Participate - Join Our Movement!

Events shown here are online or in person in  Florida. As we grow, so will our listings.

2024 - UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPT 28, 2024 -Forward for Freedom: Leading Educators Tell Their Stories

       Speakers: Liz Barker, Jennifer Jenkins & Martha Berida

On Saturday September 28, you are invited to a Banned Books Special Event from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota.  Featured speakers include Liz Barker, newly elected Sarasota County School Board member, Jennifer Jenkins, founder of “Educated, We Stand and Martha Berida, writer, scholar: “Teaching True American History.”  Introductory remarks by Carrie Seidman and David Brostrom.  Free Live Event

Sponsored by the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast and the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota.

Sat, Sept 28, 2024 – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT 

To learn more, CLICK HERE

OCT 5, 2024 – Democracy Under Siege: The Fascist Threat in Florida

       RICK WILSON – The LINCOLN PROJECT 

Special Guest Rick Wilson – On Saturday October 5, hear national political commentator, Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project speak (online) about the upcoming high stakes election and risk for our democracy.  Hear two additional speakers, David Silverberg and Dr. Dale Anderson speak about how MAGA politics are impacting Collier and Sarasota Counties – already “laboratories” for Project 2025.

Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples and Floridians For Democracy.

Sat, October 5, 2024 – 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm EDT 

Registration link pending – please check back.

OCT 19, 2024 – John Lewis: In Search of the Beloved Community

John Lewis (1940-2020) traveled a great distance during his eighty years, moving from poverty to protest to politics.  His trajectory was almost surreal and his life remarkable.  Hear biographer Raymond Arsenault speak about the civil rights icon in person on October 19 at 6:00 pm on the Unitarian Universalist of Sarasota campus. Sponsored by the Boxser Diversity Initiative.

Saturday, October 19, 2024 – 6:00 pm EST

Registration link pending.

PAST EVENTS

SEPT 12, 2024 – Forida Amendments: No on 1 & Yes on 4

Vote “Yes” on 4 – Florida Constitutional Amendment 4 will restore women’s reproductive decisions in concert with qualified clinicians. Cecile Scoon, co-president of the League of Women Voters Florida and Nora Vinas, deputy communications director for Floridians Protecting Freedom will explain why healthcare decisions belong with women and their doctors, not politicians.

Vote “No” on 1 – Amendment 1 will make school board elections partisan. Hear Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association and Rosemary Nilles, education chair of the League of Women Voters of Citrus County discuss why less politics in education leads to better outcomes for students. Understand why you should vote “NO” on Amendment 1.

Thursday, Sept 12 – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (virtual event)

To learn more and register CLICK HERE

 

August 6, 2024 – School Board Rally and Last Meeting Before Election

Rally Event – Join us in providing public comment at this last school board meeting prior to the August 20 school board election. This is a chance to speak up and raise awareness about this board! Rally at 5pm before the 6pm school board meeting. Sponsored by SEE Alliance.

Tuesday, July 16, 2025 – 5 pm EDT

 For more information and to register for this event,  CLICK HERE

AUGUST 13, 2024 – Public School Strong Orientation!

Activist Training – Are you concerned about the rising tide of book-bans and attacks on students of color, LGBTQ students and teachers that are harming our kids, our public schools and our country’s future?

On Tuesday, August 13, join public supporters from across the country to learn: – How to support inclusive public schools; observe your school district’s school board meeting; form a Public School Strong team in your school district; and join a national movement to protect and transform public schools that serve all children.

 For more information and to register for this event,  CLICK HERE.

July 25, 2024 – Andra Watkins: Project 2025

On July 25, hear Andra Watkins, New York Times bestselling author, speak on  “How Project 2025 Will Ruin YOUR life.”  Project 2025 is the Heritage Foundation plan to radically revise the United State Government, dramatically increasing executive power and weaking the separation of powers and the rule of law.  Sponsored by Floridians for Democracy.

Thurs, July 25, 2024 – 3:00 pm EST (recording repeated  7:00 pm).

July 23, 2024 – Letter to the Editor Party:  Our Democracy 2024

As we gear up for the upcoming elections, our “Our Democracy 2024” campaign is crucial in ensuring that voters are well-informed about where candidates stand on key democracy issues. 

We’re questioning candidates for Congress and state offices about their commitment to pro-democracy reforms and holding them accountable. Your role is key: candidates need to hear from voters like you to clarify their positions and commit to making our government work for everyone. Sponsored by Common Cause.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – 8:00 – 9:00 pm EDT 

July 20, 2024 – Yes On 4! Phone Bank + Canvass

Amendment 4 Action – Join others in Sarasota on Saturday, July 20 for YES-ON-4 “Super Saturday,” from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. During this event, phone bankers will be trained in best phone banking practices and will make dials to voters about Amendment 4. No experience with phone banking is necessary. Volunteers may also join in canvassing the neighborhood during this time. Complimentary childcare.

Sat, July 20, 2024 – 10:00 am – 12:00 noon EDT 

To learn more about this in person event and sign up, CLICK HERE.

July 20, 2024 – Empowering Youth: Summer Sessions

Foundations of Reproductive Justice – Join this dynamic three-session series designed to inspire and equip young people to become effective advocates for positive change.  Program offers teens a safe, educational environment to explore important social issues, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence as emerging leaders in their community. Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, Florida

Sat, July 20, 2024 – 10:00 am – 12:00 noon EDT 

To learn more about this in person event and sign up, CLICK HERE.

July 17, 2024 – Sarasota School Board Candidate Forum

Candidate Forum – The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County is proud to host a candidate forum for the two open School Board seats. All candidates appearing on the August 20, 2024 ballot for School Board Districts 2 and 3 have been invited. In person event will take place at the Jacaranda Library. 

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 – 5:30pm EST  (live-streamed on YouTube).

JULY 16, 2024 – School Board Rally and Meeting

Rally Event – Join us in providing public comment at this second to the last school board meeting prior to the August 20 school board election. This is a chance to speak up and raise awareness about this board! Rally at 5pm before the 6pm school board meeting. Sponsored by SEE Alliance.

Tuesday, July 16, 2025 – 5 pm EDT

JULY 11, 2024 – Protecting Our Democracy in Troubled Times

Online Presentation – Our collective voices as voters remain the most powerful tool for holding our government accountable and safeguarding our democracy. With the barrage of Supreme Court decisions threatening the future of this country and anxiety around our upcoming elections in the air, it may feel hard to know where to go from here. Join to hear Rebecca Buckwalter-Plaza from the Alliance for Justice and Noelle Damico from the Workers Circle provide perspective on protecting our democracy.

Thursday, July 11, 8:00-9:00 pm EDT

 

JULY 11, 2024 – Hospital Board 2024 August Primary Candidate Forum

CANDIDATE FORUM – In keeping with the League’s mission to empower voters, the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County invites you to hear directly from the Hospital Board candidates. All candidates appearing on the August 20, 2024 ballot for  At-Large Seats 1, 2 and 3 and Central Seat 1 have been invited to this LWV of Sarasota-sponsored forum.

Thursday, July 11, 2024 – 5:30 pm EST


JULY 8, 2024 – The Christian Movement That Threatens Our Democracy

On July 10, at 7:00 PM ET, Dr. Mathew Taylor will speak about Christian Nationalism and the threat to our democracy. He is the author of “The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy.”

Dr. Taylor is a Senior Scholar and the Protestant Scholar at ICJS, where he specializes in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, religious politics in the U.S., and American Islam.

Monday, July 8, 2024 – 7 pm EST (online)

Sponsored by Florida Veterans for Common Sense

Note: 58 people attended online (does not  count additional viewers on a device) and 30-40 in person.

JULY 6, 2024 – First Annual Patriotic Picnic

First Responders For Democracy is holding its 1st Annual Patriotic Picnic. Come and celebrate American democracy with us. Open to all. No political campaigning allowed at this event since we are a 501c3 organization. Free hot dogs.

Saturday, July 6, 2024 – 2:00-5:00 pm EDT at Bob Gardner Park, East Pavillion, Lakewood Ranch2710 White Eagle Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA

Sponsored by First Responders for Democracy

MARCH 23, 2024 – Brynn Tannehill

Florida’s Assault on Trans People – Join Floridians For Democracy Coalition members to hear a presentation by Navy Pilot, Author, Defense Analyst and Advocate Brynn Tannell on the GOP’s egregious assault on America’s transgender population.  She is the author of American Fascism: How the GOP is Subverting Democracy (2021) and Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Trans (2019).  Her articles have been published in DAME, The New York Times, Slate and the Huffington Post.  

Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 pm EST

FEB 24, 2024 – The Right to Read Festival

Florida is #1 in the nation in banned books! To highlight, educate and counter this undemocratic action, the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast held a family-friendly Right to Read Festival on February 24, with local and national experts and writers speaking against book banning. Live entertainment and music was provided on site from 10-4 pm.  Speakers were live streamed 11am – 1pm.

FEB 24, 2024 – Manasota Remembers Ceremony

Lynching Memorial Marker Ceremony – On February 24, 2024, The Sarasota & Manatee Community Remembrance Project in coordination with the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery Alabama unveiled a historical marker honoring six African Americans murdered by mobs in Manatee / Sarasota counties during America’s reign of racial terror. The event took place at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Fruitville Road where the marker will be part of a new racial healing memorial.

Sponsored by the Manasota Remembers Coalition and the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota.  

FEB 18, 2024 – PeaceMakers in a Time of War

PeaceMakers in a Time of War – On February 19, 2024, Roots speakers Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Palestinian Noor Awad spoke at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota about their experiences as reidesnts of the contested West Bank in Israel and the profound challenges facing the two very different peoples occupying the same territory.

Sponsored by the Peace Education and Action Center, WSLR, the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota and Covenant Mennonite Fellowship.

To listen their conversation CLICK HERE.

FEB 6, 2024 – Steve Phillips

Winning The Civil War – On February 6th, New York Times best selling author Steve Phillips spoke to over 450 online guests about his new book, How We Win The Civil War: Securing A Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good. His optimism on how our nation now has an opportunity to create a truly multiracial democracy due to demographic changes is an important message at this critical time.

Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.  To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

FEB 6, 2024 – Heather Cox Richardson – Interview

On February 6th, former WBZ-TV Boston anchorwoman Liz Walker directed a fascinating and wide-ranging interview of historian, writer and blogger Heather Cox Richardson in the company of more than 200 guests at the Sarasota Yacht Club.  Professor Richardson gave a stark warning about the upcoming election and the imperative to defeat Trump and the MAGA party for the sake of our democracy.

Sponsored by the Longboat Key Democratic Club.  To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

FEb 5, 2024 – Bob Shaeffer Statewide Call to Action

Florida’s Draconian Legislative Proposals – Learn about the most recent MAGA-GOP proposals that will take away more of our freedoms. Floridians For Democracy board member Bob Schaeffer, a lifetime political consultant and public policy communications expert, will share. In addition, you will be instructed on ways to take action NOW from Nancy Terreri, President of Lee County NOW and revered as The Post Card Lady!

Sponsored by Floridians For Democracy Coalition.  To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

JAN 13, 2024 – Karen Svoboda of Defense of Democracy

Assault on Our Freedoms – Presentations by Karen Svoboda of Defense of Democracy and representatives of the Purple Group.  In-person live event at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers from 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm.

Sponsored by the Floridians For Democracy Coalition. To view the presentations, CLICK HERE

JAN 10, 2024 – Heather Cox Richardson

America at a Crossroads – A Discussion with Author Heather Cox Richardson and Patt Morrison, journalist, author, and broadcast personality. In her most recent book, Democracy Awakening, Cox Richardson offers an analysis of how America, historically seen as a “beacon of democracy” is now on the brink of autocracy – and what we can do about it.
Sponsored by America at a Crossroad.  To view the presentation, CLICK HERE

JAN 10, 2024 – David Pepper on Saving Democracy

Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual for Every American – A Talk With Author David Pepper about the challenges facing our democracy and how to play a more active and effective role in lifting our democracy.

Sponsored by Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. To view the presentation, CLICK HERE.

DEC 13, 2023 – Anne Applebaum

World at War – Interview with Author Anne Applebaum author of “Twilight of Democracy” about the risk a Trump presidency would pose to global order and democracies around the word.  

Sponsored by America at a Crossroad. To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

DEC 12, 2023 – Reverend Cecelia Kingman on Faith and Fascism

Recognizing and Resisting Fascism – Presented by Reverend Cecelia Kingman.
Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

NOV 11, 2023 – Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Fascism at Our Doorstep – Presented by Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Sponsored by Floridians for Democracy Coalition.  To view the presentation  CLICK HERE.

NOV 5, 2023 – Daniel Ziblatt & Stephen Levitsky

Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point – Presented by Professors Daniel Ziblatt and Stephen Levitsky. Sponsored by Unitarian Universalist for Social Justice & First Parish Church (Concord, Ma.)  To view the presentation CLICK HERE.

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