Our Accomplishments

Our 2023 – 2025 Accomplishments

• In April 2025, SJAFS co-sponsored a timely program with the ‘Suncoast Citizens for Separation of Church and State.’ Our nationally known virtual speaker was Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Her presentation was entitled, “Is Christian Nationalism a Threat to Your Personal and Religious Freedom?” 
• The UUSRQ hosted a special public program featuring a screening of “BAD FAITH,” a documentary about how Christian nationalism has become the most powerful anti-democratic movement in the US. After the film, discussion leaders included: Bill Petrarca (UU Justice Florida), Rich Cannerelli (SJAFS), and from the Unitarian Universalists Sarasota – Rev. Jay Wolin, Sharron Howard, Dick Stammer, and Mary Anne Bowie.
• SJAFS members marched in Punta Gorda’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. parade and attended other MLK events. 
• Hosted long-range planning sessions for SJAFS members from our two-county region.  

• Conceived and created 2024’s inaugural “Right to Read Festival: All Books for All People.” This festival, which the SJAFS co-sponsored with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice (UUCOV), was attended by more than 800 people and raised over $30,000.
• Initiated “Justice Socials.” These relaxed meetups draw 10-65 people and encourage mingling and strategizing with people from other like-minded organizations. 
• Worked alongside the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota (UUSRQ) and Social Equity through Education Alliance (SEE) to co-sponsor “Forward for Freedom: Leading Educators Tell Their Stories.” It featured Liz Barker (Sarasota School Board), Jennifer Jenkins (founder of ‘Educated We Stand’), and historian/scholar Martha Bireda. 
• Attended city council, county board meetings, and political rallies to voice our concerns about censorship/book banning, LGBTQ rights, public school advocacy, and social injustices.