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Date: 6/20/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



 
Insights from LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz:
 
Culturally, summer is touted as a time for recreation, vacations, and things slow down a bit. For those of us involved in Empowering Voters and Protecting Democracy, the summer of election years, such as this, invite us to stay engaged. We are reminded that our July 4th festivities are not just about BBQs and poolside gatherings; they are celebrations of the birth of our republic and our grand and evolving experiment in democracy.
While your Board of Directors and some committees will not meet in July, Hot Topics will!   Join us as we take this opportunity to hear from local judicial candidates.
Our Voter Services Committee, and all that it provides, is in high demand and will be throughout the elections. There are many ways that you can support the work that they are organizing with opportunities to staff information tables at community events, helping voters be ready to cast their ballots.
You can be trained to moderate candidate forums or support those that do. People are needed to give League created presentations to interested organizations through our Speaker's Bureau. And of course, we will continue our successful Adopt-A-Precinct program in which you can either be a poll worker, or you can sign up to help feed our poll workers. There are so many ways to get engaged and we have training and support are available for all of them! (Psst...a New Member Welcome is coming up for our newbies or those who need a refresher!)
My hope is that in this busy and critical election season, all Leaguers and supporters will deepen their commitment to our mission and choose at least one way (why not two?) to engage in helping to create a prepared, informed, and activated electorate in Orange County.

Yours in Service,
Kathy  president@lwvoc.org 

UPCOMING EVENTS
June 22, 10-12pm
YES on 4 Super Saturday
Learn how to canvass for Amendment 4
 
July 8, 6:30-7:45pm
Candidate Forum Training
We're training volunteers for our candidate forums!
July 10, 11am
HOT TOPICS: Courting Votes
Judicial Candidate Forum
 
July 16, 6pm
Virtual New Member Welcome
"Learn how to be a Leaguer"

MEMBERS, take advantage of these upcoming opportunities! Have an interest in the upcoming elections and want to be on the front row of these news-worthy events?  Learn about our upcoming workshop: Candidate Forum Training
 
NEW to the League?  We're hosting a Virtual New Member event on July 16 that will answer any questions you may have about how to move forward as you seek advocacy and volunteer opportunities.  All members welcome.

LWVOC Civic Engagement
JUNETEENTH Celebration!
A wonderful contingency of League volunteers attended the Juneteenth Festival presented by Sen. Geraldine Thompson (lower right) at Camping World Stadium on Saturday June 15th. It was an event of community connection, cultural enrichment, and family fun! Volunteers in attendance were Saudi Ellis, Gina Hall, Terry Osborne, Nancy Nix, Virginia Meany, Mary Montanus, and Theo Webster (not pictured). New League President Kathy Schmitz and 1st husband Charlie Behrens stopped by as did Congressman Maxwell Frost; new LWVFL Operations Mgr Julia Cervantes and friends, and Kay Hudson and League friend Kaisey Prieto also attended.

 
Adopt-A-Precinct workers were busy on election day for District 5.  Shown L-R: Karen Willis, Gina Hall, Ada Valentin, Melinda Wright, Alice Filteau, and Kathy Sheerin
 
Interested in joining them?  Check out how to join the Voter Services team HERE.
Last week's Hot Topics with the SOE candidates was hot! Watch it HERE on YouTube.
Since then, the current serving SOE Glen Gilzean has announced that he will NOT be running in the election.  Also, when you visit the Orange County Elections site, you will see periodic tests as they upgrade it, readying it for the upcoming elections.
 
But wait, there's more!  As discussed at Hot Topics, the need for extra "early voting sites" has been addressed.  While at the Juneteenth celebration, Mr. Gilzean announced the addition of two new sites: Eatonville Town Hall and the wellness center near Camping World Stadium.  Read FULL STORY here at the Orlando Sentinel.
 
BE VOTE READY
 
 Preparedness is key!  Have you  checked your voter registration?  The deadline is JULY 22 to change party affiliation or get registered to vote for the upcoming August elections.
 
Check your registration status here.  Or if you have questions, contact the Supervisor of Elections office:

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

The League of Women Voters of Orange County is in search of a Treasurer.
 
If you would be willing and able to consider serving our League in this capacity, please contact Kay Hudson at 407-432-2364
or email her: lwvkay@gmail.com

Susan Warren
Barnett Warren
Marieanne Capote
Liz Kitchens
Richard Morisette
Nam Nguyen
Dan Helm
Rose Helm
Julia Cervantes
 
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
For the generous donations to the LWVOC Fund
 
Rick & Laurie Wack for "Voting Voices," Bronze sponsors of Hot Topics
 
Virginia M. Meany  "In recognition" for the important work of the League's DEIA Committee
 
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.

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.