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Date: 9/2/2021
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



The League of Women Voters of Orange County has a history of more than 80 years in this community as an activist, grassroots organization whose members believe citizens should play a critical role in advocacy.  We do not endorse or oppose political candidates or parties at any level of government.  Our advocacy positions are based on the merits of each issue, after careful study and consensus.

REGISTER HERE for Sept 8 Hot Topics

The Affordable Housing shortage in Orange County is at an all-time high and is a health and humanitarian crisis. According to a recent article in the Orlando Business Journal, there is a 91,000-unit affordable housing shortage among metro Orlando’s residents who earn 50% or less of the area’s median income of $48,511. 

September’s Hot Topics will address how businesses and government agencies can address the Affordable Housing Crisis in Orange County, which has been worsened due to COVID and the pending end of the CDC’s eviction moratorium.

Panelists include (below l. to r.) Chris King, Rev. Mary Lee Downey, Camilo Parra, and Moderator, Donna Dyson

The Board of LWVOC is creating a new Events Committee to plan and execute our amazing  community events.  The LWVOC board feels that having a committee of volunteers dedicated to managing the logistics of our events would enrich the events and make the process more efficient.

The new Events Committee is a Strategic Committee that will collaborate with Advocacy Committees for all events. Advocacy Committees will provide the content while the Events Committee will provide event planning and logistics in order to host streamlined, high quality events. Examples of the events that the LWVOC hosts include Hot Topics, Speakeasies, workshops, a holiday party and annual membership and planning meetings. 

This is where you come in! We are hosting a brief, Event Planning Interest Meeting on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:00 pm via Zoom for members who are interested in assisting with all aspects of event planning and execution. 

Whether you have an event planning background or just want to help the LWVOC shine, we need you! Please register today.
 September is Suicide Prevention Month.  The Gun Safety Committees of the LWVFL and LWV Seminole have composed the linked information in their efforts to bring awareness to the chilling statistic...two thirds of gun deaths are suicides in the US.
 Continue reading HERE and share with friends and family. 
TAKE ACTION
The LWVOC Government Committee has composed a Redistricting Outline/Info piece that will be helpful as you seek to understand the redistricting process in Florida.
 
 Of note is their LWVOC Action Plans...perhaps after reading the planned scope of their work, you'll be ready to join the group and participate in the valuable work of the League during this pivotal time.
 
TAKE ACTION
The LWVOC Speaker's Bureau has received information about the State LWV PowerPoints on SB90 and Redistricting. Be on the lookout for an announcement about training sessions so we can present these PowerPoints to interested community groups. 
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Speaker's Bureau please send your contact information to Barbara and Sara at LWVOCSB@gmail.com and we will make sure that you are notified of our upcoming training. 
If you are part of or know of a group in our community who would like to have a presentation by our Speakers Bureau please have them also contact us at LWVOCSB@gmail.com

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT Our membership runs the gamut of age, race, and sex and we want to highlight as many of you as possible.  With the last year limiting our social/business gatherings, it's even more important that all of us get to know each other.  Fill out the Member Highlight form and we'll take it from there! 

Our own Jill Shargaa has created a special Equality Day design for the LWV of Florida Advocacy Fund.  The illustration encompasses the colors of the suffragette movement both purple and gold.  Although we recognize AUG 26 as Equality Day, we literally live its promise daily.  Therefore, now's the time to enjoy Jill's work daily by purchasing a poster or notecards.
 
Follow these links for purchasing information:  11x17 Equality Day Poster or Equality Day Note Cards/10pk
 
You'll also recognize Jill's talent with The Voter Tree illustration below for our event next month.
 
Join us to celebrate our precious right to vote.  1-4PM, Oct. 24 at The Voter Tree, Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave, Orlando.  NO Fee--all are welcome--family fun--BYOP (bring your own picnic) REGISTER HERE

Questions about joining or renewing?  Click here: Member Signup / Information
 
We also offer Gift Membership which is a great option for all gift-giving occasions.

Kay E. Haxton made a generous donation to the LWVOC Fund.
Donations are tax deductible.
They can be made "In honor" or "In Memoriam" of someone. 
 Click below and join others supporting the LWVOC

Newsletter Checklist:
  • September Hot Topics is so timely as the community reels with renting costs.
  • Educate yourself about SB90 and Redistricting with our links above
  • Good with events?  We need your input!
  • Save the date, OCT 24 for a special History Committee event

Orange County has three free COVID-19 testing sites, open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (until capacity is reached).
1. Barnett Park (typically the busiest of the three sites): 4801 W. Colonial Drive
👉 Barnett Park is no longer a vaccination site.
2. Econ Soccer Complex: 8035 Yates Road
3. The former Clarcona Elementary School: 3607 Damon Road

Click HERE for Orange County vaccination sites and Pre-registration recommended but not required.
Also, click here  COVID-19 for FAQs
Use social media to get the most up-to-date information about where/how/when to get vaccinated or tested.  Click HERE for Orange County Social Media links