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Date: 2/9/2023
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins


“Every voice matters,” moderator Valada Flewellyn said as she began the Black History Month Hot Topics program with a reference to the lyrics of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem. But in America’s past, she said, Black voices have been silenced or muffled.
"...panelists noted that it’s important to remember that Black history is not a separate history — it is American history, our shared history."
Read Joy Dickinson's complete Review HERE and look for the event recording to be posted on YouTube soon.
 
Black History Month is in full swing.  The DEIA Committee has compiled a list of resources and events (Click to VIEW) to help you learn more about the month and the 2023 theme, Black Resistance.  We're updating the article each week with new information; be sure to check it often to participate in local events.
Hot Topics attendees shown below L-R: Valada Flewellyn (moderator,) Saudi Ellis, Virginia Meany, Marilyn Baldwin, Brenda Alston
Photo courtesy DEIA Committee
Shown above L-R: Valada Flewellyn, Patricia Broussard...right photo: Valada Flewellyn, Barbara Lanning, Patricia Broussard, Don Harrell, Tiffany Hughes
Photograpy by Carol Wonsavage
LEAGUE LEADER
Deborah Coffy, LWVOC Project Coordinator, was recognized as the newest recipient of a Legacy Scholarship from UCF.  
This scholarship will be awarded to a UCF student who demonstrates transformational leadership both on and off campus. The recipient of the BFSA Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship will have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the areas of leadership, excellence, community and academics.
CONGRATULATIONS, Deborah!
Upcoming Events
FEB 22, Harvard Civics Case Study
Topic: James Madison and The Federal Negative and the Making of the Constitution
Location: Lake Nona High School
Time: 6-7:30PM
Open to all
MAR 7-8, LWVFL Lobby Days
Location: Tallahassee
Haven't been to one of our Lobby Days before? Don’t fret! We provide attendees with onsite training to be an effective advocate.
Today's politics may motivate you to learn more about The Federal Negative:  "As Madison stated in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, “the effects [of the federal negative] would be not only to guard the national rights and interests against invasion, but also to restrain the States from thwarting and molesting each other.”
The Education Committee and Orange County Public Schools will host a special Harvard Civics Case Study on February 22.  Learn more about the event HERE and share this opportunity with your circle of friends and colleagues.  It's open to all who are interested but will require a bit of "homework" before the class.  Upon registering, you'll receive a link to prepare you for the upcoming class.
LWVOC Volunteer Icon LWVOC Donate Icon LWVOC Vote Icon 

What's Happening?
Orange County
2023 Municipal Elections take place on MAR 14 for the City of Maitland and the City of Ocoee.  Visit OCF Elections/2023municipals for ALL answers pertaining to these upcoming elections.
 
LWV of FL 
Lobby Days
MAR 7-8, Tallahassee
Join Leaguers from across the state lobbying at our state capitol.  Training provided.
 
Florida
Florida’s voting laws now require voters who wish to request a vote-by-mail ballot to do so after every election cycle. The new law requires that every voter who requested a vote-by-mail ballot before November 8, 2022 must do so again if they wish to receive their mail ballots for 2023 municipal elections, primaries and the 2024 general election.  Visit OCF Elections/vote-by-mail to find out more or visit FLEPC (Florida Election Protection Coalition.)
 
LWVFL has endorsed the Right to Clean Water! 
In support of establishing our basic right to clean and healthy water, our League has committed to helping get this citizen initiative on the 2024 ballot. Initially, 235,000 signed petitions are required to trigger the court’s review!! Will you help? 

Please visit our Volunteer Page and make a plan to spend some time outside this weekend or later this month collecting signatures. Petitions, clipboards & literature will be provided for this popular cause at event sites. 

Remember that Orange County’s similar Charter Amendment received 89% of voter approval. This will be joyful outreach to our community!
MetroPlan Orlando ATP Public Survey
 
Tell us what you think! Click for SURVEY
Click HERE En Español

MetroPlan Orlando is developing a regional Active Transportation Plan to identify critical gaps in the biking and walking network and increase the portion of trips accomplished by active modes. You can help by sharing your experiences with biking and walking by completing this brief survey.

We expect that this survey will take less than 10 minutes.
DEIA Committee busy in the community
Metroplan Orlando met with a delegation from Mongolia. This Peer exchange was arranged by World Orlando to focus on our local Transportation Disadvantaged program for Disability Rights Best Practices, requested by the Department of State. Through translating using technology, they had a productive meeting with people who are disabled from Mongolia, and non disabled individuals that manage services for people with disabilities including children and adults.
Leaguer Marilyn Baldwin shown seated front row in red jacket.

LAST CHANCE at AMAZON  We recently received news that AmazonSmile will be winding down on February 20, 2023. Until the official closing date, we hope you will donate to the LWVOC while you shop at Smile.Amazon.com.

 To do so, simply visit this LINK and add or chose the League of Women Voters or Orange County as your charitable organization recipient before you start shopping.  (Remember, only purchases made at smile.amazon.com, (not www.amazon.com) or with AmazonSmile turned ON in the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone will generate AmazonSmile donations.)
Ariana Krishnan
Emma Aagaard
Joanne Cobbs
Sofia Uribe
Gabriella Parolski
Brittany Stacks
George Skene
Mariana Sorroza
Sara Zecca
 
Share this newsletter and encourage your circle of friends and family to
Need League guidance or have a request for our Communications crew?
 
Make note that League leaders will be "Out of the Office" the week of FEB 20-28.
 
Get your calendar, social media, website, and administrative requests to us ASAP so that we can assist you before leaving the office for a week.
Wondering about your next step in the League?
 
Consider a leadership role!
 
Questions?  Email our Nomination Committee Chair below:
 
 
 
Visit the Board of Directors page to learn more about our current leadership.
 
Envision yourself making a difference by sharing your talents with LWVOC.
Introducing our first Platinum Level Sponsor: Climate First Bank The bank will be supporting LWVOC Hot Topics events for the next year. Climate First Bank is World’s first FDIC-insured community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. Climate First Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products designed to do good for people and the planet. Please follow this link to learn more: climatefirstbank.com
 
Click image below to register for March 9 Hot Topics. (Note that it will be on a Thursday instead of a Wednesday.)
SALE SALE SALE
LWVOC is cleaning out the storage unit!  We have the following Audio equipment for sale.  Click HERE to read all the details and make us an offer!
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