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Date: 8/15/2024
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



Were you one of the lucky ones who was able to attend the sold-out HOT TOPICS-Civil Discourse, not Civil War yesterday?  If not, we'll share a video of it soon on our YouTube channel ensuring that you can see this special event.  The very timely discussion among our panelists and attendees was a welcome respite amidst the political rhetoric being tossed about.  A full RECAP is coming soon!
Thank you to our very civil attendees, our panelists, the Winter Park Events Center, Cuisiniers, and to our LWVOC volunteers on our Hot Topics, Membership, and Events Committees.  Special community gatherings like these couldn't happen without your tireless efforts. Next month's SEPT 11 Hot Topics--Case for the Prosecution: State Attorney Forum is also expected to be highly attended.  Don't miss your opportunity; register EARLY HERE!

Pictured below top L-R: Dr. Joel Hunter, Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Dr. Haley Winston, Stephanie Murphy, Teresa Jacobs, Dick Batchelor, Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, former LWVOC President Tiffany Hughes; bottom L-R: Leaguer Jennifer Anderson, Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, LWVOC President-Rev. Kathy Schmitz
See Full photo album here.   Photography by Carol Wonsavage

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

What a duo!  Voter Services and Gun Violence Prevention paired up recently at a Back to School Bash!
 
Voting/election information was shared by VS and free gun locks as well as gun safety information were given out by GVP.
 
Shown L-R: Kitty Woodley, Linda Coffin, Emily Glickstein, and Laura Buck
Take this as a SIGN....
Be like Summer Ellis and use, share, and promote LWV's non-partisan, one-stop-shop for election info! www.vote411.org  is an easy to navigate, personalized way to find answers to your voting questions.
SHARE this newsletter. INVITE your social media followers to visit VOTE411
FOLLOW us at:
The work of the Orange County Charter Review Committee is done for this term. There ten (10!) Charter Amendments to be included on our November ballot. That’s a lot of change!
Our understanding of these amendments now will advise the League’s decisions as to whether or not we will endorse them. It’s important to our community that we understand what is at stake.
Our resident expert on the subject, Eugene Stoccardo, will give us a 30-minute recap of what they are and what they mean at the Natural Resources Committee Meeting on August 22 at 5:30. There will be an opportunity to ask Eugene your questions. Please join us. Natural Resources Committee Meeting Charter Amendment Review - 8/22/2024
BE VOTE READY

Want to see the candidates in action? View our candidate forums on our YouTube Channel:

 Early Voting Locations will be open from August 5, 2024, through August 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily.

Secure Ballot Intake stations will be available outside of ALL locations during early voting hours.
 
Don't forget your Photo ID with signature.
 
Visit ocfelections.gov/early-voting for locations.
Your vote-by-mail ballot will not count if the signature on the return envelope does not match the signature on file. Signatures often change due to age, injury, or illness.
If you have questions, contact the Supervisor of Elections office: (407) 836-8683
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug 21, 7PM DEIA Social Justice Book Club
Monthly book reading/discussion
 
Aug 28, noon, GVP Special Guest Meeting, Zoom
Gun Violence Prevention hosts OC Sheriff's Deputy Emily Smith
Topic: MAGIC Program-includes talking about drug use, bullying and Conflict Resolution.

The League of Women Voters of Orange County announces a new documentary discussion series, the first of which will be held Sept. 18 at Rollins College as part of the 2024 Global Peace Film Festival. FilmTalk will pair the screening of an award-winning documentary with a reception afterward with food, wine and a discussion with the film director.
 
 
 
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Special Alert!  The Voter Services team is fielding multiple requests for Leaguers to "table" at community events with voting information and they invite all members to join their efforts!
 
To register voters, members must pass the certification test and then they can volunteer at events. Certification training and testing information can be found on the Voter Services Committee page CLICK HERE
 
New Voter Services members will be partnered with experienced members at tabling events and community activities to learn how to engage citizens as well as become familiar with the various policies and procedures we must follow. Click on the committee link above or reach out to our Co-Chairs if you'd like to learn more:  Kathy Sheerin or Gina Hall 
SIGN UP HERE!  Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit our site page for ALL the available openings.
Campaign Sign Collection Campaign
With the primary around the corner, it's time to get the collection crates out of storage, placed around town and ready for people to drop off their campaign signs to be recycled. We have 10-days to gather plastic campaign signs. Please help us keep the collection sites tidy.
SIGN UP HERE! Members, be sure you're logged into the system and visit the Volunteer Page. You know the Why. Find out the Where and When and YOU be the Who!
LAST PUSH!  Just 5 more spots to fill! Adopt-a-Precinct League volunteers spend LONG hours staffing precincts on election day and it's not convenient for them to dash out to grab food.  Instead, we have another team (hopefully, you'll be a member of it) that brings in snacks, drinks, and meals for them.  Here's the precincts that we're staffing on AUG 20.  Sign up today:
Feed Our Precincts-#202   *1 spot open
Feed Our Precincts-#511  *1 spot open
Feed Our Precincts-#512  *1 spot open
Contact Anne Coppenhaver
ccoppenhaver@me.com if you have questions.

Donna Goda
Kathleen Fitzgerald
Jacquelyn Hawes
Janice Ellington
 
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
Thank you for the generous donation to the LWVOC Fund:
 
Meredith D. Hein "In appreciation of Pam and Terry for their support of Rollins College"
 
Visit our Donor page to see the many different ways you can support the League of Women Voters of Orange County.  Double Your Gift Campaign happening now!

With the primary and presidential elections around the corner, we hope you have plugged into the power of your vote to protect democracy. 

Jennifer and Phil Anderson are back! Thanks to their generosity, we are pleased to announce that any gift you make by November 5 will be doubled by a matching grant up to $25,000.


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.