Throughout this week (4/24 – 5/1), activists have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, lectures and film screenings. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding women’s rights, immigration reform and healthcare access.
Sat., Apr. 27, “Women’s Rise in Leadership” – League of Women Voters Annual Meeting and Program @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bradenton Country Club – 4646 9th Ave. W., Bradenton.
Join the League of Women Voters (LWV) to enjoy a fine lunch and listen to a speaker on a topic of interest. The LWV is a non-partisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. The LWV works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The featured speaker will be Jacki Dezelski, president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. She received her MBA and BFA degrees from the University of Florida and has been with the Chamber since 1996. Dezelski was named the 2015 Florida Chamber Professional of the Year by FACP and earned her IOM credential from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She will talk about her experiences and the importance of being active in the community. Don’t miss this special event! This program costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Reservations can be made at www.lwvmanatee.org.
Sat., Apr. 27, Bernie 2020 Organizing Kickoff @ 4 – 6 p.m.
Mirella’s – 2909 Arlington St., Sarasota.
Come together with friends, family and neighbors to transform America. Join Progressive Sarasota to hear from Sen. Bernie Sanders about his vision and what it’s going to take to complete a political revolution. This is a bilingual event in Spanish and English. RSVP at act.berniesanders.com.
Sat., Apr. 27, Environmental Art Show – Origami Air @ 7 – 10 p.m.
The Mable – 2831 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Stocking Savvy’s monthly Environmental Art Show gets crafty with Origami Air and the elaborate art of paper folding. Come see a full size coral reef made of paper and the many plants, animals and crafts including clothing! Have you ever been curious about how to make origami? Origami Air will teach you how at their crafts table. There will be free food, live music with KOJU the Dragonslayer and Form playing and a host of art and native plants for sale. Support local artists and find ways to be active in supporting the environment. The Environmental Art Show takes place the last Saturday of the month. This event is free and open to the public.
Mon., Apr. 29, Report Back From the U.S./Mexico Border @ 5 – 6:30 p.m.
New College of Florida – ACE Lounge – 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
The Central American caravans at the U.S.-Mexico border have been at the center of the national and international news for the last few months. But what does the situation look like on the ground? Why are people fleeing Central America directed toward the U.S.? What is the experience of their journey and border crossing like? What role can journalism play in supporting the human rights of refugees and migrants? Hear from Francesca Tosarelli about her recent research and reporting from Tijuana at the U.S.-Mexico border. Tosarelli works as an independent filmmaker for documentary films and a video journalist for Al Jazeera, Yahoo, Scottish Documentary Institute, Al Jazeera Arabic, RAI Cinema and The Guardian, among others. She has been focusing on social issues, conflicts, gender and migration since 2011, from stories about female rebel guerrillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Baghdad feminist activists who rescue women escaping from ISIS to Central American migrants fleeing organized crime. She is a journalist with a cross-media approach and has been working as a photojournalist, writer and VR author. This event is free and open to the public.
Tues., Apr. 30, Film Screening: FIX IT – Healthcare at The Tipping Point @ 6:30 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Join Move to Amend for a screening of FIX IT – Healthcare at The Tipping Point. This documentary takes an in-depth look into how America’s dysfunctional health care system is damaging the economy, suffocating businesses, discouraging physicians and negatively impacting the nation’s health while remaining unaffordable for a third of U.S. citizens. This screening is free and open to the public.