The Sarasota World Affairs Council (SWAC) is part of the largest non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues. SWAC joins nearly 100 councils across 40 states that reach more than half a million people a year. 

 

SWAC’s mission is to foster a greater understanding of and engagement with world affairs among members and the local community through a notable speakers’ series and educational programs.  Based at New College of Florida, we encourage participation by students and working people by having programs in the early evening.  SWAC’s lectures are free to the general public, but reservations are suggested.  There are receptions afterward with the speaker for SWAC members. 

 

For more information, sarasotawac.org or (941) 487-4603.

 

Alliance Française de Sarasota
Sarasota’s Connection to French Language and Culture

The Alliance Française de Sarasota joins 800 Alliance chapters in 136 countries across the world to promote knowledge and appreciation of the French language and Francophone cultures and to encourage friendship and collaboration with the French-speaking world.

We offer French language courses at every level, cultural and social activities, and a French library for students and members. Whether you are a native or fluent French speaker, a student of the language, or an interested non-French speaker, you are welcome to participate in the wide range of activities we organize throughout the year.

Learn more about the Alliance Française de Sarasota at http://afsarasota.org.

Manatee Village Historical Park

Manatee Village Historical Park is a collection of historical buildings and replicas representing the pioneering spirit of early settlers in this area. Established in 1976, our mission is to preserve and share the heritage of Manatee County’s founding period from 1840—1918. Structures include the 1903 Wiggins General store, 1912 Stephens Settler’s home, 1887 Church, 1860 Courthouse, 1908 Bunker Hill Schoolhouse, Fogarty Boatworks, and blacksmith shop. All are presented with period furnishings. The Wiggins General Store and the Stephens Settler’s home include permanent and temporary exhibits on a variety of topics, including Manatee County’s cattle industry. Educational opportunities include a self-guided walking tour, as well as book talks, lecture series, heritage festivals, and demonstrations.

For more information visit manateevillage.org

Historic Spanish Point

Historic Spanish Point (owned and operated by Gulf Coast Heritage Association, Inc.) is a 30-acre environmental, archaeological and historic site located on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, Florida. Our Board, Staff and Volunteers connect people of today with 5,000 years of human history in southwest coastal Florida by collecting, preserving and interpreting objects and traditions significant to our region’s past.

For more information visit historicspanishpoint.org

Women’s Resource Center

We have all encountered adversity in small and big ways. At the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) we believe that we can learn from these setbacks and move forward to build a better future. We have staff and generous volunteers who provide necessary programs and services that will help women rebuild their lives and build stronger communities. Our programs include: Affordable mental health counseling, mentoring, financial literacy, health, wellness, career services and wellness. At the WRC we have programs that fit your budget, your schedule, YOUR LIFE!

For more information visit MyWRC.org

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL)

Internationally renowned experts discuss a vast range of domestic and global issues as part of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) 2018 “Global Issues” series. Our 47th season features 72 programs in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch. Speakers will explore dozens of topics, including the opioid crisis, artificial intelligence, America’s volatile politics, and topical issues in China, Korea, Russia and the Middle East.

SILL’s popular “Music Mondays” series features performances and lively conversations with renowned performers and conductors. This captivating three-month series, which runs January through March in both Sarasota and Venice, has become one of the area’s most well-attended events, typically attracting more than 600 people to each presentation.

For more information visit Sillsarasota.org

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Something as amazing as the ocean must be experienced. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution comprised of world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education. From guppies to adults, Mote offers a variety of programming ranging from volunteer opportunities, internships, camps and classroom-style courses.

Learn more about educational programs, including newer programs like “Endless Oceans: Lifelong Learning at Mote,” by visiting mote.org/educate.

 

 

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is a member-powered organization that serves as an advocate for arts and culture in Sarasota County.  Founded in 1986 by a group of committed citizens, the Alliance has administered more than $20 million in grants to area artists and arts organizations. The Alliance works to ensure arts and culture remain essential to the continuing development of a vibrant, creative community. This is achieved through arts advocacy, education, and community outreach.

For more information visit https://sarasotaarts.org.

Ringling College of Continuing Education

For more information visit ringling.edu/ContinuingStudies

USFSM PACE

For more information visit usfsm.edu/pace/about-pace

State College of Florida Continuing & Community Relations

For more information visit scf.edu/CorporateCommunityDevelopment

 

 

 

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Basic Members

Rough & Ready Media

Rough & Ready Media is a Sarasota, Florida-based web development, communications and marketing firm founded by an award winning, veteran journalist. Our company is made up of former journalists as well as top artists, designers, copywriters, editors, web development coders and leading edge social media managers.

That means, no matter the job, we have an expert to handle it.

Learn more about Rough & Ready Media »
 

South Florida Museum

As the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the South Florida Museum offers engaging exhibits and educational programs that interpret the scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the world, and our universe. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Museum features a changing lineup of temporary exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit. The Museum includes the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. The Bishop Planetarium is the area’s premier astronomy education facility. The Parker Manatee Aquarium is home to Snooty™, the oldest known manatee in the world. As a member of the Manatee Rehabilitation and Release Partnership, the Museum has cared for 33 sick or injured manatees so they could return to the wild.

Learn more about South Florida Museum »
 

The Paradise Center

The Paradise Center, located on Longboat Key, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local seniors. Our focus is on education, wellness, socialization and age-related support for seniors in the Sarasota/Manatee area. We offer a wide variety of year-round programs from exercise classes such as Yoga, Zumba and Tai Chi; classes to learn to play Bridge and Mah Jongg; as well as special seminars on important issues such as Brain Health, Preventing Falls and much, much more. Visit our website and join our email list to stay up-to-date.

Learn more about The Paradise Center »

 

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