In a democratic society, citizens have the right to be heard and be part of the decision-making process. Unfortunately, when it comes to state-level legislation, this right is often ignored. In many cases, the state Legislature preempts local ordinances, taking away the voice of citizens in their communities. This is where the Local Voices United (LVU) Ambassador program comes in. It empowers communities to be heard and fight for the right to make their own decisions.
Cities reflect the civic groups, neighborhood associations, local chambers of commerce and other organizations that make up the community. When the Legislature preempts, they not only take municipal regulatory options off the table for issues that may arise in a city, but they also strip the voice of citizens in their communities.
Preemption means that communities lose their ability to solve problems in the way that best fits their unique needs. It also means that citizens lose their voice in the decision-making process. We have seen unprecedented attacks on self-governance over the past few legislative sessions, and these attempts to wrest control from Florida’s cities will only escalate.
Now, more than ever, the power of local voices is critical for Florida’s 411 cities. The LVU Ambassador program empowers elected officials to advocate for their communities. These ambassadors work to engage their community leaders, raise awareness about the negative impact of preemption and fight for the right of communities to make their own decisions. They work alongside Florida League of Cities (FLC) staff, who bring their experience and knowledge to bear on any legislation they engage with.
“Every elected official should be participating in the Local Voices United Ambassador program. It is incredibly easy to do, both as a citizen and city official,” said Auburndale Mayor Dorothea Taylor Bogert. “Being an LVU Ambassador has allowed me to connect with citizens to help them understand that our legislators really do listen when they speak up and educate them on how they can get involved in the issues that directly impact their daily lives.”
The LVU Ambassador program is designed to make it easy for elected officials to get involved. The program provides ambassadors with resources and tools to effectively engage community members and build support for their cause. These resources include training sessions, webinars and other materials to help ambassadors share the importance of decision-making at the local level.
“Every elected official should be participating in the Local Voices United Ambassador program. It is incredibly easy to do, both as a citizen and city official,” said Auburndale Mayor Dorothea Taylor Bogert. “Being an LVU Ambassador has allowed me to connect with citizens to help them understand that our legislators really do listen when they speak up and educate them on how they can get involved in the issues that directly impact their daily lives.”
FLC staff members are experienced advocates for local government. With years of experience working with state officials and legislators, they serve as a valuable resource for ambassadors, who can rely on their expertise to help convert community leaders and residents into grassroots advocates.
The LVU Ambassador program is already making a difference in municipalities across Florida. Ambassadors are working hard to engage their communities. They are actively raising awareness about the negative impact of preemptions and fighting for the right of cities, towns and villages to govern themselves in accordance with the needs of the community. And they are doing all of this with the support of FLC staff members, who provide them with the necessary resources and tools.
But the LVU Ambassador program is about more than just fighting preemption. It’s about empowering communities to be heard and participate in decision-making. It’s about giving citizens the right to make decisions that best fit their distinctive needs. It’s about creating a society where everyone has a voice and is heard. And as the government closest to the people, Florida’s elected officials are ready to lead the way.
Are you ready to help carry local voices to the state Capitol? Visit localvoicesunited.com/ambassadors to sign up for the Local Voices United Ambassador program.
By Erika Branchcomb
Erika Branchcomb is the Senior Communications Specialist for the Florida League of Cities.
