By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
The slogan “Tuckered Out – Vote Moore” was catchy and it was cool to see my dad, Taylor Moore, run for the House of Representatives in the early 1980s. He ran against Donald Tucker – who, years later, would have the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center stands proudly as a legacy in downtown Tallahassee.
More recently, while researching my grandfather’s history, I discovered he served two terms in the House of Representatives, an incredible fact I somehow missed. Even my mom worked as a legislative aide at the Capitol, making our family’s connection to public service run even deeper.
Last week, United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) and Women United leadership council representative, Belinda Campbell, attended the United Way Florida Capitol Days in Tallahassee. We returned with powerful insights, reinforcing the importance of ensuring Charlotte County’s voice is heard at the state level.
Hearing from other United Way affiliates on their journey of responding to disasters across short-, medium- and long-term phases was invaluable as UWCC continues defining its role in this space. Additionally, United Way Worldwide leaders helped us understand the landscape of public policy as it relates to the new administration.
We were eager to connect with our Charlotte County House Representatives, Vanessa Oliver (past UWCC board member) and Danny Nix. I found Representative Nix, fully engaged, in the middle of the Capitol atrium speaking to high school students who had traveled seeking inspiration. Later visiting with Representative Oliver, we shared the local and statewide impacts from the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program (because of the state appropriations last year) and issues our aging populations face.
The highlight of the visit was without a doubt the Senate Chambers. Sitting in the leaders’ chairs was an incredible honor as we heard from officials on both sides of the aisle. They shared their passion for serving Florida’s communities and offered insight into how decisions are made at the state level.
There were many observations and takeaways from this session:
- Our leaders are prioritizing investments in special needs resources, food insecurity, foster care, Alzheimer’s awareness, childcare costs, early learning salaries, and school readiness—aligning with UWCC’s nonprofit partners.
- Meeting people where they are leads to meaningful solutions.
- Strong community connections ensure people get the help they need. As one leader noted, “It is difficult to hate someone you know really well.”
- Understanding others' fears and values can bridge divides and drive progress.
- The focus is on fighting the problems not each other. Solving the right issues leads to transformational change.
- Passionate debates require active listening; respect strengthens decision-making.
- A legacy of love and respect in a challenging legislative climate is a shared goal—and we witnessed it in action.
- Our local leaders want to hear from us—emails and calls are mission-critical.
There is no doubt in my mind that with the focus on the above - offering love, respect and kindness for one another – there is nothing that cannot be achieved.
Serving our communities in Tallahassee is not a small task. Every single one of these leaders sacrifice time with their families to use their voice for the greater good. When you get the chance, thank your community leaders. As Frederick Buechner said, "Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need." Their work is driven by passion, not just duty, and deserves our gratitude.
For me, representing Charlotte County through the United Way is an honor. And no, I’m not tuckered out. Leaving Tallahassee, I carry the memories of my dad, knowing he and my Grandaddy are smiling down. In a full-circle moment, my daughter has chosen to attend Florida State University, meaning many more visits to our blessed Tally, and I couldn’t be more excited.
To learn more about the United Way Florida legislative priorities, please visit unitedwayccfl.org/Tally
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org