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The Future of Investigative Journalism

Tuesday, February 3, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom

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The coffee is casual. We learn more about each other. We could be discussing politics, arts, travel and any number of other topics.

Join us for a conversation with our Membership and Events Team Chairs Lyle Landon and Felecia Jett!

Climate and Biodiversity

Thursday, February 19

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm via Zoom

The rate of climate warming today—and the resulting biodiversity loss—is unlike anything our Earth has experienced before. For Florida, the most biodiverse state in the country, the implications are profound. The state’s extraordinary biodiversity, once a source of strength, is now increasingly at risk.

Guiding us to understand what these environmental changes mean for Florida’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and future resilience will be Bob Bunting, scientist, serial entrepreneur, high technology startup expert, and educator.

The coffee is casual. We learn more about each other.

As well as enjoying the company of our League’s bright, interesting, and engaged members, we will have a conversation with the Nancy Hughes, Reproductive Rights Action Team Chair. Join us!

A League of Women Voters Concurrence is a process that allows members to adopt an existing League position, developed by another League or a previous study, without conducting a full new study themselves. Local and state Leagues review the proposed position, decide whether they agree with it, and, if enough Leagues concur, it becomes an official LWVUS position that can be used for national advocacy. With the impending LWV National Convention in June, there are three proposed concurrences the Manatee League has been asked to support. The Board will vote yes or no to support these three, but we would like to hear from you too!

Privatization Position Update (NY & VT Leagues)

This concurrence would expand the LWVUS Privatization Position of government services to explicitly include healthcare. It supports a system where fiduciary responsibility for health services are to patients and the public, not to shareholders. “Where private entities fail to deliver programs that provide and protect basic human needs, the League supports de-privatizing them.”

Welcoming Immigrants Addition to Immigration Position (WA League)

The League of Women Voters’ current position on immigration (2008) focuses primarily on the admission of immigrants and their right to due process. The position on immigration does not address many issues affecting the lives of immigrants and their families after entry into the United States. This request is seeking the development of a LWVUS position and advocacy policy on welcoming immigrants, assisting to overcome barriers, and protecting their rights based on an objective and nonpartisan analysis of the situation of immigrants.

National Religious Freedom Position (CO League)

This concurrence asks LWVUS to adopt the Colorado Religious Freedom Position to counter the rise of religious nationalism. The position affirms the separation of church and state and protects religious freedom grounded in individual conscience, free from government or religious influence. It emphasizes that the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses are foundational to democracy and are increasingly at risk.

Your voice matters as the Manatee League prepares for the LWVUS Convention. These proposed concurrences shape the League’s national advocacy for years to come, and member input ensures our positions reflect the values and priorities of our community.

You can read each concurrence using the links below, then share your recommendation by voting.

Review the Concurrences:

1. Privatization Position Update
2. Welcoming Immigrants Addition
3. National Religious Freedom Position

When you’re ready, Click here to cast your vote.

It's That Time of Year:

Renew or Join!

Joining or renewing your membership with the League of Women Voters is a great way to get involved in your community and play an active role in our democracy. A new auto-renewal feature is now available. Check this option to painlessly renew!

Click here to Join or Renew Your Membership

Hurricanes are nothing new to Manatee County — but the 2024 storm surge from Hurricane Helene and the flooding from Hurricane Debby were wake‑up calls. These events exposed just how vulnerable our communities, infrastructure, and daily lives are to extreme weather. And with new developments springing up across the county, the strain on our roads, bridges, and evacuation routes is only growing.