The Activist Newsletter (3/13 – 3/26)
Giulia Heyward/Catalyst

The Activist Newsletter (3/13 – 3/26)

Throughout these coming weeks (3/13 – 3/26), activists have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, panel discussions and marches. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding educational reform, environmental protection, ending gun violence and local politics.

Thurs., Mar. 14, Protect Our Public Schools (POPS) Forum @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

South Manatee Branch Library – 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton.

Join POPS Manasota for a lively panel presentation and discussion on how Manatee County can develop “Community Partnership Schools” (CPS), a model which transforms struggling schools into thriving schools by bringing together educators, families and community partners into unique hubs that offer a range of opportunities, support and comprehensive services to students as well as their families and communities. Locally, this model would work well with struggling schools like Blanche H. Daughtrey and G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary Schools, which are threatened with shutdown or privatization due to low student performance on standardized testing. This event is free and open to the public.

Thurs., Mar. 14, Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club Meeting @ 7 – 9 p.m.

Sarasota Garden Club – 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.

The Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club seeks to protect the natural places in our community, teach others to understand and respect the fragile environment in which we live and promote the responsible use of Florida’s ecosystems and resources. The featured speaker will be Dr. Sharon Hanna-West, from the University of South Florida (USF) Department of Management and Muma College of Business. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Sat., Mar. 16, Second Annual March for Our Lives @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Bayfront Park – 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota.

Take a stand against gun violence and demand an end to school shootings by supporting youth activists at the Second Annual March for Our Lives. The original march was initiated by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students after the shooting on Feb. 14, 2018. Activities will include music, student speeches and a march. This event is free and open to the public.

Tues., Mar. 19, Let’s Vote! Amendment 4 Community Symposium: Where Do We Go From Here? @ 6 – 8 p.m.

Light of the World International Church – 3809 Chapel Dr., Sarasota.

Come join a community discussion on voting and Amendment 4. Speakers will include Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett, Public Defender Larry Eger of the 12th Judicial Circuit and Attorney Shelli Eddie from The Freeland Eddie Law Group. This event is free and open to the public.

Tues., Mar. 19, Community Conversation with City Commissioner @ 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.

Join City Commissioner Jennifer Ahearn-Koch to get an update about what’s happening in the city. Submit questions in advance by emailing info@wslr.org or bring your questions to the event. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Sat., Mar. 23, Control Growth Now – 30th Anniversary Potluck Picnic and Annual Meeting @ 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Colonial Oaks Park – 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota.

Join Control Growth Now for a community meeting and picnic honoring Citizens of the Year Kindra Muntz and Sura Kochman. Control Growth Now is a Sarasota-based organization focused on combating urban sprawl and traffic congestion and prioritizing the protection of neighborhoods and the environment. This event is free and open to the public.

Tues., Mar. 26, Ready for 100 General Meeting @ 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.

Join the Sarasota Climate Justice Coalition for an update on the Ready for 100 initiative, a resolution passed by the City of Sarasota which establishes 100 percent renewable energy target dates of 2030 for municipal operations and 2045 for the entire community. Sarasota has become the second city in Florida, behind St. Petersburg, to codify its commitment to 100 percent renewable energy. Across the U.S., more than 30 cities have adopted this goal. This event is free and open to the public.

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