Women’s March Fort Myers
By The WMFM Board of Directors
Women’s March Fort MyersSep 25, 2020
"Talking the Walk" with Howard Simon
WMFM is pleased to launch a new series, Talking the Walk, with guest Howard Simon, well-known in Florida and nationwide for his tireless commitment to the public good. Howard’s resume includes being the longest-serving state director (Michigan and then Florida) in the century-long history of the American Civil Liberties Union. In that and other roles, he has promoted countless policy changes and fought against self-serving attacks on equality, rights, and justice. Today, Howard will extend thoughts he shared recently in an Op-Ed on authoritarianism and the threat to democracy. His commentary was published in newspapers around Florida, including in the Tampa Bay Times Take heed, Florida: Here’s how democracies slide into authoritarianism (6/27/23). He has also authored an Op-Ed published this week in the Miami Herald. Can Gov. DeSantis’ campaign for president manage to rise from the dead? (8/9/23). In today’s 30-minute podcast, Howard does not mince words about the challenges ahead and what citizens must do to respond effectively to the rising threat of authoritarianism in Florida and beyond, including the vital role women can play in the democratic process.
(Frank Fear and Amanda Simat host today’s podcast on behalf of Women’s March Fort Myers.)
Karen Watson for Lee County Commissioner, District 2
WMFM endorses Karen Watson for Lee County Commissioner, District 2. Karen, a write-in candidate, is running At-Large, which means EVERY eligible voter in Lee County can vote for her. Karen is a people-centered candidate who is dedicated to serving the public good. "Tell 10 to Tell 10" to Vote for Karen Watson, Write-In, Lee County Commission. Learn more about Karen's campaign at her website, and follow Karen on Facebook.
Cindy Banyai for U.S. House of Representatives, FL-19
Endorsed by Women's March Fort Myers, Cindy Banyai is a 2022 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, FL-19. Visit Cindy's website and follow Cindy on Facebook and YouTube. Vote in the November Election!
Voices from the Rally, "Bans Off Our Bodies," Fort Myers, May 2022
"Bans Off Our Bodies," a rally for reproductive rights and justice was held in downtown Fort Myers, FL on May 14, 2022. The rally was organized by SWFL Red Cloaks, Planned Parenthood of SW and Central FL, the Lee County Chapter of the National Organization for Women, and Women's March Fort Myers with assistance and support from Peaceful Protest Lee County, Florida ACLU, and Lee County Democrats This audiocast was hosted by Susan Dahod and produced by Frank Fear for Women's March Fort Myers. You can watch the video version on WMFM's YouTube channel. #bansoffourbodies #ourbodiesourchoice #womensrightsarehumanrights (cover photo courtesy WGCU)
Community Conversation with Crystal Czyscon and Todd Truax
In this edition of Community Conversation, WMFM's Connie Bennett Martin interviews two of our area's most prominent community organizers and advocates, Crystal Czyscon and Todd Truax. Crystal and Todd co-host a new program, "Political Prattle," on Facebook Live. It's more than talk, too. They are committed to identifying, encouraging, and assisting citizens to seek election to a variety of posts across SWFL. Crystal and Todd talk with Connie about why they decided to launch this work and how it is paying dividends. "For the public good" comes through in everything they say and do, and that is why WMFM is pleased to feature them in this series. Follow Crystal Czyscon and Todd Truax on Facebook. You can watch "Political Prattle" through either of their Facebook pages. Check out past programs under 'Videos,') Contact Todd Truax at todd@toddtruax.com.
Cover photo, L-R, Connie Bennett Martin, Crystal Czyscon, and Todd Truax
Listen here to Gil Scott-Heron's, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,
#PoliticalPrattle #democracy #ForthePublicGood #politicialactivism #WMFM
Community Conversation with Kathy Fanny
Kathy Fanny is a candidate for the Lee County School Board, District 1. Visit Kathy's website and follow Kathy on Facebook and on YouTube.
Community Conversation with Gwyn Gittens
Gwyn Gittens is a candidate for the Lee County School Board, District 5. Learn more about Gwyn at her website. Follow Gwyn on Facebook and on YouTube.
Sounds of WMFM's "March for Equality"
WMFM's "March for Equality" (Equality Can't-Wait) took place on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at The Alliance for the Arts in Downtown Fort Myers. We thank our sponsors, Lee County Chapter of The National Organization for Women, the Southwest Florida AFL-CIO, The Lee County League of Women Voters, Pine Island ROAR, Lee OFA Indivisible, Dr. Cindy Banyai for Congress, Planned Parenthood, and Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. #wmfmequalitynow #equalitycantwait #equalitynow
Women's March Fort Myers "March for Equality"
Jacquelyn McMiller and Sue Dahod give you an overview of WMFM's "March for Equality" (Equality Can't-Wait), which will take place on Saturday, March 19, 10a, at The Alliance for the Arts in Downtown Fort Myers. We have a wonderful set of speakers lined up for you plus the song stylings of Ryleigh, recently of "The Voice," who is a Fort Myers treasure. We thank our sponsors, Lee County Chapter of The National Organization for Women, the Southwest Florida AFL-CIO, The Lee County League of Women Voters, Pine Island ROAR, Lee OFA Indivisible, Dr. Cindy Banyai for Congress, Planned Parenthood, and Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. This video was hosted and produced by Frank Fear for Women's March Fort Myers. #wmfmequalitynow #equalitycantwait #equalitynow
Defending Our Reproductive Rights
Be part of a national movement by engaging locally! On Sat., Oct 2, Fort Myers will be one of nearly 700 locations around the country that is holding an event for Reproductive Rights. Women's March Fort Myers is joined by Lee County NOW, Peaceful Protest Lee County, Pine Island ROAR, Lee OFA Indivisible, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) SWFL, and Lee County Democrats. Hear from Kathy Mayo and Chantel Rhodes about why this day is important, what will happen, and how YOU can participate. #WMFMReproductiveFreedom
(Audiocast hosted and produced by Frank Fear for WMFM)
#ChooseToChallenge Co-Produced with Lee County NOW (March 6, 2021)
Women's March Fort Myers and the Lee County Chapter of the National Organization for Women present this program in honor of International Women’s Day, "#ChoosetoChallenge, Helping to Forge a More Gender-Equal World." The program featured Rep. Anna Eskamani, FL House District 47, on 'Challenges for Florida’s Women'; Rep. Dotie Joseph, FL House District 108 on 'Will Women Finally Get Equal Rights?'; Arlene Feddo, VP of Philanthropy at Planned Parenthood Southwest and Central Florida on 'Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare - the State of Play'; Chewe Luo, Associate Director UNICEF, on 'Women of the World, Progress, and Challenges'; and Katie Poinsett on 'Youth Voices.' We were also blessed with song stylings by Ryleigh and Linda Allen (closing song). Annisa Karim hosted the event. Listen to the program here. #ChooseToChallenge #wmfmacceptsthechallenge
Join Us March 6! WMFM & Lee County NOW #ChoosetoChallenge
On Sat., March 6, at 10a, Women's March Fort Myers and the Lee County Chapter of the National Organization for Women will present a program for International Women’s Day, "#ChoosetoChallenge, Helping to Forge a More Gender-Equal World." The event will feature the voices of Rep. Anna Eskamani, FL House District 47, on 'Challenges for Florida’s Women'; Rep. Dotie Joseph, FL House District 108 on 'Will Women Finally Get Equal Rights?'; Arlene Feddo, VP of Philanthropy at Planned Parenthood Southwest and Central Florida on 'Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare - the State of Play'; Chewe Luo, Assoc. Director UNICEF, on 'Women of the World, Progress, and Challenges'; and Katie Poinsett on 'Youth Voices.' Annisa Karim will host the event. Listen here as Annisa talks about the program and encourages you to participate. #wmfmacceptsthechallenge Register here.
'Making Black History 24/7/365'
BLACK HISTORY/BLACK PRESENT/BLACK FUTURE: MAKING BLACK HISTORY 24/7/365 was produced and recorded by Women's March Fort Myers on February 21, 2021. The program featured Jacquelyn McMiller, Audrea Anderson, Janice Cass, Chantel Rhodes, Tiffany Powe-Salters, Rose Charles, Sydney Hudson, and Tru Faith Kerr. Hosted by Melissa Sherman, the program was co-sponsored by WMFM, Peaceful Protest Lee County, and UPLIF. (Find here the petition to change the name of Lee County) #WMFM4BLACKLIVESMATTER
Black History/Black Present/Black Future
Making Black History 24/7/365. Join us on Sunday, February 21, 1-2p. for a no-cost, virtual program with a cast of wonderful speakers and performers. Co-sponsored with Peaceful Protest Lee County and UPLIF, it's our contribution to Black History Month. Melissa Sherman and Chantel Rhodes give you the details. Register for the program here. #WMFM4BLACKLIVESMATTER
January 23, 2021 "Path Forward Rally for Unity, Equality, and Humanity"
Listen to inspiring music played by Ryleigh Plank and Annie Wenz and uplifting comments offered by Connie Bennett-Martin, Chantel Rhodes, Darla Bonk, Jacquelyn McMiller, and Rachel Bass. Hosted by Annisa Karim.
Sat Jan 23, 10a, Rally for Unity, Equality, & Humanity
The program will include inspiring music played by Ryleigh Plank and Annie Wenz and uplifting comments offered by Connie Bennett-Martin, Chantel Rhodes, Darla Bonk, Jacquelyn McMiller, and Rachel Bass. Hosted by Annisa Karim. Listen as Melissa Sherman, Susan McGuire, Connie Bennett-Martin, and Frank Fear give you all the details. To participate in the January 23 virtual rally, register at Eventbrite.
Our Path Forward: A Virtual Rally for Unity, Equality, and Humanity (register at Eventbrite, info in description)
In 2019 and, again, in 2020, Women's March Fort Myers organized events/initiatives that focused on public issues facing SWFL and beyond. Join us for another gathering on Saturday, January 23, 10a-Noon. The theme of the day will be ‘Our Path Forward: A Rally for Unity, Equality, and Humanity.’ Scheduled originally as an in-person rally, the January 23 event will now be conducted as a virtual event. The program will include inspiring music played by local artists and uplifting comments offered by local spokespersons. To participate in the January 23 virtual event, register at Eventbrite. In this podcast, listen to Susan McGuire, Melissa Sherman, Connie Bennett-Martin, and Frank Fear talk about the upcoming event.
WHAT'S AT STAKE NOVEMBER 3? with Jacquelyn McMiller, Shawn Williams, and Todd Truax
Listen to an invigorating conversation as three Fort Myers-area candidates talk about issues and remedies. The candidates are Jacquelyn McMiller, candidate, Mayor, City of Fort Myers; Shawn Williams, candidate, State of Florida House of Representatives, District 78; and Todd Truax, candidate, Lee County Commission, District 3. This audiocast was produced as a public service by Women's March Fort Myers and is co-hosted by Frank Fear and Marian Frane.
WHAT'S AT STAKE NOVEMBER 3? with Connie Bennett Martin, Joshua Lopez, and Jeff McCullers
Listen to an invigorating conversation as three Fort Myers-area candidates talk about issues and remedies. The candidates are Connie Bennett Martin, candidate, City of Fort Myers City Council, Ward 4; Joshua Lopez, candidate, State of Florida House of Representatives, District 77; and Jeff McCullers, candidate, Lee County School Board, District 2. This audiocast was produced as a public service by Women's March Fort Myers and is co-hosted by Frank Fear and Marian Frane.
DETAILS: Oct 17, 2020 WMFM's 'Call to Action' Sidewalk Demonstration
Debbie Canyock Talks About WMFM's 'Call to Action Sidewalk Demonstration,' Sat. Oct. 17, Fort Myers
Women's March Fort Myers will sponsor a Call to Action Sidewalk Demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10a. The Call to Action will line the sidewalks from McGregor Blvd to MLK Blvd in Fort Myers. #WMFMCALLTOACTION
'In His Own Words," Joshua Lopez, candidate, Florida House, District 77
Women's March Fort Myers is pleased to present Joshua Lopez. #wmfm2020slate https://joshualopez.vote/
'In Her Own Words," Connie Bennett-Martin, candidate, City Council, City of Fort Myers, Ward 4
Women's March Fort Myers is pleased to present Connie Bennett-Martin. #wmfm2020slate https://www.facebook.com/conniemartin239
"'In His Own Words," Jeff McCullers, Lee County School Board, District 2
Women's March Fort Myers is pleased to present Jeff McCullers. John F. "Jeff" McCullers for School Board of Lee County, District 2 #wmfm2020slate
'In Her Own Words," Darla Bonk, candidate, City Council, City of Fort Myers, Ward 6
Women's March Fort Myers is pleased to present Darla Bonk. #wmfm2020slate @darlabonkfortmcitycouncilward6
WMFM 2020 Candidate Endorsements
WMFM's Kathy Mayo and Annisa Karim offer perspectives (What do women want?) and list local candidates endorsed by WMFM for Election 2020 (cover photo courtesy of Tri States Public Radio) .
Why I Founded Women's March Fort Myers, Marian Frane, founding president, WMFM
Marian Frane, Women's March Fort Myers founder and inaugural president, talks about why she organized WMFM and what she hopes the future will bring.
'Why We March,' Women's March Fort Myers
Board member Kathy Fear introduces you to Women's March Fort Myers.
