Emailing - League of Women Voters of Orange County

Who's interested in voting? Students are! Mary Montanus and Melinda Wright (L-R shown below) attended Valencia College Winter Park's "Pounce into Spring" event. Even with chilly temps, students were out and about inquiring about their voting options. Want to share in the fun? Join the Voter Services committee HERE

Share this newsletter with the students in your life and encourage them to join LWVOC; student memberships are FREE (click to learn more)

Let Kids be Kids: STOP HB 49 House Bill 49 is part of a disturbing trend across the country aimed at reducing the safeguards specifically designed to protect minors in the workplace.
If passed, HB 49 would grant employers the authority to schedule minors for unrestricted work hours, including overnight shifts during the school year. Learn About Petition HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

JAN 27, this Saturday

Members Only Event

Annual Planning Meeting

Details & registration info HERE

FEB 14, HOT TOPICS, 11PM

Black History Month

Lift Every Voice

This year, as we celebrate Black History Month, we must acknowledge the politically motivated attempts coming out of our state government to erase Black culture and history, especially the State Department (Division of Elections) and Department of Education. The panel will elaborate on the rich history of African Americans' fight for representation right here in our community. Plus, we'll explore the way forward. Register HERE

Dr. Ethel Wellington-Trawick will perform before event and Desmond Reid will be featuring a display of currently banned books. Reserve your spot today and share this newsletter with your social circle so that everyone can attend this special annual event!

Click for details and registration.

Take a stand against censorship in our schools at Hot Topics. Donate a banned book.

The DEIA committee needs your help. Many beautifully written, illustrated and historic books have been banned from Florida classrooms and school libraries. During Black History Month, we take note of the effort to erase Black history and culture by removing books about Black history or written by Black authors.

Support the FREEDOM TO READ and an independent bookstore by donating a BANNED BOOK to our Banned Book Drive. Desmond Reid, owner of DARE Books will have a selection of books available to purchase and donate at Hot Topics. Look for his table and display as you enter the meeting room.
Alternatively, If you have a book on a banned book list you would like to donate, please bring your book to add to the collection. (The Pen America Index of Banned Books has a list of titles)
All books will be distributed throughout the year at community events. Questions, contact Virginia Meany at vmeany1025@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Bilingual speakers needed!

In this important election year, our Voter Services team wants to effectively reach everyone in our community.

Email Mary Montanus HERE to share your language skills and help us with #VotesForAll

Volunteer Opportunity: The League Treasurer is looking for help to develop a robust investment plan for the League. Need members with investment experience to help envision a plan to grow League assets through responsible investment. Plan is due to the Board in April 2024. The Treasurer will act as staff for the workgroup.

Send interest to Treasurer@lwvoc.org

COMMITTEES MEET

Affordable Housing committee members began the year meeting at the Rollins Philanthropy Center. If the Orange County housing crisis is on your advocacy radar, contact Chairperson Sami Solh samsolh.lwv@gmail.com for more information.

Check out all of LWVOC's committees as you "resolve to be involved" for 2024

Committee INFO

Ruby Manzari

Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!

Visit our Donor page to see the many different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County.

Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community.

To further explore how becoming a Hot Topics Sponsor can align with your business goals, please contact LWVOC Vice President, Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE

A range of sponsorship levels are available.