There have been a few signs recently that things are going very, very wrong from the Republicans. Here are three we’ve noticed:
1. Trump’s in Texas
The president took time out of his busy schedule importing mystery meat and renaming lakes to come to Texas and raise money for the faltering campaign of Ken Paxton.
If they feel the need to bring the big gun in to Texas, you know the GOP has problems. We’ve watched enough Steve Kornacki to understand that the goal is to expand the map, not spend time in states that are supposed to be safe.
2. Abbott Flipped on Data Centers
Greg Abbott hasn’t ever been known for listening to voters. So when he announced a pause on new data centers earlier this month, we took notice.
Could this be the issue that ends rural voters’ support of the GOP? The governor sure is acting like he’s scared it might be.
3. Big Bend is a Bipartisan Issue
Opposition to a wall in Big Bend is bipartisan and growing. The bulldozers have stopped for the moment, but the issue has united Texans — and the GOP knows it’s on the wrong side of public opinion.
If people are watching Republicans not stand up for them down in South Texas, I think we're going to lose the vote down there."
Meanwhile, We’re Locked & Loaded
In the next 66 days, we’re ready to use the power of art, culture, and community to invite people to join us and vote for change. Here’s the latest:
1. We’re In Eagle Pass
This weekend, an elite squadron of FORWRD members is heading to Eagle Pass to connect with voters, pass out materials, and plan an event for later this fall.
We stopped at the wall protest in San Antonio, where we ran into our bestie, Katy Padilla Stout!
Katy’s daughter Ava made her sign 🥲
Here’s what we know: showing up in person is worlds better than the Reach app, a phone call, or a Zoom meeting. We’re showing our sister orgs on the ground that we mean what we say —and we’re excited to share the specific plans that come out of this weekend’s meetings.
Brandon Herrera was at that rally, too — FORWRD member Cathy Crane wasn’t afraid to give him a piece of her mind!
2. We’re Collaborating with Cruz Ortiz
Cruz Ortiz is kind of a big deal in the art world. His work hangs in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The McNay Museum in San Antonio just opened an exhibition of his portraits.
And now, he’s working with US, to develop an image of Katy that we can use to boost her recognition and visibility throughout the district.
We’re finalizing a date for a screen-printing launch party at his Casa Pink in San Antonio next month — stay tuned! We’re also hoping to take his art on the road with installations of wheatpaste murals in key district locations.
3. We’re Working with Partners On the Ground
Last week, we hosted our first Zoom meeting for leaders and activists throughout the district, and we came away with pages of notes for future projects, materials, and people to follow up with.
We’re listening for the opportunities we can seize in the next 66 days. We hope you’ll find your spot and jump in with us.
4. We’re Folding Zines
Our zine-folding party this week was the perfect way to kick off the midterm season. We had four full tables of women working together to prepare packets of zines for our Eagle Pass trip and our sister orgs on the ground.
Fighters AND folders, amirite?
You might ask “yeah, but does anyone care?” and we would send you to this lovely video from our friend Chriselda at the Blue Bunny Brigade, reacting to a care package of voting zines for their work in TX-15. (Go, Bobby Pulido!)
Breaking down these complicated steps, helping folks navigate systems by providing direct access to the forms they need, in the language they’re most comfortable speaking? Yeah, it matters. If we did nothing but this, we could feel pretty good about our contribution.
We also introduced two new fortune tellers — remember those from when you were a kid?? You can find ‘em in the Zine Warehouse.
We’re Raising Money
What’s powering all this activity? A power trio of generous donors has committed $40,000, giving us the ability to say YES to good ideas.
We’re hoping to match that initial investment, so we can keep the momentum going all the way through November 3.
Would you like to make a gift to support this work? You can give online at this link; if you’d prefer to mail a check or give some other way, please let us know.
Reminder!
Follow FORWRD-TX and the Katy Convoy on Instagram!
Save Big Bend Going Statewide This Sunday
Sure the bulldozers may be quiet, but all this heavy equipment needs to leave before we can really relax.
In Austin, you can join the Save Big Bend banner drop this Sunday at 10:00 am at I-35 and 12th Street. Wear a hat and sunscreen! We’ll be there to hand out cooling packs.
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Friday, August 28th 💪💪💪
Events with a 💜are shared from FORWRD members!
💜💜💜Sunday, August 30th 10:00-11:30 AM Save Big Bend Rally It’s time to get loud, Texas! Join this statewide protest - in Austin at the 12th St Bridge over IH-35 - for a banner drop. Wear a hat and sunscreen. FORWRD-TX members will be handing out water and cooling packs to help you handle the heat.
Thursday, September 3rd 6:00-7:30 Community Sing Join Singing Resistance Austin on Thursdays through the election - connect with community and learn songs together - no experience needed.
Thursday, September 3rd Carrying Our Stories Vigil Join ASN, Indivisible, and our community as we gather to honor our immigrant neighbors and share their grief. We bear witness to families separated, love ones detained, lives lost and communities living under constant threat. Join us as we transform grief into hope and action through song, poetry and community.
Friday, September 4th 5:00-8:00 PM Austin Central Labor Council Fish Fry Join us in celebration and solidarity. Enjoy good company, good food, frozen margaritas, and beers on tap. Every ticket sold to this event helps us maintain this Labor Day tradition.
💜Sunday, September 6th 4:00-5:30 PM Rosedale Huddle Monthly Meeting Join our friends at the Rosedale Huddle monthly meeting to learn how to make a difference in this intense and chaotic time! Every small action adds up as we work together to defend democracy. You’ll see lots of familiar FORWRD faces and learn how to get into Good Trouble together!
Recurring Events
MONDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
💜6-8 PM Phone Bank for Gina Hinojosa Join us for weekly Virtual Phone Banks, hosted by the Fair Shot PAC as we work to elect Gina Hinojosa for Governor AND competitive State House campaigns across Texas. It’s up to us to make sure that when Gina is elected, she has State Representatives who want to work with her to fight for working class Texans!
7-8 PM Austin Resistance Choir Hangout Need a happy way to start your week? Join the Austin Resistance Choir for a pop-in, no-experience-necessary hangout every Monday night at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches.
TUESDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
8:00-9:30 AM Rush Hour Resistance Tuesdays with the Rosedale Huddle. These are super fun, peaceful, energetic! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below. (Fan favorite? “Stop Truth Decay!”) At Far West and MoPac
WEDNESDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
8:00-9:30 AM Banners Over South Austin with the Rosedale Huddle. Come help us fly Flags, Banner, and Signs like ICE OUT and HANDS OFF OUR LIBERTY on this bridge that no-one has noticed ... til NOW! Grab that coffee and meet us at 8AM for a workout waving and flagging to Lots of Honks and Waves from the many many commuters below.
8:00-9:00 AM ICE Out Rally N. Lamar & W. Rundberg Bring signs in English and/or Spanish
💜6-8 PM Phone Bank for Gina Hinojosa Join us for weekly Virtual Phone Banks, hosted by the Fair Shot PAC as we work to elect Gina Hinojosa for Governor AND competitive State House campaigns across Texas. It’s up to us to make sure that when Gina is elected, she has State Representatives who want to work with her to fight for working class Texans!
THURSDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
8:15-9:15 AM Signs of Fascism - The Indivisible Rosedale Huddle meets every Thursday morning to hold up the 13 Signs of Fascism along with 2 additional signs. If you would like to join them, please plan to meet at the Randall's parking lot and walk over to the intersection of 2222/Balcones. Please wear all black!
6:00-7:30 PM Community Sing Join Singing Resistance Austin on Thursdays through the election - connect with community and learn songs together - no experience needed.
FRIDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
8:00-9:30 AM East Side Banners Over Austin NEW TIME! Join the Indivisible Rosedale Huddle at the 12th St bridge over IH-35 to wave signs and bring attention to current events.
SATURDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
12:00-1:00 PM Activist Office Hours ResistAustin's weekly drop-in session for activists. We coach everyday people to lead lawful, nonviolent civil resistance to authoritarians — open to newcomers and experienced organizers alike. Bring your questions, ideas, and projects. Pool party follows.
SUNDAYS in SEPTEMBER:
💜💜💜10:00-11:00 AM Save Big Bend Rally at 12th and I-35 Join our friends at Save Big Bend to hold signs and do some banner drops at the 12th St Bridge over I-35.
Large Group Voter Registration and Relational Organizing Opportunities:
There are nearly daily events happening with two Texas orgs for people who want to jump in and help get voters registered and connected before November:
Powered by People has TONS of Voter Activation events and VDR Trainings!
Texas Blue Action - Has Deep Canvassing, Relational Organizing, and Block Walks!
Ann Richards and Dolly Parton at the Driskill Hotel, 1982 💔 © Scott Newton
