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106 Years of Defending Democracy – RALLY WITH US
Founded in 1920, by the activists who won voting rights for women, the League of Women Voters’ primary mission is to ensure all eligible voters have an informed and meaningful voice in our democracy.
As we head to the 2026 elections, our focus is to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) to an informed and motivated electorate.
February 14th is both Valentine’s Day and the League’s 106th birthday. If you love the League, love democracy, and love to vote, help us kick off our 2026 GOTV campaign with a joint Rally with LWV Manatee on Saturday, February 14th at 10 am.
Bring your friends and family. Details below.
In League (and 106 years young),
Rhonda, rhonda@lwvsrq.org and
Vilia, vilia@lwvsrq.org
| | | Saturday, February 14th, 10:00am - Noon | | |
Please wear your League t-shirt, if you have one, or a white top. Adding something patriotic, like a stars and stripes scarf or hat, is encouraged!
Rally signs will be provided. If you wish to make your own non-partisan sign, this document about the principals on which the League was founded may be helpful.
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EVEN BETTER, USE FIVE CALLS TO CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES!
For months, communities across the country, in Minnesota and beyond, have lived in terror as federal immigration enforcement agents have patrolled, surveilled, detained, disappeared, injured, and killed civilians, as well as denied people’s constitutional rights by attacking and arresting peaceful protestors. Congress must act to stop these attacks!
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What You Can Do About Mid-Cycle Redistricting | | | | | | Write a letter using these templates to your state representatives. (Hand written letters get the most attention.) | | Use the Five Calls app to contact your state representatives. (You can download the 5Calls app on your phone.) | |
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members | | | | |
Jim Ainslie
Terrie-Anne Bajorek
Sara Benesch
Beth Bostrom
Ellen Demos
Tina Koehler
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Izetta Fields Lindsey
Ann Madden
Mary Ann O'Donnell
Debi Osborne
Marci Saunders
Myrna Uhlich
| | Thursday, February 12th 5:30-6:30 pm | | Wednesday, March 4th, 5:45 - 7:00pm | | Sarasota County district schools continue to confront new challenges. Our panel of experts will focus on several issues: separation of church and state, vouchers, Schools of Hope, parental engagement and the student experience. Q&A will follow. | | Friday, March 20th, 11:30am - 1:30pm | | |
Managing "our most precious resource" is ever more challenging given the exponential growth and development of our county.
Local educators and environmental activists Julie Morris and Jono Miller have been learning about Sarasota’s environment for more than a half century. As frequently referenced experts on local environmental issues, they have been involved in research and deliberations involving local freshwater wetlands, our Wild and Scenic Myakka River, Midnight Pass, tidal creeks, and the bay. They have also been experts in discussions concerning stormwater flooding, and the development of the Carlton Reserve water supply.
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| | These LWVSRQ meet-ups offer the opportunity to catch up on the latest League news and enjoy camaraderie with like-minded folks. They are open to everyone; members and non-members, no matter where you live in the county. | | | | |
Lunch and Conversation
February 11th at Noon
North and Central County
1395 Main St, Sarasota
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Lunch and Conversation
February 17th at Noon
South County
101 West Venice Ave.
| | Monday, February 23, 4:00 - 5:00 | |
Monthly League Update: Get to Know Your League
This Zoom event is open to all members and is a great opportunity to learn more about our current initiatives and explore ways you can get involved.
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ASSISTANT TREASURER
Help prepare monthly income
and expense reports using Excel and Quickbooks.
Contact: Marilyn Lucht treasurer@lwvsrq.org
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RALLY TEAM
Work with our team to organize and present local rallies in support of the U.S. League’s Unite & Rise Campaign.
Contact Liz Barber rallies@lwvsrq.org
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MARKETING
Have marketing and promotion skills? We need your help developing and/or implementing a 2026 GET OUT THE VOTE campaign to direct the community to LWV SRQ voter resources, including: Vote411, Candidate Forums, Voter Guides, Speakers Bureau.
Contact: RhondaPeters
rhonda@lwvsrq.org
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EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Both amateur and experienced photographers are welcome. Events include luncheons and community events. Requires camera ( or smart phone) and commitment of 2-6 hours per month.
Contact: Mary Pat Aust
mary.pat@lwvsrq.org
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Sarasota County School Board Report Card | |
"The Board majority continues to view most commenters as adversaries rather than community members who care
deeply about the education of Sarasota County students. Most board members failed to respond to the almost 140 speakers with understanding and empathy, but instead they ridiculed them and accused them of lying at times. Ms. Barker and Mr. Edwards responded respectfully. The others expressed disdain and claimed the speakers were unaware of the issues. They presented as being unconcerned about very real fears speakers had for themselves and their classmates. Ms. Rose and Ms. Marinelli called public comments inaccurate and full of false information. Ms. Ziegler said speakers demonized ICE and lied. Ms.Rose asserted students were lured away from the classroom by outside agitators such as the SEE Alliance, insulting to the bright, articulate, thoughtful students we saw at the meeting."
Read the full report here.
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Florida Driver License Changes: What to Know
An important message from our Supervisor of Elections regarding how these changes will impact your ability to request a vote-by-mail ballot online.
If you received a new Florida driver license after July 31, 2024 and did not opt to update your voter record at that time, it is strongly recommended that you update your voter record with your new driver license number. Visit the Update Voter Information section of our website for a complete list of options.
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The LWVSRQ Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
Locations and times may vary.
The next meeting will be on February 10th at 10:15 am
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street Sarasota, FL
Contact Vilia Johnson for more information.
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| Do you enjoy reading the "Sarasota Voter"? | | | | |
EMPOWERING VOTERS.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County (LWVSRQ)
PO Box 18884, Sarasota, FL 34276-1884
president@lwvsrq.org
| | The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. | | | | |
