IC-SS News: July 22, 2024
The Big News
By now, you’ve heard the news. President Biden has made his decision, saying “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Vice President Kamala Harris thanked the President for his endorsement of her candidacy and said, “My intention is to earn and win this nomination… I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party − and unite our nation − to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
We at Indivisible Chicago-South Side will continue our work to defend our democracy and fight for the issues we care about. Our goal is to defeat Trump and the Republicans — from the White House to Congress to all down-ballot races. In 2024, that means electing Democrats. Please join us!
Feel the Energy – Let’s Go!
We must defeat Trump and the GOP. Let’s get out the vote for Democrats up and down the ballot in nearby swing states Michigan & Wisconsin.
We reach voters best with direct contact: through canvassing (knocking doors), phone banking, and texting.
Connect with the citywide Indivisible Chicago Alliance for training, support, opportunities!
Get on Zoom & Text or Phone Voters
From the comfort of home, get on Zoom with citywide Indivisible Chicago and contact Michigan and Wisconsin voters by phone or by text.
Volunteers on Zoom with friendly trainers to text or phone voters
For phone banks or text banks, you get all the training and support you need from clear and encouraging organizers, who stand by on Zoom the entire session. You’ll feel make a difference and feel good about it!
Find days and times to fit your schedule:
- Indivisible Chicago Phone Banks
- Indivisible Chicago Text Banks
Knock Doors in Michigan & Wisconsin: CANVASS
See anyone you know? Yes that’s IC-SS Co-leader Sarah Lincoln right up front. Sarah’s also a member of the board of citywide Indivisible Chicago Alliance, which organizes canvassing trips to nearby Michigan and Wisconsin.
Indivisible Chicago canvassers in Wisconsin this summer
Sarah says, “Canvassing – knocking doors and talking to voters – is truly the gold standard for getting out the vote where it matters. If you’re a first-timer, don’t worry — Indivisible Chicago will train you and pair you with a buddy before you head out. This election will decide whether or not democracy continues in the United States. So come on out, join us and make a difference!”
This summer, come along with citywide Indivisible Chicago knocking doors in the critical swing states of Michigan and Wisconsin as we work to maintain the Midwest Blue Wall and defeat Trump. Info/sign-up
Whether you choose to canvass in Michigan or Wisconsin, Indivisible Chicago picks locations less than two hours away. They provide all the info and prep you’ll need and help arrange carpools for anyone needing a ride. Sign up today, and Indivisible Chicago will be in touch with details.
Yes, You Canvass: Attend a Training, Aug. 7
Are you canvass-curious but a bit nervous? Indivisible Chicago, in partnership with Swing Left, invites you to attend “Yes, You Canvass,” an in-person training in the South Loop on the evening of Wednesday, August 7th. Get info and sign up.
Knocking on doors and talking to voters face to face is widely thought to be the most effective form of voter contact, and the best thing each of us can do to protect our democracy and elect Democrats this November.
But maybe you’re hesitant about canvassing. A lot of people are! Or maybe it’s been a while and you need a refresher. Even if you’re nervous, we can turn you into a cool, confident door-knocker, ready to do the work for this critical election. Sign up and let us prove it!
RSVP: Register here
When: Wednesday, August 7th, 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Grace Place, 637 S Dearborn St
July & August: Write to Voters with Us
We give each other strength! Join our work writing Vote Forward letters to voters. Can you write with us on one or both of these dates? RSVP here.
- Tuesday, July 30th, 6:00-8:00 pm at Jimmy’s (Woodlawn Tap), 1172 E 55th St.
- Thursday, August 15th, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Nile, 1162 E. 55th St.
At either the Nile or Jimmy’s, IC-SS orders some nibbles for the table, and we ask people to purchase their own food and drink to support the venue. The Nile is BYOB, so feel to bring wine or beer to share; Jimmy’s has a full bar. NOTE: Jimmy’s is CASH ONLY, though they have an ATM. RSVP here.
Letter leader Steve Kagan (the man in the hat) brings letter printouts, envelopes, and pens for you. If you can, bring stamps to donate. If you’re writing letters from home, you are welcome to bring along your own letters to work on. RSVP here.
Thanks to all 12 people who gathered last week to write almost 200 letters to voters!
Write at Home from Now to October
We encourage you to sign up with Vote Forward, so you can print, write, and mail your own letters from home. Create a free account with Vote Forward, choose a state or states, and then print and write the number of letters that fit in your schedule this summer and early fall.
Project 2025: Inform Your Friends
To prevent fascism in the United States, we must prevent Republican control of the White House, Senate, and House, where they can implement Project 2025, whose authors include Trump’s former Cabinet secretaries and top White House officials and senior aides.
As you know by now, Project 2025 far-right Heritage Foundation’s 920-page plan to turn the United States into a christo-fascist state, center power on the presidency and political appointees, and dismantle the rights and freedoms that the US has achieved since the 19th century.
New resources about the threat of Project 2025 to share with your family and friends:
- Ms Magazine: The 22 Scariest Lines We Found in Project 2025’s 900-Page “Mandate for Leadership”
- Mark Elias, Paige Moskowitz/Democracy Docket (video): What is Project 2025 And Why Is It Alarming?
- Molly Jong-Fast (video with guest, Professor T. Zimmer, Georgetown U): Project 2025: Trump’s Second Term Not-So-Secret Plan
- IntoAction downloadable GIFs: Stop Project 2025 GIFs
See our full resource list. Find videos, articles, and websites devoted to spreading the word about the dangers we face — see Indivisible Chicago-South Side’s Project 2025 full resource list.
Warn your friends about Project 2025!
ACT: Share the Warning
Be sure all your friends and associates are aware of the real danger that Project 2025 represents — and encourage them to vote so that Trump and Republicans cannot seize full power.
Face to face, via text or email, or on your social media, inform your friends and associates about Project 2025, the comprehensive plan created by the right-wing Heritage Foundation and supported by the GOP.
At least once this week, share a video, article, or website – find resources on the IC-SS resource list. Then share more next week!
Sample wording for social media:You’ve been hearing about Project 2025, but is it really so terrifying? Yes, it’s the detailed fascist plan that Republicans have developed to implement if Trump wins the White House. Watch this video: [or Read this article or Check out this website]
Tell Your Reps: SAY NO TO NETANYAHU
From national Indivisible: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is corrupt and continuing the war in Gaza for his own political gain. His relentless bombings of hospitals and refugee camps have killed tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. He has made it clear that he is more interested in his far-right agenda than in bringing an end to the brutal war and securing the release of the hostages.
Having Netanyahu speak to Congress would undermine efforts by President Biden and the international community to end the war and get desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza.
Tell your members of Congress you expect them to say No to Netanyahu and to skip his address. They must send a clear message to him that they do not support his prolonged war or the bloodshed it has caused and take a stand in support of a ceasefire.
ACT: Use national Indivisible’s simple form to email your members of Congress and tell them to say NO to Netanyahu.
Action Calendar: Indivisible Chicago Alliance
July is almost over, and the November election is but a few months away. What are you doing to help prevent a Trump/GOP power grab of the White House, Congress, and the states?
To find specific actions to sign up for, check ALL the July 2024 options on the Indivisible Chicago Alliance action calendar. (Want to see a LIST of actions instead? Here’s the list view.) NOTE: The calendar is updated frequently. Check back often!
The ICA calendar is a project of the citywide Indivisible Chicago Alliance and is curated by Wendy Posner.
Organizations & Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and actions from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
Donate Clothing, Shoes, Linens
New arrivals and neighbors in our area depend on The Little Free Store/La Tiendita for necessities. Right now, the store is is out of summer clothing and shoes for men and teenagers. They also needs towels and bed linens.
If you have any of these items to share (clean and in good shape), please drop them off at The Little Free Store at Coppin Community Center, 5627 S Michigan Ave., Monday 4 – 6 pm or Saturday 10 am – 1 pm. Thank you for your generosity!
If you absolutely cannot drop off your items during these hours, please email Teri Watkins.
Indivisible Chicago-South Side
Email: Indiv.Chi.South@gmail.com
Follow IC-SS on Facebook, Instagram, Threads (& Twitter for now)
Co-Leaders: Esther Peters,Betsy Rubin, Teri Watkins, Sarah Lincoln
About: Group & Co-Leader Statements
Newsletter Notes
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