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From the Desk
of The President
by SUSAN WEBB
| | | Suzanne Taylor, our nominee for LWV of the Space Coast President for 2022-2023, and I met for several hours this week to plan for a smooth transition. I know you will be as impressed with her as I am. She is dynamic and energetic and has some great plans to implement as we emerge from our Zoom silos and again hold in-person events.
Please attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 9th so that you can meet Suzanne and the rest of the proposed Board of Directors. The meeting will be easy to access. We will conduct it via Zoom from 10:30 AM until about 12:30 PM. Other items on the agenda include approving our budget for 2022-2023, approving an amendment to our by-laws, and approving the proposed programs of work for our program committees. All of the pertinent information about those items can be found in the attachments to our earlier emails or in our document library. Please go to our homepage, look for the poster advertising the meeting, and follow the directions to register as a participant. The zoom link will be sent with your registration confirmation. Our hope is that the April 9th meeting will be our last electronic one for a good while, and that you will learn about the many exciting things on the horizon.
Our primary mission of course is defending democracy. We do that via educating voters and encouraging voter registration and participation in governing. The Voter Services Committee is already planning for additional voter registration events, and it is developing a program for candidate forums for many of the prominent races in this year’s elections. Voter Services is a great way to get involved in the League and to make a difference in our community.
At the Annual Meeting you will hear about the work of our program committees too. We have very active committees studying and working on issues in Education, Natural Resources, Social Justice, and Sustainability. One positive outcome of Covid restrictions is that we used the time and our newly acquired Zoom skills to further educate ourselves on numerous topics, to put on programs about select topics for members and the community, and to build a recording library that holds videos of those events.
You can see there are many areas in which we would welcome your involvement. We are feeling revitalized as the environment opens up and eager to expand our outreach. We hope you will join with us by making active participation in the League a priority.
I will be making a few remarks at the Annual Meeting, but this will be my final electronic “president’s message.” I have been president for barely 6 months, and I leave with some sadness that I was unable to meet many of you in person. It has been a distinct honor for me to serve as president, albeit briefly, and I will remember the interlude as the capstone to my 45 years as a League of Women Voters member.
In League,
Susan
| Annual Meeting of the LWVSC
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Begins at 10:30 AM
All Members
via Zoom
Link forwarded to those registered on web site
Agenda includes:
Voting for Board positions,
Review of Programs of Work and Position Statements
Presentation of Budget -2022-2023.
|  | | Alberta Wilson receives Community Pioneer Award
Alberta Wilson tells me that she has been involved in community service since her teen years. In fact, she says, it began at her church. This special interest of hers led her to get involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) a Civil Rights organization, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Mrs. Wilson has been a member of this historic organization for many, many years. She was a two-term president of the local Central Brevard Branch of the NAACP. She also chaired the Freedom Fund committee, the Legal Redress committee and most recently she’s the chair of the Political Action Committee. She is a Diamond Lifetime member and a recipient of the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her volunteer journey continued when, in 2005, she joined the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast (LWVSC), an organization that empowers voters and defends democracy. Mrs. Wilson was a previous chair of the Social Justice Committee; a board member and she continues to be a valued member of the LWVSC.
Mrs. Wilson can also add the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW), Inc. to her community service credits. She founded the local chapter because of her respect and admiration for the founder of the national NCBW organization, Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Shirley Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district. The National Congress of Black Women was founded in 1984. The organization is dedicated to the educational, political, economic, and cultural development of African American women and their families.
On February 24, 2022, at a Black History program held at the Emma Jewel Charter School in Cocoa, Mrs. Wilson was the recipient of the Community Pioneer Award. The award was presented by Mr. Michael Cadore of the Rockledge Police Department.
Mrs. Alberta Wilson is a proud mother and grandmother. She is a longtime member of Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church where she serves in various capacities.
Congratulations to Mrs. Alberta Wilson for her much deserved Community Pioneer Award.
|  | Kudos to Fran Baer and Hilah Mercer
and the Education Committee
for Distribution of Civics Crossword Puzzle Books
The LWVSC Social Justice Committee would like to congratulate the LWVSC Education Committee, especially Fran Baer and Hilah Mercer, for making civics crossword puzzle books available to 550 of Brevard's 7th grade students. These puzzles complement the students' civics textbooks and will be used to review for the year-end tests.
Fran and Hilah's work was made especially difficult due to the pandemic and personnel changes in the school system. Delivering the crossword puzzles to the students was only possible due to Fran and Hilah's dedication to Brevard's students and their commitment to LWVSC and its mission of Defending Democracy and Educating [Future] Voters.
Hats off to the Education Committee, Fran and Hilah! | | |
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Susan Connolly
Receives the Recognition Award
from the Mayor of Palm Bay
and the City Council
by Audrey Grayson
Susan Connolly is a strong advocate for saving the environment,
so, she started attending meetings
of the Palm Bay Sustainability Advisory Board in October 2019
as a private citizen.
In January of 2021,
she was officially appointed to the Board
by City Councilman Kenny Johnson.
| | | | I was curious about her goals for sustainability after the appointment. She said that her overall goal for sustainability is to show up and to work together with other concerned, committed citizens to create a better world. She believes that by the simple act of showing up, she gets inspired by others and she hopes she will inspire others to become involved. We are all inter-connected as people and the individual issues we select to prioritize inter-connect us further.
As we continued with the interview, I was anxious to hear more about the recognition award she received from the Mayor of Palm Bay and the City Council for her dedication and commitment to the Sustainability Committee. Susan said, “It was an honor to be recognized by the Mayor and the City Council. What made it extra special was that the Mayor and all Council Members know me by my first name because I show up at all the City Council Meetings. There are two meetings every month and many times they do not end until after midnight. I take my showing up very seriously because I believe I have the time and see the need for citizens to be represented before our local governing officials. I believe I represent many people who cannot be present. I belong to so many different community organizations that the City Council cannot put me into a "box". “
Susan Connolly is involved with the League of Women Voters Space Coast, Palm Bay Sustainability Advisory Board, Palm Bay Budget Advisory Board, Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Club, AARP, Push Back Community Alliance, Space Coast Progressive Alliance, Democratic Party, LGBTA Democratic Caucus, Brevard Sustainable Working Group, Brevard Patriots, Space Coast Communities Association, and Cocoa Cares.
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Susan recalled the first time she spoke before the City Council. It was when League of Women Voters of the Space Coast (LWVSC) member, Jo Shim, asked her to speak on behalf of the league on Medicaid Expansion in the state of Florida. The municipalities were being asked to send letters of support to our Florida Representatives in Tallahassee. The City Council did vote to send the letter. “I must thank Jo Shim and the League for encouraging me to speak out. I am proud to be a member of the League of Women Voters since 2020. My involvement with the League has primarily been with the Sustainability Committee. However, after I recently heard Suzanne Taylor and Audrey Grayson give a presentation to the Push Back Community Alliance on Senate Bill 90 (SB90), I have become very motivated to participate in all of the League's efforts on voter issues.” (Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 90, an Election Administration bill revising certain sections of Florida’s Election Law.)
The national presence and the success of the LWV in accomplishing its goals, provides a strong foundational platform for the work I do locally. At the heart of social change in our democracy is the vote, so, the national and the local are intertwined in efforts for change coming from educating people, motivating people, and bringing people together in shared goals.
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| Goal 17 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals is: "Partnerships for the Goals". Susan explained why she feels very strongly about partnerships. One of her life’s purposes is to form partnerships. She said, "I live by the biblical mandate for us all, which is: Love your Neighbor as Yourself Luke 10:27,NIV. This is forming partnerships. Being a loving being is the foundation for who I am and for all that I do. Whether I am forming partnerships in response to my life purpose or whether I am forming partnerships for specific reasons, such as, the achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, it is all the same. It is why I am involved with so many people and so many organizations. Forming partnerships is the way forward to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Goals, as well as, to create enduring change within ourselves and within our communities.”
At the end of the interview, Susan explains how the LWV mission Empowering voters. Defending democracy. is tied to her work. She said that the national presence and the success of the LWV in accomplishing its goals, provides a strong foundational platform for the work I do locally. At the heart of social change in our democracy is the vote, so, the national and the local are intertwined in efforts for change coming from educating people, motivating people, and bringing people together in shared goals.
The photograph was taken at the City Council Meeting where Susan was recognized. Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina standing beside Susan. City Councilman Kenny Johnson standing over Susan’s right shoulder.
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| In memory of
Tom Grotelueschen
died March 11, 2022
Tom was an active member of the League. He was passionate about Education and Justice related issues and participated on the Education Committee. He and his wife, Francine Pease, were also members of the International Relations Discussion Group. Tom will be missed for his insights and humor.
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Sue Ebersberger and Audrey Grayson
Membership Renewals
In January 2022, our Local, State and National League changed to a system where membership renewals would take place on members' anniversary of membership dates rather than one date for everyone (March 31). Your membership will now be active for 1 year from your renewal date. Since we're in the middle of this change, we still have a LOT of people who need to renew their membership by March 31. It is important that you renew on or before that date to vote at our upcoming Annual Meeting on April 9th.
How do you know when you need to renew? You'll receive a series of 3 e-mails asking you to renew your membership spread over 1 month ahead of time.
How do you renew? The easiest way is to click on the link in the e-mail you receive. It will take you directly to our website and to membership renewal specifically. Follow the directions from there. (Or you can go to the website directly and click on "join us/Support Us".) Please fill out the form completely including an indication of your current interests.
How do you pay? Like all of our programs, you may pay on-line through Club Express or by check. The address to mail your check is listed on the renewal form that you should print out and mail with your check.
How much does Membership cost this year? Currently, our dues remain the same as last year. They are Household Dues $85; Household Susan B Anthony Dues $125; Individual Dues $60; Individual Susan B Anthony Dues $100; and, Student Dues - Waived.
April Newsletter: Watch for the breakdown of how much money is sent to National and Florida State League out of your membership dues each year.
Your membership helps us achieve the League's goal of "Empowering Voters... Defending Democracy". We look forward to working together in the coming year.
As always, if we can answer any questions, or help you in any way, please reach out to either of us by phone, text, or email.
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Education Committee
Hilah Mercer, Chair | | | The Education Committee spent the bulk of its February meeting considering our Program of Work (POW) and our priorities within that program. We decided to retain all twelve of our action items. We have learned that events can change quickly and we want to be able to adjust our focus accordingly and stay within the framework of our POW.
Top 3 Priorities for the 2022-2023
1. Promote civics and citizen education for all K - 12 students in Brevard Public Schools.
2. Promote support to Brevard Public Schools educators and employees, including constructive, not adversarial, involvement of families, to enable the delivery of high quality education for all students.
3. Monitor and support students in transition and children of low socio-economic status attending Brevard Public Schools including increased staff development.
Our program of work supports the LWVSC's Mission: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy by actively working with our schools to ensure civics and social studies education is accurate, meaningful and accessible to all students. | International Relations
Group | | International Relations Group
Joyce Calese, chair
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Resources Regarding the War in Ukraine
by Martha Bradshaw
For some interesting background information concerning the war in Ukraine, watch a Russia webinar on YouTube. The link is:
In addition, the presentation scheduled for November may be moved up to April.No matter when it occurs, I recommend
reading Chapter 3, "Putin's Russia," in the Great Decisions book* now. Having read it, I understand what's going on much better.
* The Great Decisions book is available on Kindle.
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DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE
In-Person Discussions
THIRD Tuesday of the month
1:15-2:45 pm
SUNTREE LIBRARY
For more information contact MargeeSmith2@gmail.com.
All are welcome.
REVISED SCHEDULE AS OF 3/13/22 BELOW:
| | March 15 at 1:15 p.m.
Drug Policy in Latin America
The issue of migration to the United States from Latin America has overshadowed the war on drugs, which has been underway for decades with little signs of progress. What are the roots and the bureaucratic logic behind today´s dominant drug policies in Latin America? Is it time to reconsider punitive drug control policies that disrupt supply chains and punish drug possession?
Specific questions to think about in preparation for the meeting:
1. Should the punitive enforcement of drug prohibition continue to be used or is it time to change tactics? Why or why not?
2. From its inception in 1990, the International Drug Control Regime (IDCR) has been dominated by the United States. Why has the United States sought to enforce its desire for punitive enforcement in the regime? Has this been beneficial?
3. Members of the poor segments of Latin American society have come to rely on the drug trade as a means to financially support themselves, having been denied work in official sectors. Does this reliance justify the presence of the drug trade? Why or why not?
4. To what extent have human rights been sacrificed during the war on drugs?
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April 19 at 1:15 p.m.
Climate Change
The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate?
May 17 at 1:15 p.m.
Changing Demographics
The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political, and environmental consequences all over the globe. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to development efforts, security, climate, and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations.
June 21 at 1:15 p.m.
Myanmar & ASEAN
The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play?
The group takes a break in July. The September - December topics will be in the June Newsletter. | | | Natural Resources Committee | |
Natural Resources
Susan Little, Chair
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Updated Report
The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. They recently released their sixth assessment report. Unfortunately, more frequent and intense extreme events have caused widespread adverse impacts and damages to both nature and people. 3.3 to 3.6 billion people in areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change, and a high proportion of species are vulnerable to climate change.
At the rate we are going, beyond 2040, climate change will lead to numerous risks to natural and human systems. If governments and individuals don’t take more action, impacts will continue to increase if drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are further delayed – affecting the lives of today’s children tomorrow and those of their children much more than ours. We can stop drastic impacts, but it is up to us and our governments to decide how important our way of life and quality of life means to us.
Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival
After 25 years, the Brevard Nature Alliance voted to discontinue the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival and disband the 501c3. Unfortunately, this is just a symptom of a larger issue. The Enchanted Forest Photo Club whose hobby is bird photography have been reporting declining numbers of birds in recent years. Three billion birds have been lost since 1970 just in the U.S. and Canada. Habitat loss occurs when land is converted for development. Habitat degradation is a second cause of loss. Birds play an influential and important role in ecosystems. They are in trouble, and the Wider Web of Life including humanity are in trouble too.
- Maureen Rupe
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Social Justice Committee
Kathy Ebersberger, Chair | | | The LWVSC Social Justice Committee was pleased to present a hot topic on February 16, 2022, for Black History Month on Harry T and Harriette V Moore. Mrs. Juanita Barton, the former director of the Harry T and Harriette V Moore Cultural Center, made an excellent presentation on the Moores and their civil rights activism in Florida, especially in Brevard County. Mrs. Jennifer Jolley, BPS Secondary Social Studies Content Specialist and Florida 2020 History Teacher of the Year, discussed the new Harry T and Harriette V Moore Curriculum that began this year in Brevard Public Schools. Finally, Mr. John Taylor, a 6th grade teacher at Suntree Elementary School, presented an excellent video that his students had made on the Moores.
Jabari Hosey, president of Families for Safe Schools (FSSA), discussed his organization's efforts to find solutions to the conflicts in policies for Brevard Public Schools. The Social Justice Committee members were particularly interested in FFSA's work on Teaching Accurate History, Supporting LGBTQ students, and Gun Safety in schools. We also discussed the bills that passed in the latest legislature that LWVFL has asked members to ask Governor DeSantis to veto.
Our next meeting will be via Zoom from 6-7 pm on April 18, 2022. | March/April 2022 Meetings and Events
as of 3/20/2022
See Website for most current dates
Social Justice Committee Meeting
Monday, March 21st - 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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ANNUAL MEETING via Zoom
Saturday, April 9th - 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
See Agenda Mailing for Zoom Link
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Voter Services Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 13th - 4 p.m.
International Relations In-Person Discussion
Tuesday, April19th - 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Education Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 20th - 10:00 a.m. to Noon
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