Emailing - League of Women Voters of Orange County

Yesterday's Hot Topics was inspiring and invigorating, reminding us that learning from history can enable a brighter future for everyone. This year, as we celebrate Black History Month, we acknowledge the politically motivated attempts to erase Black culture and history BUT also stand in solidarity with our commitment to change. With that in mind, bravo to everyone who supported our banned book drive, including support of Desmond Reid's DARE Books pop-up. Over 75 banned books were donated yesterday!

A full RECAP of the event coming soon.

Shown above top L-R: Dr. Ethel Wellington-Trawick singing "Lift Every Voice," moderator Jasmine Burney-Clark, LWVOC President Tiffany Hughes, Dr. LaVon Bracy, Valada Flewellyn, LeRoy Purnell; lower L-R: former LWVOC/LWVFL President Deirdre MacNab, Leaguers Melva and David Ross

Photos by Carol Wonsavage, Click for full photo album HERE

LEAGUERS in the Community

Leaguers enjoyed the annual Parramore Historic Bus Tour sponsored by the Downtown Development Board on 2/8/24. It was wonderfully narrated by Orlando D-5 City Commissioner Regina Hill. The tour began at the Wells’ Built Museum where they witnessed the Docent explaining to a group of students the significance of the Green Book for Black motorists. They then took a tour of historic sites in Parramore, learned of the displacements of thousands of residents from I-4 and the 408 construction, and other developments that impacted the once proud and thriving community. There are many new residential units and the UCF/Valencia Creative Village Project which have positively impacted the area, and there is funding allocated for the preservation of some historic sights. League Members shown above L-R: Charlie Behrens, Saudi Ellis, and Cassandra McAdams

So many Leaguers are leaders within our communities! If you're one of those, let us know so that we can highlight your success and share your story. As we learned at our recent Planning Meeting and at yesterday's Hot Topics, stories connect us and in so doing, help all of us defend democracy.

Shown: League member and former Board member, Shan Rose, was recently hired as the Town of Eatonville’s Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEB 27 SPEAKEASY, 6:30PM

Voter Education

Conversation & cocktails

MAR 12 Showcase, 6:00PM

Spring Orientation

Welcome New Members

Come learn about tools you can put in your toolbox to educate yourself and others this voting season. Join us over drinks and light bites to discuss the many ways we can research and share information to mobilize our connections. We will learn from Digital Democracy a new way to hold legislators accountable in Tallahassee. The League will also present our Vote411 platform and the many tools we provide. We can't wait to hear you share what resources are in your voter education toolkit! *$20 includes one drink, appetizers, cash bar available for other beverages

NEW Event--Join our Racial Justice Book Club, beginning March 13 at 7p by Zoom. Contact Virginia Meany at vmeany1025@gmail.com to join.

Reading is FUNdamental

During Black History Month, we are reminded that an informed electorate with easy access to voting is fundamental to preserving our democracy. The DEIA Committee asks you to join us on a reading journey of discovery. If you are eager to learn more about the reality of the African American experience in US history and want to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country, we have suggestions:

Read a book that expands your knowledge of African American history and forces you to think deeply about our past. It's easy to find terrific titles:

The American Writers Museum offers:
https://americanwritersmuseum.org/black-history-month-reading-list/
The New York Public Library Schomburg Center suggests:
https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/schomburg/adults

If you missed yesterday's Hot Topics, take advantage of the upcoming FEB 29 event with LWV of Seminole County. Click the image below or this LINK for registration information.

ELECTION 2024 NEWS

ELECTION CALENDAR & Registration Info

Last day to register for March 19 election is FEB 20, 2024

Visit Vote411.org for details about the upcoming March Presidential Primary & Municipal Elections

On Wednesday, March 6 at 1 p.m. the LWVFL will host a free one-hour information session about the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact entitled “National Popular Vote: How does it work?” If you believe that every vote should count equally, then this presentation will open your eyes to what is actually happening in U.S. Presidential elections.

The presentation is just over 30 minutes with plenty of time for questions with your host, Suzanne Low.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We have SO MANY volunteer opportunities available! Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings including providing food for our Adopt-a-Precinct workers at the upcoming March primary!

Volunteering Site Page

Feed Our Precincts #202 and other precincts as well!
Pioneer Days
LWVOC Shoreline Cleanup on Lake Sybelia
Community Health Fair/Easter Egg Hunt

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

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

Kane Morris-Webster

Marylee Gizzi

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.