May Newsletter

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR JUNE 14TH  NO KINGS RALLY    ALL OVER THE USA, INDIVISIBLE AND OTHER GROUPS ARE JOINING TOGETHER TO STAGE THE LARGEST PEACEFUL RALLY LETTING LAWMAKERS KNOW: NO KINGS   GROW THE MOVEMENT!    INVITE A FRIEND, RELATIVE, NEIGHBOR TO A  JUNE 14TH NO KINGS RALLY NEAR YOU    Research by renowned political scientist Erica Chenoweth reveals a powerful truth: when just 3.5% of a population actively participates in peaceful protest, political change becomes virtually inevitable. No regime in modern history has survived sustained nonviolent resistance at this scale. Your presence at the No Kings rally isn't just symbolic—it's mathematically significant. Every person who shows up brings us closer to the critical threshold where peaceful democratic change becomes unstoppable.   Be part of the 3.5% that makes history. Click to register: https://facebook.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7935a37606f4ad1c1a0ac4888&id=4e0e83b401&e=d9bc44ebc5 WHAT IS "NO KINGS"?   NO KINGS is a National Day of Action opposing the Trump administration's authoritarian tendencies and corruption. As they've restricted free speech, detained political opponents, threatened citizens with deportation, and ignored court rulings,--all while enriching themselves--we're taking a stand.      When Trump holds his military parade in D.C. on June 14, we'll respond with nationwide community actions that showcase true American Values: people united against strongman politics.   Working with local organizers and pro=democracy partners, we'll demonstrate that organized people power surpasses any authoritarian agenda.   NO KINGS events will complement Veterans celebrations, Pride and Juneteenth activities.

Want to attend an historic protest in DC?  Check out the Unite For Veterans event on June 6 on the National Mall !

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING FOR PROTECTORS OF DEMOCRACY Join us on Wednesday June 4 from 6:30-8:30 for this important training. It will be a great way to prepare for the June 14 rallies.    Lately, it seems like there is a protest every day of the week. Many of us have attended one. As they get bigger and more popular the issue of safety for those participating has become a concern. This interactive training is designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed to engage in dialogue and manage conflict during potential tense and emotional circumstances. This training will focus on empathy, reflective listening, self-regulation, safety measures, and role play scenarios.    Our presenters will be: Jill Murphy (Friends of Bernie Sanders); Erik Shelley (Michigan United Action); Lisa Denny (UNDIVIDED) and Stephanie Crider (UNDIVIDED)You can register: https://facebook.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7935a37606f4ad1c1a0ac4888&id=a23c15fa7b&e=d9bc44ebc5

https://facebook.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7935a37606f4ad1c1a0ac4888&id=a082da96fd&e=d9bc44ebc5

CALLS TO ACTION

ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR ACTIONS NEAR YOU!The Resistance Coalition is tracking events around the state!

SWIM is one of the many partner organizations in the Resistance Coalition!  RC is working to keep track of events around the state for you - click this link to see all of the actions submitted by our Indivisible Local Groups and Partner Organizations, from Tesla Townhalls to Bridge Takeovers; from Metro Detroit to the Keweenaw Peninsula!  Scroll down to the green rows to see the list of WEEKLY STANDING PROTESTS!

Check out these other resources to access links to protests across the state.

• Mivoter.org

• Michigan Resistance and Activism Events

• We The People Dissent list and map of protests. 

PROTECT YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU!SWIM is offering a collaborative statewide training on being a "Safe and Effective Protector". This will be an online event and will be open to all.  Registration information coming soon - stay tuned to social media or our webpage!As protests gear up, be sure to assess your own risk. Check out this "Know Your Rights" guide from the ACLU.  Indivisible National also has some excellent guidelines available.Here is more security advice from the Women’s March Network: Digital Defenders, Securing Our Resistance or copy this link into your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?akid=22466.2406662._kp_Dr&rd=1&t=2&v=aBdP8N49NlA&feature=youtu.beAnd additional safety tips for protests from the geeks at Wired.

An excellent review of what to do in the event the Insurrection Act is triggered: Refuse, Resist, Ridicule.  This page includes a link to an article on the lessons learned from mock marshal law scenarios acted out by the Brennan Center for Justice last year. Preparing for Marshal LawThe time to act is now—your voice and involvement are vital in this critical moment to resist the far-right's relentless push to dismantle our democracy and undermine our future.  Check out this Rapid Response Activist Training from People Power United.  Register here!

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NEWS FROM NATIONAL

Two things from our fearless Indivisible Regional Organizer, Scott Ickes:

First: What's the Plan calls with Ezra and Leah - it's important to keep aligned with Indivisible's thinking on Theory of Change, and for building local groups, and it also helps everyone to remember that there is a pro-democracy plan! Register for these clarifying Q&A sessions here, Thursdays, 3ET.

Second, for folks in difficult political environments, stay encouraged and engaged by joining the monthly Indivisible Red and Rural Caucus call, Wednesday April 30th 8pmET.

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Michiganders may soon encounter petitioners gathering signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.  The group behind this effort, PROVE IT MICHIGAN, needs to collect 450,000 valid signatures to place the proposal on the November 2026 ballot.   Inform your networks about this initiative, and if approached to sign this petition, DECLINE TO SIGN! Despite its presentation, this proposal aims to restrict voter registration in Michigan rather than enhance electoral integrity.  Keep an eye out for this and other deception petitions coming our way from the folks at the MI GOP (Gross Old Powermongers).

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Group Shout-outs!

There is so much talent in our Local Groups!  We will hold space to share some of the outstanding work being done within our Locals.

Indivisible Metro Detroit put together a great primer to share on the S.A.V.E. Act:  SAVE Act primer from Indivisible Metro Detroit

Deep Red Macomb County for the Win(s)

There was a fantastic turnout of protestors for Trump's visit to Warren on April 29 - about 3 times as many as were inside Macomb County Community College in Trump's favorite Michigan county.  Our metro area Indivisible groups combined forces to help get an enthusiastic crowd!  Check out the great images! and a write up on Substack! Western Wayne Indivisible Groupleader, Joan Pence, had an amazing interview on Fox News.

Many of our groups had incredible Medicaid pressers.  So many groups put on a great showing and pushed out A-1 press releases.  So many members and others were bravely willing to share their stories. Here's an exciting result fromMacomb Defenders Risingabout one of their members who's story made it all the way to the floor of Congress!

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SWIM has received the GROW Grant funding for our "SEEDS FOR CHANGE" project. Thanks to so many of you who signed up for it with the unbridled enthusiasm of spring!!  The seed packets are on order and we expect to ship them to those who signed up by the end of May.  Get ready to spread seeds of hope, joy, and resistance!

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STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING ZOOMS WITH SENATE STAFF!

Your SWIM Team continues to work to establish a regular schedule for meetings with US Senate staff to keep you informed and keep our Senators accountable! 

Check out Senator Slotkin's Weekly Intel Briefing here.

       Keep calling them to voice your opinion at

Sen. Gary Peters: (313) 226-6020, (844) 506-7420

Sen. Elissa Slotkin:  202-224-4822, regional office phone numbers can be found at https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/contact-your-senator/

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You're already calling Senators, emailing Representatives, and attending protests, but want to do MORE? 

Consider running for office - GLPA does terrific trainings to give you the understanding you need to make that choice

https://facebook.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7935a37606f4ad1c1a0ac4888&id=ee4c84fd19&e=d9bc44ebc5

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ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER 

The environment is an important topic for all of us. We will use this regular, dedicated space to update you on current actions and information. MICHIGAN MICROPLASTIC COALITION Michigan Microplastics Coalition, an affiliate of the National Food and Water Watch, is a group of concerned individuals and organizations addressing microplastics in the Grant Lakes regions as an emerging water quality pollutant. Their mission is to stop the introduction of plastics and microplastics from entering the Grant Lakes to protect environmental and human health. Microplastics pose a threat to human health and the environment and have been found in the organs of humans and other wildlife. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is required to monitor and regulate water quality and safety in the United States.) Current Goal:  To get Governor Whitmer and six other Governors to petition the EPA to protect the health of the Great Lakes and monitor microplastics under the Safe Water Act. Opportunity to get involved: Your Indivisible Group or members of your group can support the efforts of the Microplastic Coalition by circulating petitions and gather signatures to encourage Governor Whitmer and other governors to act. In addition, letters to the Editor in local Michigan newspapers would also be appreciated. For additional Information contact: Katie Olson at kgolsson1@gmail.com.For printed petitions contact: Michelle Allen at mallen@fwwatch.org.  RESTRICTING STATE'S RIGHTS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT President Trump recently directed Attorney General Pamela Bondi to take action to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. These lawsuits advance President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach. In view of this administration's views on eliminating environmental protections to increase corporate profits, this article is an important read. You can access the article here.  DO YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR CLIMATE ISSUES?  (Who can really answer "no", right?)  SWIM wants to know what's happening with any climate actions from your group - there are several local groups around the state with climate teams!  Help SWIM help you by sharing what you're doing so others aren't recreating the wheel.  Contact the CORE Team point person for climate, Lynne Cavazos, at lcavazos5939@charter.net to amplify your work!

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RESOURCES TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGING

PARTNER TOOL KITS 

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 tools 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!

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

And we can't ever forget the need for self-care!  Cara Erskine from GLDAI shared this amazing resource of self-care tips and resources.  Refer back often!  Thank you, Cara!

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SWIM WEBPAGE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Bookmark our Website: www.statewideindivisiblemi.com. New events from SWIM and our partners are posted regularly! 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

 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 and add your own message(s).   

• Indivisible's Trainings-to-Go - materials such as 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.

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STAY IN CONTACT WITH OUR ELECTEDS

Contact Michigan House of Representatives:  https://www.house.mi.gov/AllRepresentativesContact Michigan State Senate: https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYOurSenator/Contact the Governor:MI Portal: https://somgovweb.state.mi.us/GovRelations/ContactGovernor.aspxPhone: 517-335-7858Mail: PO Box 30013; Lansing, MI 48909Contact the Attorney General: MI Portal: https://www.michigan.gov/agEmail: miag@michigan.govPhone: 517-335-7622Mail:525 W. Ottawa St., PO Box 30212, Lansing MI 48909Contact Members of Congress:Phone: 202-224-3121Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmRepresentatives: https://www.house.gov/representativesUsing Fax Zero (a free faxing service):Senators: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.phpRepresentatives: https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.phpContact White House or Other Federal Agencies: usa.gov/federal-agencies

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GET INVOLVED!

GOTIDEAS, GOOD NEWS OR QUESTIONS?

Send us your thoughts to us atinfo@statewideindivisiblemi.com!

FIRED UP??  JOIN US!

Did someone forward this email to you? Use this page to join and never miss out on SWIM news and events!