon but expect to engage in activities that truly empower voters and defend democracy. |  |
SAVE THE DATE
JULY 11-12, Council of Leaders
Registration for 2026 Council of Leaders is ongoing. We are at Rollins College this year July 11-12, 2026 and will provide training and networking focused on Election Protection, Bringing Floridians Together, and Local League Best Practices. Registration is only $50 and is linked here. | | |
| FUND THE COURTS AND VOCA
Use your voices to demand increased funding for our court system to keep pace with the growing population of our area and FOR the restoration of Victims of Crime Act funding to support victims of domestic abuse.
Click for full Petition Information HERE | | | 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
|  |  |  |  | LWVOC is a 501(c)(3 )tax-exempt organization and your gift is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a gift as a deduction on your taxes, please keep your email gift receipt as your official record. The receipt is sent to you upon successful completion of your donation.
A copy of the official registration and financial information for LWVOC, a Florida based nonprofit organization (Registration No. CH26900) may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free 1-800-435-7352 within the state or visiting their website at fdacs.gov/CONSUMERSERVCES. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. | |