This week (4/5 – 4/13), activists have the opportunity to participate in book drives, film screenings, art shows, panel discussions and community meetings! Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding immigrant rights, environmental issues, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights or racial equality.
Wed, Apr 5 New College ESOL Book Drive @ 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
New College of Florida, ACE Lounge, Sarasota, Florida 34243
New College of Florida is preparing to offer English for Speakers of Other Languages classes for community members and are gathering supplies such as K-12 level books. Students are encouraged to bring old books to the drive in ACE Lounge. For more info, contact Ximena Pedroza at ana.peraltapedroz15@ncf.edu.
Mar 31 – Apr 9 Environment, Science and Sustainability Films
Sarasota Film Festival, 1991 Main St., Sarasota, Florida 34236
The Sarasota Film Festival will host a variety of film screenings of films related to the environment, science and sustainability. These films cover a vast scope of topics, including urban planning, space exploration, experimental films, nuclear fusion as renewable energy, the fashion industry’s environmental impact and sustainability in Sarasota. For more info, check out the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1863118100628443/
Sat, Apr 8 NASTY WOMEN ART SHOW @ 6 – 10 p.m.
2800 2nd Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33713-8611
This is a group exhibition expressing solidarity among artists who identify with being a Nasty Woman in the face of threats to roll back women’s rights, individual rights and abortion rights. All art sale proceeds will go to Planned Parenthood. For more info, contact nastywomenstpete@gmail.com.
Sun, Apr 9 LGBTQ+ and Black Identities in Media @ 12 – 3 p.m.
Sarasota Film Festival, 1991 Main St., Sarasota, Florida 34236
This panel discussion will showcase local LGBTQ community members and celebrated filmmakers, addressing issues of representation in filmmaking, media and the intersection between race and LGBTQ identities. Panelists include Tiq Milan (trans-activist), Andrew Hevia (co-producer of Moonlight) and Meccasia Zabriskie (Assistant Professor of Sociology at New College). For more info, check out the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1286487664749787/
Sun, Apr 9 Ranked Choice Voting in Sarasota @ 3 – 5 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Center, 525 Kumquat Ct, Rear, Sarasota, Florida 34236
In 2007, Sarasota voters passed a ballot initiative supporting the implementation of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to improve elections and save taxpayer dollars by avoiding costly runoffs. The Election Reform Committee of the Peace Education and Action Center will host an educational meeting to explain how RCV works and examine the opportunities and challenges in implementation. Featured speakers Jeanne Massey (Executive Director of FairVote), John Severeni and Tony Stefan will discuss how voting systems can better represent constituents and increase participation. Doors will open at 3pm with an informal reception; presentation will start at 3:30pm. For more info, check out the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1771455986516405/
Sun, Apr 9 American Dreams… Stories of Immigration @ 6 – 8 p.m.
Regal Cinemas, 1993 Main St., Sarasota, Florida 34236
The intimate documentary American Dreams examines the history immigration in America and the driving forces of fear, poverty and persecution that make immigrants risk everything to come to America. The film will premier as part of the Sarasota Film Festival on at the Hollywood 20 in Sarasota. Seating is limited. For more info or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaFilmFestival.com.
Mon, Apr 10 Black Lives Matter Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
Goodwill Manasota, 1781 Dr. MLK Way, Sarasota, Florida 34234
Black Lives Matter Alliance Sarasota Manatee Chapter will be hosting their next open meeting on Apr 10. This event is free and open to all who believe that Black lives should matter in America. For more information, contact Deidra Larkins on Facebook.
Thu, Apr 13 U.N. Human Rights / Police Accountability Documentary @ 7 – 9 p.m.
West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W Union St, Tampa, Florida 33607
Join Showing Up For Racial Justice Tampa for a guest talk that will provide activists with a basic understanding of the United Nations’ human rights violations processes and the global impact of racism. The expert discussion will be followed by a screening of a riveting documentary on police accountability. For more info, check out the event page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1135520566573439/