Vowing sustained local community action, over 200 people turned out for the Feb. 11th, mobilization meeting of the Central Florida Women’s Movement at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Orlando, including more than a few Seminole County residents. One, Paula Reidy, said she had attended a meeting of the Seminole Democrats the week before and was energized by the huge turnout. Another, Stephanie Strass from the Heathrow area, said she is outraged by Trump being the president and believes he is incompetent and dangerous . She also said that she cannot just sit and do nothing.
They heard Lakey Love, policy director for the Florida’s Women’s Movement emphasized how critical it is for different local organizations to communicate and support each other. The group’s 26-page document on how to effectively organize can be found at www.womenswayforward.com .
Then, participants broke into eight groups, on topics ranging from affordable healthcare to racial justice, discussing how to mobilize and transform the community’s anger into political and social action. They promised there will be meetings, planning sessions, and events coming from these groups. For example, one group, on public advocacy, spoke about sponsoring a Town Hall event inviting state senators and representatives to hear people’s concerns.