PROGRAM
FOR 2022-2023
2022-2023 Program
Tallahassee League of Women Voters
Program Preface: The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
Article X, Section 2, of the Bylaws of the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee provides that the Program of the LWVT shall consist of those local governmental issues chosen for concerted study and action. The Program arises from the suggestions of members. The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and discussing these suggestions, formulating them in appropriate language, and recommending all, none, or some of them for adoption by the membership. The Board recommends the following 2021 – 2022 Program for adoption by the members.
The Tallahassee League of Women Voter’s priorities are:
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voter registration,
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voter education,
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advocacy for free and fair elections,
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advocacy for fair districting,
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advocacy for voting rights.
We will monitor local issues and educate voters on the merits of the issues by conducting Hot Topics meetings and public forums with the goal of increasing access to our events by the general public. We will advocate for League issues by meeting with county and city officials to educate them on our priorities. Our League has an ongoing goal of increasing diversity within our membership.
Voter Services
Register voters at all available opportunities such as the Saturday Downtown Market, college and school sites, etc. Participate with the New Citizen Initiative by providing information on the League and our issues. Work on development of the Vote411 website and content. Educate the public on voter registration changes, voter systems and voter rights. Work with the Leon County Supervisor of Elections to advance election reform. Increase voter turnout in communities where people have not usually participated in elections.
Engage with elected and appointed officials and staff members of local governmental entities in order to be informed of issues related to the League program. Learn and share information relevant to LWVT members by monitoring City of Tallahassee and County Commission agendas and minutes to be alert to evolving issues. Follow the current city and county land use and zoning planning criteria to determine the impact on quality of life in Leon County. During election years, sponsor the local government candidate forums.
Local Government
Education
Preserve and protect public education. Support the Leon County School Board's efforts to assure equity in funding and accountability between traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools receiving vouchers. Monitor the proceedings of the Children's Services Council.
Advocate for expanding access to health care with the goal of affordable and efficient universal coverage. Support Medicaid expansion and proposed legislation providing access to health care, mental health, substance abuse and dental care services. Advocate for continued county planning and funding for health care services for the uninsured and initiatives such as mental health courts and crisis intervention training. Support women’s reproductive rights and access to women’s health services. Support initiatives to reduce disparities in health outcomes for minorities.
Health Care
Climate Change and
Sustainability
Educate League members and the community on climate and environmental sustainability issues. Promote local and regional initiatives to ameliorate climate change and enhance long- term sustainability. Support increased use of solar energy and electric vehicles.
Support the LWV Florida legislative advocacy endeavors on state legislative actions of interest to the League of Women Voters by providing and/or supporting press conference, committee and caucus testimony; monitoring legislative actions; and training volunteers in citizen advocacy. All activities are performed under the direction of the Florida League Board of Directors.
Lobby Corps
Ethical
Government
Support and monitor the work of the local Ethics Commission. Hold public officials to high ethical standards.
Support a juvenile justice system that encourages prevention and diversion and recognizes the special concern of children and their families.
