[FRI 17] Prep for Lobby Day Write a short, polite, direct letter to both your state senator and state representative, explaining why you believe Sen. Greg Steube’s proposed gun bills are dangerous (find fact sheets about each bill on the ATTB Facebook group). “I’m a voter in your district, I want you to oppose this legislation, here’s why, thank you very much, sincerely, goodbye.”will suffice. Email the letters today to actiontogethertampabay@gmail.com; they’ll get them to Tallahassee.
[SAT 18] Stop the Trump Agenda! Sarasota Rally & March. One month in and #theResistance remains strong. Gather strength and make your voice heard. Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota. 12-2 p.m. Event page on Facebook.
[SUN 19] Turn Congress Blue Republicans have named their targets for the 2018 elections — which tells those of you concerned with keeping America, well, America — which Dems need your help. Take a gander — and then sign up to work a campaign, send money or do whatever it is you can to help keep Dumbledore’s Army in office. Republicans have named their targets for the 2018 elections — which tells those of you concerned with keeping America, well, America — which Dems need your help.
[MON 20] Equal Means Equal Director Kamala Lopez reveals the inadequacy of present laws that claim to protect women, presenting a compelling and persuasive argument for the urgency of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. As the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated: “Certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn’t.” A panel discussion ,moderated by Rod Carter (Anchor, WFLA), featuring Dr. Carolyn Collins (Past President, Hillsborough County Branch NAACP), Dr. Diane Price-Herndl (Chair, Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, University of South Florida), Janelle Irwin (Reporter, Tampa Bay Business Journal) and Susan Smith (President, DPC of Florida) follows. A few tickets remain for a pre-show VIP reception, hosted by the Law Office of Jo Ann Palchak, P.A. The reception features remarks from Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Andrew Warren, State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, and a representative from the law office of Julianne Holt, Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 7:30 p.m. $11; $100 for VIP. tampatheatre.org.
[TUES 21] Uncomfortable Conversations with the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason The Rev. Dr. Gary Mason will discuss how to have uncomfortable conversations while remaining civil. The Rev. Dr. Gary Mason spent 28 years working through the Northern Ireland Peace Process as a clergyperson and remains a close advisor to Protestant ex-combatants. He believes that building peace among division occurs through community engagement at the grassroots level. Dr. Mason will speak words of reconciliation, hope and encouragement in the midst of a painful and divided world. The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 6:30 p.m. 813-786-5702. Learn more.
[WED 22] Moms Demand Action will screen Armor of Light, a gun violence prevention documentary. Representative Kathy Castor and Jane Castor, former Chief of the Tampa Police Department, will kick off the event. Armor of Light depicts Lucy McBath’s struggle when her son’s murderer uses “Stand your ground” as a defense. USF ULH building, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 6:30 p.m.
[THURS 23] Women Only Concealed Carry Class More than one liberal we know has mentioned they’ve considered arming themselves “in light of recent events.” We can’t tell you what to do, but, ladies, if you’re considering it, there’s only one way to know if it’s for you or not: Take a concealed carry class. Please pre-register. Women Protection Services, 13317 Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $48 for two women. womenprotectionservices.com.
This article appears in Feb 16-23, 2017.