September Newsletter
- Jen S
- Sep 15
- 10 min read
If you need hand out information about the above petition, Voters Not Politiciansoffers a quick and easy way to request "decline to sign" literature. Just click here and fill out the form and they will get you the information you need.
Click above to get more information avoiding these ballot proposals
PETITION SEASON IS HERE
WEEKEND OF ACTION
OCTOBER 11-12
SWIM, in partnership with Distill Social, is planning a Statewide Weekend of Action. By signing on with Distill, groups will have access to petition materials through local distributors.
SWIM is also exploring the possibility of working with WAVE and their texting program to alert people in our communities to the petition signing events. (Groups who have used this in the past have found this to be a very easy and effective process.) Distill will also be assisting on pushing out information about our events so stay tuned for more information.
Check this map for groups who have signed up as distributors for Distill/SWIM Michigan For The Many (MFTM) petitions. Please sign up to participate.
There is still time to sign up for Distill Social's Ballot Petition Training Sessions:
TAKE ACTION
NO KINGS
The next Nationwide No Kings Event will be held on October 18. These events have continued to grow and we want to make this the biggest one ever! Events are already being planned across the state. Register your event or find one near you using this link. Collaborate on ideas on the SWIM Leader Slack site!
ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING AT RISK:
The Michigan House of Representatives passed their version of the FY 2026 budget, which includes devastating cuts—most notably, the complete elimination of state arts funding. This proposal would erase $10 million in support for arts and culture. The arts are not “wasteful spending.”
Arts and culture is not wasteful spending. They preserve our history, shape our communities, fuel local economies, and inspire the future. They are central to Michigan’s quality of life and to the connected, vibrant places that attract people and businesses. Roads and infrastructure matter—but what good are they if they lead to communities stripped of the arts and culture that give them meaning? We urge you to advocate for the reinstatement of arts and cultural funding in the state budget. You can take action by:
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NEWS FROM NATIONAL
This August, Indivisible launched The Solidarity in Action Fund, a microgrant opportunity designed to help Indivisible members jumpstart their group's involvement in local mutual aid activities. Groups can apply for up to $1,000 for individual group projects or $2,500 for joint projects. You can join a training to learn more about this project here.
You can learn more about possible project ideas here.
Do you want to connect with other Indivisibles across the country? Group2Group is back on Tuesdays from 3pm ET - 4:30pm ET.
Do you have questions about EveryAction? Submit them here and we'll answer them LIVE on Tuesday's Group2Group call.
Indivisible hosts a daily Coffee and Conversations zoom weekdays at 11 am Eastern. Ask questions, share best practices or just come to listen. This is an extremely informal way to plug in and connect with our National Indivisible peeps.
Do you know someone who should be receiving National's emails? Send them the Group Leader Email Subscribe Link to get the connected! Or if they need to reverse a previous unsubscribe, send them this Re-subscribe Link.
Did you miss the 1,000,000 Rising Trainings? Despair not! You can access the recordings here.
INFORMATION FROM OUR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT ICKES
Scott has so much to share that we have put it into a separate document for you to look through. You can access it here.
The Resistance Coalition is tracking events around the state!
SWIM is one of the many partner organizations in the Resistance Coalition (RC)! 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.
WHAT ARE OUR SENATORS UP TO
We have had two informative meetings with our Senators this month. Here is the follow-up on the meeting with Senator Slotkin's Staff.
We hope that you were able to attend our recent meeting and hear the excellent summary provided by Anne Brown, staff member to Senator Slotkin. The discussion covered several key issues, including the omnibus spending bill, Middle East policy, Russia relations, domestic military deployment, redistricting, upcoming budget negotiations, the Epstein files, and the Line 5 pipeline.
It was encouraging to learn that Senator Slotkin's positions align with many of our membership's priorities, and that she continues actively working on these issues. We encourage her staff to relay our request that the Senator use her influence as a moderate voice to move her colleagues toward more progressive positions--particularly in areas where she already aligns with the progressive wing, such as joining Senator Sanders in calling for an end to weapons shipments to Israel amid ongoing concerns about the humanitarian crisis.
Ms. Brown shared this useful summary of all the changes caused by the bill and how they effect her constituents. We will pass along any other information she provides as follow-up to this meeting.
The August 20, 2025 headline of The New York Times was a headline none of us wanted to see. While Indivisible prides itself on its independence and strives to build a coalition of progressives, Democrats and independents, this headline spells trouble for our democracy.
This was the summer and fall of Trump sowing discontent among his supporters and it is our opportunity to turn the tide.
If you are in the mind to help get Democrats registered to vote, there is only one group out there whose sole mission it is to "Register Democrats. Save the World"...Field Team 6. They've set a goal to hold 200 voter drives a month and then, ramp it up to 200 a week! Jo Ann Bollen is their intrepid trainer and if you and your Indivisible group want to start hitting the sidewalks at colleges, universities and community colleges near you, she's happy to help. Email her at helpmydrive@fieldteam6.org. Jason Berlin, founder of Field Team 6, even built a web app called Drive Scout that can help you find places to hold your voter drives. Check it out here.
CALLS TO ACTION
CHECK OUT THIS ONE STOP SHOPPING SITE FOR NEARBY ACTIONS !
The Resistance Coalition is tracking events around the state!
SWIM is one of the many partner organizations in the Resistance Coalition (RC)! 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.
CALL SENATORS PETERS AND SLOTKIN AND TELL THEM: NO AI MEDICARE PRECARE APPROVALS
Indivisible reported that Dr. Oz and the Trump Administration are rolling out a pilot program that would fundamentally change Medicare. This change would require senior citizens to get prior authorization for some healthcare services and Artificial Intelligence would decide if you get your care approved or not. Click this link to take action right now. Or use Senator Peters' contact portal or Senator Slotkin's contact portal to send them a personal message about your opposition.
Check here for additional topics to discuss with out Senators (prepared by Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids.)
TELL THE SMITHSONIAN TO PRESENT UNBIASED AMERICAN HISTORY:
Tell the Smithsonian: America needs you to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Click the link below to let them know you support unbiased reporting of our history:
NATIONAL BOYCOTTS
Mark your calendars and plan ahead!
All of September - Boycott Walmart
All of October - Boycott Target
All of November & December- Boycott Walmart, Amazon & Target; shop minority-owned businesses (search Black-owned businesses here.)
(from https:generalstrike.us)
Check out https://choosedemocracy.us/boycott-central/#active for lots of active boycotts!
Did we miss any? Post them to our social media pages - see below for direct links.
GROUP SHOUT-OUTS!
Indivisible Huron Valley held a rally during the Congressional Break to call out Lisa McClain for her lack of interaction with her constituents. Great energy and lots of positive interaction.
Indivisible Greater Kalamazoo and 4 southwest MI Indivisibles held a Democracy Fest in the park with over 1,000 attendees! Inspiring speakers, kids voting for favorite cartoon characters using ranked choice voting, and more. Read about it here.
ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
SWIM represented at the MICAN Statewide Conference on September 9. Meeting old friends and making new ones. What a great way to network!
Third Act MIchigan is working hard to promote environmental campaigns. Gather with Third Actors nationwide on their All-In-Call on September 25, to hear updates, get inspired, and learn what's next in our fight for climate and democracy. More event details are coming soon. Register now and save the date.
They are also sponsoring Sun Day Events across the state during September. Check for one near you here.
If you have something for this section or would like to be involved with a working group focused on the environment, please contact Lynne Cavazos.
TIPS FOR THE FRUGAL ACTIVIST
Rallying is a big part of winning the hearts and minds of the public but making posters for every event and issue can be costly. Did you know that you can get free cardboard from Costco Warehouse just by snagging the dividers between the toilet paper rolls? Okay, maybe it's not as good as foam board, but it's free and you're doing a good thing by repurposing something Costco would get rid of.
These sheets are 34" X 43" and you can even cut them down and get two signs per sheet.
Inexpensive markers: We've been using IKEA markers for our posters and postcards for a while now. They come in packs of 12 for $2.99 or 24 for $3.99!
The above information should not be construed as an endorsement of Costco or IKEA but merely to pass along some possible cost saving ideas for activists. If you have your own money saving ideas, please share your ideas and tips to info@Statewideindivisiblemi.com and we'll post them in upcoming newsletters.
A local developer with Indivisible Metro Detroit is working on a Michigan model of the wildly successful 5 Calls app, called “Call MI Reps”. He’s far enough in the design process that he’s looking for a web developer or designer to help with the front end design. Interested? Contact Katie Page at indivisiblemetrodetroit@gmail.com
RESOURCES TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGING
PARTNER TOOL KITS
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!
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 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!
And we can't ever forget the need for self-care! Cara Erskine from Great Lakes Democracy Action Indivisible shared this amazing list of self-care tips and resources. Thank you, Cara!
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.
STAY IN CONTACT WITH OUR ELECTEDS
Contact Michigan House of Representatives: https://www.house.mi.gov/AllRepresentatives
Contact Michigan State Senate: https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYOurSenator/
Contact the Governor:
Phone: 517-335-7858
Mail: PO Box 30013; Lansing, MI 48909
Contact the Attorney General:
MI Portal: https://www.michigan.gov/ag
Email: miag@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-335-7622
Mail:525 W. Ottawa St., PO Box 30212, Lansing MI 48909
Contact Members of Congress:
Phone: 202-224-3121
Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives
Using Fax Zero (a free faxing service):
Senators: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php
Representatives: https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.php
Contact White House or Other Federal Agencies: usa.gov/federal-agencies
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? Usethis page to join and never miss out on SWIM news and events!
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