ACTIONS FOR WEEK OF MARCH !

Dear Activists,

 

A lot is happening, and some of it is quite exciting.  If it feels like there is absolutely too much to do, that may be true. So you’ll have to pick and choose. Some of us have too many Zoom meetings to keep up.

 

As a result of a survey we did of the group, we identified some critical issues that seemed to be of greatest interest. Voting Rights and Election Safety was one of the top issues, so we are all watching very carefully what is happening with H.R.1 (You can get more information on the bill here.)

 

SO THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON THIS WEEK

On Saturday the House passed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package bill. The biggest item (costing about $420 billion) is a package of $1,400-per-person checks for most households. Other major items include an expansion of jobless benefits ($240 billion); an expansion of tax credits for parents and low-income workers ($130 billion); health insurance subsidies ($65 billion); and housing assistance ($40 billion). The other half of the bill is mostly aid to state and local governments, including money for schools as well as for coronavirus testing and vaccination.

And, although there is a provision in the bill to raise the minimum wage to $15. The problem is that the Senate will not pass this bill with that in it because they will filibuster, so the Democrats will use budget reconciliation to pass the bill but the Senate parliamentarian said the minimum wage provision  would not fit in. What does that mean. Two things: we must get the covid relief package passed. And we need to eliminate the filibuster (so legislation can be passed with a simple Majority).

 

Now this is what you can do. Both Senators Durbin and Duckworth have come out as undecided about whether the filibuster should be passed. Let’s help them decide. Let’s call them, email them, contact them through ResiBot, tweet at them--let them know that we must eliminate the filibuster and you want them to vote on legislation regarding that. 

 

THEN THERE’S HR 1

Good news, this bill will be voted on this week in the House This is a big bill which includes measures to: o expand Americans' access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and implement other anti-corruption measures for the purpose of fortifying our democracy, and for other purposes. VERY IMPORTANT. All Democrats have signed on as cosponsors of the bill. Then it will go on to the Senate as S.1

 

STATE ISSUES

Are you a member of the Democratic Party of Illinois? What does it mean to be a member? Most people do not know. 

The fact is on March 6, elected Democratic State Central Committee members will choose Madigan’s successor as the Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. This meeting will be the ULTIMATE smoke filled backroom  - unless grassroots demands better.

First, contact interim Democratic party chair, Karen Yarbrough 217-546-7404.  Demand that the March 6 special meeting ensures transparency by livestreaming and/or opening the event to the public and press. 

Second, contact your Democratic Central Committeeperson. Demand public, in-district candidate forums for the Democratic Party of Illinois Chair. FIND YOUR CENTRAL COMMITTEEPERSON HERE https://www.ildems.com/party-leadership

 

#TRUTH BRIGADE

There’s a new campaign. #StoptheBigLie, Even if you aren’t officially signed up, PLEASE, sometime this week, share this message (or customize it) on Facebook and/or Twitter. More information about the campaign here. Here is a sample message you can share.

Most of us want our leaders to focus on OUR health and safety--not on fear for their own lives. Yet extremists on the right are inciting the insurrectionists again, spreading the Big Lie to disrupt our democracy. I love my country, and I'm not falling for it. #TruthBrigade https://bit.ly/37I5okY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then there’s a campaign for our state and we are using #TruthBrigadeIllinois  (yes--always use a hashtag when you are doing these posts) and it’s to debunk fears and lies about COVID vaccinations. Info sheet here.  Here is a sample message and please share this week. 

A COVID vaccine is here! But some people are choosing to spread lies that will only prolong this pandemic. Instead of listening to rumors, I hope we come together to listen to the science and support safe, effective vaccines for all. #TruthBrigadeIllinois  https://www.bbc.com/news/54893437

Please be part of this truth-telling movement!

 

              CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

 

MON MAR 1

 

2 PM 

If you can in the afternoon, stop by the Poor People’s Campaign Moral Monday live stream.  RSVP here or find the livestream on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

TUES MAR 2

10:00 AM IS COFFEE KLATCH. Join us by Zoom and we’ll have coffee, see how everyone is doing and chat about the actions that we need to take in the very near future. If you have the time, please join us. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86940129982 

Meeting ID: 869 4012 9982

 

WED MAR 3

8:00 PM  Indivisible Illinois State Call. State calls are open to all. You can RSVP here. You’ll find out about important issues and bills in our state government.

 

THUR MAR 4

7 PM  Indivisible March National Activist Call  You can register here for this call and register to get an invite every month. Find out what is happening and how you can help save democracy. This is usually a fast-paced hour-long Zoom call with the latest on what we can do for federal advocacy.

 

FRI MAR 5

It’s #FilibusterFriday  If you are on twitter you can be part of this weekly tweetstorm that happens on Friday. To join this Twitterstorm every Friday, please join the Twitter room by following and direct messaging @sreeske on Twitter.  Here’s the Toolkit

 

4:30  HAPPY HOUR AND POSTCARDS

You don’t want to miss this one. We’ll have a guest bartender who mixes up a cocktail, and then we’ll get on to talking about postcarding. Reid McCullom, the man behind Postcards to Swing States and also Postcards to Georgia, will stop by and announce the new campaigns that are launching in April for the 2022 election. If you postcard, you don’t want to miss this!  

Join Zoom Meeting   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84289730154

Meeting ID: 842 8973 0154 Or by phone at 3126266799,

 

SAT MAR 6

4 PM  Saturday Democracy Reform Phonebank

H.R. 1 (For the People Act) is one of the cornerstones of the necessary reforms we need to unrig our democracy and make it work for all. H.R. 1 includes the following: Voter empowerment and access, getting money out of politics, establishing independent redistricting commissions in all states, and so much more. We will be calling our neighbors in Illinois' 16th Congressional District, asking them to contact Rep. Adam Kinzinger to support H.R. 1. Never phonebanked before? That's ok! You can watch this video in advance to familiarize yourself with the system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_V6JQoGKQ8

You can also download the TurboVPB plug-in to make calls in a streamlined way: https://turbovpb.com/ 

 

WITNESS SLIPS ARE BACK!

Yes, the state legislative session is gearing up, and as bills are in committee, we have an opportunity to register our support of opposition to them through filling out Witness Slips. There are too many already to include in this action list and things change quickly. There are two ways to stay on top of what is happening. If you are on Facebook, you can join the group. Or, if you prefer, go to the page on our blog. I will try and keep this updated so you can be on top of these. And I will note each new update.

 

SEND A CARD?

If you come to any of our meetings, you’ve undoubtedly seen John Twomey at them. Unfortunately, John broke a vertebrae or two in his back a couple of weeks ago and he is temporarily residing in a nursing home so he can get adequate care as his back heals. I’m sure he’d be happy to get a card or postcard from anyone.  The address is:  John Twomey, ℅ Manor Care,  600 W Ogden Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521

 

And here’s something for you to watch: an Oscar-nominated short film called A Night at the Garden. Chilling. How does this compare to MAGA rallies? Well folks, we have a democracy to save. Let’s go do it!

 

Etta

 

PS  If you want to hear more late breaking news on things we should be concerned about or acting on, please join our Facebook group or to follow us on Twitter.  And email us at westernfrontindivisible@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.

ACTIONS FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 14

Dear Friends,   There’s a couple of major things happening today. One is that the first vaccines are shipping and will start to be given to front-line medical workers. Second is that today the electoral college will vote to declare Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 election. Officially.  And we have a Supreme Court that is honoring the Constitution. Isn’t it time we celebrated? It’s been a long hard year. We worked hard to get Joe Biden and Kamala Harris elected. So let’s make our last meeting of the year one of celebration.  This Friday, Dec. 18, we will turn our regular Happy Hour into a year end celebration.  The Happy Hour regularly starts at 4:30 and for this time we will extend it until 6 pm.  As usual, I will mix up a cocktail (I am trying not to repeat any this year--a different one each week). And we’ll have a time to relax, breathe deeply and reflect on all that has happened this year.   Maybe you don’t usually come to our Zoom meetings. Well, we’d love to have you show up this time because it’s a party. Here’s what you need to know to get into our meeting.  Join Zoom Meeting   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81077985273 Meeting ID: 810 7798 5273 Or you can join by phone at 312-626-6799 We’d like to have you join us. If you can’t make it right at 4:30, no problem. Join at any time.   OTHER THINGS THIS WEEK MON, DEC 14 7 PM Join with folks from Indivisible Western Springs and write letters to voters in Georgia.  You need to sign up with Sierra Club first to get the addresses. And you need to have a printer so you can print out the letters. And you’ll need to sign up for the Zoom meeting ahead of time.  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscO2orjkoGt3EHAFouzv7fibYipzpLO6p   TUES., DEC 15 10 AM Western Front Coffee Klatch is on Zoom at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85844306450 Or by phone at 312-626-6799.  Grab your coffee or tea, and join us.  We’ll talk about what’s happening in the world and maybe do some planning for future events.   7 PM Indivisible National Campaigns Network Call Join us for updates on GA, 2021 planning, and some holiday cheer! For this call we'll be starting on Tuesday 1at 7 CST and starting some fun activities around 8 pm CST so we can get to know each other better and celebrate the end of the year! This is open to all Indivisibles. Here’s the sign-up link.   WED, DEC 16 Spread the truth. All day. And right now we are focusing on positive messages about the Covid vaccine.  Remember, on social media we DO NOT WANT TO DEBUNK LIES DIRECTLY. That only amplifies them. Instead we will create new posts with the Truth.   Here is a sample: A COVID vaccine is on the way! It's sad that already, some people are choosing to spread lies that will only prolong this pandemic. Instead of listening to rumors, I hope we come together to listen to the science and support safe, effective vaccines for all. #TruthBrigade For more information on this campaign, go to this Google doc. THURS. DEC. 17 The Midwest continues to experience the worst rates (and deaths) of COVID-19 in the country with numerous leaders failing to meet the moment. At Indivisible, our Midwest coalition has created the Midwest COVID Caucus to address holding our leaders accountable, exposing their lack of response, and bringing people along with us by leading with our values. The first group call will be Thursday, December 17th. If you are interested in joining this Caucus, sign up here.   7 PM   Indivisible Rural Illinois meets biweekly on Thursdays at 7:00p. The next call will be December 17th. RSVP for the Indivisible Rural Illinois call here (REMINDER: This is a new link).  The purpose of this group is to support each other as we go forward following the 2020 general election. It is clear that there is a sharp political divide between rural and suburban/urban Illinois. This has been true for a long time but there are many progressives living in rural areas. The project is two-fold: One, strategizing on how we can find like minded progressives in our communities. And, second, how to work toward informing our neighbors about what progressive agenda really is.   FRI  DEC 18  4:30PM     You are coming to our Happy Hour and Year end celebration, right?  Here’s the Zoom link again.   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81077985273   WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO There’s a runoff election in Georgia. You’re probably quite aware of that.      What can you do? Well, you can donate money, of course.   Never forget that Black and brown organizers in Georgia are the reason that state flipped blue for Joe Biden. Contributions to organizations in Georgia go a long way in paying organizers and supporting their long-term strategy to defeat voter suppression and keep the state blue. Indivisible Georgia Coalition Indivisible GA04 Indivisible Georgia Sixth District Indivisible Lumpkin Indivisible GA11   Other groups to support Fair Fight Black Voters Matter The New Georgia Project   Indivisible will be having one more National Day of Action Call-A-Thon for Georgia, the day before Election Day. REGISTER for Georgia Call-A-Thon on Monday, Jan. 4th   There are other organizations that do have additional phonebanking opportunities, including Fair Fight, Black Voters Matter, and both campaigns (Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock).   STAMPS FOR GEORGIA We do have prolific postcard writers in this group and if you can contribute either rolls of stamps or money for stamps to send these, that would be appreciated. Our fundraising link on ActBlue has been reactivated. Can you afford to help us get stamps and to fund the ongoing work of Western Front. Here is the link to contribute.   In conclusion, please stay safe as you celebrate the many holidays of this month.    And keep on believing,   Etta

ACTIONS for week of NOVEMBER 30th

Dear Fellow Activists,

 

I hope you had a relaxing long weekend and got a chance to think more about the things you are grateful for. I ran across this quote and wanted to share it with you.

 

I felt something yesterday I haven't felt in a while: Hope. We have worked so hard for four years. We have had so many awful, low moments. But we've proved that hopeful actions DO succeed in carrying us to a better place. So while we have SO MUCH work yet to do, I want to take a few days to feel awe inspired by what we've just done. As I've said so many times before, what we focus on grows. So I encourage you to spend this week in simple gratitude. We're not done; I'll still be phonebanking tomorrow, and on Monday we'll resume our calls--there is so much more to build!--but for this week, barring anything unforeseen happening, let's mostly just enjoy.

         From Jessica Craven, Chop Wood Carry Water Daily Actions Newsletter

 

HERE’S A DATE FOR YOUR JANUARY CALENDAR

Do you have a new calendar (if you use a physician calendar)?  Ready to throw out 2020 and start with a crisp clean new 2021?  Well, I know for sure, you probably have January 20th circled on the calendar. The Inauguration, of course.  But here’s another date to put down: January 13th.  It will be a day of action--a signal to the new Administration and the new Senate and new Congress that we have very important issues that we will demand our lawmakers address.

What is it exactly? We don’t know yet. But ot’s called The People Lead. And we will start brainstorming what that might be. So come to our Coffee Klatch on Tuesday at 10 and/or our Happy Hour on Friday at 4:30 and join the conversation. 

 

HOW TO HELP IN GEORGIA

 

I know we all have major concerns about the runoff elections in Georgia on January 5th.  Are you writing postcards? I have run out of them but you can order them directly from Postcards To Swing States.

 

There’s more to be done than postcards. We have been encouraged to reach out to Georgia organizations to find out how we can help.  They need money to mount this challenge.  They need volunteers, for things like phone banking and text banking. Go to this Google doc and find out what organizations there are and what help they need.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hb7HhdVoHEm5GgBKQN66uqeiGRBwlvLoYq4LLapKHfQ/edit

 

From Indivisible

One part of our fight is over, but another one is beginning. We’re hoping that this January will be different, but Indivisibles are ready to activate and organize and make calls and write op-eds and protest with cardboard cut-outs again because we’re working towards restoring and strengthening our democracy. 

With Giving Tuesday coming up on December 1, we’re spending the next month reminiscing on our biggest wins and all the hard work that made it possible. Be on the lookout for more emails in this series about the strength of this movement. We’ll be sharing stories all month long, so make sure you’re following us on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. You can also receive updates by texting the word ‘Indivisible’ to 977-79.

 

THIS WEEK

MON. NOV. 30    7 PM

You don’t have to have postcards to write to voters in Georgia. Vote Forward still has letters to adopt that will be mailed on Dec. 7th. You can register for letters with them here: Vote Forward and Indivisible. And, if you want to write letters with other folks.

Here is the Zoom registration link for the  meeting. You must register ahead of time.  This is organized by Indivisible Western Springs.  Hope to see you there!

 

 TUES., DEC. 1   10 AM

Join us for Coffee Klatch.  Here is the Zoom information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85844306450  Meeting ID: 858 4430 6450   Or by phone at 312-626-6799  Join us for conversation and discussions about how our activism will continue in 2021.

 

 

WED., DEC. 2  5 PM

You can phonebank to Georgia Voters. REGISTER for Georgia Call-A-Thon on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd  Phonebanking is proven to increase turnout the most out of all these resources, and remember that about 20% of the country does not have access to broadband. Sometimes phone calls are the only way people can get information about the election.

 

THUR., DEC. 3   7 PM

Indivisible National Activist Call. All group leaders, group members and other Indivisible activists are welcome. This is only one hour, webinar format, and is extremely informative. Register here to get a link to attend.

THUR., DEC. 3   7 PM

Indivisible Rural Illinois meets biweekly on Thursdays at 7:00p. The next call will be December 3rd. RSVP for the Indivisible Rural Illinois calls here.

The purpose of this group is to support each other as we go forward following the 2020 general election.  It is clear that there is a sharp political divide between rural and suburban/urban Illinois. This has been true for a long time but there are many progressives living in rural areas. We talked about how to be allies to rural progressives at our last Happy Hour. IF this interests you, why not go to this Zoom.

 

FRI. DEC. 4   4:30PM

We have our weekly HAPPY HOUR at 4:30 pm.  This is a warm and friendly collection of folks and we welcome people from other Indivisible groups and other progressive groups.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81077985273  Meeting ID: 810 7798 5273   Or by phone at 312-626-6799    Let’s talk about what we need to do in this lame-duck session before the new administration takes over. Read this to get an overview of possibilities.

 

FRI. DEC. 4   7:00PM

Also on Friday at 7 pm, there’s a virtual postcard writing party by Indivisible DuPage.  Get together with others. Here’s all the info. This is a great way to write postcards in the (virtual) company of others.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Would you like to get more involved with the regular operation of Western Front? Well, you can.  We (I) need help. We need help with planning meetings. With attending national and state Zoom meetings and giving reports.  With maintaining  WFI’s FB pages and Group, and our Twitter account. And we need help with creating and sending out the weekly action list.  It you would like to get more involved, please email us at westernfrontindivisible@gmail.com

 

BE CAREFUL

Please! Let’s all be super careful these days. I know it’s going to be a hard time for this next month especially, and then for the winter months. We are going to want to spend time with people. But stay apart. And stay healthy and alive. Vaccines will be coming!

 

Have a good week,

 

Etta