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| Message from the President
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LWVCC President
Teresa Stohs
As we enter June, our pace slows a bit. Unless you are part of our Voter Services Committee. With mid-term elections looming and the recent Florida redistricting, there’s plenty going on. For those of us who live here year-round, there are fewer hands to keep the work going.
Judge Joshua Hawkes’ decision not to block a new congressional redistricting plan that the LWV opposes was made on May 26. LWVFL is part of one of three lawsuits filed against this plan. He based his decision on the fact, “The election machinery of the state is already underway.” While very disappointing, there are plans to appeal.
I have been asked by the LWVFL to host a Lunch & Learn on Fundraising 101 by Zoom on July 12th. Fundraising is going to be very important to our own League this next year. We are definitely feeling the effects of the LWVUS’s Transformation on our dues revenues. With an average $75 membership, LWVCC is receiving $20. Name tags are more than that. Do expect some fundraising asks to come your way. Or head them off and make a contribution today! I started making a recurring gift monthly, which allows me to give a larger gift than I would be able to at one time. You can find information on this option on the Donate page.
DONATE HERE
 | Bringing Floridians Together
Together We Thrive: Civil Discourse Supports Our Community | In 2023, a community survey was done involving numerous nonprofits in Collier. The participants confirmed that the loss of civility was an issue for 90% of us, regardless of political party or other background. The survey showed that the lack of civil discourse is found everywhere from all levels of government to around our dining room tables. There was a time when people had differing views, but did not hate each other for it. Now, there are many exaggerated, negative assumptions made about each other. This is the opposite of what our country is supposed to be and what it needs to be strong and healthy. Research has shown that when community members interact with each other and there are strong social bonds, local governments are more resilient. We need healthy dialogue among Collier residents, regardless of viewpoint, without vilifying the differently-minded.
Civil discourse does not mean that we need to change what we believe in. Nor is it about changing the other person’s mind or “winning” an argument. It is about being curious and humble. We might learn more about an issue and understand its nuances better. It means listening deeply, working to truly understand what the other person is saying and not preparing our response. Listening to an opposing point of view does not mean you agree or even that you have less conviction in your own position. It means you have respect and empathy for the other person. Civil discourse takes practice and commitment. Labeling someone or generalizing about their beliefs because they belong to a certain group does not promote healthy dialogue and social connections. Refusing to speak to someone because they think differently is not valuing their place in our society. Research also shows that diversity of opinion drives better decision-making, prevents groupthink and sparks innovation. Diversity exposes us to novel information and perspectives, which allows for better problem solving.
Civil discourse is about seeing the other person’s humanity. It is about showing respect and empathy. “Focusing on and prioritizing civil discourse ensures that you don’t miss great opportunities to learn and grow.” Milan Kordestani | What’s The Latest On The National Popular Vote? | We are excited to announce that just a few weeks ago, in April, Virginia became the latest state to enact the NPV law and officially added its 13 electoral votes.
The National Popular Vote (NPV) will guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and D.C. combined. It replaces the winner take all state-by-state system effective in 48 states today and does not require a constitutional amendment. To date, NPV has become law in 19 jurisdictions, representing 222 of the 270 electoral votes needed to activate it. So we are 82% of the way toward NPV being the law of the land - no more swing states! NPV will ensure that every citizen’s vote will be equal throughout the U.S., regardless of where you live, and that every vote in every state will matter in every presidential election.
We anticipate an opportunity in Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin for obtaining the 48 electoral votes needed before 2028. But it takes time. It took six years to get the bill passed in New York. Contact Suzanne Low, LWVCC NPV Chair and Floridians for National Popular Vote District Chair at npv@lwvcolliercounty.org to schedule a presentation or with any questions. | 
Voter Services Committee
Tina Palmese, Chair
Juneteenth Celebration
On Saturday, May 30th LWVCC volunteers helped celebrate the NAACP Juneteenth Celebration at Golden Gate Community Center.
Although the weather was not the sunniest, those who attended enjoyed the brightness of lively music and heartfelt tributes to commemorate this significant celebration. Many thanks to our volunteers: Carolyn Alden, Cynthia Cromwell, Liz Feit, Susan Golden, Tina Palmese, Rebecca Troop, and Alison Wescott who interacted with members of our community on the importance of voting readiness while providing fun giveaways!
  | Gun Violence Subcommittee
We had a very successful gun lock distribution at the 3rd Annual Naples Police Fair on Saturday, May 9. We distributed over 40 gunlocks and brochures, and donated several for the Naples Police to use at their Coffee With a Cop event.
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Environmental Affairs Committee
Lynn Martin, Patti Forkan, Co-Chairs
At our May meeting, the Environmental Affairs committee heard a fascinating presentation on strategies to recover the panther population in southwest Florida. Our speaker was Jason Totoiu, the Florida Policy Director and a Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.
The Center is devoted to saving life on Earth: protecting biodiversity in different arenas through science, legal action, policy advocacy, and negotiation with government and industry. The panther’s current population is around 200 panthers, primarily in Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties. Jason discussed the threats against the panther which include habitat loss from development, vehicle collisions, intraspecific aggression and disease. The US Fish & Wildlife plan has a goal of three self-sustaining populations of 240 panthers in order to remove the panther from the endangered species list. Solutions are being proposed including wildlife crossings, genetic rescue and translocation programs. Genetic rescue was successfully used to grow the panther population in the 1990s and is being considered again.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor is an important effort to save panther territory, but is underfunded. Jason discussed the need for more outreach to land owners and more consideration of panther impact from development project decisions. Local governments need to implement better land-use regulations and comprehensive planning. While sixty wildlife crossings have been constructed by FDOT within panther habitat, a backlog of six or seven are awaiting funding from the State. The Center for Biological Diversity has brought a lawsuit under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to compel US Fish & Wildlife to consider panther survival and recovery in reviewing development plans for projects like Rural Lands West. We hope they will be successful. |
Education Ambassadors
Child Exploitation + Human Trafficking via Social Media Exponential Growth in Collier County
Collier County Public Schools (CCPS), working with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Operation Lightshine, has made available an impactful, thought-provoking video to make parents aware of 1) this exponentially increasing problem, and 2) what parents and concerned adults can do if they suspect a child has become ensnared by a predator.
The video addresses the parameters of the problem, nationwide and in Collier County. Predators use both the surface web (only 10% of actual web space including Instagram, Facebook, etc.), and the deep and dark webs to network with one another, and identify/establish relationships with vulnerable minors. Children from 11 to 14 are primary targets, but kids as young as 4 years old have been exploited.
Kids who are lonely or unhappy for whatever reason are most vulnerable. The typical grooming process begins with the predator establishing trust; next, requesting a photo sent online. It quickly escalates to a threat phase, on a more secretive website, where if the child doesn’t send “XX” dollars, the photo will be shared with other kids. This is when kids are likely to feel there is no way out and may take their own life!
The video recommends parents stay on top of how their kids are spending their time on social media. Parents should listen and provide a “safe space” to discuss what is happening. Parents should be alert to changes in their kids’ behavior – especially if they are acting more secretively.
In Collier County, for the fastest response, parents are encouraged to directly contact Lt. Wade Williams, CCSO, 239-253-9300, or Alina Donahue, Lightshine, 239-487-4213. The video is available on the CCPS website, www.collierschools.com. |
Membership Committee
Beth Van Damme, Chair
Welcome New Members!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
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Laura Brevetti |
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Dale Hackerman |
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Robynne King |
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| We are excited to have you join our community! |
| League News From Across the Country
| National League News
For more information, visit LWV.org.
State League News
For more information, visit LWVFL.org.
| Please refer to the LWVCC Weekly Update for a complete list of upcoming events or visit the LWVCC website.
Members should log in to ensure they see members-only events and registration options. | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883, Naples, FL 34101
Sent by lwvcc@lwvcolliercounty.org
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Recurring Gifts
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We now have the ability to accept recurring gifts. Click the donate button
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homepage, and you will see options to give to the education fund or the endowment.
There are two buttons – Donate and Recurring Gifts.
You can make recurring gifts monthly or quarterly.
Give it a try!
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