Event Report – November 2023 Justice Social
Anna, Nov 19, 2023, at 1:55 PM
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, despite the unrelenting rain, about 70 people showed up at the Hotel Venezia for our second Justice Social! It was an energized group, and, after a half hour of social time, various speakers tried to bring them up to speed as to what the Justice Social Alliance is currently doing.
John Van Camp, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice (UUCOV) welcomed our new Alliance partners: PFLAG, SEE (Social Equity through Education), S.O.S. (Support Our Schools), and ARAY (All Rainbow and Allied Youth).
Jay Pennell from Venice Pride invited all to attend the Pride Festival this weekend at Suncoast Metropolitan Church.
Lisa Schurr explained the origins of S.O.S. and talked about Monday’s debilitating Commissioners’ vote to defund Sarasota’s libraries from American Library Association (ALA) and Florida Library Association (FLA) memberships. She reminded us that we’re in this fight “for the long haul”.
Anya Dennison from SEE explained the organization’s focus on enlisting young people to become politically active.
Anna Draillios (UUCOV) talked about the importance of fighting back against the Commissioners’ antilibrary vote.
Dick Stammer from Unitarian Universalist of Sarasota (UUS) spoke of the need for people to run for elective office, especially since many candidates are running unopposed. He has a guide available to explain available offices.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan (UUCOV) reiterated the need for donors and volunteers for the Right to Read Festival in February.
John Van Camp invited everyone to speak to representatives of Venice Pride, SEE, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Port Charlotte, and Right to Read Festival and to volunteer their time and talents.