Non-Violent Resistance

"Democracy is not a state, it is an act...

...Each generation must do its part to help build what we call the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself."  This was John Lewis's last message to us as a nation in July of 2020. John urged us to redeem the soul of America by getting into what he called "good trouble". We have come to a crucial moment in the nearly 250 year history of this country where it appears to be literally, do or die for our democracy. 

I hope you will choose, with me, to DO. This month, Americans are waking up to the hard reality of the results of our complacency. We can clearly see that this administration is crashing through what we thought were well established guardrails and creating not just chaos here in our home, but across the globe. It is time to stand up. There will be ways for each of us to participate, whether that is making a phone call, sending emails, joining efforts to petition elected officials by protesting or many other ways we can lift our voices. Yesterday, there were at least three protests in the Dallas area. Hundreds of people of every age, ability, race and religion showed up to speak out. Across the country, in every state and in the Capitol, thousands of our neighbors gathered in solidarity. It's a start and I believe it's going to catch fire. Non-violent, peaceful protest is Good Trouble.  

Our monthly Happy Hour is coming up this Thursday, February 20th. This meeting is always on the Third Thursday of each month! We'll be at our regular place - Four Bullets Brewery and this month, in recognition of Black History Month, we'll be joined by Pastor David Wilson of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, who will be speaking with us about the power of love. It's always good to be with community, especially in these overwhelming times. Register here for details!

We are planning a Volunteer Fair! When you joined RAD, you indicated how you wanted to volunteer... and it's (way past) time that we organize our community to get involved! We'll be putting together teams or committees in at least the following categories: Membership outreach/Volunteering at Events, Social Media/Creative work, Postcard / Letters to Legislators Writing, Election Workers (Poll greeting/watching/working), Data Management, Fundraising, and Block walking! Mark your calendar for March 8, from 4-6. SIGN UP HERE FOR MORE DETAILS! We know you want to be engaged, that you have talents and passions and want to use them to make a difference. Thank you. 

Peaceful, non-violent protest has been the most consistent way throughout history of making change. There will be many protest rallies and marches coming up and we'll do our best to keep you informed. On March 30th, Sunday afternoon, there will be a Super Mega Marcha 2025 that you want to be involved in! This will be a coalition of immigrant communities who are fighting for bipartisan immigration reform. The website should be up tomorrow with all the details, but we wanted to get it on your radar! 

People are asking "How can I find out about what's going on?" There are so many things coming at us since January 20th - Muzzle Velocity is the way it was described by Steve Bannon - that it's hard to keep up with all the responses. We've also realized that the social media platforms that have been sources of community and information have become increasingly hostile to progressive messaging. We are looking for alternate methods of communication, as well as coordinating and collaboration within our progressive / liberal / Democratic organizations to amplify our efforts. This newsletter is one way - if you have thoughts on this, hit reply and let's talk!  Otherwise, stand by and know that we are working on it!

Don't miss your chance to get the RAD t-shirt for 2025! You can order yours for $30 or get a t-shirt and membership for $50. T-shirts will be available at our NEXT in-person meetings or can be shipped. Our t-shirt design is an homage to Jimmy Carter, who said, "We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams." 

 ~ Stronger Together ~