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.
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: Carolyn Sheets, (941) 226-1056, voterservices@lwvmanatee.org
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!
CoChairs: Sherrill Kaplan and Felecia Jett, 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: Open, Web Subcommittee: Alice Newlon, (941) 779-4165, info@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, (941) 792-8314, 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: Ginger McCallum (941) 677-0037, info@lwvmanatee.org
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 Co-Chairs: Dawn Hallsten and Ruth Lawler (941) 350-6085, or 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 and Gun Safety Advocacy Chair: Ruth Harenchar, (347-563-7377), 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, CoChairs: Helen Andersen, (732) 500-7099 and Diana Shoemaker, info@lwvmanatee.org
We encourage you to join a committee and make a difference.
For more information, email info@lwvmanatee.org
