THE VOTER
May 2018
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting and luncheon! We had a great afternoon full of discussion about the intersection of sports, politics, media, race and gender courtesy of our special guest, Jemele Hill, and everyone who participated in the talkback.

If you missed the event, you can still read more about what happened thanks to this great write-up by WMNF's Mitch Perry. We also have a collection of beautiful photos shot by and look at the beautiful photos shot by Angela Tisdale Photography.

We also passed the 2018-2019 program, approved the budget and some changes to the bylaws, and voted to approve a new slate of officers and directors. The event was a great way to kick off what is sure to be a very, very busy year for all of us.
Save the Date: General Membership Meeting

Our general membership meeting is slated to take place June 12 from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. at Allendale United Methodist Church, located at 3803 Haines Road N in St. Petersburg. Make sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss this important event!
Another Opportunity to Go Solar!

Curious about going solar but not really sure where to start? If you live in south Pinellas County, you'll soon have three chances to learn about how you can get involved with the St. Pete Summer Solar Co-op.

The free information sessions will be held on the following dates:

May 8 @ 6:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg College Bay Pines STEM Center
4723 Bay Pines Terrace, St. Petersburg

June 27 @ 1:30 p.m.
Allendale United Methodist Church
3803 Haines Road, St. Petersburg

July 19 @ 6 p.m.
Campbell Park Recreation Center
601 14th St. S, St. Petersburg

You can read more about solar co-ops by going to lwvspa.org/sustainability-issues/solar-co-ops/.
What's Happening Around the LWVSPA?
Gun Safety

The Gun Safety action team has developed an action plan for 2018-19 which includes meetings with key local stakeholders, research/publication of key facts about a half dozen issues, expansion of our coalition with local partners, local action related to firearm access and legislative advocacy.

We have a number of volunteer opportunities, both short-term projects and longer-term leadership opportunities; contact Sharon at gunsafety@lwvspa.org to get involved. Read more...
Immigration

Protections for DREAMers - immigrants who came to the U. S. as young children – continues to play out in the courts. The latest ruling would allow not only renewals but also new applications. The best solution remains passage of a DREAM Act in Congress – but that may delayed until after the November elections.

Meanwhile we continue to monitor the situation here in Pinellas County. Handoffs of immigrants by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to ICE have dramatically increased.
Upcoming Events
May 7: International Relations Study Group: Afghanistan/Pakistan
2-3:30 p.m. @ Barbara S. Ponce Public Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park

May 8: Solar Co-op Info Session #1
6:30 p.m. @ SPC Bay Pines STEM Center, 4723 Bay Pines Terrace, St. Petersburg

May 16: Cocktails & Conversation
6-8 p.m. @ Three Birds Tavern, 1492 4th St. N, St. Petersburg

For Other Upcoming Events
Membership: Are You Up for Renewal?
Join us. Renew your membership. We make a difference.

We need your support to continue our work in the community and at state and national levels. Whether you want to be an active member or a supporting member, your dues help advance the League's mission.

We invite you to renew today !
We offer five levels of membership :
Carrie Chapman Catt (Gold) for $250*
Susan B. Anthony (Silver) for $125*
Household for $78* 
Individual for $52
Student for $26
*Includes two members residing at the same address.

Only $6 of your basic membership goes to the support the activities of the local league; a large percentage of what you pay for an individual membership goes to support our state and national Leagues. By selecting the Gold or Silver membership level, most of your dues will help support the work of our local League.

You can also offer your financial support by upgrading your membership, offering an additional monthly, quarterly or annual donation, and encouraging others to do the same. 

Please also consider including the League in your estate planning.  Your gifts allow us to continue our education, advocacy and leadership programs to forward our mission in Making Democracy Work in the St Petersburg area. If you would like to discuss an estate planning contribution or other gift, please contact our office . 
2017-2018 League Leadership
OFFICERS
President: Julie Kessel
First Vice President: Stephanie Owens
Second Vice President: Lisa Vanover
Secretary: Susan Mayer
Treasurer: Caroline Bloodworth
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Caitlin Constantine
Amanda Dodge
Raechel Garafalo
Linsey Grove
Susan Mayer
Ken Wrede

Visit our website for more information about our local leaders.

Click here for more information about our education and advocacy groups.
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY LEADS
Gun Safety: Sharon Winters
Immigration: Karen Coale, Lydia Castle
Health Care: Julie Kessel
Reproductive Rights: Stacey Kroto
Campaign Finance Reform/Social Justice: Julie Kessel, Karen Lieberman
Education: Robin Jones, Iris Yetter
Voter Service: Raechel Garafalo
Sustainability: Lisa Vanover
International Relations: Judy McSwine
Media/Publicity Lead: Amy Weintraub
Office Administrator: Julia Sharp
League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area
Telephone: 727-896-5197
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization,
encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase
understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy .