Actions Previous 2024

Previous Actions from 2024

For the Week of Nov 25, 2024

🔷 This Thanksgiving was preceded by an unprecedented storm that left many on the Eastside without power for so long that the contents of our refrigerators had to be thrown out. Consider donating to a local food bank like HopeLink, Jubilee Reach, or Renewal Food Bank to help those who might find this loss of food a hardship to replace.

🔷 The Washington State Legislature website has had a full rebuild. If you follow state legislation, check it out and familiarize yourself before January when the legislature will reconvene.

🔷 BloodWorks NW is in need of donors. They are having a blood drive at Eastgate Public Health Center on Wednesday Nov 27 from 9-3 pm. Reserve a spot there, or schedule an appointment at your nearest location.

🔷 OpenSecrets, the non-partisan organization that researches and tracks campaign donations had to lay off 10 employees after the election. Please consider donating to this valuable source of information.

Here are your 2 actions and a Bright Spot.

✊ Action 1 – Publish the Equal Rights Amendment Now

From LWV and ERA Coalition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has been ratified by the requisite 38 states to add it as an amendment to the constitution. However, it has had a long and complex history, and there are obstacles such as lapsed deadlines and the US archivist not issuing the final certification of the states’ ratification. The League of Women Voters and the ERA Coalition feel President Biden has the power to direct the archivist to certify the amendment so it can finally be published into our Constitution. This document from Congress and this description of legal viewpoints on the status of the amendment also give some good background. The blatant disregard for women by the incoming administration, and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan for women and gender issues shows us we must act now to attempt to guarantee our rights. Please urge President Biden to act now on the ERA!

🔷 White House 1-202-456-1111 | EMAIL

☎ Sample Script:

Dear President Biden,

I urge you to direct the US Archivist to certify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), adding sex and gender equality to the Constitution once and for all. Final publication of the ERA is within your power, and it is time to secure your legacy.

I appreciate your years of commitment to the fight for gender equality, including your legacy of authoring the Violence Against Women Act, as well as your Administration’s work to address gender-based violence, and defend and expand reproductive rights and health care access. In recent years, we have seen how quickly our rights can be stripped away and our nation’s progress overturned. We cannot take a single liberty for granted, and we cannot wait to take this vital step.

Your White House has repeatedly spoken about enshrining the principle of gender equality in our Constitution. Mr. President, you have that power.

In your remaining time in office, I implore you to instruct the Archivist to certify the Equal Rights Amendment and with that, unequivocally define your legacy as a lifelong champion for equal rights.

The future of our democracy depends on it.

Thank you.

[NAME]

[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]

✊ Action 2 – If you have the bandwidth: Take more actions!

For almost 8 years we have been giving you at least two actions a week right into your inbox. If you are one of those people who have moved from the “grief” stage of the election to the “fired up and ready to fight” stage, we want to give you the resources to take even more actions than we bring to your inbox. Check out these excellent resources:

5calls.org — If you want to find more actions to take even if you don’t have much time, check out 5 Calls. They list calls to make to your congresspeople, organized by topic, including script and phone numbers, and a way to log/track your 5 Calls actions if you choose. It’s one way to supplement your efforts through Indivisible.

Chop Wood, Carry Water is a daily political activism newsletter that comes out 6 days a week. Subscribe and you’ll receive a short, encouraging email in your inbox each weekday telling you how you can make a difference by taking 5-7 minutes worth of EASY actions. Free or paid subscriptions HERE.

Indivisible.org is our parent organization and they have specific actions you can take by zip code or topic area search. You can also sign up to receive emails from them HERE.

Suzi and Eric LeVine – The LeVine’s are local activists. Suzi was Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein during the Obama Administration. Their newsletter gives actions and insight that can inspire and keep you motivated. Subscribe to their newsletter HERE.

⛅ Bright Spots

The satirical “news” organization, The Onion, was the winning bidder at the auction of Alex Jones’ InfoWars. Alex Jones spread hateful lies about the Sandy Hook school shooting and some of the parents sued. They won such a big judgment that Jones was forced to sell his propaganda business. The satirical newspaper plans to shutter Jones’ InfoWars and rebuild the website featuring well-known internet humor writers and content creators, according to a person with knowledge of the sale.

Calendar of Events

Recorded events to check out:

… and More:

Resources:

For the Week of Nov 18, 2024

🔷 We had over 80 people attend our “Worth Fighting For” Community Gathering on Sunday and it was wonderful being in community with everyone. If you haven’t yet, view the amazing Indivisible Strategy Briefing from Wednesday with co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg. Senator Elizabeth Warren has some great guidance about how Indivisibles can be effective in the days ahead. The first 40 minutes are well worth your time. Also, if you can, read at least the first two pages of the new Indivisible Guide: Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink. If you’re fired up, you’ll likely want to read the entire 27 page document. Please see the follow-up notes from the meeting for more information.

🔷 The final weeks of the election highlighted the heavy hand US billionaires had in our election. Elon Musk put an unprecedented amount of time and money into helping Trump win this election. Post election, over a million people made the switch to Bluesky. If you are ready to leave X (formerly Twitter), here is a guide to help get you oriented there. Once there, be sure and follow @indivisibleguide.bsky.social and @indiviseastside.bsky.social. While you’re at it, everyone can encourage our Democratic Congresspeople and Senators to join as well. Indivisible National put out this guide to leaving X months ago.

🔷 The 2025 Legislative session is just around the corner and runs from Jan 13th through April 27th (budget year). Our state is fortunate to have weathered this election cycle by actually turning BLUER! Let’s continue our effective advocacy for just and popular legislation through Washington Indivisible Legislative Action (WILA).

You can help WILA prepare for the 2025 legislative session by completing the 2025 WIN Legislative Priorities survey.

🔷 Indivisible National is asking us to call our Representative to Vote NO on H.R. 9495 to Stop Trump From Attacking Dissenting Organizations.

Here are your 2 actions and a Bright Spot.

✊ Action 1 – Protect our Immigrant Community

From NWIRP and WAISN

There was a ton of anti-immigrant rhetoric during the final weeks of the campaign, and the potential cabinet appointments seem to indicate they are serious about targeting our immigrant community. This is nothing new. We fought this in the first Trump administration. We intend to support our area immigrant community and to do that, we will be taking cues from two great local organizations.

The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network’s role as an organization founded in love and rooted in community has only become more important in the face of anti-immigrant rhetoric and a for-profit detention agenda seeking to break apart families. Last Thursday they held a “Looking Forward” event to plan for resistance.

Immigration attorneys at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project gave a post-election update about what they expect to see and what folks’ rights are, regardless of their immigration status. View with English or Spanish Closed Captioning at https://vimeo.com/1027829846. Share with friends and neighbors. NWIRP’s Know Your Rights page has resources from different organizations, including “Know Your Rights” pamphlets from ACLU in many more languages than English and Spanish.

✊ Action 2 – Tell Senators to Cosponsor and vote in favor of Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel

From Friends Committee on National Legislation

October 7 marked a year of war in Gaza, with entrenched dynamics that have brought suffering and death to tens of thousands of people, and no clear end in sight. Despite all that has gone on, two months earlier, in August, the Biden Administration approved a series of arms sales to Israel totaling more than $20 billion. Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) led by Senators Bernie Sanders (VT), Peter Welch (VT), Jeff Merkley (OR), and Brian Schatz (HI) would block the sale of many offensive weapons that have been used in strikes that have killed thousands of civilians, including aid workers and journalists, in Gaza over the last year.

These weapons include joint direct attack munitions (JDAMs) and 120-millimeter tank shells, which the Israeli military has repeatedly used in attacks that have killed civilians in densely populated areas. The JRDs do not oppose missile defense systems such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

The United States cannot claim the high ground when it sends billions of dollars in weapons to a government that has shown so little regard for civilian life, and which credible reports allege has engaged in actions that violate international law. Congress must pass these resolutions and use all forms of U.S. leverage to bring a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon, and across the region. Please ask our Senators to pass these Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to stop the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. You can either use this form, or call or write using the script below.

☎ Sample Script:

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I do not understand why the United States continues to supply the Israeli government with U.S. weapons. Israel’s incursions into Lebanon to attack Hezbollah are a major escalation of the ongoing war and only deepen the likelihood that the entire region could become immersed in conflict.

Israel has repeatedly failed to protect civilians in Gaza and has not engaged in a meaningful effort to end the war and secure the release of the hostages.

A year of escalating war and violence cannot continue to be rewarded. I urge you to support efforts led by Senators Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, Jeff Merkley, and Brian Schatz that would block the sale of lethal weapons to Israel through Joint Resolutions of Disapproval.

More weapons of war will only intensify this already terrible conflict and cause it to spread further. New weapons sales to Israel will send a message of impunity in the face of repeated violations of U.S. and international law.

Please use the leverage the United States has to act for peace and do not approve further arms sales to Israel.

Thank you,

[Name]

[City, Zip]

⛅ Bright Spots

From Americans United for Separation of Church and State

After Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed into law a mandate that all public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools display a state-prescribed version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, Americans United for Separation of Church and State joined forces with coalition partners to protect the religious freedom of all Louisiana students and families by filing a lawsuit challenging the law.

Last week, a federal district court issued a ruling prohibiting that Louisiana law from going into effect.

Calendar of Events

Save the Date

Recorded events to check out:

… and More:

Resources:

For the Week of Nov 11, 2024

🔷 Tuesday’s election brings memories of 2016 flooding back. While this is not the outcome any of us hoped and worked for and it is difficult to fathom what the next few years will hold, the work did not begin and does not end with this or any election. Times like these call for us to lean in to supporting each other and finding the things we can do individually and collectively to create change and protect the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community. We have been here before and we all chose to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for progressive values —we will continue to do that now.

An important difference between now and 2016 is that many of us who were new to organizing had so much to learn before we could lead effectively, and Indivisible itself was just a PDF on a website. We had so many questions such as: What organizations are already doing this work and who can we connect with? How can we use Facebook to get our message out and create a safe communication space? Who can design a logo for us, build a website, manage a mailing list? Who knows how to run a rally safely? We know the answers to these questions now, and so much more. Today, we have a tight-knit steering committee, a fantastic Weekly Actions team, a robust Postcarding program, a statewide Indivisible Network, a powerful National Indivisible, strong connections to allied organizations, and a mighty band of dedicated, passionate, trustworthy activists. We’re here for each other, and we’re not going anywhere.

🔷Let’s gather to process what just happened, deepen our bonds for the challenges ahead, and orient ourselves to taking strategic action on the road ahead. Please join us Nov 17th from 1:30-4 pm for an Indivisible Eastside Community Gathering. Indivisible National has been working with the “Worth Fighting For” coalition to prepare for the possibility of a Trump 2.0 presidency, and are equipping leaders with resources to help us all process, grieve and come through stronger and more determined. All democracy loving people are welcome. Register at Indivisible Eastside’s “Worth Fighting For” community gathering to receive location details.  There is so much work ahead, we need you and we look forward to being in community with you.

🔷 Take some inspiration from Vice President Kamala Harris’s Speech to Supporters. “The light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting.”

🔷 Are you struggling, as most of us are, with post-election emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, and intense anxiety, and need help managing your emotions? This can be especially tough if you have to get up and function normally as if nothing is different. Maybe you have to go to work, or interact with others who you know are celebrating this moment. Please check out these 10 Tips to Cope with the Election Results from Dr. Samantha Wagner to help manage what you are feeling without crumbling.

🔷 Over 100,000 people participated in the “Worth Fighting For: Making Meaning of the Moment” webinar last Thursday. There are far too many takeaways to list here, but it was energizing to listen to reflections of Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Jamie Raskin, as well as activist leaders from Working Families Party, Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, ACLU, SEIU and others on YouTube and Facebook. Note: It’s a jam-packed 4 hours long, but you can listen to it while rage gardening, deep cleaning the garage (tip #9 from Dr. Wagner’s list above), or taking a rejuvenating walk (tip #5).

Here are your 2 actions and a Bright Spot.

✊ Action 1 – Immediate need for Ballot Curing efforts

from Indivisible.org

The makeup of the US House is still up in the air with a narrow path still available for Democratic control. To make sure every vote is counted, Ballot Curing efforts are underway. Most people who receive a call about their ballot are very happy to be given the opportunity to correct any issues.

Sign up to Ballot Cure Phone Bank with Indivisible. Choose an event that interests you and then click “See details and more times” to see all the options available.

You can also help candidates in tight races have the resources they need to cover ballot curing and potential recount expenses.

House: Support House Democrats to Retake the House Majority

Senate:

Donate to Ruben Gallego’s Ballot Curing effort in Arizona

Donate to Sen. Bob Casey’s Recount Account in Pennsylvania

✊ Action 2 – Tell your Senators to fill every judicial vacancy NOW

from Indivisible.org

Congress is reconvening for the final session of the year and Senate Democrats only have a few more weeks in the majority. With another Trump presidency and a Republican-controlled Senate looming, Democrats must make the most of this time and do everything in their power to safeguard our democracy and our rights.

That’s why they must prioritize confirming pro-democracy judges in the final session. President Biden has nominated a slate of diverse, highly qualified candidates to federal judgeships. The Senate has confirmed over 200 of these judges, but there are 30 more nominations still pending – and that number could grow before Biden leaves office. Confirmations can be slow because there are a number of procedural hoops to jump through in the Senate – but with determination and long hours, Democrats can get this done.

Federal judges serve for lifetime appointments, so it’s crucial that these positions are filled by candidates who are dedicated to upholding the Constitution and our democracy. And we know that if these seats are still vacant when he takes office, Trump will nominate judges that will further the MAGA agenda from the bench.

Contact your senators urging them to spend the final session confirming as many judges as possible before Republicans take control of the Senate. Or use this Indivisible Form with the same message.

☎ Sample Script:

As a constituent, I urge you and your colleagues in the Senate to prioritize confirming pro-democracy judges during the final session of Congress.

The Senate has already confirmed over 200 of President Biden’s judicial nominees, but there are still 30 nominations pending. We need to ensure that those vacancies are filled by judges who will uphold the Constitution and our democracy before Trump returns to the White House. We cannot afford to have these lifetime appointments filled by Trump’s judicial picks, who will just further his MAGA agenda from the bench.

Thank you for your past work to protect our democracy. I’m counting on you to use these last few weeks to do everything you can to continue safeguarding our democracy before Republicans take control of the Senate. That includes confirming all of the pending judicial nominees.

Thank you.

⛅ Bright Spots:

From Suzi and Eric Levine’s Newsletter

Washington State showed that we can elect exceptional individuals, respect diversity, AND protect our environment. Congratulations to all the great candidates including Bob Ferguson, Nick Brown, Dave Upthegrove, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and the rejection of 3 out of 4 initiatives. Washington was the only state to get bluer!

Calendar of Events

Save the Date

Recorded events to check out:

… and More:

Resources:

For the Week of October 28, 2024

🔷 Have you voted? Turning your ballot in early frees up resources for the campaigns’ GOTV efforts and gets you off the email and call lists!

🔷 Thanks to everyone who came to Ballots and Brews yesterday. It was great to come together and gather to work off some pre-election stress!

🔷 There are still several Ballot Drop Boxes that don’t have an observer on election night. This can be arranged for anyone who identifies as a Democrat. Sign up to observe a Ballot Drop Box on Election night, 7:15-8:30 pm Tues Nov 5. Questions? Email elections@kcdems.org

🔷 Join Indivisible co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg for a special pre-election virtual coffee klatch on Nov 4th at 12:00 pm. They will break down how to deal with election day, from what to expect, what information to consume and how to interpret returns, to how to curb your anxiety. Register to attend.

🔷 Do you have campaign yard signs that you’ll need to dispose of after the election? They are always tricky as they’re not recyclable in the regular system. Good news – Ridwell will be collecting them this year! If you have a subscription you will get a notice in your regular email from the company but even non-subscribers can sign up for a special collection by using this link.

Here are your 2 actions this week.

✊ Action 1 – Vote and encourage others to do so!

Action 1a. Mail or drop off your ballot in a drop box or at a vote center by 8 pm on November 5th! If you’re unsure about judicial positions or ballot measures, here are some resources to help:

Action 1b. Encourage friends and family to vote and share these resources with them. If you need help, Vote Save America has a script that you can use to text three friends to convince them to vote. This is especially helpful if you know people in swing states!

Action 1c. Pick your opportunity to support democracy.

We have one week left to ensure that we elect leaders who reflect our values. Alleviate your election stress by checking the list below to see how you can help.

To quote Indivisible, an election that’s within the margin of error is also within the margin of effort.

Canvass

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