"With the former President calling to throw aside the constitution, not a single conservative can legitimately support him, and not a single supporter can be called a conservative. This is insane." Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R)
Tuesday, 12/6 - Duval School Board Meeting & Rally @ 5 PM
The Duval County School Board, meeting tomorrow, 12/6, at 6 pm, faces at least two important issues:
Books encouraging reading, literacy, and reflecting diverse voices which the Board promised to consider 10 months ago have not yet been approved. In fact no process for their consideration has begun. This needs to change.
Implementation of State-approved, age-appropriate Sex Education curriculum previously in use is overdue. As individual parents can opt their kids out, it's difficult to see how the availability of this information hurts anyone, and past use has demonstrated it improves behavioral outcomes. Board delay has already cost one graduating class access to this information. It's time for action.
You can act on these issues by customizing this email to the Board. Or come rally in support of these issues before the meeting and stay to speak to the School Board. RSVP & details here.
To JAX City Council: Time to Stop Stalling on Confederate Statues
More than two years ago Mayor Lenny Curry ordered the overnight removal of the Confederate statue in what is now James Weldon Johnson Park downtown and pledged the rest would soon follow. Yet nothing has changed. A recent article from Jax Today offers a sobering timeline of the Council's delays since then. As Councilman Matt Carlucci said in the article, “Right now, I think the time for talk is over and the time for action is way overdue.” If you agree, help create momentum for action with a call, letter or email to the entire Council, or a Letter to the Editor.
Holiday Joy: Gifts for Kids
This holiday season BAM and a number of our partner organizations are working with the Sister Hermana Foundation to gather toys, books, jackets & hats for area children.
We hope many of you will be bringing those to our joint holiday party at the IBEW Hall on Friday, December 16. (See reminder details below.)
If you know you can't attend the party on the 16th, but have gifts you'd like to donate, plan to drop them off at Adele Grage this Thursday evening, December 8, from 7-8 PM and share a holiday toast.
Saturday, 12/10 - Josh Hicks Fundraiser
Beaches Democratic Club President Hanna Moore & BDC Board member Joanne Mattingly are hosting a fundraiser for At-Large JAX Council Candidate Josh Hicks from 3- 5 PM. Come learn more about Josh's priorities, his campaign, and his vision for Jacksonville. RSVP here. If you can't come but want to donate, click here.
Friday, 12/16 - Duval Holiday Party!
Working with like-minded friends is one of the joys of a group like BAM. And this year we multiplied that pleasure as we collaborated with groups across the county to educate ourselves, rally for issues we care about, and reach out to register and engage voters.
In a year when it might seem Florida is growing redder by the minute, come enjoy the network of smart passionate people working for change here in Jacksonville. Bring an unwrapped toy or book for the Sister Hermana holiday give-away, and your favorite snack, sweet or beverage. And definitely bring a friend. RSVP here. And if you're interested in carpooling from the Beach, email us here.