Big Success at the Student Voter Registration Drive at Modesto Junior College on 8/29
Last Tuesday, three of us from Indivisible Yolo joined about a dozen friends from the Bay Area Coalition to register students at Modesto Junior College. Together we registered a phenomenal 180 young folks — mostly democrats, some decline to states, a small smattering of others.
The important point is this: Democracy begins with voting, and voting begins with registration. All kinds of studies show that if you register people when they are young, they are more likely to become life-long voters. College students are, by definition, educated (or on their way to becoming so), and educated voters more often lean democrat. You see where this is going! In our three hours walking the campus (great exercise), each of us added ten new voters to the pile. It adds up! Registering young people to vote, especially students, is excellent work. AND, this effort is especially vital when we remember that Democrat Adam Gray lost his Congressional District CA13 seat to Republican John Duarte in 2022 by just 564 votes!
Nothing is more tangible, more immediate, or more important than adding democrats to the voter rolls.
Plus, the camaraderie is the best. A little road trip, awesome conversation, a much needed and fun break for lunch.. and the satisfaction of strengthening our democracy in truly jaw dropping times. Join us next time! We need you.
The MAGA War on Our Schools
MAGA extremism in education is a deliberate effort by conservative political operatives to shape educational policies and curricula according to their divisive political agenda. Their target is often the most vulnerable group: children. Their tactics include advocating for book bans, opposing inclusive educational practices, and politicizing school boards. Their extremism diverts attention from genuine educational issues like student mental health, school safety, and equal access to quality education.
It’s a nationwide strategy to attack education, and we’re seeing these attacks on the local level. Most recently there’s been activity from a small Yolo County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a national organization the SPLC has identified as an extremist group with ties to white nationalists and election deniers. After inflammatory rhetoric appeared on right wing sites, we even saw several bomb threats directed at the Yolo County Library and staff. (This statement from the Davis Phoenix Coalition gives some context.)
We know our members are looking for a way to stand up for their communities and for inclusive education for all children.
Indivisible has created an action toolkit to confront the MAGA extremist war on our schools- and a messaging guide that is helpful to keep the focus on the real issues instead of giving legitimacy to the MAGA framing. Please see the resources below, and please speak up for inclusion of ALL of our students and our community members.
Online phonebanks for Virginia- Sundays and Mondays
Sister District Yolo is running online phonebanks on Sundays from 2-4 pm PST and Mondays from 2-4 pm PST to call voters in Virginia. We talk to a real voter using an online script.
Virginia is the last state in the South with access to abortion. Voting rights, gun safety, climate solutions, and LGBTQ rights are also on the line.
Training is always available for first-timers or volunteers who need a refresher course. Your host will be Rebekka, Kelly, Amy, or Betsy, who will get you up and running quickly.
Register to receive Zoom information.
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisibleyolo/event/559199/
Bay Area Coalition Speakers series
We are joining the Bay Area Coalition in presenting a speaker series that is open to all who are interested. The details and registration links are below. Please consider signing up for the September and October speakers.
Indivisible Yolo has joined the Bay Area Coalition (BAC) as a partner. This coalition of 27 grassroots organizations includes Indivisible and Swing Left chapters in California.
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6 – 7pm (PT)
Speaker: Shannon Watts, Founder, Moms Demand Action, activist, author
Shannon Watts started a Facebook group the day after the Sandy Hook tragedy with the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. The rest is history. The online conversation turned into a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown For Gun Safety, with 10 million members. Shannon will update us on her latest projects and give us guidance on how to talk to voters about gun safety.
Thurs., Oct. 12, 5 – 6pm (PT)
Speaker: Dan Pfeiffer, Pod Save America co-host, Sr. Advisor to President Obama, author
Dan is a co-host of Pod Save America, Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, writer of books e.g. “Battling The Big Lie,” and author of the “Message Box,” a Substack newsletter about politics from someone that works in politics. Trump and his allies are flooding the zone with BS to confuse and exasperate a weary public. Learn from Dan how all of us can push back on the flood of lies.
Interested in getting involved in Indivisible Yolo?
To learn more about joining one of our Indivisible Yolo action teams and to see how you can volunteer to help win elections, fill out this quick interest form so we can connect with you!
And check out our calendar for upcoming Indivisible Yolo events.
