Political unrest, financial upheaval, societal stress, environmental catastrophes...whether you're a news junkie or not (and we think if you're getting this newsletter, you're the former) keeping up with current events can be a minefield of stressors. Members of the League often state that they were moved "to do something" as a reason for joining.
In that spirit, Tiffany Hughes urged new members at this week's orientation to commit to at least ONE HOUR of service to the LWVOC. As we near 700 members, that's a lot of service benefiting our community while also fulfilling our need "to do something." Take some time to explore our website: LWVOC.org If you're a member, log in (top right corner) but even League supporters can explore offerings open to the public.
|  | | Leaguers enjoy 2023 Spring Showcase--Shown top L-R: Barbara Lanning, Tiffany Hughes, Pat Grierson, Patti Brigham, Cassandra McAdams, Joan Erwin, Theo Webster *Photography by Carol Wonsavage Much appreciation goes out to our Events and Membership Committees for continually helping to host these important events! | Trailblazer Charley Williams (shown at the Voter Tree celebration) has been a League Leader since 2007. Yes, we celebrated women Leaguers last month for Women's History Month BUT men have been loyal members since the early 1970's. Read about Charley's history with the League HERE. Join Charley next week at HT Overtime, a new endeavor to expand the conversation after each Hot Topics. 1:15-1:45pm, Winter Park Library
#grassroots #solutions | | | | APR 12, Hot Topics
Metro Mayors' Forum
"What keeps them awake at night?"
APR 16, Higher Ed Townhall
A community conversation partnering with
Pastors for Florida Children
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APR 20, Annual Meeting
Business, dinner, awards
New Board and Program Plan
APR 29, DEIA Workshop
DEIA Workshop, Members only
With partner, Peace and Justice Institute
| | |  | | Central Florida mayors expected to bring the heat to Hot Topics! What will they reveal when answering the simple, yet complex question of "What keeps you up at night?" Our own Linda Chapin, former Orange County Mayor and LWVOC President will be moderating the program. This is going to be one of our most highly attended HOT TOPICS. Doors open at 11AM. Overflow FREE parking is available across the street from the Winter Park Library in the parking garage attached to Chuy's restaurant.
*Join us for HT Overtime immediately following our luncheon. We’ll convene next door in the Library auditorium on the first floor, 1:15-1:45. Bring your questions, comments, solutions. Let the conversation continue! #grassroots #solutions |  | Our biggest event of the year, the Annual Meeting 2023 takes place on APR 20, 6PM. We're changing things up and moving to a new location, Mead Botanical Garden-Azalea Lodge (garden map) plus it's being catered by Dubsdread Catering. You won't want to miss this spectacular setting with outdoor patio, ample free parking, delicious food and wine bar, and the presentation of our new Board of Directors and 2023-24 Program. |  | | | | | What's Happening?
Orange County
On APR 16, 4-6pm, LWVFL, LWVOC, and LWVUCF are partnering with Pastors for Florida's Children for a community townhall to discuss the state of higher education in Florida. Join them for a common-ground discussion about the recent and future changes to higher education. More info HERE.
Florida
A surprise elections bill was introduced to the Senate that would make it harder for college students to vote and add more restrictions to third-party voter registration groups such as the League of Women Voters. Maybe it's time you considered joining our Voter Services Committee....
| Voter Services was at Wekiva High School last month educating and registering young voters. #handsondemocracy #voteforourfuture
Shown top L-R: Betty Saulpaugh, Savannah Burton, Linda Dalton, Denise Burton, Bobby Sena, Shan Rose, Emily Glickstein
| Members of The League of Women Voters of UCF rallied for the Right to Clean Water Act on Wednesday morning, dressed in all blue attire, holding signs and chanting as they marched. Watch them on YouTube here.
The Right to Clean Water Act is a proposed amendment to Florida’s constitution to hold state agencies accountable for harm to Florida’s waters. According to Florida Right to Clean Water organization's official website, the amendment “clarifies prohibited actions and inactions that harm (or threaten to harm) waters” and allows citizens to sue state agencies if they break the amendment.
| | 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. The goal is to collect 90,000 signed petitions in Orange County.
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.
| | |  | | Amy Carter
Cory Taylor
And maybe YOU!?
|  | Nicolette Springer generous donation to LWVOC Fund in gratitude to all her fellow Leaguers
Jennifer Adams generous donation in gratitude to all of my steadfastly supportive mentors and amazing women leaders of the past, present, and future.
Kay Hudson generous donation to LWVOC Fund
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| 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 | |