Weekly Call To Action - September 3, 2023

​Quote of the Week:

Don’t say: “Climate change is causing [wildfires, flooding, famine, you name it]”. Climate change isn’t an independent actor who can make things happen. You can’t go to its office and tell it to stop.

Do say: “Dirty energy companies are destroying our climate…” and so on. CALL OUT THE VILLAIN. Name the company or people responsible for what’s happening. They are the ones we need to stop.

— Tom Benthin, Indivisible Sonoma County

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​Campaigns, Get Active:

​Stay Updated on Candidate Events
Access OI’s Endorsed webpage at any time for updates. Or just put the words Olympia Indivisible in your browser and you will find our website. 

Note there are new updates for 

• Emily Clouse, 
• Jasmine Vasavada
• Sarah Tonge

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Local Actions:

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Election Center Security Funding Crisis

The Election Center is made up of the Ballot Processing Center and the Voter Services/Voting Center. 

Need:
The Ballot Processing Center facility needs to be expanded and security features added such as a vestibule with metal detectors that will serve as a public entrance, physical separation of observers and ballot processing, and a safe room. 

Issues:

• The GOP held House plans to cut funds for election security. 
• Threats of violence and attempts of chaos at election centers have increased. 
• Our good experienced workers are quitting out of fear. 
• The County funds are limited due to the cap on property tax even though inflation has made expenses strain the budget to the bursting point. 

Possible Solution: Support the passage of this fall’s new public safety tax called Proposition 1.  

Action: Become informed by listening to the meeting for Voting Center Funding. 

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School Board Corner:

Exceptional Candidates For School Board  Maria Flores - Olympia School District Position 2

Maria is the incumbent and she has signed the Defense of Democracy Pledge to protect our public schools, community and country. 

She is endorsed by Rep. Beth Doglio and many more. Read more about Maria on her website. 

Maria has outstanding qualifications and deserves your support!

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WA State Actions:

Cancel the Power Plant Timber Sale

From Our Friends at Center for Responsible Forestry

A grassroots coalition of people and non-profit organizations have launched the Elwha Legacy Forests campaign to protect the Elwha River Watershed from extractive logging. A critical 126 acre stretch of Forest called "Power Plant", bordering the Olympic Adventure Trail and trail to the Elwha Dam removal site, is under imminent threat. “Power Plant” is a diverse mix of 100 year old Douglas-fir and cedar, with naturally regenerated understory, making it a unique habitat. 

Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) just auctioned “Power Plant” to the highest bidder. Logging activity could begin soon, but it is not too late! Speak up today to protect the iconic Elwha River and its Forests! 

Action # 1: Please take less than a minute to click this link and tell your state representatives to cancel the “Power Plant” timber sale.

Action #2:  Please take less than a minute to click this link and tell Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and Clallam County Commissioners to STOP the “Power Plant” timber sale and SAVE this forest.

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Federal Actions:

End Fossil Fuel Subsidies

​Let’s get our Member of Congress to end these climate destroying fossil fuel subsidies.  

NASA reports that “human activity is the cause of increased greenhouse gas concentrations. Over the last century, burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).”

The World Bank reported in June that fossil fuel and agricultural subsidies combined could amount to $12 trillion a year and were causing “environmental havoc.”
Background

• Biden unveils his budget plan in a campaign-style speech 
• Congress Should Follow Biden’s Lead on Fossil Fuel Subsidies. 
• H.R.1483 - End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023
• Fossil fuels being subsidized at rate of $13m a minute, says IMF 

Action: Contact your representatives and end fossil fuel subsidies.

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Ban "The Donald" from Running for President

Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment states: 

• “No person shall . . . hold any office . . . who, having previously taken an oath . . . to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” 

The meaning of this sentence is unambiguous: any government official who ever swore to support the Constitution and later “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the Constitution or “gave aid and comfort to the enemies” of the Constitution are automatically disqualified from holding any governmental office and therefore cannot be listed on ballots for any elected office ever again.
 
Action: Click HERE to sign the petition asking all US Secretaries of State to disqualify Trump from running for president!

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Have You Scheduled This Event?

Cake, Conversation, and Candidates Olympia Indivisible’s Seven Year Celebration Picnic

We have tackled some thorny issues in the seven years we have been activists together. And there will be more action ahead. For now, let’s rest in fellowship, celebrate what we have accomplished, and lift a glass of lemonade to ourselves and to each other. 

When: Sunday, September 10 from 11:30 to 2:00pm

Where: Squaxin Park’s Rose Garden. (2600 East Bay Drive NE)

Endorsed Candidates: Emily Clouse, Sarah Tonge, Maggie Sanders, Jasmine Vasavada and hopefully Wayne Fournier (11:30 to 12:00)

Vittles: Bring your lunch and eating utensils. We'll serve iced tea, lemonade and cake to celebrate seven years of Olympia Indivisible's pro-democracy activism.

Members and Guests: Please bring family members, friends, and anyone who might be interested in learning more about Olympia Indivisible.