Programs
While there are several interest groups within the organization, WIN Programs, offered several times a year, form the overarching umbrella for all. Fascinating guest speakers share their insights on a host of topics. Afterwards, we enjoy our bag lunches and discuss what we learned at small tables. WIN provides beverages, desserts, and side dishes that complement the day’s topic. Men and women are welcome to attend our Programs.
Fall Program 2026
Talking Across the Aisle, Pew or Thanksgiving Table
Why bother trying to talk with Flaming Liberals? Why bother trying to talk with Flaming Trumpers?
Dr. Bill Woodson, Founder of Conversations Across the Aisle (CATA), has a few thoughts on both the WHY and the HOW Americans can return to civil discourse in this era of unprecedented political division. Woodson launched his dinner-and- discussion programs here in Sarasota in 2023; they are now taking place in a growing number of cities across the country. CATA brings “people with diverse perspectives together for respectful, informed conversations using techniques that encourage listening, learning and making meaningful connection.” Woodson will address why this type of communication is necessary to maintain a democracy and lead us in an exercise to practice these new conversational strategies.
Born in Newtown, Sarasota, Woodson has enjoyed a 35-year career in Fortune 500 companies and education. He served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and Dean of Outreach at New College. His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies from Brown, A Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, an MBA from the University of Michigan and a PH.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Minnesota.
Please join us for this free, instructive presentation, open to all genders, faiths and political persuasions. You’re invited to bring your friends—those of similar and vastly different viewpoints. Just be sure to:
RSVP by October 11 with the number of guests you’ll be bringing To melamarcus777@gmail.com
Sunday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Clubhouse
4255 Oakhurst Circle East
Enter from Bee Ridge Only
Winter 2026 Gathering
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3:30 at Oakhurst Clubhouse
425 Oakhurst Circle East, Sarasota.
Enter from Bee Ridge Road only.
FAITH AND MEDICAL CARE
Charles Creech knows a thing or two about interfaith dialog. As Head Chaplain for Sarasota Memorial Hospital, he cares for more than 1,000 patients a day, as well as 12,000 employees, 6 staff chaplains, and a cadre of "spiritual care" volunteers. Come hear "Chaplain Chuck" share his wise and amusing insights into supporting vulnerable individuals across the vast landscape of faith traditions while training others in the fine art of supportive listening and respect.
The program is free and open to all interested people. Just bring your inquiring minds and your questions.
WIN will supply snacks and water.
Please register in advance to reserve a seat. EMail: melamarcus777@gmail.com
Sample our
*Common Table Gatherings
*Book Groups *Movie Nights *Inspiring Lectures
*Friendships you Never Expected!
We would love to see you again - or meet you for the first time.
Spring Program 2025
What is Sacred? A Survey of The Divine as Perceived Across World Religions
Are we all praying to the same God? That may be an unanswerable question, but we do know that each religion views the Divine in its own unique way. What are the distinctions and why are there so many religions? History of Religion scholar James Johnson led us on a guided tour across this vast landscape in a lively and engaging way, examining practical, theoretical, and sociological aspects of various faiths.
Winter Program 2025
World Peace: Can Interfaith Dialogue Help?
Since 1984, the US Institute of Peace has worked to prevent, mitigate and resolve violent conflicts around the world, including those with religious undertones–or overtones! On February 9, Melissa Nozell, their Officer for Religion and Inclusive Societies, brought her remarkable global experience, fascinating insights, and stories of active conflict zones to the relative calm of Sarasota.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PAST
On several occasions we have offered panel presentations featuring speakers from all three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) addressing the same subject from their distinct religious viewpoints. Other speakers have brought timely information about societal challenges, which we reflect upon through our individual lenses of faith and religion. Among these distinguished guests are:
Carrie Seidman
Sonia Pressman Fuentes
Lillian Lincoln Lambert
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Carrie Seidman, journalist and creator/producer of FACEing Mental Illness, a podcast addressing the needs of those living with mental illness
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April Glascow, Founding Director of Second Chance Last Opportunity, supporting struggling teens and families in our community
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Sonia Pressman Fuentes, first female attorney in the Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity and a founding member of WIN
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Lillian Lincoln Lambert, the first Black woman to graduate from Harvard Business School and a pioneering entrepreneur
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Dr. Julie Armstrong, Professor of Literature at USF-St. Petersburg, who spoke about civil rights