 | NEW PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Serving as the President of the League of Women Voters of Collier County is a very humbling experience. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of the presidents before me and look forward to continued leadership collaboration with Paula Scherwin and Beth VanDamme, along with the Board of Directors.
In these unexpected times when issues not previously viewed as partisan are now considered partisan, every member’s input is important.
This Fall, the LWVCC will be undertaking a strategic planning process. Our last strategic plan lapsed more than a year ago, but our work continued. As is tradition, the LWVCC will align with the goals and objectives of the LWVFL, that just recently completed their strategic planning process.
The input stage of the strategic planning process will target membership, Board of Directors, and community leaders. As we start the process, I ask you to think of these two questions: What is the most important thing the LWVCC does, and what do we do that no one else does?
I know the task ahead is mighty, but never more important than now. Thank you for joining me on this journey. We stand together steeped in history, looking to forging our way ahead.
Thanks for your support of the LWVCC.
Teresa Stohs
President, LWVCC
| MID-CYCLE REDISTRICTING CAUSES CONCERN
Mid-cycle redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries between regular census-based redistricting periods. While redistricting usually follows the U.S. Census every ten years, some states allow maps to be altered mid-decade. This can be used to gain political advantage—a practice known as gerrymandering—by adjusting lines to favor one party or weaken the other. Lawmakers in power may concentrate opposing voters in a few districts (“packing”) or spread them thinly across many districts (“cracking”), diluting their influence. Mid-cycle changes can disrupt voter representation, shift electoral outcomes, and create instability in political competition. Critics say it undermines fairness and public trust, while supporters claim it can correct flawed maps. The practice remains controversial, with legal challenges often deciding its fate. Texas is currently in the middle of this controversy, and there have been indications it might occur in Florida. Call or write your reps today with your concerns. | 15th ANNUAL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
Five LWV Collier members joined over 50 local nonprofits sharing resources at the Lipman Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event on August 9. Tina Palmese organized the League’s tent on Immokalee High School’s football field; Cynthia Cromwell, Rosemary Christie, Teresa Stohs, and Paula Schwerin all got soaked in a huge summer rainstorm. Never daunted by a bit of rain, elementary and middle school age children showed up for 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies. Our League members distributed pencils, pens, crayons and voting coloring sheets, along with small American flags.
  | A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL
The second Wine and Wisdom of the summer season was held on Wednesday, August 6, at Rebecca’s Restaurant and Bar on Bayshore Drive. There were 25 of us in attendance including Board members, League officers, long time members, new members, spouses, and friends of LWVCC. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up, and just relax with friends and colleagues. A good time was had by all! | |
The Communications Team recently began a video series titled “Civics Unplugged” posted on all of LWVCC’s social media sites. The goal of these short reels is to educate viewers on the basics of national and local civics, such as Branches of Government, Voting Rights, Constitutional Amendments, City Council, and more.
We will be posting these 1-minute videos approximately once a week on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. As always, the more “clicks” on the postings we get, the more engagement we will see in our community! So please make sure you check-in to our social media to view, like, comment, and share our reels.
| GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTION SPECIAL SPEAKER
The Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee (GVP) of the Social Policy Committee is pleased to have Kristen Ziman as our speaker at our opening meeting at 10:00am on October 15, 2025. The Zoom link is provided when registering. Ms. Ziman is the former police chief of Aurora, Illinois and author of the book Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing. She will discuss the mass shooting that occurred while she was Chief of Police and also her experience choosing support staff. This book provides valuable insights about law enforcement which is relevant to the increased use of visible police presence we are experiencing. The observations on leadership are inspiring and applicable to any situation. Please join us for this enlightening and fascinating program.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| October 13 @ 11:30-1:30 |
Luncheon & General Meeting |
Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE
Board members, committee chairs, and others who need to submit reimbursement requests can now do so via our Submit Online Forms page. | UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Because LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise,
members should log in to the website to register
to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Board Meeting
September 3 @ 9:30-12:00
Zoom
| Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee Meeting
October 15 @10:00-11:00
Zoom
| Juvenile Justice Committee Meeting
October 24 @10:00-12:00
Finemark Bank | 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 9883Naples, FL 34101
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