From government forums to town-hall meetings, there are more ways than ever to become engaged in Knoxville’s civic and social discourse. Each week, we’ll round up noteworthy public events that come to our attention.

Saturday, March 4

March4Trump/Spirit of America Rally
-AND –
Let LOVE Conquer Rally
Time: Noon
Location: Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Rd.)
Well, everyone can agree on the sentiment that we all love America, right?

Monday, March 6

Women’s March Coalition Conclave
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cox Auditorium, University of Tennessee
Goal: “To have people from all different ideologies, race, gender, walks of life etc. speak up about what their challenges and fears are in regards to the current state of our government (local, state and federal.)” Ticket info here.

Schools Superintendent Candidate Interviews
Time: 11 a.m. meeting, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. interviews
Location: First floor board room, Andrew Johnson Building (912 S. Gay Street).
Knox County Board of Education special called meeting to adopt the interview format for superintendent finalists Bob Thomas and Dale Lynch. Interviews with the finalists will follow and will be open to the public.

Tuesday, March 7

Meet and Greet Knox County Schools Superintendent Finalists
Time: Doors will open at 5 p.m.
Location: West High School (3300 Sutherland Ave.)
Your chance to personally size up superintendent finalists Bob Thomas and Dale Lynch.

 Wednesday, March 8

Women’s HERstory Lives
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Pedestrian Walkway, UT campus
Celebrate Women’s HERstory with the Women’s Coordinating Council on International Women’s Day. Come meet historical heroines like Ida B. Wells and Frida Kahlo. Take selfies with one of the most successful pirates in history (Ching Shih) and honor the important women in your life by writing their names on a memorial banner.
There is also a lecture that evening at 7 p.m. in HSS 71 by local lawyer and activist Wanda Sobieski. She will talk about how Tennessee was the state to ratify women’s suffrage, and tell us about her work memorializing the incredible women in Tennessee who made it all possible. The lecture is a Becker Seminar, so honors students should bring their passports. More info here.

Thursday, March 9

Bridge Refugee Services Quarterly Public Meeting
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: St. Luke UMC, 3839 Buffat Mill Road
Bridge Refugee Services, which helps refugees resettle in the Knoxville area, will hold its “quarterly consultation meeting” to report its activities and needs to the public and its partners. Topics will include 2017 arrivals, the impact of President Trump’s executive order on the refugee resettlement program and the role of the community in refugee integration.

ALSO March 26: Bridge Refugee Services Fundraiser at Crafty Bastard Brewery (6 Emory Place), 2-6 p.m.

Friday, March 10

International Women Art Benefit
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: The Hive (854 N. Central St.)
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the Hive will recognize and celebrate the resiliency of refugee women. Come and peruse the beautiful art and enjoy local food and businesses. The proceeds from all art and ticket sales will benefit Bridge Refugee Services. Tickets will be $5 at the door. Food and live music. Info here.

Saturday, March 11

People Power Resistance Training
Time: 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Location: 940 Blackstock Ave NW
“On March 11, the ACLU is holding a Resistance Training. This event will launch People Power, the ACLU’s new effort to engage grassroots volunteers across the country and take the fight against Donald Trump’s policies not just into the courts, but into the streets. We’re organizing grassroots events in communities across the country to watch the livestream together.” Info here.

2017 Neighborhood Conference
Time: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Knoxville Convention Center
It’s the ultimate neighborhood organization throwdown, presented by the city of Knoxville. Just some of the programming includes:
• Twenty workshops on a wide variety of topics such as crime and public safety, HOA legal issues, zoning and neighborhood protection, animal control, anti-blight resources, how to make your home more energy efficient, and creative ways to build community in your neighborhood.
• Two additional workshops for students interested in learning how to engage with local government to improve their neighborhoods.
• Over 80 booths at which information can be obtained from city and county agencies and a variety of nonprofit organizations.
More info here.

Got a civic event open to all? Send info to editor@knoxmercury.com. 

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