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The League of Women Voters is dedicated to educating voters so they can make informed decisions when they cast their ballot. As part of this mission, we offer Speaker Bureau presentations. No fee is charged for these presentations, but an honorarium to our 501(c)(3) Education Fund would be greatly appreciated.
The Exception Women Series is a fund-raising effort developed by well regarded Enrichment Academy teacher and League member, Lisa French. Lisa's first career was in finance; her second was coaching women to successfully navigate the corporate world. Studying history, especially women's history, is her current passion. You can now book Lisa to tell the stories of these fascinating women. Cost: $50.
Most presentations run 30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for questions at the end.
Speakers Bureau |
Exceptional Women Series |
Assault on Voting: Then & Now This presentation explains the methods used to restrict access to the ballot box and how voting rights legislation has sought to ensure all citizens are empowered to exercise this fundamental right (and duty) of citizenship. Tracing the history of voting rights from the country's founding to the present day, the impact of current laws on marginalized groups is explored as are current efforts to stop these assaults on voting.
HANDOUT: Assault on Voting: Then & Now 
Decisions 2024
Learn what you need to know to make an informed decision about the six amendments to the Florida Constitution that will be on the general election ballot. Covered for each amendment is what a "Yes" and "No" vote mean, the arguments made by both the proponents and opponents, and a list of organizations supporting and opposing the amendment. HANDOUT 2024 Amendments 
Disinformation. Spot It! Stop It!
A Marist Poll found 59% of adults find it difficult to spot disinformation. This workshop allows you to test your skills in spotting social media falsehoods. It also provides tips on how to respond once you do. You will leave with key learnings from these engaging exercises. Allocate 60 minutes for participants to build the skills needed to fight disinformation. 
The Fight for Women's Suffrage
On August 18, 1920, American women won the right to vote after a struggle that dates to the launch of the Woman's Movement in 1848. During those 72 years, untold numbers of women marched, wrote letters, made speeches, and picketed the White House. These activities drew scorn and ridicule, and for some, imprisonment under inhumane conditions. Make no mistake: gaining suffrage for women was a fight. The LWV was founded by one of the leaders of this battle: Carrie Chapman Catt. Therefore, we are particularly proud to bring you this story of sacrifice, courage, and determination as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. 
National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC)
This presentation explains the origin and function of the Electoral College in the election of the President and Vice President of the United States. It then examines the changes some states are making to their delegate selection process to better reflect the popular vote. HANDOUT: NPVIC Summary 
News: Separating Fact from Fiction
If you feel overwhelmed by the number of news sources available . . . if you hear conflicting reports and don't know which to believe . . . if you can no longer believe your eyes because you know digital technology can alter photographs and videos, this presentation will help you learn to separate fact from fiction. This is a skill we all need because our political system cannot hope to develop sound policies if those policies are based on lies, misinformation, or misleading half-truths. HANDOUT: How to Separate Fact from Fiction 
Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked Choice Voting, also known as Instant Runoff Voting, is a non-partisan alternative to plurality voting. With a plurality voting system the candidate with the most votes wins the election. If more than two candidates are running, which often happens in municipal and primary elections, the winner may not have received a majority. With Ranked Choice Voting no winner is declared until a candidate receives a majority. Learn how Ranked Choice Voting works, where it is used, why supporters believe this method empowers voters as well as the objections raised by distractors. 
Redistricting
Learn how this once in a decade process works, its importance to a functioning democracy, and what you can do to ensure the results are fair to all. HANDOUT: What You Can Do |
FLORIDIANS
Mary McLeod Bethune was a fascinating educator, innovator and activist.
Among her accomplishments - she founded Bethune Cookman College, was a close personal friend to Eleanor Roosevelt and held the top posts in the FDR administration by an African American. She is one of the 2 statues in the US Congress representing the state of Florida. 
Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a talented journalist who discovered the crucial role of the Florida Everglades. Defending the fragile “River of Grass” became a lifelong passion which only ended at her death at age 108.
Today, all Floridians benefit from her ingenious and effective efforts to preserve the fresh water supply against efforts to drain it and reclaim land for development. MILITARY / GOVERNMENT
Oveta Culp Hobby Is the only woman honored on the WWII Monument in DC, as the creator of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. She organized and served as the first Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.
She was also one of the nation's richest women and twice voted best dressed! Hear how she did it. FIRST LADIES
Lou Hoover was an inspiring, influential First Lady who is virtually unknown today. She was half of the first power couple of the 20th century, and could give Eleanor a run for her money.
Her story is intriguing and surprising in scope and depth. 
Lady Bird Johnson was a successful entrepreneur, astute political operative, and a concerned environmentalist. She was the balancing force that tempered the excesses of her Presidential husband (LBJ) and created the funds for his political ambitions. |