Watching reruns or reality television on the tube? Catch Project Runway on Hulu over the weekend (no criticism, we love it and Tim Gunn too) and get out to build progressive community or involve yourself in activities to do some good. There are some choice options — including the start of Early Voting for the mayoral and Metro Council runoff election — on tap for Thursday and Friday. Do some good! Make it work!
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
- The third Thursday of the month means it’s time to turn focus to human rights around the globe. Amnesty International Nashville holds its monthly gathering on the 20th at 6 pm. Expect to sign petitions and letters in support of international prisoners of conscience. There also will be discussions of local and national human rights issues and persons to support. This month, the gathering takes place at the glorious bakery Atamology, 2320 West End. RSVP via the group’s meetup page.
- Thursday marks an important meeting for Workers’ Dignity, which usually meets every third and fourth Thursday of the month. The meeting of the 20th is the one that precedes the group’s scheduled Aug. 23 training session, so if you are involved in this, you will want to be there. The meeting also involves Know Your Labor Rights workshops and intake for new cases of wage theft. Join with Nashville’s first workers’ center to build economic justice and stand with a worker-led movement. Get more info at 615-669-6679. The meeting runs from 6-9 pm at 3013B Nolensville Pike.
- If you want to make social connections among local progs, Drinking Liberally is a good place to start. A true Nashville Original, the group meets each Thursday for an evening of discussion and camaraderie with fellow liberals. The event is held at the Flying Saucer, 111 10th Ave South #310, at 6:30 pm. For more information, contact nashville@drinkingliberally.org.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
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“Make it work!” The mayor’s race is down to progressive Metro Council vet Megan Barry and David Fox, who says he’s no right-winger or Teabagger, but took the SuperPAC funds. You get to choose between them at the Sept. 10 mayoral runoff — or you can lock in your decision starting Friday, Aug. 21. That’s when Early Voting begins at the Howard School. On Aug. 27, a host of satellite polling centers join the picture, and Early Voting will run through Sept. 5 for races including mayor, At-Large Metro Council seats, and a number of council districts. Why wait to speak your piece? Exercise your vote early and then spend the time through Sept. 10 encouraging your likeminded associates to do their civic duty.
- Environmental advocates from all over Tennessee will converge on Knoxville Friday for a Tennessee Valley Authority Board Meeting. Nashville certainly will be represented. If you want to get on one of the vans Nashville Peace Calendar reports is transporting local folks there, contact Chris Ann Lunghino of Sierra Club and Climate Action.