 | | FOCUS matters. The LWVOC will be joining our state and national Leagues for a "Day of Action" on OCT 4 focusing on government attempts to institute a mid-cycle partisan redistricting. We'll be asking our legislators...no, we will be DEMANDING they respond by saying NO to mid-cycle redistricting! Floridians voted for fair districts in 2010. Redrawing lines now for partisan advantage goes against the will of the people and our State Constitution! The State Constitution specifically states that “Congressional districts or districting plans may NOT be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.”
HOW will we focus? We're going to "pre-game" leading up to the event with a week of daily suggestions for spreading our message. LOOK for an email soon with a schedule/resources/suggestions for how you can help EMPOWER others to stop this partisan voter grab.
Also, you can continue the focus on this issue by attending our October 8 Hot Topics shown below. We expect a big crowd so register here ASAP!
P.S. SAVE the date, OCT 18, because you can join us to march for LGBTQ+ rights as well as participate in the "No Kings 2" rally; LWVUS is a national partner. More details coming soon.
P.S.S. Don't stop scrolling as this is a very robust newsletter this week!
|  | The moderator is the Rev. Kathy Schmitz, president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County. Panelists include Jessica Lowe-Minor, the youngest woman elected to lead the state League, former Florida Supreme Court Justice James Perry, who ruled in the Fair Districts case, and Fritz Wermuth, an attorney with King, Blackwell, Zehnder & Wermuth, who also represented plaintiffs in the case.
| So many NEW members this week that we had to expand the listing! Remember to SHARE our newsletter; encourage your social circle to join the League to empower themselves and others and DEFEND democracy with us! JOIN HERE
Diane Burns Maria Rubin
Natalia Damudt Tristin Dasse
Matthew Ewy Angelica Zabbara
La'Kennya Huggins
| | | Margaret Higgins – Associate Membership Juli Simon Jodie Mahan
Maureen Hovey Dani Hornstein Lisabeth Hernandez Ogonowski | | LWVOC seeks Part-Time Data & Operations Manager
Are you a tech-savvy person with an eye for detail? We're looking for someone to fill a paid, part-time contract position to help our local league run smoothly. This role is crucial for keeping our leaders and members informed, and it offers a flexible work schedule.
This position will support the operations of our local league by making timely and accurate membership and other information available to leaders and members. It requires comfort with technology and a willingness to learn new systems. Let us know if this might be one of the ways you Empower Voters and Defend Democracy. For a full position description link, contact president@lwvoc.org. | | | |
Speaker: Cheyenne Drews, Progress Florida; Presenting the State of Medication Abortion and Discussion Points
| | |  | 🌿 Introducing Democracy Circles ~ a members-only space that goes back to our grassroots… roots!
WHEN: Launching late October/early November
WHAT: Monthly gatherings for meaningful, structured, and lightly facilitated conversations about democracy and the issues shaping our communities
WHO: League members only (Not a member yet? Join today so you don’t miss out!)
👉 [Click here] to learn more and let us know you’re interested. This isn’t a commitment—it simply helps us shape the Circles to fit our members best.
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This special parent meet-up is a FREE members only event!
Gather for some adult convo (there's so many issues to discuss concerning families) while letting your child enjoy the FUN of The Burrow!
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 | | Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presented a proclamation in recognition of National Disability Awareness Week to Leaguers, l-r: Voter Services Co-chair Gina Hall, Co-president Jane Hursh, DEIA Co-chairs Marilyn Baldwin & Virginia Meany, and 1st VP Lee Rambeau Kemp
| | | | Always wanted to join a committee but doubted you had the time? Most of our committees have meetings via Zoom or they try to schedule in-person events at convenient times for their members.
The Gun Violence Prevention Committee recently held an important meeting on "Open Carry" with special guests Sen. Carlos G. Smith, Judi Hayes, and Spencer Meyer, an attorney with Gifford's. View the recorded meeting HERE on our YouTube Channel.
Members can visit our Committees page and start their advocacy journey now! | | | |
LWVOC committees celebrated their success for helping to reach this summer's Matching Campaign, Game-Set-Match!
The Fund Development Committee, chaired by Lee Rambeau Kemp, organized this appreciation event-Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour-assisted by Suzanne McGovern.
More pics and video coming soon, sharing adventurous Leaguers on a "3 hour tour," cut short by weather but still a great time!
We'll make this a guessing game...can you name all the Leaguers shown in the pic? ;-) | | | | |  | This is Voter Services doing what they do best...showing up to empower voters at schools, community events, and often partnering with the SOE (Supervisor of Elections) office. Pause for a moment and clap for these dedicated teams who consistently honor the League's oath to democracy.
Shown above, top L-R: (1) Apopka HS: Victor Collazo, Meisha (SOE), Marbri Pereira (SOE), SOE staff member, Mary Ann Coffey; (2) Women on the Rise event: Jean Yglesias, Kathy Sheerin; (3)Evans High School: two SOE staff members, Marbri Pereira (SOE), Gaye Reese, Victor Collazo
Bottom row L-R: Lake Buena Vista High: Victor Collazo, Marbri Pereira (SOE), Virginia Meany; Center-Freedom High School: Kathleen Skambis and Margo Hamel with SOE staff; Center bottom & right: Edgewater HS team: Leaguers Sunshine Grund, Gina Hall, Melinda Wright, Jean Yglesias, Bobby Sena, Betty Saulpaugh, Winnie Hogue plus Ms Carla Alvino-Gov’t Class, Roger Banks & Vera (SOE office)
But wait, a couple more because the pics will literally not fit into one collage! Shown below L-R--Dr. Phillips HS, Jennifer Willman, Nancy Jo Mannix, Jeandelize Velez (SOE) and right, a team effort with LWV of Seminole County at Peace Day in the Park with our team wearing purple! | We are getting A LOT of requests for tabling at local events and need VOLUNTEERS! Check out the information below to sign up and help us empower voters. Visit Volunteering Opportunities often as it is updated regularly. | |
CLICK below to view a short "how-to video" on our YouTube channel and start your volunteering era with the League.
OCT 7, 5PM, Nat'l Night Out
Taft Community Ctr
An indoor tabling event to register voters and provide information
OCT 16, 11AM, Rosen JCC Seniors Mtg.
11184 S Apopka Vineland Rd Orlando
Senior Citizen group presentation
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*For voter registration tabling, you must have taken and passed the League voter registration test HERE
OCT 18, 9AM, Backyard Biodiversity Day
Mead Gardens; outdoor tabling providing voter education
OCT 21, Wekiva High School, 4 shifts available starting at 7AM
Student class presentation helping with voter registration/pre-registration.
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Join LWVOC members in marching in the Orlando Pride Parade on October 18 in the Lake Eola neighborhood. By participating, our League will have an opportunity to affirm our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and to an inclusive democracy where all voices are heard.
Date: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025
Time: 4PM Parade start; Assemble 3PM
Dress: League Polo shirts (white or purple), League T shirts (please request, if needed), dark pants, comfortable shoes
Other: We'll have Votes for Women sashes, a convertible with 3 spots, and a League banner.
| | |  | | |  | | THIS SUNDAY
The Orlando Prayer Vigil is scheduled for 9/28/25 at 5pm at the northeast corner of Lake Eola, near the Pagoda.
This is being held simultaneously with the Prayer Vigil that is held outside the entrance to the Everglades Detention Center on Alligator Alley.
|  | This special event will bring together local leaders, nonprofits, and experts to explore the critical intersections of heat, hurricanes, and health — and the solutions we can build together for a more resilient Florida. The symposium will feature speakers from the CLEO Institute, the Miccosukee Tribe, Live Wildly, 1000 Friends of Florida, and Save Split Oak, along with Professor Ahmad of Barry Law. The government panel will include Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Representative Anna Eskamani.
Date: Friday, October 17th
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Location: Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
Complimentary food will be provided!
Registration link: tinyurl.com/register4environment | | |
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Christine Dudding
We have many different ways for you to $upport the LWVOC.
Visit our newly revamped Donate page for more information.
| | | Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community and we have a range of sponsorship levels available. To further explore how to become a sponsor, please contact LWVOC Vice President and Fund Development Chair Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE
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