Weekly Call To Action - June 6, 2021

Take Two Actions Now

​Call NOW to Eliminate the Filibuster, 
Before It’s Too Late!

​It’s really pretty simple. We have one month left to stop the GOP assault on democracy. We MUST pressure our Senators to eliminate the filibuster.

Across the nation, Republican-controlled states are passing the most restrictive anti-voting legislation since Jim Crow. Unless the Senate passes S.1, the For the People Act, by August 2021, there will not be time to undo the harm, and these flagrantly anti-democratic laws will guarantee that Republicans unfairly regain control of both Congress and the White House for the foreseeable future. 

Over the next few weeks we still have a chance, but only if we work together to make calls and calls and more calls. When Trump tried to take away the Affordable Care Act, we showed up and saved it. Saving democracy is even more important!

Let’s get busy. Call now and make it happen. Every call moves our Senators closer to taking action.

Action1: Contact our Senators to end the filibuster.

• Senator Patty Murray, Phone: 253-572-3636 or Contact Form 
• Senator Maria Cantwell, Phone: 253-572-2281 or Contact Form 
  • Email both your MOCs at once using Democracy.io. 

Script: I am calling as a member of Olympia Indivisible. My name is ________ and I don’t understand why Senator _____ is not showing more leadership to change the Jim Crow filibuster. McConnell and the Senate GOP have made it crystal clear that they intend to use the filibuster not to deliberate, but to obstruct. Unless we change the filibuster rules, the GOP will use it to flagrantly suppress voters and overturn the next election.

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Participate in State Redistricting Commission Decisions

​Washington redraws the boundaries of voting districts every 10 years so they reflect our state’s changing populations. The Washington State Redistricting Commission (WSRC) has launched its new website, where residents of Washington State will be able to participate virtually in the redistricting process by submitting testimony, attending open public meetings, and engaging in public outreach.
 
Action 2:  Click the Register for Public Comment button for the 10th Congressional District redistricting meeting. You can register to watch and optionally you may comment at this June 19, 2021 meeting from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. ​

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Looking Ahead

Drinks and Democracy Happy Hour!

Starting this coming Saturday (June 12), Federal Advocacy co-leads Lisa and Kelly invite OIympia Indivisible members to Lisa’s cozy back patio or (if it’s raining) big harvest kitchen for a Drinks and Democracy Happy Hour! 

From 5:00 to 6:00 PM, come enjoy a signature house drink on a democratic theme (we’ll kick off with a Take Action for Democracy Tom Collins!). Non-alcoholic beverages will be on hand as well. Come raise a glass, catch up with your fellow Indivisiblers, and find out what’s shaking to Take Action for Democracy.  For details and address, RSVP here. 

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Take Action for Democracy Campaign Coming Soon!

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​OI’s Federal Action Team is about to launch our summer campaign: Take Action for Democracy. Our goal? Get the For the People Act passed! We’ll be offering a menu of easy-to-do and impactful actions OI members can take to help pass this democracy lifeline bill before the August Congressional recess. Stay tuned!

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Have You Scheduled These Events?

Town Hall with Lacey City Council Candidates
Robin Vazquez and Carolyn Cox

​
​The three neighboring cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater are stakeholders in many Thurston County issues and projects such as climate mitigation, environment, homeless citizens, transportation, and affordable housing to name a few. For Olympia Indivisible’s goals and values to be implemented and sustained, the three cities need to work together. City Councils have input into Thurston Regional Planning Council.

So, join us on June 7 to meet these two candidates and be prepared to participate in the OI endorsement process on June 26. Every local position is important to sustain our democracy.

Action: Register in advance for this meeting with Robin and Carolyn. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You will also be able to submit questions for the candidates on the registration form, at the meeting.
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• Robin Vazquez, Position 4, Monday, June 7 @ 5:30 PM
• Carolyn Cox, Position 7, Monday, June 7 @ 6:15 PM

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Celebrate Flag Day With Olympia Indivisible At the “Nourish Our Neighbors” Drive Thru on June 13

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​This event is to show our appreciation for all you have done, and to start a return to a feeling of community after our year of isolation. You need not get out of your car, just say hello and exchange a food item for the Food Bank for a goody bag from OI. At least the first 100 participants will receive a goody bag. 

Why are we doing this?

• We take back the flag after four years of effort. We thank you for making that effort.
• We share with our food insecure neighbors by bringing food for the Foodbank
• Pick up a goody bag we made for you, with goodies and an action Item.
• And just say hello. It has been a while.

DATE: June 13, Sunday, One day before Flag Day
TIME:  2:00 to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Parking Lot, 201 8th Ave, SE, Olympia, WA 98501, Corner of 8th Ave & Franklin
Cars enter on Franklin, and exit on 8th Street. No need to leave your car. Masked and vaccinated volunteers will come pick up your donations and deliver a volunteer made gift bag with an action item included to the first 100 people.  Cookies will be involved!
DONATION: Thurston County Food Bank Shopping List;

• Canned Protein - tuna, chicken, spam, beef stew, Salmon
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fruit in natural juice
• Canned Soups - meat and vegetarian
• Chili - meat and vegetarian
• Boxed Cereal
• Mac and Cheese
• Canned Vegetables - low salt
• Greatly appreciate donations of fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter (January to June). Consider purchasing some broccoli, tomatoes or carrots from the produce department of your grocery store

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​From Our Friends at Grey Indivisible

​What's Happening at the Southern Border?

​This is an opportunity to hear from volunteers who are actually working along the border. A few Grey Indivisible members spend winters and volunteer with the Samaritan volunteers. Hear about conditions from the leaders of this effort.   
 
Have you been confused about what's happening at our southern border?  Would you like to know more about what's really going on - and why?  

• Participate in this virtual presentation to learn more about the current situation at the Southern Arizona border, 
• Hear how the Sonora Migrant Project is supporting Central Americans and Mexicans who are being deported into northern Mexico, and 
• Learn how you can help.  

 
Susie Sanders and Alyson Ball are Green Valley Samaritans and members of the Alliance4Action Immigration Action Group.  

• Susie, who learned how to welcome strangers when she was warmly received at a Bolivian mining camp in the 1970's, is also a founding member of  the Sonora Migrant Project,  
• Alyson, a snowbird from Virginia, is this year's Chair of the Alliance4Action Immigration Action Group and gives presentations about US immigration, asylum, and the US/MX border. 

 
Action:  Register here for the Thursday, June 10th at 10:30 program What's Happening at the Southern Border?