 FLORIDA CIVICS 101
presented by
SANDY PARKER
March 24 @ 1:30-3:00
Knowledgeable Florida voters know how their state government is organized, who their representatives are, and how they can best participate in the political process.
Have you recently moved to Florida from another state? Are you a long-time resident who needs a refresher? Then Florida Civics 101 is for you!
You might be surprised by what you’ll learn about Florida's part-time legislature, “weak” governor, voting for judges, the state’s political environment and how your party affiliation determines (limits) the elections in which you can vote.
Join us for Florida Civics 101, a presentation by Sparker's Soapbox publisher and past LWVCC President Sandy Parker.
The Collier County Public Library does not sponsor or endorse this program. | AMENDED BYLAWS FOR VOTE AT MARCH LUNCHEON
The Transformation Plan by LWVUS that went into effect on February 1, 2025, changed our dues structure so that more of our dues are allocated to the State Leagues. This will provide State Leagues with much needed resources to staff and engage in both lobbying and litigation on our behalf. As a result of the Transformation, the Board has approved a change to LWVCC’s structure, and LWVCC members will be asked to vote on this change at the March 10th General Meeting and luncheon. Our League currently has two entities: a 501c4 for the General Fund and a 501c3 for the Education Fund. After careful consideration, your board has voted to approve a merger of our 501c4 General Fund into the 501c3 Education Fund, effective April 1, 2025. After April 1st, the Education Fund will be our League’s only entity. Having a single entity will in no way change the work the League does, whether we are educating voters or advocating for issues that are important to the citizens of Collier County.
A simplified structure of LWVCC will provide a clearer financial picture of our League and allow our volunteers to devote more of their time and treasure to the causes we care about deeply. As a side benefit of the national Transformation, dues paid to local leagues are now a tax deductible contribution! The proposed amended Bylaws and related documents were sent to members by email on February 21st. At our March 10th meeting, Ellen Hannan, our treasurer, will be on hand to answer any questions.
| THANK YOU!
Thanks to all of you who helped make Celebrate the League – 50th Anniversary a success. Thanks to those who gave wine, donated or procured an auction item, and those who purchased a ticket and auction items. A highlight of the evening was the announcement that our Endowment Fund raised over $50,000 in honor of our 50th Anniversary. Thanks to all who have made that possible, especially Suzanne Low who chaired the Endowment Campaign.
A special thanks to the History Committee comprised of Diana Walsh, Libbie Bramson, and Beth VanDamme. What an exceptional job they did in distilling 50 years of information, most of which was in paper form, into a timeline that all could enjoy. We will be using that information in a variety of ways throughout the year and beyond.
While we are still finalizing numbers, which will be shared with you later, know this was a successful event. Thanks to all the helpers who made the evening work. If you have thoughts, pros and cons, please email to Teresa Stohs.
|  LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LWVUS
FEDERAL JUDICIARY STUDY
How do federal judges/justices ensure their impartiality in high profile cases? What role does partisan politics play in the selection of federal judges/justices? If you are interested in discussing issues like these, please mark your calendars and participate in the Federal Judiciary Study, which is being undertaken by LWVUS in an effort to develop principles and positions about this important branch of government. Currently, LWVUS has positions and principles regarding the legislative and executive branches, but not the judicial branch. Our local League will have input on important issues involving the federal judiciary such as ethics, recusal and term limits.
Join us for a Zoom session for members to learn more about the substance and the procedure of the national Federal Judiciary Study. Members of the LWVCC Federal Judiciary Study committee will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. The sessions will be identical in content, so you only need to choose 1 session. Please register for the Thursday, March 20th session from 10 AM until Noon.
REGISTER FOR THE MARCH 20 SESSION
The consensus meeting is for members only, so you must log in to the LWVCC website to register. | HOW DOES LWV PREPARE FOR LOBBY DAYS?
A recent article by Roger Williams in the Florida Weekly highlights the process of organizations like the League of Women Voters in preparing for Lobby Days. Read further to hear more about how LWV approaches this opportunity to speak to legislators about pending legislation.
READ: Lobbyists, Citizens & Lawmakers | RETURNING CITIZENS POSTCARD WRITING PARTY
March 13 @ 1:00-3:00
Altavilla Pizza & Trattoria
We are once again organizing postcard writing parties for Returning Citizens. The League of Women Voters of Florida continues its effort to helping Returning Citizens regain the right to vote after completing their sentence. The State League is a founding member in getting the 2018 Amendment on the ballot which overwhelm passed with 64% of the Florida Electorate and the League helped reduced fees and administrative costs that returning citizens were required to pay. Cecile Scoon, LWVFL Co-President, established a state program to identify and educate returning citizens of their rights and developed training to work pro bono for those in need.
Now we again need your help as LWCC assists LWVFl in mailing postcards. Our goal is to do 500 per month and will host monthly writing parties the first of which is Thursday March 13. In the past few years we have written and provided the postage over 15,000 cards!
For those of us that have been a part of this, it is truly a rewarding experience. |  LWVCC BOOK CLUB
March 20 @ 3:00-4:30
Discover the unlikely friendship that shaped a nation! The League of Women Voters of Collier County Book Discussion Group invites you to explore The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
This timely story delves into the extraordinary friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, two women who fought for justice and equality despite facing prejudice and opposition. Their shared passion for women's rights and education makes this book a perfect fit for League members.
Join us on Thursday, March 20th at 3:00 PM to discuss this fascinating story. Share your insights, learn from others, and explore the line between historical fiction and non-fiction. Even if you haven't finished the book, join us for the conversation!
Facilitated by Ida Margolis and Linda Denning. For questions, contact Ida.
| KNOW YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
OUR 42nd YEAR
This exciting program is co-sponsored by the LWVCC Education Committee, Collier County 4-H, and the Collier County Public Schools. CCPS high school students spend 3 days learning how government works in Collier County, visiting agencies, meeting administrators, commissioners, and observing the court room and a Commissioner’s meeting. If you would like to interact with civic-minded high schools students and see part of County government you may not have seen before, you can volunteer to chaperone. The final trip days is Tuesday, March 25. We are looking forward to an educational and fun day!
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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March 10 @ 11:30-1:30
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Luncheon & General Meeting
Vote on Bylaws Amendments
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| March 20 @ 10:00-12:00 |
Federal Judiciary Study
Information Session
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| March 20 @ 3:00-4:30 |
March Book Club
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| March 24 @ 1:30-3:00 |
Florida Civics 101
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| March 26 @ 10:00-12:00 |
Federal Judiciary Study
Consensus Session
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| April 14 @ 10:00-11:30 |
Annual Meeting
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| April 23 |
Board Member &
Committee Chairs Orientation
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Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE
Board members, committee chairs, and others who need to submit reimbursement requests can now do so via our Submit Online Forms page. | UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Because LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise,
members should log in to the website to register
to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Plastics Task Force Meeting
March 6 @ 3:30-5:00
Zoom | Education Committee Meeting
March 12 @ 2:00-3:30
Zoom
| Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
March 13 @ 10:00-11:30
Collier Community Foundation
| Development & Outreach Committee Meeting
March 14 @ 10:00-11:30
Zoom
| Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee Meeting
March 19 @ 10:00-11:00
| DEI Committee Meeting
March 19 @ 2:00-3:00
Zoom
| Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting
March 20 @ 10:30-12:00
Moorings Park Building O Social Room
| Board Meeting
April 2 @ 9:30-12:00
Moorings Park Clubhouse
| MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE VOTER?
NEED TO CATCH UP ON THE NEWS?
Check out our updated News & Newsletters page, which has all our latest news and links to current and back issues of The Voter and The LWVCC Update.
| Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
| League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883Naples, FL 34101
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