It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Pace Yourself~
The sheer volume of not only the offenses, but the unbelievable response from those offended by the cruelty and blatant intention to convert our democracy into an oligarchy is overwhelming. Every day there are protests, planning meetings, rallies, townhalls, "5 Calls," and every other kind of activism imaginable. People are waking up to the reality that democracy and the way of life that we have enjoyed in this last eighty years since WWII ended, is not settled, it is not accomplished. It is something that has to be worked for, defended and improved upon continuously. The GOP (more recently known as MAGA) has been working towards what we are experiencing for at least this past 45 years. The vastness of their takeover cannot be downplayed.
We have to recognize that even though we are behind the curve, we must meet this moment with determination and tenacity. That doesn't mean that we each have to do everything. That's physically impossible. Beyond that, it is psychologically detrimental to even try. We must pace ourselves. We have to find what it is that we can each do and make the commitment to see it through. For some of us, that will look like writing letters - to the editor, to your representative (whether or not they represent you!), and each other. For others it will be marching in the streets, calling out corruption to its face and showing up in all the ways that make some people cringe! Some of us will be the supporters, giving money or encouragement to those on the front lines. But know this - just because things don't improve overnight and in many or even most cases will get worse before they get better, that does not mean that we will not prevail. Stay with this resistance, find your place, and stay in community with folks who will support you.
Our RAD Happy Hour is this Thursday, March 20th! In honor of Women's History Month, we will be celebrating women with a panel of local activists who'll talk with us about how they integrate their activism into their daily lives. Jenna Royal will moderate the conversation with Joey Cade (the FEDDS!), Kathleen Thompson (Progress Texas!), and our own Destiny de la Rosa (New Wave Feminists!)! Jenna herself has been balancing her own nonprofits, political activism, her law practice and being a mom/wife for years. She will have some suggestions on how to find your place and move into it. Please plan to come and be a part of the conversation! Sign up here for all the details!
RAD is hosting a municipal Candidate Forum March 25th, from 7:00- 8:30. This year we will be focusing on two contested City Council races - Mayoral and Place 6, as well as District 2 of the RISD Board of Trustees. This will be an online forum, available for you to be a part of through our RAD YouTube channel. Please sign up for details! We are also collecting questions from our community for the candidates, so please submit your questions here!
On Friday, March 28th, join us for a screening and conversation about the documentary film Zurawski v Texas at Arapaho United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. This is a powerful film about the landmark legal battle that has shaped the landscape of reproductive rights in Texas. It gives a moment to reflect on the history and future of this crucial issue and to engage, learn and think about the ongoing conversation around women's rights. Please register here. Light refreshments will be served.
Peaceful, non-violent protest continues. This Saturday, there will be a poster making event for the Super Mega Marcha 2025 planned for March 30th, Sunday afternoon. The March will be a coalition of immigrant communities who are fighting for bipartisan immigration reform. Beyond that, there is an effort to create a database of the opportunities to Do Something and we'll get it to you as soon as it's available!
And put EARTH DAY on your calendar for next month! We, along with the Student Government Association at Richland College, are joining with other area clubs to present a screening of Chasing the Tide. This is a beautiful documentary made by our friend Jay Kleberg and his wife Chrissy, who will be joining us to talk about their 370 mile trek along the entire coast of Texas. It will be April 22nd, 7:00-9:00 at the Richland Branch of Dallas College, Red River Hall. Join Us!
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 ~
