by Elisabeth Parker | Jun 10, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
This Saturday, Indivisible members and friends across the nation will gather at rallies to urge Congress to impeach Trump. Why bother, when it’s polling so poorly? After all, the GOP-run Senate won’t do their duty, and we’d just wind up with Mike Pence? Still, we should do it because it’s the right thing to do.
In this week’s update:
Rally:⚖️The People’s Court Moves to Impeach Trump
Want Congress to impeach Trump? All in favor, say “aye” and come join us!
Saturday, June 15th, 12:00 p.m.
U.S. District Court (and Union Station)
1717 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
Trump claims the Mueller Report exonerates him. But that’s not what Mueller said.
“If we had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said that.”
— Robert Mueller
Let’s tell Congress to do its job & begin impeachment proceedings now! Congress must use the full extent of its oversight and investigative powers to get the full truth and hold Trump accountable. Even if the Senate won’t vote to impeach Trump and the polls show only 43 percent in favor, it’s the right thing to do.
Our theme is “In the People’s Court.”
If you can, come dressed as an old-fashioned judge with a black robe and a long, white wig. If you can’t, please wear black. And definitely bring signs!
✍️ Also, Please Sign This Statement to Congress
Indivisible U.S.has a letter that demands that Congress conduct an impeachment inquiry. This needs to happen before we can impeach Trump. Please read this Statement to Congress, then scroll down and sign with your name, your chapter (Indivisible Tacoma), and your congressional district number. It only takes a couple of minutes!
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Father’s Day Rally Outside Tacoma Immigration Prison
Hosted by La Resistencia
Sunday, June 16, 2019 at 2 PM – 4 PM
Northwest Detention Center
Tacoma, Washington 98421
Join La Resistencia to tell ICE and GEO that Father’s Day should be spent at home with family and community – and NOT in prison!
At the rally we will be fundraising for Saja Tunkara, who was ripped away from his wife and two children and then deported after calling out the medical neglect and mistreatment of ICE and GEO. Saja is still in need of medical care. All funds will support him and his family.
If you cannot attend, please donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/immigrationsave4lives
Meetings ?️ with Our MoCs & State Legislators
March 23, 2019. 10 members of Indivisible Tacoma met with Sen. Maria Cantwell to ask for her support on core issues. We also congratulated her on getting S.R. 47 passed. The Natural Resources Management Act is a massive package of over 130 bills sets aside millions of acres for public lands.
Trump supporters are calling and meeting with our lawmakers. Are we?
We’ve got some meetings coming up with our Members of Congress (MoCs), and our state legislators. The more of us who show up to these meetings, the more support they see for a bill, and the more pressure it puts on them. And if you can’t show up, you can still make a phone call or send an email (or letter) in support
Here’s how these meetings work: Folks from the Legislative Action Team call our MoCs and set up meetings with them or with their district directors. We then write a letter with a list of policies and/or specific bills we want them to support. 15 minutes before the meeting, we all gather in the lobby to sign the letter. At the meeting, we present the letter and tell stories about how these issues impact our communities and our personal lives. And then, we ask if we can count on their support for these issues.
Since Washington’s a “blue” most of our lawmakers vote the way we want most of the time. But not always. For starters, the 28th Legislative District (LD) still has a GOP relic in our state Senate (Steve O’Ban), and the 25th district’s state legislators all have (R) after their names. Nor are any of our senators and reps in Washington onboard with Medicare for All or the Green New Deal.
Want to get involved with these meetings? Fill out our contact form: https://indivisibletacoma.net/contact-us/
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Newsy ? Bits
350 Tacoma Torches ? PSE and Debunks Their LNG “Clean Energy” Myths
Puget Sound Energy claims their liquid natural gas (LNG) plant will provide clean energy and cleaner fuels for ships at the Port of Tacoma. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Sure, liquid natural gas burns cleaner. But the fracking and methane-laden processes involved in producing LNG is another story entirely.
What’s Wrong with the LNG Plant? Let Us Count the Ways.
If you don’t have time to watch, here’s a quick summary of the points made.
- This project violates the Puyallup Tribe’s water rights — which U.S. treaties guarantee in perpetuity — and is an assault on their culture.
- The Tacoma City Council approved the LNG plant based on a faulty Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
- Fracked gas is worse for the climate than coal, because methane is 96 times worse than carbon dioxide over a 20 year period.
- Tarika Powell from the Sightline Institute notes a multitude of safety concerns. For starters, many residential and public areas are less than 3 miles away.
- At $310 million, plus $13.5 million for access roads, the LNG plant is danged expensive. PSE customers will pay 43% of the cost and will only get 7% of the energy produced. And that’s not even counting the massive tax breaks.
For more information, see 350 Tacoma’s What’s Wrong with Puget Sound Energy’s Fracked Gas Project?
House Passes H.R. 6, the ? American Dream and Promise Act
H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, has finally passed the House of Representatives with unanimous Democratic support. ? ?
This. Is. Huge. And the victory belongs to every single person who called their member of Congress and showed up at district offices across the nation to demand #DreamAndPromiseNow. And, of course, the lion’s share of the credit goes to those who organized this: United We Dream, UndocuBlack, the National Immigration Law Center, the National TPS Alliance, and the efforts of champions like Reps. Chuy García, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib.
Of course, Republicans in the Senate are unlikely to pass this without adding “border security” measures that we won’t support. But protecting DREAMers is a clear example of how the Democratic Party can improve the lives of millions of people… If we can take back the White House and the Senate.
Nominees Wanted for Our State ? LGBTQ Commission
From the Rainbow Center‘s newsletter:
The Governor’s Office is welcoming nominations for the LGBTQ Commission. This is the first time that a state takes the initiative to create a Commission with the sole purpose of protecting LGBTQ residents. Rainbow Center encourages people from our community to take part of this historic moment by applying to be a Commissioner. It will be very important for the diverse and resilient LGBTQ community in Pierce County to have a voice at this Commission.
Also, congratulations to the Washington State Legislature. They were busy during this last session working to protect LGBTQ rights in the state. Among the important pieces of legislation signed by Gov. Jay Inslee there were:
- Anti-bullying protections for trans students.
- Higher fines for hate crimes.
- Adding non-binary options to state records.
- The creation of a state-wide LGBTQ Commission.
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Calendar of Upcoming Local Events
Below are highlights from this and next week’s events with our progressive allies. For a complete list of community happenings, see our Calendar of Events page.
The Black Celebration
hosted by the Black Affinity Dinner Planning Committee and sponsored by the Just & Healthy Food System.
Sat. June 15, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
2136 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, Wash. 98405
Free (more info at EventBrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-black-celebration-tickets-61661398904?fbclid=IwAR2Fz1FQ6dUfHtH8cas0Xe97NfwLZmHklfq7aPZkyy41S7F1xzz3ONKVzaM
This is an event honoring Amazing Black People and the work they do in Tacoma.
Please join us for this free event that will include dinner, DJ, performances, and most importantly the honorees. The honorees are people we as a committee believe are doing phenomenal work in the community.
Point Defiance Beach Cleanup
Saturday, June 15, 2019
9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Point Defiance Marina
5912 N Waterfront Dr, Tacoma, Wash. 98407
Join other volunteers to make a difference in the health and cleanliness of our beach. Meet at the Point Defiance Marina at 9 am. This event occurs rain or shine! Beach cleanup events are held every 3rd Saturday at Point Defiance Marina.
For more details, click here: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/calendar/mobile_detail.php?id=10746
Salt March Kickoff Celebration
Hosted by 350 Tacoma with Earth Corps
Saturday, June 15th, 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Rhone-Poulenc Salt Marsh
1747 Port of Tacoma Rd, Tacoma, WA 98421-3714
Gloves, tools, snacks & water provided.
350 Tacoma, with the support of EarthCorps and Tacoma Environmental Services, has been working hard since January 2018 to steward and restore a small neglected salt marsh on the Blair Waterway in the Tacoma Tideflats, nestled between an oil terminal and a container shipping yard. Literally hundreds of people have volunteered their time, passion, energy, and labor to love this little oasis back to health. And we’ve still got so much work to do!
Now come celebrate with us! EarthCorps and the City of Tacoma are marking the first year of their Tacoma Open Spaces Program. Join us on June 15, 10am to noon, as we take a break from the work and celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish.
Food and beverages provided. Plant-based food catered by Quickie Too! No RSVP necessary.
For more details, click here: https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/event/a0E1E000005vrTvUAI/?fbclid=IwAR0v3EsZuO7oJJR3rhY_g-jRu2XenLNwEn1A6R9TwEwlK60wgMczvy3bC94
Democratic Party: Voter Outreach Across Pierce County
Saturday, June 22, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
IBEW 76 – 3049 S. 36th St., Tacoma, Wash. 98409
Schedule for Voter Outreach Event
- 10:00 a.m.: Doors open, social and refreshments
with your local Democratic leaders
- 10:45 a.m.: Panel Discussion – The Importance of Voter Contact!
- Rising Star Volunteer Training – Deep Listening Canvassing 101
- Get Active! – Team Up for Deep Listening Canvassing, Phone Banking, OR Postcard Outreach Campaign
- 2:30 p.m.: Let’s Eat! – Light meal served by our elected leaders
- Closing Remarks
Volunteers will be entered into a drawing for free tickets to the IMAX Presidential Debate Event (June 26 and 27) and other prizes. Get an extra chance to win for each friend you bring!
Community Conversation on Race & the Power of an Illusion
Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Salishan Family Investment Center FIC
1724 East 44th Street, Tacoma, Wash. 98404
Join our Human Rights Commission’s Racial Justice and Equity Committee for a community conversation on race and the power of an illusion. This free event provides an opportunity for an open dialogue around race in the United States.
To learn more about Tacoma’s Human Rights Commission, visit https://www.cityoftacoma.org/humanrightscommission.
Fierce Vulnerability: Direct Action that Heals and Transforms
WWFOR’s 61st Annual N.W. Regional Conference at Seabeck, Wash.
June 28th-July 1st, 2019
Hosted by the Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation (WWFOR)
Traditionally we have had multiple workshops on a variety of issues under a common theme. In recognition of activists’ needs at this particular point in time, all of our 200-250 attendees will share a single focus. You are invited to join us for a long weekend of learning and growing and practicing in community.
Held at the beautiful Seabeck Conference Center, this is a family friendly event with programming for teens and child care available.
For more info, click here: https://wwfor.org/annual-conference/
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?And Remember…
It’s time for us to impeach Trump.
by indivisibletacoma | May 28, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
We’re ending spring with a bang as we gear up for summer and the 2020 election. Here’s what’s in this week’s newsletter.
Indivisible Tacoma General Meetings
? June: Tacoma Liquid Natural Gas Plant: Environmental Benefit or Tragedy?
With featured speakers Daniel Villa from 350 Tacoma and Bradley Thompson from 350 Seattle.
Weds. June 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
? July: Disinformation and Elections
With featured speakers from FUSE Tacoma: Pierce County and the Progressive Voters’ Guide
Weds. July 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
Learning from PLU’s Winning Gen Z Voter Registration Campaign
Riley Dolan and Deanna Hobbs talking with Indivisible Tacoma’s Sue Schaeffer on registering Gen Z voters Photo: Nina Rook.
Think of 74 million Americans who are growing up with school shootings and climate change, who don’t remember the world before 9/11, who are more diverse than any previous generation, and who saw the loser of the popular vote take the White House in 2016.
Now, how do we get them to register to vote?
Last week seven of us from Indivisible Tacoma and the Tacoma Women’s Think Tank sat down with Riley Dolan and Deanna Hobbs from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). This duo’s voter registration efforts were featured in Forbes, and they just won the Governor’s Student Voter Registration Challenge. Naturally, we wanted to find out what makes their campaign so successful.
Among their findings:
- Show young people that other people their age register – they register when they see people like themselves
- Make it social – turn registering and voting into a social event (We loved the idea of ballot parties in coffee shops!)
- Show how small vote numbers swing the results of elections with major consequences
- Focus on engagement as well as registration – they mailed students “pledge card” reminders as the ballots were arriving
- Know your constituency – for instance, it does not make sense for an Alaskan student to register in Washington if this will cost them their Permanent Fund dividend; better register as an Alaska absentee voter
We thank Riley and Deanna, for giving us their time during a busy finals week.
Congratulations on Our Huge #StopTheBans Rally Turnout!
Wow. On Tuesday, May 21 at noon, nearly 200 of us came together at the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Tacoma to protest harsh anti-choice laws in 15 states. This was part of a nationwide action to support freedom for women. We thank our members and progressive allies at 350 Tacoma, Indivisibles Puyallup and Gig Harbor, Red Berets Medicare for All, and others for this incredible turnout. And thank you, Damita O’Dell from our Events & Rallies team for organizing it.
Here are more photos from our Facebook feed.
by indivisibletacoma | May 20, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
Stop the Bans! Tomorrow, Indivisible Tacoma joins activists across the nation to rally against the draconian abortion bans in 15 states.
✊?Day of Action | Stop the Bans!
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights
Tues. May 21, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
at the U.S. District Courthouse
1717 Pacific Ave. Tacoma
Last week, Planned Parenthood announced their Stop the BansDay of Action in response to recent anti-abortion laws in 15 states. These laws are so extreme they don’t even make exceptions for rape and incest. Partnering with them to organize these actions are the Above All Action Fund, ACLU, EMILY’s List, Indivisible, MoveOn, NARAL Pro-Choice America, UltraViolet and Women’s March.
Support for abortion access is at a record high — more than 7 in 10 Americans do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned. This day of action will send a loud and clear message to politicians: Banning abortion is dangerous, deeply unpopular, and people will not stand for it.
And this recent slew of laws are just the tip of the iceberg. Legislatures in red states have been chipping away at Roe v. Wade for decades. 43 states have outlawed ending a pregnancy after a certain number of weeks. These include “fetal heartbeat bills” that outlaw abortions before many women even know they’re pregnant and targeted restrictions on abortion providers (TRAP) laws. TRAP laws impose costly, unnecessary, and burdensome requirements on women’s health centers and other clinics that provide abortions.
If You Can’t Make it to the Stop the Bans Rally…
Please tell your friends to attend and please share the image below on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media with the #StopTheBans hashtag.
You can also call your senators and reps and urge them to stop the bans.
Also in this post:
This Week’s Actions
☎️ Thank Our Reps for Passing the Equality Act!
Last week, House Democrats passed a massive LGBTQ rights bill. The Equality Act would extend full civil rights protections to LGBTQ people. Please call your rep to thank them.
Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) 253-272-3515 | Rep. Adam Smith (D-9) 425-793-5180 | Rep. Denny Heck (D-10) 253-533-8332 | Rep. Kim Schrier (R-8) 202-225-7761
Hi, I’m [NAME] from [City]. I’m calling to thank you for voting YES on the Equality Act (H.R. 5). This important bill brings our nation one step closer to having clear and consistent protections for LGBTQ people. Your vote shows you understand how urgent this matter is. Again, thank you for your leadership and support for the LGBTQ community.
Now, if only we could pass a law like this for women.
? More Actions
- Demand that Congress act on H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act. It’s long past time for House Democrats to act to protect immigrant communities from further attacks by Trump. Unfortunately, there is an effort by conservative Democrats to weaken H.R. 6, which means your voice matters right now! Your MoC (especially if they sit on the House Judiciary Committee) needs to hear from you that protecting immigrants is a top priority and that you don’t want it watered down.
- Keep calling to tell Congress to reject more money for DHS. On May 9, you made over 2,300 calls to tell Congress to reject additional funds for ICE and CBP. They need to keep hearing from you; call 1-844-909-0232 and tell your MoC to #DefundHate and reject Trump’s supplemental funding request for DHS!
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Indivisible Tacoma Events
Voter Registration Team 2020 Kickoff
Want to help get out the vote? We’re excited about launching our voter registration drive for 2020! Please come to our kickoff meeting.
Monday (TONIGHT!), May 20, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
University Place Library Meeting Room
3609 Market Pl W, UP
Questions? Contact Nina Rook.
Legislative Action Team Meeting
Tues., June 4, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Pl W, University Place, WA 98466
Tacoma Liquid Natural Gas Plant: Environmental Benefit or Tragedy?
With featured speakers from 350 Tacoma and 350 Seattle.
Weds. June 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
Disinformation and Elections
With featured speakers from FUSE Tacoma: Pierce County and the Progressive Voters’ Guide
Weds. July 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
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Announcements
Free Webinar on Using Technology to Win Elections
Are you thinking of running for office? Julie Palakovich Carr, an elected official in Maryland, wants to pay it forward to other progressive candidates. She’s run and won two elections for city council and one election for the state house. Now she wants to help other progressives win elections.
Webinar on political technology
May 29 at 1 pm (Eastern)
Hear from panelists who are experts in political tech who will address how technology can help down-ballot campaigns achieve their goals.
Reserve a spot: https://www.victoryguide.us/webinar-campaign-tech
The webinar will be recorded and the recording will be shared with everyone who registers for the event. This event is free and open to the public, so please share with anyone you think might be interested.
Top | Stop the Bans!
Featured image: Stop the Bans! Lindsay Silveira CC By-ND 2.0 via Flickr.
by indivisibletacoma | May 14, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
Congratulations and thank you! Our actions are working. While the GOP-led Senate blocks the House’s many reforms, we’ve had major wins at the state level.
The Republican Party’s Coup of 2016 didn’t just come out of nowhere. They’ve spent over three decades quietly taking over state legislatures and passing “model legislation”… With help from Dark Money groups funded by well-heeled, right-wing extremist donors. But now, the tables are turning. In 2018, we won back the House and took back a few state governments. But we have a long way to go.
In Washington D.C., the House puts the brakes on Trump, but the GOP’s Senate still blocks the reforms we need. But, here in the state of Washington, it’s a different story. Boosting our majorities in 2018 has won us some major victories. Remember all those calls we made to our state reps and senators this year? And the Town Halls we went to back in January? They’re working.
Our Actions Get Results: Washington State Leads the Nation with Incredible New Reforms
Washington state is now leading the nation with some incredible and life-changing reforms. This shows how our actions — when joined with actions from members of other progressive groups — can make a major impact. For starters, we’re the first state to pass laws for a Public Option and 100% Clean Electricity.
- Cascade Care: We are now the first state that offers a Public Option. This creates state-funded subsidized health plans by 2121. Alas, for-profit “healthcare” companies remain in the mix, but it’s a start.
- 100% Clean Electricity: We’re also the first state to pass a sweeping clean energy bill. Establishes target dates for coal plant shutdown by 2025 and carbon-neutral electricity by 2030. Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee also spoke out against Puget Sound Energy (PSE)’s liquid natural gas (LNG) plant.
- Orca Task Force Measures: These laws put key recommendations by the Orca Task Force into law to protect our endangered orcas. These include funding for oil spill prevention, noise reduction for vessels, and restoring the chinook salmon supply.
- Voting Rights: The Native American Voting Rights Act of Washington removes barriers to voting and expands access to drop boxes so more people on tribal lands can vote.
This is exactly why Indivisible U.S. now wants us (and chapters across the country) to begin building power at the state level. By joining our efforts to those of local and statewide groups, we can create positive change.
Also in this Newsletter:
Upcoming General Meetings for Indivisible Tacoma
We’ve got some great speakers for our June and July meetings on the issues affecting us here in Tacoma, as well as across the country, and what actions we can take.
Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 Brandon Koch via Flickr.
JUNE: Tacoma Liquid Natural Gas Plant: Environmental Benefit or Tragedy?
With featured speakers from 350 Tacoma and 350 Seattle.
Weds. June 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
JULY: Disinformation and Elections
With featured speakers from FUSE Tacoma: Pierce County and the Progressive Voters’ Guide
Weds. July 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St Tacoma, WA 98408
Map with Directions.
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Our Actions for This Week
The 2019 session has ended for our State Legislature, so our actions for the week are focused on Washington D.C. Please call your members of Congress in support of the following:
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Impeachment Resolution,
- Passing a strong Dream and Promise act to protect our immigrants.
- Opposing the GOP’s imminent war on Iran.
- Bringing down drug prices.
Time to support Rep. Tlaib’s resolution for starting an investigation for the impeachment of the GOP’s president. No imps were harmed in this visualization of the author‘s bad puns.
?Demand Your Member of Congress (MoC) Support Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Impeachment Resolution (H.R. 257)
Whether it’s his actions to obstruct the Mueller investigation or his demands that members of his administration stonewall Congressional investigations, Trump has committed acts that should be addressed in an impeachment investigation.
☎️ Call Your Rep.
Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) 253-272-3515 | Rep. Adam Smith (D-9) 425-793-5180 | Rep. Denny Heck (D-10) 253-533-8332 | Rep. Kim Schrier (R-8) 202-225-7761
? Script
Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I am from [CITY/STATE]. I’m calling Rep. [NAME] to urge them to support impeachment hearings immediately and demand that they cosponsor Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s resolution (H.Res. 257) that would instruct the Judiciary Committee to begin investigating whether Trump should be impeached.
? Write a Letter
Indivisible U.S. also makes it super-easy to Write a letter to your MoC. Simply follow the link, fill out the form, and they’ll send the letter for you. It’s as simple as that!
? Tell your MoC to Pass a Strong Dream and Promise Act
Family separations happen every day in the U.S. — not just at the border. Dreamers and TPS holders remain at risk of deportation due to Trump’ elimination of protections for these groups. This bill would provide permanent relief to Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED holders. Read more here.
The House Judiciary has scheduled a “markup” of the Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) for May 8, where they will make substantive changes to the bill. There is a real risk that the Committee will severely weaken the bill by narrowing the eligibility rules. If they do so, it would mean fewer Dreamers and TPS holders getting the permanent relief they deserve.
Call your MoC and tell them you want them to pass a strong H.R. 6 bill — without watering it down.
☎️Call Your Rep.
Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) 253-272-3515 | Rep. Adam Smith (D-9) 425-793-5180 | Rep. Denny Heck (D-10) 253-533-8332 | Rep. Kim Schrier (R-8) 202-225-7761
? Script
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [PART OF STATE]. I’m calling to ask [MoC] to vote for H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, and to commit to rejecting any amendments in committee or on the floor that would narrow the eligibility rules.
The Dream and Promise Act would provide permanent relief from the threat of deportation to Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED holders. Trump has tried to use these communities as leverage against Democrats to force them to pay for his wall or otherwise expand his deportation machine. Democrats must fight back by extending protections to these people, many of whom have lived here their entire lives — and who would face serious threats of violence or death if they were forced to return to their country of origin. That includes rejecting any amendments that would narrow the eligibility rules.
Will [MoC] commit to voting for this legislation, and voting against any amendments that would narrow the eligibility rules?
? More Info
For more info on the Dream and Promise Act, click here.
? Tell Your MoCs: No New War in Iran!
Donald Trump and his war cabinet seem to be itching for a new war with Iran. First, the Trump administration violated the Iran nuclear deal. Then, they mounted an Iraq War-style campaign to prime the public. Now, they’re trying to provoke a reaction from Iran. Learn more here.
For those who recall the lead-in to the Iraq War, this all probably feels pretty familiar. But history must not repeat itself. It’s essential that Congress use its powers to stop this march to war.
Congress needs to hear from you today. Congress must deny Trump the authority to start a new war with Iran. Tell your members of Congress (MoCs) to co-sponsor H.R. 2354 / S. 1039 to explicitly deny him this authority!
☎️Call Your Senators & Rep.
? Script
Hello, I’m a constituent from [part of state] and I’m very concerned about the possibility of a new war with Iran.
Trump foolishly violated the nuclear deal and put it in danger of falling apart, even though Iran was complying and it was keeping us all safer. Now John Bolton and the war cabinet are escalating tensions. It feels a lot like Iraq War 2.0.
Will [MoC] co-sponsor [H.R. 2434/S.1039] and issue a public statement urging diplomacy, not war with Iran? I will be closely watching for [MoC]’s actions on this and following up.
? Act Now to Bring Down Drug Prices!
Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s bill, H.R. 1046, would guarantee that Medicare could negotiate prices for all drugs while protecting patient’s access to their medications. This bill has the support of huge majorities of the public, along with co-sponsorships from every corner of the Democratic caucus, yet House Democratic leadership is working with the White House on bad proposals that would delegate the authority to make a final call on drug prices to unaccountable, third-party arbitrators. Make sure your MoC knows that the Doggett bill is the best option for bringing drug prices down.
☎️Call Your Rep.
Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) 253-272-3515 | Rep. Adam Smith (D-9) 425-793-5180 | Rep. Denny Heck (D-10) 253-533-8332 | Rep. Kim Schrier (R-8) 202-225-7761
? Script
Hi! My name is <NAME>, and I’m calling from <PART OF STATE>.
I’m calling to urge <MoC> to co-sponsor H.R. 1046, Rep. Doggett’s Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act because it will bring down our obscenely high drug prices while protecting patients’ access to critical medicines.
We need to give Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices, but that new power must be paired with the appropriate leverage so that drug companies can’t continue gouging patients. Rep. Doggett’s bill, which uses competitive licenses as a “backstop” if drug companies refuse to come to the table, is the strongest proposal out there. I’ve heard that there may be another bill coming that would use arbitration instead, and that isn’t good enough. We need to put drug companies’ monopolies in the crosshairs — not people’s access to medicine
Will <MoC> commit to rejecting an approach that uses arbitration to bring down drug prices, and to co-sponsoring H.R. 1046, the Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act?
? More Info
For more info on Rep. Doggett’s Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act, click here.
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Upcoming Events with Our Allies
Fossil Fuel Free 253: Speak Up at Tacoma City Council
Hosted by Protect Tacoma’s Tideflats and Citizens for a Healthy Bay
- Final Reading of Ordinance: Tideflats Interim Regulation Extension: Tuesday, May 21 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.pin
Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market St, Tacoma, Washington 98402
WE CAN ENSURE A FOSSIL FUEL FREE FUTURE FOR TACOMA (#FossilFuelFree253)
The City of Tacoma, with its partners the Puyallup Tribe and the Port of Tacoma, are working on a Subarea Plan for Tacoma’s Tideflats, which will establish rules for economic development and environmental review (and hopefully permanently bans fossil fuels) in the Port of Tacoma. In November of 2017, Tacoma City Council passed interim regulations pausing new fossil fuel development during the Tideflats Subarea Planning Process.
These interim regulations must be renewed by Tacoma City Council every six months. If you believe Tacoma’s future must be fossil fuel free so we can reduce our city’s carbon footprint in this era of rapid climate change, we need you to speak at these three city council meetings. We need all our voices.
Before each city council meeting, at 4:15 pm, we will be meeting in the lobby outside of council chambers to discuss strategy, help each other write our comments, and get in the sign-up line early. Please join us if you can. If you have any questions or would like to receive talking points to help you write your public comment, please contact Kenny Coble (kcoble@healthybay.org).
350 Tacoma General Meeting
Weds. May 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
311 Puyallup Ave. Tacoma, Wash. 98421
Join them in their new space. They’ll start off with a plant-based potluck and then talk about what’s going on and how to get involved. if you’re new, come at 5:30 to learn more about what they do.
Kristin Ang for Port Commissioner 5 Campaign Kickoff
Weds. May 15, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, Washington 98409
Tickets: https://secure.anedot.com/votekristinang/
(Please note, we’re not endorsing her, we’re just letting you know about her event)
The Black Fantastic Hosted by Brown Better
Friday 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Tacoma Arts Community Center
1102 South 11th Street, Tacoma, Washington 98405
Building on the success of 2018’s Summer SOULstice, former poet laureate Kellie Richardson is planning an event centered on celebrating the Black bodies, Black joy and the Black imagination. “The Black Fantastic” is a 3 hour experience honoring the brilliance and influence of Black bodies throughout history. The space will be a catalyst for joy and healing in the Black community with presentations from Black leaders, artists and innovators. The event will feature an opening blessing, musical performance, interactive healing stations, and an art exhibit; all for the love of Black bodies.
This space is centered on Black folx, but all are welcome with the understanding that there will be ZERO TOLERANCE for anti-Blackness, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, sexism, misogynoir, slut shaming, body shaming, or racism of any kind.
The space welcomes all ages however, there will be adult material shared/exhibited, so parents/guardians use your judgment. No childcare will be provided.
This event is free thanks to the generosity of Breathe Healing.
2019 Tacoma Shoreline Survey
Hosted by: The Ikkatsu Project
Saturday, May 18th, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Les Davis Pier
3427 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
A one-day beach survey and cleanup that covers the entire 13-mile shoreline of the city of Tacoma. A meeting of citizen science and basic good stewardship, seeking volunteers.
To register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d45adaa2ca7f58-tacoma
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Shout Outs
Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) Resistance
This is to give a shout out to the NWDC Resistance here in Tacoma. There’s only one good thing about this monstrosity of a for-profit prison here in Tacoma… It gives us the unique ability to support detainees and their families while we protest the cruel way our nation treats immigrants.
The NWDC Resistance donates supplies, sets detainees up with pen pals, coordinates events, outreach and protests, and more. To see how you can help, visit their website at https://www.nwdcresistance.org/
Citizen Tacoma
We encourage you to listen to this podcast with Candice Ruud.
These and other podcasts can tell us more about local issues here in Tacoma, and inform our actions moving forward.
Regular citizens CAN get involved at all levels of government. Through interviews with decision makers, candidates for office, and political activists, we hope to inspire YOU to take action. Citizen Tacoma is a podcast about local government in the City of Destiny. With Jenny Jacobs (host) and Doug Mackey (sound/commentary), with support from Erik Hanberg (the Alec Baldwin of Tacoma podcasts), Marguerite Giguere (pod auntie), and Mary Holste (cover art).
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by indivisibletacoma | May 7, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
Greetings, Indivisibles. Donald Trump’s at it again. He wants another $1.1 billion to torment immigrants and deport people faster. Don’t let him get away with it! Call your member of Congress, as explained below. It’s quick and easy and we’ve even got a script for you. And the phone numbers are linked for your mobile calling pleasure.
Also covered in this post
Urge Our Members of Congress to Protect Our Immigrants!
The Trump administration just asked Congress for an additional $1.1 billion to expand detention centers (yes, more cages), hire more ICE and CBP agents, and to accelerate deportations. As a member of the #DefundHate coalition, we are joining them in a national call-in day on Thursday, May 9 to ask MoCs to reject the administration’s supplemental funding request. We need to dismantle Trump’s mass deportation machine, not feed it with a billion more in funding.
Tell your members of Congress (MoCs) not to water down H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act. H.R. 6 is scheduled for markup (amended and voted on) in the House Judiciary Committee next week. Even though Democrats have a majority in the Committee, we’re hearing reports that they intend to weaken the bill in order to “inoculate” it from Republican attacks. Call your MoC and tell them to pass a strong H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act!
Tell your members of Congress to act on H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act. House Democrats need to pass H.R. 6 without delay.
Please share this info far and wide. It’s also important to have friends in the 7th and 8th Congressional Districts to call. That’s because Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Kim Schrier serve on the committees involved.
- If you’ve got any lefty friends in Seattle, urge them to call Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-7). She’s the only rep. in Washington state who sits on the House Judiciary Committee. And she needs to hear that her constituents support her in protecting our immigrants.
- If you’ve got any lefty friends in Rep. Kim Schrier’s (D-8) district, please urge them to call her at (425) 657-1001. Schrier serves on the House Education & Labor committee. The 8th district includes Auburn, Issaquah, Sammamish, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Ellensburg.
SCRIPT for Calling Your MoC
Hi, my name is [NAME], I’m with Indivisible Tacoma, and I’m calling from [PART OF STATE]. I’m calling to ask [MoC] to vote for H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, and to commit to rejecting any amendments in committee or on the floor that would narrow the eligibility rules.
The Dream and Promise Act would provide permanent relief from the threat of deportation to Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED holders. Trump has tried to use these communities as leverage against Democrats to force them to pay for his wall or otherwise expand his deportation machine. Democrats must fight back by extending protections to these people, many of whom have lived here their entire lives — and who would face serious threats of violence or death if they were forced to return to their country of origin. That includes rejecting any amendments that would narrow the eligibility rules.
Will [MoC] commit to voting for this legislation, and voting against any amendments that would narrow the eligibility rules?
Our Reps’ Phone Numbers
Here are the phone numbers for our reps here in Tacoma and in nearby districts. If you’re not sure what congressional district you’re in, the Washington State District Finder will tell you.
If you’ve got any friends who are in the above reps’ districts, please forward this and urge them to call!
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Great General Meeting Everyone!
We had an excellent meeting last Wednesday with our featured speaker, Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson. We were all so engaged and asked so many questions, the meeting ran later than planned. In case you missed it, we’ve posted the video below.
Skip past the seven minutes of us setting up the cam… And watch Anderson’s fascinating talk about all the steps her office is taking to ensure we can register to vote and that our votes will be counted. For starters, we’re ditching the touch screens and using all paper ballots this time around. Not only that, but they’ll be setting up way more of those safe-like ballot drop boxes for our convenience. And yes, Pierce County’s definitely beefing up cybersecurity to defend our data from hackers.
Indivisible Tacoma Happenings
General Meetings
We’re still nailing down the exact dates. But we’ve got some great events planned, so keep an eye out for the details!
- June: Featured guests from the Sunshine Movement and 350 Tacoma will talk about how they’re mobilizing to fight climate change.
- July: A special guest from FUSE Washington (Pierce County) will join us to discuss disinformation and its impact on the issues we care about.
Got any ideas or suggestions for future featured speakers? Please contact us and let us know!
Legislative Action Team Meeting
See what we’ve got planned for upcoming actions and meetings with members of Congress.
Tonight (Tuesday), May 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
University Place Pierce County Library
3609 Market Pl W, University Place, WA 98466, USA
Voter Registration 2020 Kickoff
Want to help get out the vote? We’re excited about launching our voter registration drive for 2020! Please come to our kickoff meeting.
Monday, May 20, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
University Place Library Meeting Room
3609 Market Pl W, UP
Questions? Contact Nina Rook.
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Our Allies’ Upcoming Events
End of Session Celebration
Hosted by the Environmental Priorities Coalition
6:00 PM
The Swiss Restaurant & Pub, (Game Room)
1904 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
“We did it! Climate and Environmental le of legislation has been passed in WA!
Join us, and special guest Representative Jake Fey, as we celebrate all the activists and supporters whose tireless efforts helped secure a people’s win on environmental priorities like 100% Clean Electricity for Washington during this legislative session! Enjoy snacks and a beer on us as we celebrate and hear from speakers about the 100% Clean bill and other environmental bills, like the HEAL Act and Orca Recovery. Get the inside scoop on next steps you can take to advocate for the environment. If you have questions, feel free to email Tony at tony@wecprotects.org. See you there!
RSVP to be entered in our raffle giveaway!
https://www.tfaforms.com/4737045”
Medicare for ALL Canvassing
Sat. May 11, 9:00 a.m.
Sewell Park (Next to Stanley Playing Field)
Join Tacoma DSA, Our Revolution Pierce County and National Nurses United as they canvass to build support for the national Medicare for All movement! Hundreds of events are happening across the country as activists come together to win Medicare for All. Get there on time, as the training for door knocking starts right away.
If you support Medicare for All, call your rep and ask them to support Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Medicare for All Act of 2019 (H.R. 1384).
Language for the Revolution
Hosted by Our Revolution, Pierce County
Sat. May 11, 10:00 a.m.
Fern Hill Library, 765 S 84th St, Tacoma, Wash. 98444
Join Indivisible Puyallup and Joe Columbo, for his George Lakoff presentation on language and framing political discourse. They also plan to have an experienced phone bank leader and former candidate for office to discuss the basics of those endeavors.
Fossil Fuel Free 253: Speak Up at Tacoma City Council
Tues. May 14, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market St. Tacoma, Wash. 98402
We can ensure a fossil fuel-free future for Tacoma (#FossilFuelFree253). The City of Tacoma, with its partners the Puyallup Tribe and the Port of Tacoma, are working on a Subarea Plan for Tacoma’s Tideflats, which will establish rules for economic development and environmental review (and hopefully permanently bans fossil fuels) in the Port of Tacoma. In November of 2017, Tacoma City Council passed interim regulations pausing new fossil fuel development during the Tideflats Subarea Planning Process.
These interim regulations must be renewed by city council every six months. If you believe Tacoma’s future must be fossil fuel free so we can reduce our city’s carbon footprint in this era of rapid climate change, we need you to speak at these three city council meetings. We need all our voices.
350 Tacoma General Meeting
Weds. May 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
311 Puyallup Ave. Tacoma, Wash. 98421
Join them in their new space. They’ll start off with a plant-based potluck and then talk about what’s going on and how to get involved. if you’re new, come at 5:30 to learn more about what they do.
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We Got Our $500 Match! Thank You for Giving!
Our fundraising drive for April was a great success! Thanks to your donations through Act Blue, we got our $500 match from Indivisible U.S. Here’s the breakdown.
| APRIL FUNDRAISER RESULTS |
| Donations via ActBlue: |
$641.00 |
| – 10% to Indivisible U.S.: |
-$64.00 |
| Indivisible U.S. Match: |
$500.00 |
| TOTAL: |
$1077.00 |
We’ve also received some checks and cash donations that we’re still counting, and we thank each and every one of you.
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Indivisible Tacoma’s New Mission Statement
We’re still helping lead the resistance against the Trump agenda and send more progressives into Washington D.C. But we’re also thinking beyond 2020 and laying the groundwork for advancing reforms at the state and local levels. We’ve rewritten our mission statement to reflect these goals.
Tacoma’s mission is to promote social and environmental justice and democracy through representative government on all levels. We are citizen lobbyists and social activists resisting the Trump agenda and holding our local lawmakers and public officials accountable. We are non-partisan and wholly inclusive in our membership.
For more about us, visit our website at https://indivisibletacoma.net/.
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No Fracked Gas!
In April, Washington state passed a Clean Energy bill that requires us to be fossil fuel-free by 2045. In light of Gov. Jay Inslee’s commitment to fighting climate change, we joined with progressive groups across the state to sign a letter. This letter to our governor urges him to ban all new fossil fuel infrastructure projects, including PSE’s liquid natural gas plant.
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Help Wanted!
Help us become more effective in resisting the Trump agenda and lobbying for progressive reforms. We’re building our teams for 2020 and need volunteers to help with…
- T-shirt ordering and sales
- Social media and blogging
- Liaison with local colleges
- Notifications/organizing rallies/protests (GO4Action Team)
- Photographer, videographer
- Liaison with community allies
If you’re interested, please contact us and let us know!
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Where to Find Us
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Featured image: CC By-ND 2.0 Emily Mills via Flickr.
by indivisibletacoma | Apr 29, 2019 | Actions, Events, News
Greetings, fellow Indivisibles! We’re excited about our General Meeting this Wednesday and hope you can come. Julie Anderson, Auditor for Pierce County, will be joining us to talk about our state’s new voting laws going into 2020. Also, we have just ONE DAY left for our April Matching Challenge fundraiser (we’re almost there). Finally, this week’s actions are: Demand Congress hold Donald Trump accountable, calling for the removal of a GOP state rep. who supports right-wing hate groups, and to protect all living things on the Olympic Peninsula and Salish sea from dangerous U.S. Naval exercises.
Voter Registration 2.0: New Tech, New Rules & General Meeting
Please join us and learn how WA state new voting laws will affect you — and our voter registration efforts — in 2020. Featuring Julie Anderson from the Pierce County Auditor’s Office Sponsored by Indivisible Tacoma and Indivisible Puyallup.
Featuring Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor
During the meeting, we will also be taking action in response to the criminality shown in the Mueller Report
Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
1115 S 56th St, Tacoma, Washington 98408
To let us know you’re coming, RSVP via Facebook or on Indivisible’s website…
We’ll also have a live stream on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/IndivisibleTacoma/
Only ONE DAY Left for our April Matching Challenge Fundraiser!
Just a quick reminder. We have only ONE day left to take advantage of our April Matching Challenge. As a reminder, Indivisible will MATCH funds raised throughout the month of April, one-for-one, up to $500 per group! And we’re so close!
Indivisible Tacoma is completely volunteer-run and we operate on a shoestring budget. Your contributions will help us pay for signs, printed materials, our website, email list, rent for our meeting venue at the Tahoma Unitarian Universal Congregation, voter registration booths, gas, snacks for volunteers, and other expenses.
Chip in today so Indivisible Tacoma can keep organize, build power, and continue to fight back in 2020
YES I’LL CHIP IN!
This Week’s Actions!
Hold Trump Officials Accountable
Action: Call Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) (202) 225-5916 or Denny Heck (D-10) (360) 459-8514.
Ask what they and the rest of the House are going to do if trump administration officials defy subpoenas and refuse to testify. Emphasize that Congress absolutely must respond with vigor or risk losing support from their base. If Trump gets away with this the Democrats will look so weak that they will lose even their most ardent supporters.
SCRIPT: Hi, I’m [NAME] with Indivisible Tacoma and I’m from [STREET ADDRESS AND ZIP]. Please urge Congress to hold Trump officials accountable. If you let Donald Trump get away with this, the Democrats will look weak and lose support. Thank you.
State Level Actions for This Week
Stop Hate Now by Removing State Rep. Matt Shea (R-4)
Rep. Shea from LD 4 has a long history of unethical and vocal support for dangerous right-wing militia, anti-LGBTQ, and racist groups. Most recently Shea participated in conversations that advocated violence against those with dissenting opinions and offered to do background checks on opponents. The Seattle Times editorial board, Governor Inslee, Lt. Governor Habib and WA Democrats are among those calling for Shea to be removed and condemned.
Script: Hi, I’m [NAME] with Indivisible Tacoma and I’m from [STREET ADDRESS AND ZIP]. I am contacting you in your role as Minority Leader asking you to remove Representative Matt Shea from the House Republican Caucus. His support for white nationalist extremists is unacceptable.
Protect the Salish Sea/ Olympic Peninsula Environment
We need to stop a plan by the US Navy to begin treetop high training missions over the area from the Hood Canal to the ocean over some of the most sensitive and significant areas in our state. These training runs will disrupt all living things in a huge area of the Salish Sea, the Olympic Mountains and Park and the ocean. This threatens the Orca and their food sources too.
More info:
- Conservation Statement and Navy Statement.
- Talking Points from Olympic Park Associates
- Fact Sheet from Olympic Park Associates
ACTION 1. Use This Comment Form and write: “I am opposed to a plan by the US Navy to begin treetop high training missions over the area from the Hood Canal to the ocean over some of the most sensitive and significant areas in Washington State.” Feel free to use your own words and add info from the talking points and fact sheet above.
ACTION 2. Call Sens. Pat Murray (202)-224-2621, Maria Cantwell (202) 224-3441, and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6) (202) 225-5916 or Denny Heck (D-10) (360) 459-8514.
SCRIPT: Please stop a plan by the US Navy to begin treetop high training missions over the area from the Hood Canal to the ocean over some of the most sensitive and significant areas in our state. These training runs will disrupt all living things in a huge area of the Salish sea, the Olympic Mountains and Park and the ocean. This threatens the Orca and their food sources too.
Stop Fracked Gas Projects!
This month we signed a letter calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to oppose all new and expanded fracked gas projects. This includes the liquid natural gas (LNG) plant Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is trying to force on the City of Tacoma and the Puyallup Tribe’s ancestral waters. If you’d like to read the letter, it’s here. We also encourage you to call Gov. Inslee at (360) 902-4111 or send him an e-message here: https://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message
