January Newsletter

Jen S
Jan 18
9 min read

We made good trouble in 2025, but 2026 may be even more critical. With midterm elections approaching, Trump and his allies know this could be their last unconstrained chance to suppress democracy and consolidate power. Robert Reich has prepared a list of the 10 most effective things you can do to stay proactive rather than reactive. You can check it out here.

DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT BUILDERS TRAINING--

February 27-March 1, 2026

From Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Michigan Freedom Coalition and partners are hosting a free, three-day Democracy Movement Builders Training at the Hilton Garden Inn in Novi. This is an in-person, hands-on training for people who are serious about winning — locally and statewide. This remarkable experience is available to all of you. Information on the weekend is available here.

Register here: MOVEMENT BUILDERS TRAINING WITH MI FREEDOM COALITION

Spots are limited and we expect this to fill quickly. If you’ve been looking for a place to sharpen your skills, deepen your relationships, and recommit to the long game—this is it.

But wait! There's more!

MOBILIZE FOR CHANGE WITH THE PEOPLE'S COALITION

On Tuesday, January 20th at 6:30 PM the People's Coalition is hosting a Convention 101 session for everyone who’s not familiar with the way the convention races work. Click here to RSVP.

In Michigan you only have to be a member of the MDP to vote at the Convention, where the candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General are chosen. Want to have an impact? Join up! Check this document for more information.

You can learn about all candidates here for MI Secretary of State and MI Attorney General. Want to meet them in person? That’s possible, too: on January 25th, from 2-4 PM in Dearborn (RSVP here).

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The International Women's Day will be March 8 this year. Stay tuned for more information and be sure to check out their website.

STAND WITH MINNESOTA

We are all Minnneapolis! What is happening in Minnesota can happen in our hometown anytime. We need to stand together! Check out these great compilations of mutual aid resource for Minneapolis.

StandwithMinnesota.com

https://linktr.ee/mplsmutualaid

UPDATES FROM NATIONAL

INDIVISIBLE IS HIRING

Indivisible National is dedicating resources to hiring staff in battlegroud states for this election cycle. This Includes Michigan! Check out the job description and application link here.

If you love being in the know, join the weekly Indivisible National Updates from Ezra and Leah. Register here for the 2026 weekly updates.

THIS IS THE TIME TO ACT

Congress is negotiating funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which expires on January 30. The DHS appropriations bill cannot pass the Senate without Democratic votes — which means there is real leverage right now to Rein in ICE and deny it any new funding for its abuses.

We are demanding that Congress vote NO on any DHS funding bill unless it:

Rejects increased funding for ICE and Border Patrol

Restricts dragnet arrest operations and racialized targeting

Ends Border Patrol deployments to our cities

Limits DHS’s ability to transfer funds to fuel detention and enforcement abuses

This is a lawful, nonviolent, community-led action, and it is time-sensitive.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Call your Senators today

https://indivisi.org/iofgsn

Full explainer and detailed demandshttps://indivisi.org/iofge

NATIONAL STRIKES AND BOYCOTTS

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Since President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, ICE has approved contract obligations totaling $5.2 billion. While most of ICE’s contracting dollars go to large prison and technology companies, the agency's network of private-sector partners extends across the country and spans a wide range of industries. Nearly every state is home to ICE contractors, including companies with million dollar-plus contracts that operate out of unexpected locations like suburban neighborhoods or rural areas. We need to know who support ICE and show themd we will no longer support them. You can see which companies are supporting ICE here.

FREE AMERICA WALKOUT - JANUARY 20, 2026

The Women's March is calling for a mass walkout. On January 20th at 2 PM local time, thousands of Americans will walk out of work, school, and commerce because a Free America begins the moment we stop cooperating with fascism. Learn more and find resources at the We the People Dissent website.

NATIONAL DAY OF DIRECT ACTION - FEBRUARY 17, 2026

FLARE and Citizens' Impeachment are organizing meetings at congressional offices in home districts across the country. On February 17th, constituents are encouraged to show up and speak up to their representatives to demand accountability.

"We will not be satisfied with empty promises. We want leaders who will honor their oath and do their job--defending the Constitution by impeaching Donald Trump."

Learn more and find resources here.

KEEPING UP WITH OUR SENATORS

This past month, we had two very informative meetings with both Senator Slotkin's and Senator Peters' staffs. We will continuing to to plan these so stayed tuned. These meetings are open to all Indivisibles so please share the information with your group's members. This is our time to express our concerns and make sure they continue to support our values.

To stay current with the senators your can use these sites:

Senator Gary Peters: https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/

and https://www.peters.senate.gov/contact/newsletter-sign-up

Senator Elissa Slotkin: https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/ and https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/contact/newsletter-signup/

Senator Slotkin also posts regular updates on YouTube. You can subscribe and receive the latest updates.

COALITION BUILDING AKA POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Are you a leader working to build coalitions with like-minded grassroots groups? Coalition building matters because together, we can accomplish what isolated organizations cannot—turning scattered efforts into powerful movements that protect democracy.

BUILDING CONSENSUS ACROSS DIFFERENCES

When Mega AI Data Centers proposed building in multiple Michigan communities, residents from all walks of life came together in opposition. Environmental advocates, local business owners, concerned parents, and fiscal conservatives—groups that don't always agree—found common ground. The result? Three proposed data centers were blocked and two others significantly scaled back, proving that when we unite around solutions good for our communities, we win.

MAXIMIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Use coalition events strategically. At a recent "get Mega Data Centers out of our county" gathering, petition gatherers ran out of pages for "Get Money Out of Politics"—a campaign to stop DTE from donating to politicians. One event, two wins.

YOUR ALLIES ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Build partnerships with groups already in your community: League of Women Voters, AARP, local union chapters, FLOW (For Love of Water), Voters Not Politicians, DemCast USA, Field Team 6, local Democratic clubs, and more. Even unexpected allies like neighborhood associations can become powerful partners when your cause aligns with their values.

Start by reaching out with a specific ask: "Would you co-host this town hall?" or "Can we share resources for this campaign?" Concrete collaboration builds trust.Check out these coalitions built by Traverse Indivisible and area groups and by Indivisible Advocates and Oceana County groups. These are great examples for new group leaders to show how we can reach outside of our Indivisible "bubble" for power building with other organizations in our areas to amplify and maximize our work!

LET US AMPLIFY YOUR WORK

Building coalitions in your community? Contact SWIM (Statewide Indivisible Michigan) so we can amplify your voices and help grow your movement.

info@statewideindivisiblemi.com

OUR RIGHT TO PROTEST IS UNDER ATTACK IN MICHIGAN

Michigan Republicans have introduced House Bill 4664, legislation that would criminalize peaceful assembly on public roads—imposing fines and potential jail time on protesters and activists simply for exercising their Constitutional rights.

This isn't about public safety. Streets and sidewalks have long been recognized as protected spaces for free speech, and Michigan already has laws addressing unsafe obstruction. HB 4664 is unnecessary and dangerous—a bill designed to silence dissent by making citizens afraid to speak out.

By expanding police power and criminalizing peaceful protest, this legislation threatens the very foundation of our democracy. It prioritizes control over Constitutional rights and puts law-abiding Michiganders at risk of prosecution for doing what generations before us have done: standing up for what they believe in.

WE MUST ACT NOW. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AND DEMAND THEY VOTE NO ON HB 4664.

Link: Find your Michigan State Representative

Link: Find your Michigan State Senator

Our First Amendment rights are not negotiable. Make your voice heard before it's too late.

CARING FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Self care is so essential to our ability to sustain our activism. Having a bit of fun goes a long way.

FEBRUARY BUCKET LIST

For a bit of fun and inspiration, check out this YouTube music video from No Kings rallies across the country (PS turn the volume up and get out of your chair and dance for full effect).

Our favorite photos from recent rallies across the USA

RESOURCES TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGING

PARTNER TOOL KITS

ELECTION INFORMATION

Check out these Wikipedia sites (thanks for Al Wirth of NE Oakland Indivisible for pointing these out!) Make sure your district is listed - remember Wikipedia is publicly edited!

2026 Michigan Senate election - Wikipedia

2026 Michigan House of Representatives election - Wikipedia

AGENDA FOR NATIONAL RENEWAL

The American Peoples Compact (APC) is a research-backed, nationally tested policy platform to rebuild and renew America, by the people, for the people, and with the people. See how this SWIM co-sponsored platform can help inform your vision! The American People's Compact | People-First Policy Platform

RURAL ORGANIZING

Our Partners at Rural Organizing have compiled a comprehensive list of their resources. This includes everything from past debriefs to how-to steps for organizing mutual aid events. You can access it here:

Rural Organizing, Rural Host Network Resource Document

FOOD BANK INFORMATION

Here is an updated link for food bank information created by Macomb Defenders Rising.

PROTECT THE BALLOT

Protecting the ballot will be even more vital in 2026. If you missed the seminar, you can access the recording here. You can also access the Q & A, and slide deck for this webinar. This could be a great discussion starter for a meeting!

HERE IS A GREAT CALLING REFERENCE GUIDE and MUTUAL AID PRIMER courtesy of Indivisible Metro Detroit.

PROTECT YOURSELF

As protests gear up, it's important to keep yourself and other protestors safe. This document has a bunch of resources to help you do just that! Share with your crew! Updated safety protocols are posted on the SWIM Leader Slack site! Here is another l ink to a document for general emergency and disaster preparedness.

OPTICS ARE IMPORTANT

The American public judges who's right and wrong almost exclusively based on the images they see on the news and on social media. This makes managing protest optics absolutely critical for movement success. This document has many suggestions on how to put our best foot forward.

POLITICAL ACTION ROADMAP FOR MICHIGANDERS

Political action is a way to support your community and fight for a society that is feminist, anti-racist, and pro-democratic. Casting your vote is just one of the many tools at your disposal! Here are some additional ways you may already be engaging in political action. This resource can be used to help scaffold new people to the movement - share with your community members.

CHECK OUT FIVE CALLS

Many local groups are having their members use this great tool to contact their legislators about the hot topics in front of them. This could not be easier. Sign up here.

CARD CAMPAIGN FOR DEMOCRACY makes it easy for even the shyest activist to get their voice heard. Here is a downloadable postcard protesting Donald Trump and "his rape of our democracy and country." Sign up for their emails here and pick up the 2025 Card campaigns.

USE THE POWER OF YOUR SPENDING!

Check out Goods Unite Us (link here; there is also an app) for verifying who the merchant may be supporting before you purchase!

COLLABORATION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME!

WANT MORE? Check out more toolkits on our website here!

SWIM WEBPAGE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Bookmark our Website: www.statewideindivisiblemi.com. The website is a repository of resources and network partners amassed since 2017.

Members: Send us your announcements, events, photos or writings to our email at info@statewideindivisiblemi.com! We need to share our successes - we're better together!

SOCIAL MEDIA

BlueSky: @mi-swim.bsky.social

Facebook: SWIM (StateWide Indivisible Michigan) Members

Instagram: statewideindivisiblemichigan

YouTube: newly available for groups to post to @SWIM-StateWideIndMI

For the time being, we maintain our Facebook & Instagram accounts, but foresee a time in the not-distant future when we will leave these platforms like we (and many others) did X.

Join us on BlueSky!

USING THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO AMPLIFY GOOD NEWS

Truth Bomb Toolkit – this is a very comprehensive toolkit with EVERYTHING you might want to know about Truth Bombs and how to do them.
Into Action Labs allows you to download hundreds of gifs and add your own message(s).
Indivisible's Trainings-to-Go - Slides, handouts, discussion questions, as well as notes/directions for the person leading the space. Start with a pilot batch of 3 Trainings-to-Go: Recruitment 101, Indivisible 101, and Tools for Building Inclusive Groups! These are located in the Support Hub along with a lot more! Questions or suggestions can be sent to training@indivisible.org.