Throughout these two weeks (10/10–10/24), activists have the opportunity to participate in phone banking for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, community meetings and criminal justice reform, to name just a few! Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding the midterm elections, criminal justice system, state politics, and knowledge building!
Wed., Oct. 10, Stop Ballot Confusion: Florida Constitutional Amendments – What They Really Say @ 6 – 8 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Branch YMCA – 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton.
With 13 constitutional amendments on the Florida ballot this coming November, the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan organization, hopes to clear the confusion in this presentation. They will explain what each amendment proposes, what will happen if it does or does not pass and who opposes and supports each amendment. The event is free and registration is not required.
Fri., Oct. 12, Raised in the System Film Screening @ 7 p.m.
Sainer Pavilion at New College of Florida – 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
The ACLU Foundation of Florida, Million Hoodies West Florida, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) will be hosting a film screening of the VICE special “Raised in the System,” which follows a personal journey through the juvenile justice system meant to expose the root of the American mass incarceration crisis.
Sat., Oct. 13, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Meeting @ 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
North Sarasota Public Library – 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.
In their monthly meeting, the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) will discuss possible actions for October, communicate on climate change topics and celebrate past CCL successes.
Mon., Oct. 15, Bradenton Criminal Justice Reform Forum @ 6 – 8 p.m.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, Kiwanis Hall – 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.
Hear from a diverse panel of community leaders, policy experts and directly-impacted citizens who will discuss topics including which constitutional amendments on the Florida ballot impact criminal justice reform, how your vote can impact mass incarceration in Florida and what you can do to impact criminal justice reforms in the 2019 legislative session. The speakers include Shalini Goel Agarwal, managing attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Ron Baker, president and CEO of Prisoner Connections, Rev. James Golden, social justice chair at African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Manatee County school board member and reform ambassador for the Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice, Col. David Parrish (Ret.), who managed the Hillsborough County Jail System for 27 years and Neil Volz, political director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
Sat., Oct. 20, Sarasota Pride! @ 12 – 6 p.m.
J.D. Hamel Park – Main St. & S. Gulfstream Ave., Sarasota.
Get ready for Sarasota Pride featuring drag performances, vendors, food trucks and live music! Emceed by Lindsay Carlton-Cline, the day will include performances by Georgia Moore, Rockel BLU, Savannah Lynn, Trixie Liemont and Grandma Pearl. Visit www.sarasotapride.org to sign up to volunteer or contact organizers with any questions. Contact annie.rosenblum@ppswcf.org to sign up to volunteer with Planned Parenthood at the event.
Mon., Oct 22, Sarasota Anti-Racism Coalition Meeting @ 6 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Facilitated by Dr. Queen Zabriskie and Dr. Sarah Hernandez, the Coalition will receive updates from their working committees and discuss Joseph Barndt’s book, including the chapter “White Fragility.” It is requested to bring a snack to share at 6 p.m. and discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 23, Newtown Community Health Action Team Meeting @ 6 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex – 1845 34th St., Sarasota.
The Newtown Community Health Action Team (CHAT), the result of a partnership between Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Newtown Front Porch, meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. The Newtown CHAT is a coalition of community members, organizations, businesses and healthcare providers and welcomes all persons, businesses and organizations who live or work in Newtown to join.