RESISTANCE IS RISING

As evidenced by the turnout at the nationwide Indivisible.org Hands Off! Rallies on Saturday, opposition to the Republican Party’s extremist agenda is beginning to take hold. Indivisible.org estimated that 3 million people took part in the nationwide protests. Here in Coeur d’Alene, approximately 1000 people turned out. I think the large showing of support from the passers-by at the Hands Off! Rally will give more and more people the permission they need to speak out.

Many folks are already reaching out to ask, “how can I get involved or how can I help?” Our Community Outreach Chair, Cathy Kraus is leading our efforts to funnel these people in. She can talk at length with you about what our needs are and how you can participate. Reach out to Cathy at catk1994@gmail.com.

NEXT STEPS

Now I recognize that one demonstration is insufficient to change the course of history. In fact, it may not even move the needle with respect to holding Republicans accountable.  That is why I encourage you to attend as many of the upcoming events as you can. These events are great ways to connect with others and grow our coalition.

Empty SEAT Town Hall

Kaylee Peterson, the two-time candidate for US House of Representatives in our Congressional District is holding an “Empty Seat Town Hall at the CDA Library this coming Sunday, April 13 at 3PM. The empty seat will be for Russ Fulcher, just in case he decides at the last minute to arrive and listen to your questions and concerns.

Hands Off! Rally

Indivisible.org is organizing another visibility campaign for Saturday, April 19th. We will post details and a link to their registration page as soon as it becomes available. Just by showing up, you will be demonstrating that you will not let intimidation by the far-right silence you.

Earth Day Celebration

April 19th is also the date for our local Earth Day Celebration at McEuen Park. It takes place from 10AM to 2PM. If you stop by the event, be sure to come by our booth and say “Hello.”

Labor Worker’s Memorials

The Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers are holding Memorial Day ceremonies to honor their fallen workers. Union workers along with their families, friends, and allies will hold three separate events which you are invited to attend.

• Saturday, April 28, Memorial Day, at 6PM at the North Idaho Worker’s Memorial. This memorial is located across the street from the Memorial Field at Coeur d’Alene City Park.
• Sunday, April 29, at 11AM, at the Workers Memorial at Mission Park in Spokane. This park is across from the Avista headquarters on Mission Ave.
• Friday, May 2, at 11AM, a ceremony will be held at the Sunshine Workers Memorial located at exit 54 on interstate 90 in Kellogg ID.

May 20 Consolidated Election

Another election is coming up and we have candidates and issues that need your support. For example, Michelle Lippert is running for the Community Library Board of Trustees. In addition, there are levies on the ballot in the Lakeland and Post Falls School Districts.

Pro-Voice Project

And finally, I want to remind you of a group that deserves your attention. It is the Pro-Voice Project (PVP). This group is devoted to elevating the conversation about women’s reproductive rights. “Through storytelling and community dialog, PVP engages communities, encourages local grassroots leaders, and educates people on why reproductive rights matter for all Idahoans.” I attended a PVP story telling session in Post Falls recently and heard a graceful but strident plea for understanding the state we are in and a call for the restoration of women’s human rights.

So, take heart from the groundswell of support that was evident at the first Hands Off! Rally. Now let’s use it to build momentum as we move forward in our fight to restore our Democracy.