UU DOCUMENTARIES

from Nancy Stiefl

What:  Social Justice Film – 2 short documentaries

When:  7:00 PM, Sunday, May 17

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at the corner of 16th Street & 27th Avenue, Vero Beach

Two short documentaries comprise the May 17 Social Justice Film.  Both are from Brave New Films which makes videos that inform, change attitudes, and motivate people to take action on important social issues.

To Prison for Poverty exposes private probation companies that profit from charging excessive fees to low income people who can't pay small fines like traffic tickets. If they can't pay, they go to jail. This documentary features two women deeply in debt to Judicial Correction Services, Inc. or JCS based in Georgia.  For-profit companies like JCS contract with cities and counties strapped for cash. The companies collect debts owed to courts with no cost to the government by charging the probationers.

Over Criminalized graphically demonstrates how law enforcement personnel may not be trained to deal with the calls they receive regarding homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness. This video shines a light on solutions from around the nation that are saving lives and money, keeping the public safer, and moving us away from our national obsession with arresting and incarcerating our fellow citizens.

Following the short films, Sgt. Flowers from the Indian River County Sherriff’s Department will share information about their procedures and programs here in Indian River County.

There is no charge but donations to cover costs are gratefully accepted. The Fair Trade Corner will be open one-half hour prior to the film.

GROWING UP GREEN

from Nancy Stiefel

What:  Social Justice Film “Growing Up Green”

When:  Sunday, April 12, 7:00 PM

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at the corner of 27th Avenue and 16th Street in Vero Beach

The documentary Growing Up Green profiles a unique, statewide, hands-on environmental education program in Michigan.  Both rural and urban schools across the state work to increase academic performance by involving students in local efforts to improve the environments they inhabit.

This coordinated statewide approach to "place-based education" presents a national model for increasing student involvement.  The programs make education more relevant, while also encouraging students to become lifelong stewards of the environment.

Following the 30 minute film, Graham Cox and Richard Baker, members of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, will share information about their environmental education programs for students in Indian River County.   This program is free and open to the public.  Donations to offset the screening fees for the film are gratefully accepted.  The Fair Trade Corner will be open one-half hour prior to the film.

U.U. SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM: LEGALIZE DEMOCRACY

from Nancy Stiefel

What:  Social Justice film:  Legalize Democracy

When:  Sunday, May 18, 7 PM

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, corner of 27^th Avenue and 16^th Street in Vero Beach

 

Legalize Democracy is a short documentary that aims to help reclaim democracy from modern day corporate rule.  The film provides a clear history lesson in Supreme Court decisions through the years that have influenced the interpretation of the Bill of Rights to apply to corporations as well as people.  It explains the grassroots movement known as Move to Amend which seeks to amend the US Constitution so that corporations do not have the rights of persons protected by the Bill of Rights.  

The film was produced by Move to Amend, directed by Dennis Trainor, Jr., and financed entirely by grassroots donations.  Legalize Democracy is both entertaining and informational. It leads you through the paths and constant struggles of maintaining our rights. Most importantly it does so using an approach that grabs the attention. It states in no uncertain terms why this movement is necessary. Whether you are a political being or an apolitical being, you will learn from this documentary.

John Debus of the Treasure Coast Progressive Alliance will facilitate the discussion following the film.  The Fellowship’s Fair Trade Corner will be open ½ hour prior to the film.  There is no charge, but donations are always gratefully accepted.

UU Documentary: Living for 32

from Nancy Stiefel

What:  Social Justice Film Series:  Living for 32

When:  Sunday, March 9, 7:00 PM

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, corner of 16^th Street and 27^th Avenue, Vero Beach

Through the personal story of survivor Colin Goddard, "Living for 32" (2010) tells the tragic tale of the gun massacre at Virginia Tech University and Goddard’s inspirational journey of renewal and hope. He was shot four times and told he might never walk again. He lives with three bullets still lodged in his body and a titanium rod in his left leg.  After recovering from his wounds and completing physical therapy, he has made it his life’s mission to help ensure that a tragedy like the Virginia Tech massacre will never happen again.  Goddard now works for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 

Mayor Cory Booker, of Newark says, “Living for 32 is a powerful film. Colin Goddard, like many heroic Americans, knows that we have a Virginia Tech every day with more than 32 Americans dying daily due to gun violence. This film teaches, touches, and challenges us to act.”  

The Fair Trade Corner will be open one half hour prior to the film. A discussion about gun control with Rev. Alexander and Jeff Pierson will follow the 40 minute film. 

Hope to see you there.