Women’s March Fort Myers The WMFM Board of Directors

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.)

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. 

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! 

"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)

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 

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.