October 15, 2023
Dear Members,
It was with gladness that I stepped out the door in my jacket this chilly morning. Cycles are the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Even in Florida, flora and fauna are slowing their pace to rest for the winter. Animals are scavenging to store away food for winter. Staying in tune with nature’s cycles as we continue our League work can lend a sense of rhythm and equanimity.
We are in a pre-election year cycle. In preparation for the 2024 elections, our Voter Services democracy-dedicated team is busy lining up tabling opportunities where we will assist prospective voters to register, update their information, and assist with Vote by Mail (VBM) applications. If you are somebody who likes to VBM, NOW is the time to apply, most easily accomplished online, but you can also call the Supervisor of Elections at (352) 374-5252. If you can help with public outreach, please vote [at] lwv-alachua.org (contact Gwen and Diana).
There are two important legislative events coming up:
- On October 25, beginning at 1:30, is the Legislative Delegation meeting. All legislators for Alachua County will be meeting at Santa Fe College with the opportunity for the public to address them about issues important to them. I have reserved a place on the agenda for our league; we have not yet been assigned our slot. After talking with several people I will give the allowed three-minute message focused on home rule. Breach of home rule has denied us the ability to set our own water standards, to allow our children accurate history and access to books, and the management of GRU by our elected officials. If you have input, can cite specific bills, or would like to attend with me, info [at] lwv-alachua.org (please send me an email with “Legislative Delegation” in the subject line).
- The second event is LWV Lobby Days during which we have the opportunity to go to Tallahassee to meet with legislators and see the system in action. The legislative session begins January 9, Lobby Days is January 23-24. Organizing for this event is pending but mark your calendars now!
info [at] lwv-alachua.org
