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Date: 6/13/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



"You are prepared, aren't you?" LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz asked us last week.  Although that referred to storms and elections, yesterday's Hot Topics caught many unprepared for the spirited responses from candidates and the audience.  Local news crews found plenty of content worthy of articles and videos, some of which you can find at the Orlando SentinelFlorida Politics, and WFTV 9 News  Also, read our own reviewer Judi Hayes' piece HERE. The crowd voiced their opinions via applause, laughter, and even some boos to responses from questions asked by moderator Nick Shannin, general counsel of the SOE office.
Did you miss it?  An edited video will be available on our YouTube channel next week or you can choose to see the raw footage from the Facebook Live feed-Click to VIEW.  Watch for a full RECAP of the event soon and if you were there or watched the live feed, we'd appreciate your evaluation here:  https://bit.ly/HTJune14?r=qr
 
Photography shown below from Sue Foreman and Timothy McCauley. Photo albums and video coming soon.  Top to Bottom L-R: Gina Hall taking member Kelly Semrad question, Digital Democracy Project, full panel, Sue Foreman and guest Mary Daniels with Leaguer Fairolyn Livingston, SOE Glen Gilzean.

BE VOTE READY
Preparedness is key!  Vote-by-Mail ballots can be mailed, submitted at a secured drop box or at the SOE office, and they can even be submitted on Election day at your polling place.  Don't let an unforeseen event keep you from voting!
 
Request your VBM ballot HERE!  Or if you have questions, contact the Supervisor of Elections office:
Voter Preparedness Day...Week...Month?  No! Throughout the ENTIRE 2024 election season, LWVOC will devote this space to providing timely reminders to help you be #VoteReady  As our core mission of "Empowering Voters" is a national effort, find out more at LWV.org  Share this newsletter with your circle and help everyone have a voice by voting!

UPCOMING EVENTS
TODAY! June 13 at 2pm: OUC Public Workshop on proposed solar net metering changes. Location: Reliable Plaza, 100 W Anderson St, Orlando, FL
 
June 22, 10-12pm
YES on 4 Super Saturday
Learn how to canvass for Amendment 4
July 10, 11am
HOT TOPICS: Courting Votes
Judicial Candidate Forum
 
July 16, 6pm
Virtual New Member Welcome
"Learn how to be a Leaguer"
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate freedom and unity at the spectacular Juneteenth Festival! On June 15th, visit Camping World Stadium for a day filled with joy, cultural richness, and community connection.
The LWVOC will be there educating voters.  Want to help?  Sign up at Orlando Juneteenth Festival
 
 
Applications are now open for the Mayor's City Academy!
Learn about city government, become an active resident and network with like-minded individuals. Students of Mayor's City Academy go on department tours and interact with city employees.
Last date to apply is JUNE 17.
Visit  Apply HERE 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month
As League members, we know the power of standing together and ensuring that all voices are heard. The DEIA Committee reminds League members that June is Pride Month—dedicated to celebrating the identities and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
 
Continue reading HERE for ideas on how to celebrate Pride in Orange County.
Ready to fight for solar rights? From Solar United NeighborsThe Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) wants to take away the fair credit that solar customers earn for the electricity they generate. They also want to change rates to make it harder to save with solar. This will harm both current and future solar customers.  The Natural Resources Committee invites you to attend the public meetings:
TODAY! June 13 at 2pm: OUC Public Workshop on proposed changes. Location: Reliable Plaza, 100 W Anderson St, Orlando, FL


LWVOC Civic Engagement
Voter Services helped register/educate voters at the Family Fest at Zion Missionary Baptist Church this past weekend.  The event distributed food, clothes, diapers, etc.  Volunteers in attendance: Gina Hall, Alicia Homrich, Melinda Wright and Tara Russakov

And another round of applause for Voter Services!

School's out and Orange County graduates left with more than a diploma.  Our Voter Services teams were at their Senior Check-Out days to provide information about their newest "adult" privilege...making their voice heard by voting!
Betty Saulpaugh coordinated this event for Voter Services working with the Orange County Public Schools and SOE. Thanks to Karen Castor Dental for highlighting this opportunity to work with the high schools.

Drumroll please...here are the numbers:
  • High Schools visited: 14
  • Shifts worked: 40
  • Total volunteers: 37
  • Volunteer hours: 238.5 - many volunteers worked more than one shift.
  • Total number of VR forms completed: 989
  • Number of QR codes provided: 181.

  • *These numbers do not include the countless hours of planning and prep work by Betty and Pam Lindon...so kudos for their tremendous effort and for the volunteers who went on-site to provide the opportunity for so many high schoolers to register to vote.

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
    YOU CAN HELP!  Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings.


    Jason Willis

    Christine Willis
     
    Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
    Did you know that when you join or renew your membership that you can donate at that time?  Much appreciation goes to these members who gave generously to the LWVOC Fund in that process:
    Jillian Bello
    Rebecca Ragland
    Carolina Lofgren
    Barbara Green
    Shari Merriam
    Lynne Bachrach
    Leanora Easter
    Jill Giese
    Ellen Wolfson
    Anne Smith
    Visit our Donor page to see the many different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County.

    Why Give?  Your financial support fuels our mission to educate, empower, and advocate for informed and active voters. As we strive to build a democracy that works for everyone, your donation becomes a catalyst for positive change. Your gift supports:

    Voter Empowerment: We are dedicated to providing unbiased and comprehensive information to voters. Your donation bolsters information and education initiatives, allowing voters to make more informed choices at the ballot box.

    Civic Engagement Programs: Our community outreach and educational programs encourage active participation in civic life. Your support helps organize events and community forums that foster dialogue and engagement among community members.

    Advocating for Democracy: The League of Women Voters of Orange County is a relentless advocate for policies that enhance democracy and protect the rights of all citizens. Your gift adds your voice as an advocate for positive change.

    Accessible Elections: We work tirelessly to ensure that elections are accessible to all citizens. Your gift helps eliminate barriers to voting and promotes fair and inclusive elections.

     Ways You Can Make a Difference

    One-Time Gift: A single gift has a significant impact on our programs and initiatives.

    Sustaining Gift: Join our community of sustaining donors by making a monthly, quarterly or annual commitment to support our goal for a vibrant democracy.

    Corporate  or Individual Sponsorship: Partner with us to promote social responsibility and contribute to the betterment of our community.

    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.

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