THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IS A NONPARTISAN, GRASSROOTS NONPROFIT

DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING EVERYONE TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN OUR DEMOCRACY.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Educated Voters are the Cornerstone of Our Democracy. 

On January 18, at our “Moving Forward” meeting, we introduced our 2025 LWVSRQ Program Plan. We are heartened by the feedback we received and the engagement of those in attendance. 

As LWVUS President Dianna Wynn stated at our holiday luncheon, "The League is an expert in nonpartisanship." It sets us apart from other political organizations and gives us credibility.

In 2025, we will Empower Voters and Defend Democracy by

• Informing Sarasota citizens on local issues
• Promoting civic engagement
• Emphasizing the importance of voting
• Focusing on issues which are a source of local concern 
• Addressing dis/mis-information

HOWEVER, TO SUCCEED WE NEED YOU!

Become a member!

Join a Committee and/or Action Team. 

Explore our new website to learn more about our League.

Sign up for our Empowerment Program.

Help us Reboot our Election Reform Action Team.

Volunteer to become a County Commission Observer!

REMEMBER, OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON YOU! 

In League,

Shawn Bartelt

President LWVSRQ



LWVUS MEMBERSHIP TRANSITION

The LWV US is switching to a new membership portal for all local Leagues. This will impact how your membership is renewed. This change will occur with your March 2025 renewal. Our website, lwvsrq.org, will not be affected by this change.

In early February you will receive an email from LWV US asking you to log into their new nationwide membership portal. Beginning Feb 1, 2025 all new and renewing memberships will be processed through this centralized system managed by LWV US. You will receive a reminder from LWV US when it is time to renew your membership. For most members, your next renewal date is March 31, 2025. Learn more...

EXPLORE OUR NEW WEBSITE!

LWVSRQ LEADERSHIP

Four Sessions: 9:30 AM to Noon

Wednesdays: Feb 5th & 19th and March 5th & 19th

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Offices

Sarasota and Venice

This four-part interactive workshop will give you the "League knowledge" needed to become a more effective member, chair a committee or step into a leadership role. This is also a great opportunity to meet like-minded members and the dynamic leaders of our chapter... past, present and future.

Space is limited! Only four slots left!

For more information or to register contact Rhonda Peters.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEMBERS ONLY

NATIONAL TOWN HALL ON THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY

February 4, 2025 7pm EST

For login/instructions go to our events calendar after you have logged in.

Hear from leading experts on this work, pose questions, and get information about the federal judiciary.

Up until now, the LWVUS has not had a position on the Federal Judiciary.

At the LWVUS 2024 Convention, delegates voted to proceed with a study on the federal judiciary. The study's purpose includes, but is not limited to, addressing concerns and clarifying judicial accountability, transparency, independence, and ethics. The scope addresses the Supreme Court as well as the other Article III federal courts. 

As a LWVSRQ member, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this study and ultimately to the position that the LWVUS adopts!

A Federal Judiciary Study Guide is Now Available!

A link to this document is also on our homepage. Login first to access it.

You will be alerted as more information is available and dates are announced for the following event:

LWVSRQ MEETING TO ARRIVE AT CONSENSUS ON LWVUS' RESEARCH. DATE TO BE DETERMINED.

You must be a member to participate!

Clean and Healthy Water

 Should Be a Constitutional Right

Wednesday, February 6th, 6-7pm via Zoom

Our current regulatory system is failing. Joseph Bonasia will discuss the purpose of the proposed “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” amendment, and explain with concrete examples how it could fix our broken system.

Thanks to FloridaRightToCleanWater.org, lwvfl.org and those of you who have worked tirelessly to save our most precious natural resource, there is hope that this amendment will be on the 2026 ballot.

We're Still Fighting For Our Reproductive Rights!

Since the defeat of Amendment 4, we are faced with a 6 week abortion ban. But the fight is not over! LWV Manatee has invited us to join their Reproductive Rights Action Team. Meetings are via Zoom on the 4th Thursday of every month at 5 pm. Join them!

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

A way for our members to catch up on latest League news and get to know one another. Please join us! For more information contact Vilia Johnson.

EVENTS RECAP

MOVING FORWARD

What a dynamic meeting with lots of input from the group! We presented our ambitious plan to bring the community together around shared concerns while ensuring we have a consistent non-partisan message. To read our 2025 Program Plan click here.

YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT

Get Involved and Make a Difference!

January 24th Ringling College

With attention grabbing posters on display, thanks to our graphic design intern, Jenna Meyer, we signed up seven students who want more information about the League.

Due to the government freeze imposed by our new president, Christine had to cancel this event. Sorry for the late notice. We hope to reschedule it!

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is a cooperative partnership among communities, researchers, and governments that strives to improve the health of Sarasota Bay. Christine Quigley, their Public Outreach Specialist, will describe how they work with their partners to improve the science of bay management, restore wildlife habitats, and increase community engagement.

Registration not required.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Saji John

Barbara Long

Erin Peterson

Hilde Pfurtscheller

The LWVSRQ Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month. 

Locations and times may vary.

​

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 11th at 1pm

Betty Johnson Public Library

Contact Shawn Bartelt for more information.

EMPOWERING VOTERS.

DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.

League of Women Voters of Sarasota County (LWVSRQ)

PO Box 18884, Sarasota, FL 34276-1884

email@lwvsrq.org