We threw ourselves a party to celebrate our volunteers, $upporters, and our community partners to kick off our Election 2026 efforts to advocate for voters! Many thanks to the countless Leaguers who made this happen! Your efforts to entertain us, educate us, and make sure we had some good old-fashioned BBQ are epic. View a fun video of the event HERE and some quick pics HERE. FOLLOW us on social media (click those icons top right) to stay up-to-date with all our activities! Shown below having fun l-r: Melva Bentley Ross and Melinda Wright, Joan Bickerton, guest, John Bickerton |  | |
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.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Winter Park Events Center for a buffet lunch. The panel discussion starts at 11:45 a.m. at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park and ends at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 for League members, $37 non-members. More details HERE
A Hot Topics Overtime will be held from 1:15-2 p.m. on the second floor of the events center, and various groups representing immigrant issues will be available for an extended discussion. | | This month we celebrated Women's History Month with an incredible panel of leaders! For the first time in history, each of the top four positions in the Orange County justice system are held by women. What took so long?
Read the RECAP here with review, panel bios, Calls to Action, and view the professionally recorded version as well as the photo album.
Make note of our panelists' Calls to Action on the RECAP because this is where YOU can make a difference! Each of them offered ways that you can step up for change and empowerment! | | | | |  | | Why Understanding Iran's History Matters Today
Leaguer Kam Shenai explores the connections in the current world upheaval in a two-part series. This week explores Iran's history. Also, read the first part of the series, written before the Iran war declaration. These Conflicts are Not Separate. They are Connected.
"As tensions involving Iran dominate global headlines, many Americans understandably ask a simple question: Why does this matter to us? Yet conflicts in the Middle East rarely stay confined to the region. They influence international stability, global energy markets, and ultimately everyday life in the United States." Cont. reading HERE
|  | The Cost of ICE Trauma in Orange County
"Our Central Florida community is being torn apart by ICE. This unjust disruption is imposing far-reaching and long-lasting costs on our community. Residents are frightened, isolated and looking for leadership. Orange County elected officials the power to push back, ensuring all people here feel safe and neighborhoods thrive.
The escalation of ICE activity has created a chilling effect. The cost in terms of trauma to people is immeasurable. Families remain trapped in their homes, local businesses lose customers, and school attendance has dropped sharply, with school closures being discussed."
Continue reading Jill Heroux's thoughts
HERE (reposted from Orlando Sentinel) | | |
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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. | | |
| (Shown above at last week's Ocoee HS voter education/registration drive: Caroline Blydenburgh, Betty Saulpaugh, Corletta (SOE)
>>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
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Voter Info/Registration Community Events
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
| | | | | Take Action Opportunities |  | | MAR 28, 12 - 2PM
Orlando City Hall
REGISTER HERE
Our presence matters—whether at the large rally at Orlando City Hall (Noon–2:00 PM) 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.
"What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy." ~ nokings.org
|  | MARCH 30, 6:30pm
Know Your Rights Training
*Zoom presentation
Presenter, Walker Smith, Esq. has experience presenting Know Your Rights training to various community advocacy groups in person and virtually. His recent presentations focus on empowerment through knowledge on the specific constitutional rights afforded to immigrants and marginalized people. The events are energetic, interactive, and engaging, leading to thought provoking questions.
"Knowing your rights as an ally to immigrants is essential to prevent constitutional violations, protect against illegal detention, and ensure due process under US law. Knowledge empowers individuals to safely refuse illegal searches, avoid harassment, and properly navigate encounters with ICE or police. It safeguards families from separation and counters misinformation." ACLU | | |
| |  | | Gloria Joyner
Rebecca Lewis
Mikaela Nix
Lisa Bourne
Patricia Russell
Marthaly Irizarry
Steve Kerestes
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
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