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Dear League members and supporters,
Many of you don't need me to tell you that all the thoughts and feelings that you're having today are valid. But some of you do, so I'll say it. Feel what you feel. Think what you think. And know that others are doing the same. Remember, too, that thoughts are different from actions.
The League is non-partisan and I have committed to being publicly non-partisan while I serve as your president. For these reasons, I will not detail all of my joys and disappointments with the results of this week’s election. I will say that I have both.
For example, I am glad that the people voted to support education – Statewide by defeating Amendment 1 and keeping our school board races non-partisan – In Orange County by supporting the half-penny school tax. These outcomes were recommended by the State and Orange County Leagues respectively.
On the other hand, I am disappointed with the defeat of Amendment 4, which was supported by our State League, and would have ended the six-week abortion ban. With the Amendment getting 57% in the affirmative, it is frustrating to have a majority and still not meet the threshold required to ensure that those facing challenging pregnancies have the agency to make their decisions without interference.
Each of you, I'm sure, has your own mix of thoughts and feelings. Take the time you need with them. Then, when we are ready, it will be time again for action – action to support the future we want to see and the world in which we want to live – action lead by our mission to empower voters and defend democracy – action that will give us purpose and help heal our world.
Yours in Service,
Kathy
Also, please read the national League of Women Voters' Statement on 2024 Election Results. "This year’s election was marked by integrity, transparency, and high turnout. The American people have spoken."
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Don't let your election signs go to waste. Bring them to a drop-off location to be recycled. The metal frames will be recycled locally, and the signs will be transported to NuCycle Energy in Plant City where they will be transformed to NuCycle's Enviro Fuelcubes.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
| | | JOIN US for this very important program as grassroots leaders (panel bios here) share their experiences and ideas on how to prevent gun violence in our community. We will explore the many ways that their groups are using to make a positive impact even without the power of a legislative fix. Come to learn, be inspired and invigorated to make a difference!
EXTRA PRESENTATION:
Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Tax Collector Scott Randolph will screen a short PSA about safe gun storage and explain why they decided to make the public service announcement.
Special HT Overtime 1:15 in the WP Library following program:
Our presenters will be Raysean Brown, the CVI Strategy Director for Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (Peace Orlando), one of our program participants, and Abe Morris. Bobby Belton will also be joining to moderate the discussion. We’ll be sure to save some time at the end for questions from the audience. |
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NOV 13, 11am, Hot Topics: How Florida Can Reduce Gun Violence
Winter Park Events Center; Special HT Overtime begins at 1:15 afterwards
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DEC 6, 12-5pm, Sip & Shop, East Park Ave. in Winter Park; participating stores will donate 15% of the afternoon's proceeds to LWVOC.
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DEC 11, 6-9pm, LWVOC Holiday Party, an evening of jazz, wine, buffet and celebration at The Woman's Club of Winter Park
|  | THANK YOU, POLL WORKERS!
Through our Adopt-A-Precinct program, your League played an important role in yesterday’s election. Just look at these numbers!
Under the coordination of Mary Montanus of Voter Services, 44 LWVOC members staffed 6 polls, and processed a total of 3,257 voters! In addition, 5 League members volunteered across 4 other election sites. Each of these LWVOC members trained at the Supervisor of Elections office for 3-hours. These volunteers arrived at 5:45 AM, set up their polling places, strategically placed signs (in the early morning dark), greeted and checked in voters, dealt with provisional ballots, mis-marked ballots, ballots kicked back by the tabulators, and ballots left in voting booths. All of this was accomplished without leaving their posts until everything was accounted for and packed up after the polls closed at 7 PM, and the last vote had been cast.
This doesn’t even include all the voters who showed up at the wrong precinct, or thought they could register on the day of voting, didn’t have the kind of ID they needed, or other unique and challenging situations. Each of which takes time to sort.
A special shout-out to Precinct 633 at Bethel Eglise Haitienne SDA Church, where 741 voters successfully voted over the course of 12 hours - an average of more than 1 voter per minute for 12 straight hours with the last voter casting their ballot a little after 8PM.
Also, a thank you to all the Feed Our Precinct volunteers who kept our poll workers supplied with food and drink during their long day. And, thank you to the Leaguers who went out on their own to volunteer at non-League precincts.
WELL DONE AND THANK YOU, to all the AAP Volunteers. Their paychecks for Election Day contributed to LWVOC for a total of over $20,000.
--Sue Gilman, former LWVOC Co-President
|  | | Precinct #527, Winter Park HS; L to R, Kathy Roberts, Paul Creighton, Mike Singer, Deborah Ferencak, Kay Hudson, Molly Malloy, Terry Creighton, Anne Packham |
 | | Precinct #511, Calvary Orlando; Sue Gilman foreground, then L to R - Alicia Homrich, Darlyn Jimenez, Shirley Mead, Victor Collazo, Barbara Lanning, Trudy Boston, Alice Filteau |
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 | | Precinct #202, American Legion; L to R - Dede Caron, Rebecca Pando, Terry Osborne, Denise Burton, Leslie Becker, Kathy Sheerin, Ada Valentin (Non-Leaguer), Claudia Nunn |
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 | | Precinct #505, Marks Street Sen. Ctr; L to R, Marella Green (Non-Leaguer), Martha Kirby, Gloria Pickar, Fred Winterkamp, Karen Roby, Carol Hendren, Louise Thompson, David Luna |
 | Precinct #633 Bethel Eglise Hatienne SDA Church; L to R - Joe Gilman, Cheryl Rogers, Jill Giese, Charlie Behrens, Summer Ellis, Jennifer Jones (Non-Leaguer), Virginia Meany, Mary Montanus (AAP coordinator), Anna Alvarez Boyd
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 | | Precinct #512 Orange Technical College East Campus; L to R, Xenia Forty Borea (Non-Leaguer), Blondell Smith, Saudi Ellis, Melva Bentley Ross, Dorothy Harris, Linda Dalton, Melinda Wright, Alice Schmidt |
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 | | "In closing this 2024 election cycle, we are very fortunate to be on the front lines of democracy. I feel so secure in knowing that our experienced and dedicated AAP volunteers give voters the very best opportunity to exercise their right to vote in a supportive and peaceful environment. You are truly fulfilling the League's mission and your generosity will enable the League to reach out to our community in so many other ways. I hope we can continue to do this as we enter future election years."
My sincere thanks,
Mary Montanus, your grateful AAP Coordinator
*shown above accepting Warriors for Democracy award |  |
To the MANY volunteers who participated in "Feed our Poll Workers," thank you for supporting the precinct teams.
They arrived at the crack of dawn and throughout the day making sure the poll workers had meals, snacks, and drinks for their 12 hour shifts.
Anne P. Coppenhaver has been a longtime coordinator for these teams and we THANK her and the incredible volunteers who show up each election with smiles and food!
*shown above, volunteers from earlier this year | | |
| When Leaguer Saudi Ellis was asked to do a late request League presentation at Apopka Zellwood N'hood Ctr. but was unavailable, two volunteers in the area, Leaguers Melva Bentley Ross and Gail Ridgeway both accepted and met the group of seniors on Friday 11/1. One of the seniors, Mrs. Lillie Harper is 103 years young, and was looking forward to voting on Election Day with her daughters. (You may have seen her story in the local news!) What an inspiration! Pictured are Melva Ross and Gail Ridgeway with Mrs. Harper and her daughters, Essie and Mary, and the Senior Bingo group. |  | |
Looking for a good read and discussion? Join the LWVOC Social Justice Book Club!
The Social Justice Book Club is welcoming new members. Since our first meeting in May, 2024 we've tackled challenging books (The Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King) and have been in awe of the beauty of the writing of our fiction authors (Giovanni's Room) by James Baldwin.) We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7p by Zoom. Next up for our group is Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (YA version). We will meet virtually to discuss it on Nov 20 at 7p.Please contact Sandy McAdams
|  | Over 40 LWVOC members and friends will be in attendance for Aoife O'Donovan's "America, Come." on Tuesday, November 12 for the Orlando Philharmonic’s event at the Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets for the League block have all been claimed but if you are attending on your own, please consider joining us for a group photo. Join League members in "showing your “suffragist style" at the concert by wearing all white, a white blouse and black skirt or pants or all black. We will have “suffragist” sashes ready to pin on female members. This theme will make it picture perfect!
(Let Lee Rambeau Kemp (vp@lwvoc.org) know if you are attending on your own so she can include you on updates for the photo time and place.) | | |
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Esperenza Perez
Eva Goenner
Share this newsletter and invite your family and social circles to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Orange County!
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Terry Osborne, Giving Society
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. | |