Some 150 League of Women Voters members from counties across Florida traveled to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples Florida to attend this convention, including seven League of Women Voters of the Space Coast members. These conventions are an excellent source of information for new League members. They not only provide an opportunity for new members to learn how the League functions but also for them to meet the state officers and to make valuable connections. All members whether new or old can benefit from workshops that addressed various areas of League interests and concerns.
The workshops presented on Friday covered subjects like, Actions to Reduce Poverty in Florida: League Challenges, Civics Education, Civility, and Critical Thinking, What Happens When a Child Breaks Florida Laws?, Presentations that Inspire, Why is Home Rule Under Attack with Preemption Legislation?, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten: The Need for Early Intervention, Sex Ed in the Sunshine State, Grant Writing, Amendment 4: What Happens Now?, National Popular Vote in Florida and the US, Project: Gun Safety, League 101: Unlocking League Secrets, and Treasurer’s Meeting/501(c)3 and 501(c)4 discussion.
Awards were presented to outstanding chapters at the “Making Democracy Work” dinner on Saturday evening. These awards were given based on the recipient League’s commitment and dedication to accomplishing League related goals. The winners were the Pensacola, Tallahassee and St Petersburg Leagues. Following the awards presentation, Jeanette Senecal of LWV United States spoke on the topic Nonpartisan Advocacy and Dan McCrea, founder and President of Florida Voters delivered a detailed speech on Election Security.
The Florida League is divided into a north, a central and a south region. On Saturday, local Leagues gathered by region to share information, discuss issues and concerns affecting them and to respond to questions from each other. These networking sessions are invaluable.
More workshops followed the regional local League meetings that addressed Fundraising: How to Ask for What You Want, Dissecting the LWVFL Budget, Voter Services: VOTE411 & Election 2020, The Centennial: Using Your History to Inspire and Recruit, Building Influence: Effective Engagement at the Local Level, Q&A on Florida Elections Security - Today, in 2020, and Beyond, and Special Presentation: Backpack Full of Cash.
The two-hour business session took place at a plenary where actions and motions were presented and voted on. All League presidents were later invited to attend a luncheon meeting; which proved to be another great source of information for presidents, especially for new presidents, to network and share valuable League knowledge.
Finally, note that all members are invited to attend conferences and/or conventions. As stated earlier, it’s an opportunity for members to network and to learn about the League of Women Voters and to make LWVSC a stronger League.
Article submitted by Audrey Grayson, Chair of the Speakers Bureau. |