September Member Spotlight: Betsy Wells

By Bonnie Hough

Meet League member Betsy Wells! Betsy works on the Voter Registration action team and this past summer Betsy represented the LWVSPA at the LWVFL Convention. Today she is sharing with us a little bit about what drives her passion for the League’s work, and her experience as a first-time delegate. 

How long have you been involved with the League? What committees and/or action teams are you involved with?

I joined the League in 2017.  I was really interested in pretty much everything the League does.  I thought the first meeting I went to was a general meeting, but it was a Voters Registration meeting.  Once I heard what they were doing I knew that is what I would do.  I also started helping with the Candidates’ forums about two years ago. It is so interesting to see grass-root democracy in action!

What was the “spark” that caused you to join the League? 

I have always been somewhat interested in politics, calling my representatives, attending lectures.  After 2016, I decided I wanted to do more.

What are you most passionate about/proud of in your work with the League or of the League’s accomplishments generally?      

I am most passionate about getting out and registering and educating voters, especially first-time voters.  I am very proud of how active our League is and the passion fellow Leaguers are in their work, whether it is health, sex education, social justice, etc.  The people you meet in the League love what they are doing and you can tell by talking to them!  I am also very proud of the in-roads our leaders have made into our local communities and building partnerships.

What is your favorite League memory?

I have a few, but I will tell you about two.  One was at Pride fest – we were canvassing the crowd and I was passing a young man who was canvassing for Greenpeace. I assumed but still asked if he was registered to vote and he said no. I stopped in my tracks —  I said “you’re not registered to vote?  But you are obviously concerned about the environment!” He responded yes.  I told him that this is what voting is about. Know the issues that are important to you, and find the representative that stands for your issues.  We talked for a few more minutes.  He shook my hand and said thank you. I gave him the information to register and hopefully, he did!  

The next was a woman at the MLK parade. She was on the phone and I mouthed “are you registered to vote?” She set the phone down and said she was a felon and was not able to vote. 
This was just after Amendment 4 passed and before it was challenged, so I explained that she could.  She filled out her VR form, I shook her hand, and thanked her for being involved in our democracy.  She picked up her phone and screamed to her friend with glee,  “I JUST REGISTERED TO VOTE!”

Both moments gave me goosebumps!

What do you like to do outside of volunteering with the League? Are there any other local clubs, groups, or organizations you’d like the League’s membership to learn about?       

I am involved with The St. Petersburg Free Clinic. I have been volunteering as a nurse for 15 years. It’s an amazing organization. It is a clinic for the working poor, who make too much money to be on Medicaid but do not have enough to purchase insurance. I love working with and educating the patients about their bodies and health in a safe place for them.  They also have a great food pantry and other services for the community.

What is your favorite local St Pete business or activity?        

I love the Saturday Morning Market, St. Pete Shuffleboard Club, walking and biking along the water by North Shore Park, and the new Pier.  I also love swimming in our beautiful city pool, North Shore Pool!  Eating at Chattaway’s and Munch’s are also favorites – classic St. Pete!

Any kudos or shout-outs you want to give to fellow Leaguers that go above and beyond?    

Like I said earlier, I find the people involved in the League would get kudos from me!  But I would like to point out our Leadership/team leads.  They are a bunch of smart, motivated, passionate, kind, and funny people, really making a difference in our community!

What made you want to become a Delegate?   

Curiosity, really.  I had been involved with the local League for several years so I have a handle on how we work, but I had no idea how we work at the state level.  It was really cool to see that level of granular democracy.  Pretty inspiring.

What did you learn there that you want to share with other members?  

Again, it was how democratic the whole process was. Working out the language, how everyone who had an idea or opinion could put it forth and everyone would vote whether they felt it was what was needed or not.  The environment was very inclusive and deliberative.

What was the most memorable part of the convention?  

First, it was all virtual because of Covid19.  It ran very well but was interesting under the circumstances.  I look forward to attending one in person!  Also, the amazing deliberation that occurred in a civilized way, making progress throughout the day was interesting to observe.  Lastly, the passing of the baton from Patty Brigham to Cecile Scoon, our new President, was a joy to watch!