Call For Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Block of Sale of Weapons to Israel

Call For Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Block of Sale of Weapons to Israel

We are saddened, angered and horrified at the situation that has unfolded in Gaza. Since the horrific Hamas terror attack on October 7th, 2023, we have seen Israel respond with collective punishment, indiscriminate bombings, displacement, prevention of aid, and mass violations of human rights. Under international law, collective punishment is considered a violation of human rights and the Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit collective punishment in armed conflicts, recognizing it as a war crime. We condemn the continuing violence.

In accordance with Indivisible National and the recommendations of the Center for International Policy, we call for our elected leaders to push for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza to prevent even more lives from being lost.

We are deeply saddened by the recent killing of seven members of the World Central Kitchen who were working to feed civilians in Gaza. We urge the US government to conduct a thorough investigation into the bombing which led to this tragedy.

We are additionally calling for our Members of Congress to block sales of weapons, including F-15s to Israel. Our call script, and more things you can do, are on our website.

Tell our State Legislators in person: VOTE YES for Single-Payer Healthcare!

AB 2200, the single-payer healthcare bill known as CalCare, is currently in the State Assembly. On Tuesday, April 23rd, CalCare will be heard and voted on in the Assembly Health Committee. Both of our Assemblymembers, Matt Haney and Phil Ting, are coauthors of the bill. CA StateStrong, the coalition of Indivisibles statewide, is calling for people to come to Sacramento to pack the hearing room and let our legislators know: we want single-payer healthcare.

Join California StateStrong and National Nurses United in Sacramento as we rally at Cesar Chavez Park at 11 AM and then march to the Capitol Annex building and pack the hearing room at 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. Bus transportation from Oakland and San Jose will also be provided. Please fill out this interest form if you’d like to attend and you will be sent a registration form.

Tax time is here. Consider using IRS’s free Direct File program

The IRS has introduced a pilot program called Direct File that enables federal taxpayers to file their tax return directly with the IRS for free. The program is available in a limited pool of states—California being one of them—and a limited set of taxpayer situations, while the IRS works out kinks in the process. Check your eligibility and try it for your tax filing.

Over 65? It’s time for your spring COVID-19 shot

If you’re 65 years of age or older, you need to renew your protection against COVID-19 more frequently than younger folks. For that reason, the CDC recommends that you get another COVID-19 shot if it’s been more than four months since your previous COVID-19 vaccination.

Folks who’ve had a rough time with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines may want to try Novavax, as some recipients have reported less severe side effects than with the mRNA-based vaccines.

Whichever COVID-19 shot you go with, it should be covered by your insurance. If you’re uninsured, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program covers the cost at participating pharmacies. For a pharmacy near you that’s offering COVID-19 shots, visit https://vaccines.gov/.

Volunteers welcome: We’re looking for an Editor and a Social Media Person!

This year is going to be a busy time, and we’d love a few more volunteers on board to help with editing our weekly newsletter and publishing ongoing social media posts.

Our newsletter team meets every Tuesday night, and our editor helps us make sure everything looks professional, all the links work, and all the commas are in the right places.

Several members of our team post on various social media websites (Twitter, Mastodon, Instagram, etc.). This is more of an ad-hoc role. We especially would like someone to help us create, schedule, and monitor posts on the Meta Suite (Facebook and Instagram) and Threads. No prior knowledge required—we can train you!

If you’re interested in volunteering, let us know at contact@indivisiblesf.org.

If you’re interested in participating in activities like drafting letters to our Members of Congress and developing our strategy for influencing them, the Indivisible SF Federal Working Group is where it happens. Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 16.

Indivisible SF Federal Working Group: Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 PM. Join us to discuss strategy to influence our Members of Congress and the Biden administration to enact a progressive agenda. RSVP here.

CalCare Health Committee Hearing Action: Tuesday, April 23, 11 AM at Cesar Chavez Park and the Capitol Annex in Sacramento. Join California StateStrong and National Nurses United in Sacramento as we rally at Cesar Chavez Park at 11 AM and then march to the Capitol Annex building and pack the hearing room at 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. Bus transportation from Oakland and San Jose will also be provided. Fill out the interest form here.

California Grassroots Alliance “Power in the House” launch kickoff: Wednesday, April 24, 7 PM. California Grassroots Alliance celebrates the launch of their campaign to sweep California’s six purple Congressional districts and take back the House. Guests include Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47), Ben Wikler (WisDems), and Jessica Craven (Chop Wood, Carry Water). RSVP here.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Webinar about the Our City Our Power campaign: Thursday, April 25th, 11–12 AM. Our City Our Power is San Francisco’s effort to purchase the local electricity grid from PG&E to provide San Franciscans with more affordable electric rates, Register here.

Central Valley Matters Fundraiser with Jane Fonda and Dolores Huerta: Thursday, April 25, 5–6 PM. Join us on April 25th when we gather in support of Central Valley Matters’ grassroots groups! Featured speakers, Dolores Huerta and Jane Fonda, will discuss “Why the Central Valley Matters.” RSVP here.

ndivisible East Bay Phone Banking Workshop: Saturday, May 4, 2–4 PM. This workshop will help you shift negative feelings you may have about phone banking, and provide concrete guidance that will help you to have truly rewarding conversations. RSVP here.