IC-SS Weekly News: October 23, 2023
Letters to Voters: TOMORROW
Our last chance to write together this election cycle. Can you join us? Tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 24th, from 6:00-8:00 pm, we’ll meet at the Nile, 1162 E. 55th to finish up our letter lists to Ohio and Virginia. Then we’ll immediately drop our letters in the mail, on their way to Ohio and Virginia. (Sign up.)
If you’re writing Vote Forward letters on your own, bring them along, but not necessary — our letter leader Steve Kagan will bring letters for all. If you can, bring postage stamps to donate –– we also welcome stamp donations from folks not able to attend.
Sign up here
2000 Letters on Their Way
Saturday was a proud day. We mailed off the 2000 letters our group wrote to Ohio voters in support of reproductive rights and to Virginia voters in advance of critical elections for their state legislature.
Sending 2000 letters to Ohio & Virginia voters
Huge thanks to our 27 letter writers and to our amazing letter leader, Steve Kagan, who wrote the most letters of all. Watch for more updates and thanks in future newsletters.
Dropping letters at the loading dock… then it’s time for donuts
Reminder: Yes we’ve mailed off MOST of our letters. But you’ve got one more chance to write with us tomorrow, Oct 24: Sign up!
Phone Ohio Voters – Protect Our Rights
What happens in one state affects all of us in the United States. As 2024 nears, let’s step up the work! One state to act for: OHIO.
Ohioans canvassing for reproductive rights on the ballot – Ohio Dems FB page
Hardworking Ohio volunteers are canvassing door to door to encourage people to vote YES in November for Issue 1, which would enshrine reproductive rights in the Ohio state constitution. You may not be able to join Ohioans on foot, but you CAN phone voters from your home.
Folks like Sarah will give you all the info you need via Zoom
The election is November 7th, so act now! Here are opportunities to phone voters with the Indivisible Chicago Alliance (ICA) OR with the Ohio Dems. SIGN UP:
- Phone Ohio voters with Indivisible Chicago Alliance this Wednesday, October 25 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Via Zoom, friendly ICA leaders – like our own Sarah Lincoln – give newbies and veterans alike the info and support you need throughout each phone bank. Get info/Sign up
- Phone Ohio voters with the Democratic Party of Ohio – choose your dates and times between now and November 7th (times listed are ET) Get info/Sign up
National Indivisible Calls for Ceasefire
National Indivisible calls for a ceasefire in Israel/Palestine.
In a press release dated October 20th, national Indivisible writes:
“We joined the global community in condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7th. Now, we are deeply concerned that the path the Israeli government is embarking on is one of collective punishment, leading to devastating suffering for the people of Gaza, the majority of whom are children.
“The risks of the conflict expanding regionally grow by the hour. An immediate ceasefire is needed to save lives in Gaza, so hostages can be safely released, to establish a humanitarian corridor so that aid can get into Gaza, and to avert regional escalation.”
Share Your Views
US House: Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) has joined Illinois lawmakers Delia Ramirez (IL-03) and Jesus (Chuy) Garcia (IL-04) in co-sponsoring Congresswoman Cori Bush’s House resolution calling for a ceasefire.
See the House ceasefire resolution here. See the full list of co-sponsors here — and be aware that more Illinois lawmakers may be signing on.
US Senate: To date, both Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth have spoken out for humanitarian aid to people of Gaza, but neither has called for a ceasefire. Watch their websites and social media for further statements.
Illinois lawmakers need to know what their constituents think. Share your own message with them here:
Organizations and Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and actions from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
Ranked Choice Voting: See Info Session
What’s Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), and should it come to Illinois? We’re still learning about RCV, and we thank our sister group Indivisible Downtown Chicago (IDC) for hosting last week’s information session.
IDC hosted Andrew Szilva, the executive director of Fair Vote Illinois, who made the case for Ranked Choice Voting and answered questions from the attendees. Watch the recording and get the slides.
See Fair Vote Illinois’s explainer for more on Ranked Choice Voting
Tues, Nov 14: District Council 2 Meeting
Mark your calendars! If you live in Chicago’s 2nd police district, attend the meeting of the 2nd District Council on Tuesday, November 14th, 6:30-8:00 pm (doors open 6:00 pm) at Wabash Avenue YMCA Building, 3763 S. Wabash. You can also attend remotely – Zoom registration information coming soon.
Don’t live in the 2nd district? Find your police district here. Connect with YOUR District Council on this page and get meeting announcements and minutes. Learn more about the role of Chicago’s 22 district councils and the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) here.
Follow IC-SS on Facebook & Twitter
Co-Leaders: Sarah Lincoln, Esther Peters,
Betsy Rubin, Teri Watkins
About: Group & Co-Leader Statements
Newsletter Notes
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