By Lin Green
At a time when many people feel overwhelmed by politics or unsure where to turn for reliable information, the League of Women Voters of Seminole County is quietly doing something powerful: creating space for education, respectful dialogue, and meaningful civic connection.
I recently spoke with Cathy Swerdlow, President of the League of Women Voters of Seminole County and a member of the League of Women Voters of Florida Board of Directors for Gun Violence Protection, along with Deana Schott, Chair of the League’s Voter Services Committee and Director of the SpeakEasy program. Together, they shared how the League continues to serve the community in ways that extend far beyond Election Day.
Founded in 1920 by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement, the League of Women Voters has always been grounded in protecting voting rights and strengthening democracy. While the organization is often described as nonpartisan, that term can feel confusing. As Swerdlow explained, nonpartisan means the League does not support political parties or candidates. Instead, it focuses on issues after careful research, discussion, and agreement among its members in order to help communities understand how decisions affect everyday life.
In Seminole County, one pressing concern is the gradual loss of local decision-making power, often called “home rule.” Simply put, this affects how much say local communities have over development, taxes, and land use. The League works to educate residents on why these issues matter and how they shape the future of our neighborhoods.
One of the League’s most engaging initiatives is SpeakEasy Conversations, led by Schott. Designed as a welcoming, thoughtfully moderated space, SpeakEasy gatherings allow participants to discuss current events without fear of judgment or conflict. Topics are submitted in advance, discussions are grounded in facts, and small group settings encourage listening as much as speaking. Many attendees arrive seeking clarity in a fast-moving news cycle and leave feeling calmer, more informed, and more connected.
As another election year approaches, the League continues its core work: registering voters, providing trusted information on when, where, and how to vote, identifying misinformation, and offering nonpartisan candidate and issue information through the VOTE411 platform. Strong partnerships with community organizations and election officials have expanded its reach and strengthened public trust.
The message from both Swerdlow and Schott is hopeful: our community moves forward when dialogue is respectful, informed, and rooted in shared values.
Residents interested in getting involved can learn more by visiting LWVSeminole.org and selecting “Join.” The League of Women Voters now offers a sliding-scale dues structure, making membership more accessible to all. Community members can also support the League’s work through donations on the website, helping sustain voter education, civic dialogue, and engagement opportunities throughout the year. We are reminded that civic participation doesn’t begin at the ballot box, it begins with conversation. Here’s to more of us being a part of these conversations in 2026.
In the infamous words of Audre Lorde (writer, feminist, and civil rights activist), “When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.”
