Volunteers are the heart and soul of any volunteer organization, and the League of Women Voters of Alachua County (LWVAC) is no exception. While many volunteers are visible in their roles as leaders, advocates, and organizers, there are also those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the organization run smoothly. Volunteer opportunities range from serving in long-term roles to helping out at a single event. Without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, we would be unable to achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact in the community. 

Below is a list of current, active volunteer opportunities. You can also join a committee and attend their meetings to get involved in the work we are doing. Is there a topic of particular interest to you that you do not see listed? info [at] lwv-alachua.org (Contact us) and we will find other like-minded volunteers to take action. 

Active Petitioning Campaigns

Right to Clean and Healthy Waters

LWV of Alachua County is joining LWV of Florida in supporting the Florida Right to Clean Water campaign (RTCW), which is a constitutional amendment to clarify our priorities and a civil action to enforce our right to clean and healthy waters. The mission is to take this to Florida's voters; to educate them, to collect their petitions, and to ensure their voice is heard. Read more about this initiative.

Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

A coalition entitled “Floridians Protecting Freedom” launched a citizen-led ballot initiative campaign to give women the right to seek abortions up to viability. Florida voters want women to have the chance to ensure that their personal medical decisions are theirs and theirs alone to make. With the League of Women Voters of Florida. LWV of Alachua County also supports this effort. Read more about this initiative.

Open Committee Chair Positions

Education

The Education Committee studies issues, takes action, and lobbies legislators and school boards in our efforts to seek positive changes for our students. While they operate without a chair, the committee is continuing to monitor the state of public education and local education issues within our own community and put forth a brief synopsis of the latest developments here in Alachua County. Examples of updates may include zoning, progress with the half-cent sales tax, student achievement, attendance, and a report on student behavior and discipline. If these issues are important to you, please info [at] lwv-alachua.org (contact Janice) to get involved.

Local Issues

The Local Issues Committee and its Action Teams focus on identifying the wide-ranging issues facing Gainesville City and Alachua County residents. These issues often overlap with the other committees. We are eagerly looking for someone to lead the next direction. It could be one of a number of local topics on which we could become informed and be advocates for our community. What issues are of interest to you? info [at] lwv-alachua.org (Contact Janice) if you can help.

Other Opportunities

Communications

Do you like to work behind the scenes? Do you like social media and technology or web design or graphic design? Do you like to research issues and write articles about current events and LWV actions? Are you a good editor? If any of these activities sound interesting to you, please info [at] lwv-alachua.org (reach out to Connie), our Communications Chair, about joining the Communications Team. We can always use extra hands and eyes. 

Speakers Bureau

The LWVAC Speakers Bureau trains presenters to speak on a variety of topics at community events and for local organizations. Our Speakers Bureau is currently seeking a leader to coordinate the team engagements as well as additional speakers. Presentation slides and training are provided.