August 7, 2025 • Selby Public Library, Sarasota

On the evening of August 7, Sarasota Sister Cities presented Building Bridges: Sarasota Peace & Understanding Summit, an event that exceeded expectations and affirmed the community’s appetite for honest dialogue, mutual respect, and collective action. The auditorium at Selby Public Library was filled to capacity, as neighbors from across Sarasota gathered for an inspiring conversation on unity, inclusion, and hope.

A Community United in Conversation

From the start, the atmosphere was one of engagement and earnestness. The panel brought together four respected voices from distinct segments of our city: Kelly Kirschner, President of UnidosNow Board of Directors; Jen Ahearn-Koch, Sarasota City Commissioner; Liat Alon, Chief Learning & Engagement Officer at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota–Manatee; and Trevor Harvey, President of the Sarasota Chapter of the NAACP. Moderated by Wendy Lerner, VP of Arts & Culture for Sarasota Sister Cities, the panel navigated tough questions about immigration, racism, antisemitism, political polarization, and the structural obstacles to belonging. Each panelist shared the challenges and fears experienced by their constituents, listened intently to audience questions, and offered practical ideas for making Sarasota safer, more welcoming, and more just.

Reflection, Respect, and Action

What made the evening especially meaningful was how the audience participated. Listeners asked penetrating questions, voiced concerns, and offered reflections of their own. But the tone remained grounded, respectful, and forward-looking and a shared exploration of how neighbors might walk together rather than apart. Panelists emphasized tangible steps that community members can take, such as staying informed about local hate or bias incidents, building relationships across cultural and faith communities, volunteering with or supporting institutions that advance equity, using one’s voice in civic life, and advocating for safe and inclusive local policies.

A Living Symbol of Unity

In a beautiful capstone to the event, attendees contributed to a collaborative art piece that visually embodied the evening’s spirit of togetherness. Each person added a mark, word, or symbol to the communal canvas, creating a vibrant tapestry of
shared purpose and solidarity. That artwork will now be formally presented to the City of Sarasota as a physical testament to our city’s resolve to move forward together.

Looking Ahead

The summit’s impact will endure. It opened a door, one for ongoing conversation, stronger partnerships, and more courageous action in the face of division. Many stayed afterward, connecting with neighbors, exchanging contact information, and affirming their intention to remain engaged. Sarasota Sister Cities thanks everyone who attended, spoke, listened, and dreamed with us that night. This packed-house event reminds us that building bridges is not just symbolic, it’s the work of everyday courage, curiosity, and care.

Stay tuned for follow-up initiatives, resource sharing, and opportunities to continue this
important work.