By Janice Garry
Dear Communications Chair,
A friend asked recently how it feels to be president of the League — whether it feels worthwhile. Absolutely! Politics can be pretty ugly; people, in some cases, have gotten rancorous and democratic principles have been tarnished. But. The principles of the League stand firm and it feels good to be part of that. As election season unfolds, we will engage and inform voters based on facts, sound reasoning and a commitment to a more perfect democracy. Yes, it feels worthwhile to be a Leaguer. I hope you feel the same.
We really need somebody (or two somebodies) to take the reins on the Voter Services Committee. Gwen and Diana have laid a tremendous foundation, so its next leader or leaders have a solid base to work from. Can you help? Please let me know.
Speaking of volunteers: Many thanks to Lisa Holley and Dillon Boatner for stepping into the roster manager role with Carole Fernandez.
There’s a lot to look forward to.
- On March 22 we’ll have our Spring Equinox Party. Let’s have some fun!
- The LWVAC Annual Meeting will be in person on May 23. Watch for more details.
- From June 27-30, the League’s National Convention takes place in Washington, D.C. If you would like to attend virtually or in person, let me know.
- Also ahead are some fun tabling events and a group of Leaguers will head to Girls’ Place to read "I Can’t Wait to Vote."
Scroll down to see all the activities. Participate - you’ll be glad you did!
In League,
Janice
janice.garry@gmail.com
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Spring Equinox Party
March 22 @ 5-7 p.m.
Jon Reiskind's Home
213 SW 41st Street
Gainesville, FL 32607
You should have already received an email invitation to our Spring Equinox Party on Friday, March 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the home of Jon Reiskind. We are making up for our canceled Holiday Party.
The party is an hors d'oeuvres potluck, so please bring a dish to share. The LWVAC Board will provide beverages.
We are excited to celebrate spring weather, LWVAC accomplishments, and camaraderie with this in-person event and are grateful to Jon Reiskind for his hospitality.
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LWVAC Annual Meeting
May 23 @ 6:30 p.m.
Trinity Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Ave
Gainesville, FL 32653
After a multiyear hiatus, we are excited to announce our 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in person on May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church in Gainesville. The details are still being finalized but save the date and watch for more details.
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LWVUS National Convention
June 27-30, 2024
Washington Hilton
Washington D.C. and online
LWVUS's 2024 convention will take place June 27-30. This is a hybrid event and will take place in Washington, D.C. and online. There may be some funds available to reimburse LWVAC attendees for registration. Learn more about the convention here and contact Janice if you are interested in attending and representing LWVAC.
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UF Chapter president engages in Selma | |
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By Stefanie Gadalean
LWVUF Chapter President
I had the amazing opportunity to go with the League of Women Voters to Alabama the first weekend in March to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. During that time, we had the pleasure of attending the Martin and Coretta Scott King Jubilee Breakfast, the NAACP Bridge Crossing Banquet, a Southern Poverty Law Center event with John Lewis‘ nephew and Congresswoman Nikema Williams, and the Equal Justice Initiative's museums and memorials. I had the opportunity to speak at a joint event with the Alabama League of Women Voters and the NAACP on youth civic engagement.
On Sunday in Selma, we saw Vice President Harris give remarks in front of the Edmund Pettis Bridge. It was truly life-changing.
This experience created an even deeper passion within me for voting rights and advocacy. It was within my parents’ lifetimes that voting was not guaranteed equally to each American, thus, constant advocacy is crucial to keeping voting a right in our country. As soon as we take democratic participation for granted, that's when we are in jeopardy of losing that right. I hope you all know how important the work you’re doing is, and it does not go unrecognized! Let’s fight together to protect our democracy.
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Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative | |
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The Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative was recently formed from the Meet & Mobilize event in January. The collaborative is made up of nonpartisan community organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Gainesville Alumnae Chapter, The Visionaires Club, The Links Inc. Gainesville Chapter, and LWV of Alachua County. The aim is to create meaningful partnerships as we enter the 2024 election season through education, engagement and empowerment.
It is evident that our voices are more vital when we unite and collaborate; it is a testament to the power of collective action. Working together will strengthen and maintain our democracy and our community.
Three committees have been created to support the Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative. The committees are:
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Policy/Issues — research and prioritize issues that affect our community,
- Strategies/Programs — create programs and strategies to educate and empower local voters, and
- Voter Engagement — information exchange with potential voters.
If you would like more information or to join our mailing list, please send your email address to Yvette Carter and Gwendolyn Saffo. Indicate if you would like to join a committee or receive additional information.
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Voter Services Tabling Coordinator
Spring and summer are peak times for tabling opportunities, especially in this important election season. This is where our League has the chance to keep the League brand front and center in our community. Tabling helps potential voters register and motivates voters to vote. And it's fun!
Our Voter Services team needs a tabling coordinator. In short, the coordinator receives tabling requests, organizes volunteers and organizes the set-up and take-down for events. A lot of folks see tabling as a core activity of our League and are ready to help. We just need an organizer. Could that be you? Contact Voter Services.
Social Media Manager
As the 2024 election season gets underway, LWVAC would love to expand our social media presence. Are you social media savvy and interested in volunteering with LWVAC behind the scenes? If so, contact Connie for more information.
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LWVAC is gearing up for an important and busy election year in 2024. We have created an Action Team focusing on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts. Please contact Janice if you would like to get involved.
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League at the Library Tabling Events
During LWVAC's 2024 Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Campaign, Voter Services members Lori Erickson and Candy Birch are organizing Alachua County Library tabling events. We’ll have a table at each library branch once a month for 2 hours at peak times until November. We hope to increase League visibility and engage with current and potential voters, especially young people. We need volunteers! Just picking up one shift would be a tremendous help. Learn how to get involved.
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Call for Nominations
This is a great time to consider becoming more involved in LWVAC leadership. The Nomination Committee is looking for volunteers to serve on the LWV Board beginning in June (after our annual meeting near the end of May). Learn more about the open positions and how to volunteer here. Board positions are two-year terms. The Board and Committees usually meet once a month.
If you are interested in serving or know someone who is, please let a Nominating Committee member know. Current committee members are Janet Allen, Diana Boxer, Elaine Francis, Roberta Gastmeyer and Donna Waller. Good leadership is critical to our very active chapter, so please consider serving.
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One superpower of the LWV is its nonpartisan education mission. Democracy thrives when its citizens are informed. The LWVAC Speakers Bureau is ready to serve with educational and nonpartisan presentations, adhering to the LWV mandate that the League neither opposes or endorses political candidates or parties. If you would like a speaker at your event, please contact Speakers Bureau chair Candy Birch to schedule a program. | |
In this section, we bring you updates from your LWV of Alachua County committees. Committees are the best way to get involved in the League and your community. Feel free to reach out to the committee chairs to express interest, join meetings and get involved. | |
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Santa Fe College Chapter
Contacts:
Linda Mussillo, LWVSF liaison/adviser
Baylee Van Doran, LWVSF chapter president
LWVSF had an active February, participating in the Social Justice Fair at SF and Safe Santa Fe. We sponsored a showing of the voting rights movie “Selma” and discussion with a professor, gave 20 copies of the banned book “Hank Aaron's Dream” to new members and voters, and distributed over 30 gunlocks provided by SFPD.
March brings both Women’s History and Disabilities Awareness Month tabling events. Finally, there’s our much-anticipated Rocking the Campus Vote event, featuring local indie bands, voter registration and work on our Get Out the Vote video.
We look forward to all as we spring ahead, grateful for the support of LWVAC and LWVFL!
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University of Florida Chapter
Contact: Diana Boxer, LWVUF liaison/adviser
By: Stefanie Gadalean, LWVUF chapter president
The UF League has had another eventful month! As mentioned above, the president, Stefanie Gadalean, accompanied LWVFL in Selma, Alabama for the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. She spoke at an event with the LWVAL and NAACP on engaging young voters.
At the League’s second meeting of the semester, issue-based voting was discussed.
The UF League will meet in late March (exact date, TBD), and will table for voter registration assistance at the Health Science Library, Norman Hall and Turlington Plaza. If you want to get involved or have questions, contact Stefanie.
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Contact: Gwendolyn Saffo
The Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Committee is hosting a Listen and Learn series. Our next meeting, on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m., will feature Ms. Brittnay Coleman, the new Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager for the City of Gainesville.
This committee meets via Zoom monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending this meeting, contact Gwendolyn.
Recordings of prior meetings are available for viewing on our website.
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Hausler Gift Fund Committee
Contact: Jerry Kidder
Mary Hausler was a resident at Oak Hammock for almost 14 years before she died in April 2020. Although she was not a League member, she graciously willed $50,000 to LWVAC. An ad hoc committee consisting of Jerry Kidder (chair), Anne D’Amico, Shayna Rich, Lisa Holley and Crystal Goodison will advise the Board on use of the Hausler gift monies.
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Contact: Barbara Frentzen or Kim Walsh-Childers
The committee's March meeting featured guests Elder Options CEO Katina Mustipher and SHINE counselor Cheryl Harris. The committee learned the latest ways to prevent Medicare fraud.
The committee may collaborate with Elder Options to help spread the word to about SHINE's resources to help older adults choose the type of Medicare that's best for them, a decision that is often confounding.
The committee's next meeting is set for May 14 at 4 p.m. at Oak Hammock.
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Contact: Roberta Gastmeyer or Jay Rosenbek
Next Meeting: March 27 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom
The NR Committee’s support of the city and county’s creation of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) continues. The city’s plan, according to Dr. Dan Zhu, Chief Climate Officer, will be complete in draft form by year’s end. Dr. Zhu summarized progress at the Feb.15 Gainesville City Commission meeting. The plan is organized under 10 focus areas, five related to climate adaptation and five related to climate mitigation.
Electrifying city transportation is a mitigation focus, and Bennett Brummer is leading our committee’s advocacy for more rapid transition of the city’s transportation fleet to all electric vehicles. Further, one commissioner asked Dr. Zhu to summarize the economic implications of the Climate Action Plan in her next summary.
Our intern, Hannah Wing, is finishing her in-depth analysis of the economics of CAPs and we will share that report with Dr. Zhu and other city officials.
We encourage residents to complete the City of Gainesville's Climate Action Plan Survey. If you haven't already, please take a few moments now to complete the survey. Let the city know that climate change action is important to you!
In addition, the NR Committee is following recent developments in the ongoing saga of the Lee Property development and making plans to advocate for sparing as much of the 4,068 acres from development as possible. The state Legislature, thanks to budget requests by senators Perry and Payne, has earmarked $38 million to allow the University of Florida to buy and manage approximately 2,658 acres for a golf course and environmental preservation. The committee will advocate for a model, environmentally conscious golf course, preservation of the university’s additional acreage and for funding to support placing the remaining 1,400 acres in an environmental easement. These goals are consistent with those of the Lee family, whose spokesperson Val Lee said: “I want to reemphasize that our desired outcome is conservation of this property.”
Contact Jay Rosenbek or Roberta Gastmeyer with questions, comments and offers to assist with the committee’s mission.
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Contact: Mary White
Oak Hammock will meet April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Oak Room at Oak Hammock.
April Hines, the UF College of Journalism and Communications librarian, will present a program on Avoiding Misinformation: Evaluating and Finding Quality News. April has a journalism degree as well as a library science degree. She will show a media bias chart and discuss types of misinformation and disinformation and how to spot fake news. She will also explain the benefits of several news databases Oak Hammock residents can access.
All are invited. Contact Mary for more information.
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Contact: Diana Boxer or Gwen Wagner
Upcoming Tabling Opportunities
- March 20-21: P.K. Yonge
- April 6: Thornebrook Spring Market, 11-3 (2 shifts, 2-3 people per shift)
- May 4-5: 5th Avenue Arts Festival
- May date TBA: The Atrium
- Also date TBA: Sweetwater Square Apts., 3501 NE 15th Street, Rally to End Gun Violence
Elaine Francis has procured the children’s book, "I Can’t Wait to Vote" for the school and public libraries to feature. Stefanie Gadaleon, UFLWV president, is coordinating a reading of the book at Girls’ Place, April 24 @ 3:30 p.m. Contact Stefanie to volunteer.
Save the Dates: LWVAC is again partnering with the Bob Graham Center for Public Service for: a primary candidate forum on June 23 and a general election candidate forum on Sept. 22. Contact Diana if you would like to help with either or both of these events.
We need to start building the candidate question bank for the forums and VOTE411: Local races include Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, County Commission, School Board and City Commission. Please submit questions by May 24 to vote@lw-alachua.org.
The next Voter Services meeting is April 3 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Join us!
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Important Election Dates
Presidential Preference Primary (for registered Republican voters only)
Election Day: March 19, 2024
Early Voting: March 8-16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Primary Election
Election Day: Aug. 20, 2024
Deadline to register or update party affiliation: July 22, 2024
Early Voting: Aug. 5-17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
General Election
Election Day: Nov. 5, 2024
Deadline to Register: Oct. 7, 2024
Early Voting: Oct. 21 - Nov. 2
Learn more at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.
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Re-Request Your Vote by Mail Ballot
Please be aware that ALL Vote by Mail applications expired in December 2022. Now everyone must re-enroll in Vote by Mail every two years. To vote by mail, the request must be in the Supervisor of Elections office no later than 12 days before the election. If you have not already done so, you can re-request your Vote by Mail ballot on the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.
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Watch for Your LWVAC Membership Renewal Notice via Email
LWVAC membership renewals occur on the anniversary of your join date. We notify members of their membership renewals via email and follow up with a snail mail reminder. Please make sure we have your current email and mailing address on file. Need to update them? Contact our membership team.
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LWV of Alachua County Leadership Team
President: Janice Garry
Vice-President: Gwendolyn Saffo
Secretary: Eileen Roy
Treasurer: Anne D’Amico
A full list of LWV of Alachua County Board Members and Committee Chairs can be found here.
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To avoid missing future LWV of Alachua County email, please add our email address to your Safe Senders List or add the From address (lwv@lwv-alachua.org) to your Address Book or Contacts. | | | | |
