Monthly Newsletter
February 2022
Dear Friend,
Florida's legislative session is well underway, and my sense of urgency around the midterm elections has grown exponentially. If there's one thing that rings truer than ever right now, elections matter.
A 15-week abortion ban is making its way through the State House and Senate, and could land on the Governor's desk within the next couple of weeks. I shudder to think what happens next. As Republicans cheer over stripping Floridians of our reproductive freedom, we anxiously await the Supreme Court's decision on Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. If Roe is overturned, Florida will no longer have federal protections to fall back on and the closest option for someone seeking an abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy would be North Carolina. The barriers of doing that are insurmountable and cruel.
No matter what happens, I'm so grateful for our pro-choice champions in the legislature who refuse to give up without a fight. They have our backs time and again, and when it comes to their re-elections, we must have theirs.
It's a tough time to be a Democrat in Florida, but I refuse to give up hope. We've got an incredible team in place, we're recruiting outstanding candidates, we're growing our local volunteer leadership, and with your help, we're building the war chest we need to win in November. Thanks for all you do -- we couldn't do this without you!
Onward,
Lucy Sedgwick, President & CEO
Ruth's List Florida
2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Have you registered for Ruth’s List Florida’s Annual “She’s the Change” Leadership Conference?
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we're looking forward to getting back together in person. Join our generous sponsors from around Florida for what promises to be a momentous occasion at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando, FL from May 13-14, where we will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, receptions and more! This is an opportunity to meet up with hundreds of Democratic movers and shakers from across the state!
Check out our website shesthechange2022.org to register for the conference, book a hotel room, keep up with program and speaker highlights, and learn about our incredibly generous sponsors!
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Our 2022 training program is well underway! This month, we're hosting sessions on Everything You Need to Know About Call Time (Feb. 10) and Messaging to Win (Feb. 21). Space is limited and "seats" are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Check out the full schedule on our website and apply to attend one of our February virtual trainings here.
Can't make the training but know someone who might be interested? Forward this email to them!
ENDORSEMENTS
Johana Rabinovich
Sunny Isles Beach City Commission, Seat 1
Johana is a Miami native who has called Sunny Isles Beach her home for the last 14 years. She is deeply invested in Sunny Isles’ future, having founded the Sunny Isles Beach Moms and Sunny Isles Beach Insider groups to provide neighbors with forums to discuss the challenges facing the city and identify the best solutions. Johana was appointed to this commission seat in November 2021, and after receiving the most votes in the general election last week, she's now in the run-off election on Tuesday, February 8th. With only days to go, your support is urgent to ensure we keep this passionate, dedicated community leader on the city commission. Donate here today!
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Pat Gerard
Pinellas County Commission
District 2 At-Large
Pat is a three-time Ruth’s List endorsed candidate with extensive experience in public office, and a tireless advocate for the community. She was first elected in 2014 as county commissioner and re-elected in 2018. Pat served as Mayor of Largo after serving two terms as Largo Commissioner. She has more than 40 years of experience working in human services, including as a Victim Advocate for the Largo Police Department and Director of the Spouse Abuse Shelter of Religious Community Services. Pat needs your support to ensure she has the resources to keep her seat. Donate here to help her win!
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Caprice Edmond
Pinellas County School Board
This is Ruth’s List’s second endorsement of Caprice, who was first elected to the school board in 2020 to fill a vacancy. Caprice has a long history of advocacy for children and families on a local, state and national level, and brings a unique perspective as the only Black member of the seven-person school board. She is a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg who served as a Guardian ad Litem for ten years, actively advocating for children in foster care. This led to her passion for education, and she went on to pursue two master's degrees in education and a certification in Infant Family Mental Health from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. With your support, we can ensure Caprice has the resources to win re-election this cycle. Donate to her campaign here.
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Susy Díaz
Greenacres City Council, District IV
Susy is a Palm Beach County native and first-generation Cuban American who has served the community for over two decades. She has vast experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is an active volunteer in her community, serving on numerous committees from the COVID-19 Response Unit to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advisory Council. If elected, Susy will be the only Latina council member in a city where nearly half of its residents are Hispanic. Her election would also create a female majority on the council. Donate here to support her campaign.
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Ruth's List Monthly Torchbearer Award
February's Torchbearer award goes to Mary Ann Ruiz, our newest board chair of the Ruth's List Miami Region. She is a former Ruth's List endorsed candidate, an attorney, and fearless advocate for women's reproductive rights and justice. Just days after assuming the Miami chair position, she spoke at a press conference against HB 5, Florida's 15-week abortion ban bill in front of State Senator Ileana Garcia's office. We look forward to Mary Ann's leadership as we continue our mission to elect Democratic pro-choice women in Miami-Dade!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Ruth's List is planning to endorse a record number of women this election cycle. But we can't do it without your help.
For $8.33 a month, you can become an official Ruth’s List member. Your monthly support will enable us to recruit, train, and elect more Democratic pro-choice women to office in 2022 than ever before. Join or renew today to help elect pro-choice women and get your free gift -- along with the knowledge you're making a difference for Florida's future!
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 10 @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Join Ruth's List Central Florida for cheese and wine with your Galentine. RSVP here.
February 10 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm: Join Ruth's List Broward for a virtual Soap and Sip Galentine's Day event. RSVP here.
February 19 @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Join us for a special meet-and-greet with Ruth's List Florida's CEO Lucy Sedgwick as we officially launch Ruth's List Suncoast Region. RSVP here.
February 22 @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Join Ruth's List Miami for a special meet-and-greet with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. RSVP here.
February 25 @ 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Join Ruth's List Tampa for a meet-and-greet fundraiser Lucy Sedgwick for the official launch of the 2022 election cycle. RSVP here.
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