Throughout these final weeks of the fall semester (12/5–12/14), activists have the opportunity to participate in pet adoptions, community panels, demonstrations and vigils. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding knowledge building, state politics, gun violence reform and more!
Sat., Dec. 8 – Sun., Dec. 9, Whisker Wonderland Adoption @ 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cat Depot – 2542 17th St., Sarasota.
This holiday season adopt, don’t shop, and give an animal a home for the holidays! During this two-day adoption event, adoption fees will be reduced to $20, excluding specialty breeds. There will also be a holiday raffle with prizes and activities for kids.
Tues., Dec. 11, “Community Partnership School” Panel @ 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Join Fogartyville for a panel presentation and discussion on how Sarasota and Manatee Counties can develop “Community Partnership Schools.” The panel will discuss questions such as what Community Partnership Schools are, how the model can improve struggling schools and help close the achievement gap between high performing students and low performing students, many of whom come from income-challenged families and/or are English Language Learners and if Community Partnership Schools are a viable alternative to school privatization.
The panel is sponsored by Protect Our Public Schools (POPS) Manasota, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida and the Peace Education and Action Center. The panelists include Amy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Schools at University of Central Florida, Kylia Carswell, community partnership school director in Tampa and
Shawn Naugle, regional executive director of the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
Thurs., Dec. 13, Manasota Demonstration against the Death Penalty @ 5:30 – 7 p.m.
St. Andrew United Church of Christ – 6908 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota.
Gov. Rick Scott has ordered Jose Jimenez to be executed on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. A witness against the death penalty prayer vigil will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the church, alongside a silent protest. A short prayer service will follow at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Manasota chapter of Pax Christi USA. For more information, email rjbannerusa@gmail.com.
Fri., Dec. 14, Prayer Protection and Solidarity @ 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Islamic Society of Sarasota – 4350 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota.
Every Friday, join in with a local group of Sarasotans as they meet on the sidewalk of the Islamic Society of Sarasota’s Mosque to stand in protection and solidarity with and for the worshipers arriving for Friday prayer.
Fri., Dec. 14, Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence @ 6 – 8 p.m.
St. Andrew United Church Of Christ – 6908 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota.
Join the Sarasota Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and St. Andrew UCC in this interfaith vigil on the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. The guest speaker will be State Rep. Margaret Good.