Committee and Action Team work is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences many of us have as League members. Some Committees and Action Teams study issues relating to their subject areas, conduct activities and recommend position-taking. Others help our League grow. Listed below are our Action Teams, with a few examples of what they do.
Be sure to join any and all teams for which you have an interest in the issues they address. When you join, you will be added to the team member list and get emails and information and notices from that committee you will not otherwise get. We encourage you to stay informed, and when you can, become an active member of that team by attending meetings and participating in projects/activities.
Voter Services Action Team
Voter Services is our Leagues most important activity. Given our strong commitment to voter education and participation, our League does everything we can to register voters, help educate voters and encourage a high turnout. Some of our activities include candidate forums, programs any issue on the ballot, voter registration, voter education materials and programs, production of nonpartisan voter’s guides (printed, on the web and emailed) and voter telephone assistance.
See also Election Reform Advocacy. Chair: Terri Kondos, voterservices@lwvmanatee.org
Education Issues Action Team
The Education Issues Action Team conducts studies on educational issues and organizes public information programs. They make recommendations for a strong and high quality public school system, affordable pre-school education, and encourage the growth of higher education in Manatee County.
See also Education Advocacy Chair: Merrie Lynn Parker, info@lwvmanatee.org
Government Issues Action Team
The Government Action Team focuses on ensuring the practice of good governance for Manatee County. This committee is a strong advocate for public participation and monitors government practices for ethics through observation of public meetings of the Board of County Commissioners. The Government Committee is particularly attentive to growth issues within Manatee County and studies county and local government comprehensive planning. Through observation and review of issues, this committee makes recommendations for needed improvements in the operation of county government and its agencies, as well as on plans, rules, and county specific projects for consideration before the Board.
Chairs: Government – Holly Kennedy, info@lwvmanatee.org see also Gun Safety Advocacy
Natural Resources Action Team
Manatee County’s environment is the cornerstone of our health, economy and enjoyment of living in Manatee County. Team members educate themselves and work to protect and improve our natural resources such as water, wetlands, mangroves and seagrasses. We also promote land preservation for wildlife and recreation, and expansion of clean energy.
See also Environment Advocacy Chair: Randy Miller, info@lwvmanatee.org
Reproductive Rights Action Team
This Action Team is works on obtaining and protecting reproductive rights. The League of Women Voters supports every woman’s right to access affordable, high-quality reproductive health care, including access to abortion services and birth control. Public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the constitutional right to privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices.
Chair: Nancy Hughes, info@lwvmanatee.org
Health Care Action Team
This committee researches and recommends policies and practices that improve access to quality health care to all citizens of Manatee County, including preventative care, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. They participate in local collaborative efforts.
See also Health Care Advocacy Chair: Lynne Griffin, info@lwvmanatee.org
Social Issues Action Team
Members work on social issues affecting the citizens of Manatee County, e.g., diversity, homelessness, poverty, jobs, crime, drug addiction, teen pregnancy and gun safety. They collaborate with other community organizations to achieve goals.
See also Immigration Advocacy and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chair: Tina Jullerat and Nina Tortelli, info@lwvmanatee.org
National Popular Vote
National Popular Vote is an interstate compact that would enable the presidential candidate who gets the most votes nationwide to become President. This team focuses on education and advocacy.
See also Floridians for National Popular Vote Chair: Deb Mazzaferro, Deb@CoachMaz.com
Membership Committee
Our Membership Committee encourages community members to join the League and take part in our activities. In addition, membership conducts outreach activities to educate citizens about the League and the importance of its work and develops an annual orientation for members and prospective members. The more members the LWVMC has, the more we can accomplish!
Chairs: Felecia Jett and Lyle Landon, info@lwvmanatee.org
Communications Committee
This committee helps us communicate with our members and the entire community with newsletters and announcements about League and member activities and achievements. They may also develop displays, flyers and handouts. A subcommittee maintains and improves our website.
Chair: Barbara Ehren, info@lwvmanatee.org
We encourage you to join a committee and make a difference.
For more information, email info@lwvmanatee.org
