NEWS & UPDATES
National Refugee Shabbat
Witnessing, a Growing Movement for Social Justice
March 20, 2020
7:30pm to 10:00pm
Temple Beth-El
400 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Temple Beth-El is a proud participant in HIAS’ National Refugee Shabbat, when Jews across the country will take action for refugees and asylum seekers. Three guest speakers, two from the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice and another, refugee turned activist, will help us understand the current situation at our borders, and the refugee experience. There will be a Q&A Oneg and discussion following the service. This event is FREE and open to everyone.
The Witnessing Movement began when the children of immigrants were separated from their parents and imprisoned in child detention camps. People come from all over the country to “witness” what is happening. “How can we stop something we don’t see?” says Josh Rubin, one of the creators of the movement. Witnessing brings awareness and media attention, and has contributed to the closure of two child detention centers. Join us for stories and open discussion from those who have witnessed and experienced first-hand the refugee experience.
Guest Speakers:
Felicien Kokure, Refugee Turned Activist
Felicien is a refugee from Africa, where for years he and his family struggled to move freely in several countries in search of food, clean water and to escape wars and horrific violence. He has many stories to tell about his more than twenty years in a refugee camp. In 2015, Felicien and his family received the opportunity to settle in the United States. They have lived happily in the St. Petersburg area since then.
Wendy Snyder
Wendy is a retired attorney, a Board member of the Pinellas County Chapter of the ACLU, and a principal member of the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration
Justice.
Kate Pravera
Kate is a volunteer organizer with Indivisible FL-13 (13th Congressional District). She recently helped found the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice., along with other organizers of Indivisible FL-13
Write Postcards To Voters Every Monday!
Pinellas County was the largest county in Florida to go for Trump in 2016. We believe that we can turn Pinellas BLUE in 2020. People who use Vote By Mail have significantly higher turnout than those who don’t use Vote By Mail. This is particularly true among younger voters. We have targeted 60,000 registered voters in the county who are not signed up for vote by mail. These voters don’t belong to a political party but there are indications that they are progressive. We want every one of these voters to get a personalized post card from another Pinellas voter urging them to sign up for vote by mail.
We have card parties every Monday at 6PM Allendale UMC. Many people get cards, instructions and addresses from us and prepare them at home.
Monday’s at 6:00 pm
Allendale United Methodist Church
Room 107/108
3803 Haines Rd N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33703
For more information contact Indivisible FL-13 member Ellen Mowbray at mowbrayellen@gmail.com.
Weekly Demonstrations
WEEKLY DEMONSTRATION AT SENATORS MARCO RUBIO AND RICK SCOTT’S TAMPA OFFICE
Indivisible FL-13, Peace First and other local activist groups gather outside Marco Rubio and Rick Scott’s offices in the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Court House, 801 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa, FL 33602 (map). The protest is every Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 AM. Bring signs, or organizers can provide them. There is parking around the courthouse and the meters take credit cards.
FMI John at (727) 894-2832. or sjstew@gte.net
PEACE FIRST MARCH SITE
Since 2002, Peace First has gathered on street corners in Pinellas County every week to speak for peace and justice.
The votes are in, and we will be at 54th Avenue and US 19/34th Street South for at least this Wednesday. Afterwards we can discuss whether we will stay there or go somewhere else for the rest of March.
FMI, and to get on a mailing list of Peace First news and updates, send a request to sjstew@gte.net
Indivisible FL-13 Contact Information:Indivisible FL-13 on Facebook
Email Indivisible FL-13 at info@indivisiblefl13.com
Useful Tools:
Pinellas County Progressive Calendar
Resist Bot, fax your representatives via text message. Text RESIST to 50409
Fax your congressperson for free at FaxZero.com
Get action alerts from Countable.us
Register to vote, vote by mail!
Florida 13 Congressperson Phone Numbers:
Senator Marco Rubio (R): DC (202)224-3041 Local (813)287-5035
Senator Rick Scott (R): DC (202) 224-5274
Representative Charlie Crist (D): DC (202) 225-5961 Local (888)205-5569
