 |  | Dear League Members and Friends:
Seasons’ Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanzaa!
As we close out 2020 and celebrate the holidays, we are mindful of the sorrows and joys of the year. The worst of times started with the deadly contagious pandemic; raged with racial injustice and police brutality; climaxed with truth versus lies; resulted in massive unemployment and insecurity as our economy collapsed; and ended with stunning attacks on our democracy when elected officials sought to interrupt the election and then overturn the will of voters in the largest turnout in U.S. history. The best of times affirmed that Black Lives Matter; depended on science to develop, test, and release a COVID-19 vaccine in record time; and renewed hope in our democracy and government. You have been part of all this, and we are grateful for your commitment and time to deliver on our mission: Empower Voters. Defend Democracy. Thank you.
Because of this catastrophic pandemic and to no fault of their own, many in our community face unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness again or for the first time. Too many children are hungry and wonder if there will be a gift for them this year. Let’s be sure to answer their cry for comfort and joy by giving through our annual holiday charity, Hope Community Center—either by selecting a gift, donating, or both. It is easy to do through Amazon and this link-- Amazon WISH LIST--the gifts are mailed directly to the Center. Act now--today is the last day of this toy drive. Or make a financial gift at Hope CommUnity Center then click the “Donate” button.
Next, please renew your membership. We need you. Our work is far from over. If you haven’t renewed, visit our LWVOC website, LOG IN and you will get an instant message reminder with a link to the membership renewal page. Easy!
Finally, you won’t want to miss our annual Holiday Event on Thursday, January 14, 6 PM. LOG IN and register at Happy Hour—Goodbye 2020, Happy New Year 2021 - 1/14/2021. It will be filled with hilarity and fun. Later in the month our Hot Topics will be jointly hosted with the Seminole County League on Thursday, January 28 at noon: Healing Our Communities. Yes! We do need to do that. Both timely events are free via Zoom.
We wish you joy and hope as we close 2020. Pat yourselves on the back. Well done, warriors! Finally, be relentless about wearing your mask, social distancing, and hand washing; and roll up your sleeve as soon as you are eligible for your COVID-19 vaccination. Stay safe and stay well.
Best wishes, Gloria and Sandi
|  | Updates from the League of Women Voters of Florida
Additional resources concerning Amendment 3:
Some members have asked why LWVFL reversed positions to oppose FL Constitutional Amendment 3. In case you missed earlier LWVFL notices, read the state League's
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We're excited to announce our final edition of our Lunch & Learn series for the 2020 calendar year.
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LEAH NASH has helped guide us through an historic election season at the helm of our Voter Services team. With great appreciation, we offer our congratulations as she takes on a new venture:
The League of Women Voters of Florida is excited to announce the appointment of Leah Nash to the role of Executive Director. Leah brings more than 20 years of career and volunteer experience in membership/patient associations, non-profit organizations, healthcare, government, media, and hospitality.
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The LWVOC Voter Services Committee is fortunate to have two new Co-Chairs who are experienced, innovative, and organized. As we've just seen, empowering voters through education and registration is vital to the strength of our democracy.
WELCOME Kimberly Cohen and Kathy Sheerin (l. to r.) to your new roles! | | "It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan." Eleanor Roosevelt
Save the date!
Our upcoming virtual LWVOC Annual Planning Meeting will be
Saturday, JAN 23.
| | | Please note the special circumstances for our JANUARY Hot Topics:
*We are partnering with LWV Seminole County which means our normal event date has been moved to later in the month, JAN 28th at 12:00 PM.
*When you register for this NO FEE event, it will be off site but we will have a record of our members who have RSVP'd.
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Kealani Smith
Yesenia “Jesi” Baron
*Don't forget that student memberships are FREE
| | | Newsletter Checklist
- Last day to contribute to the Toy Drive.
- Update your calendar with upcoming 2021 League events.
- There's still time to make a tax-deductible donation to the LWVOC Fund.
- Need a gift idea? Consider giving a membership and/or purchasing our History Book!
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For new members, this would be an excellent resource to learn more about our history as you look forward to planning your own experience with the League. | | | |