FORWRD-ATX April 3 Convening

"Autocracy wants you exhausted, isolated, and grim. Find delight in small beauties, in genuine human connection, in the deep satisfaction of living according to your values. This isn't frivolous—it's revolutionary." - Mike Brock, The Manifesto of the Cognitive Revolution

YOUR INVITATION:

Whether you have been doubling down on daily acts of resistance or "surrendering to convenience, fear, and/or the path of least resistance'' (you wouldn't be alone), we hope you will join us on April 3rd from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Griffin School for the next convening of FORWRD-ATX. 

Our network has grown, from some 100- to nearly 500-strong, and the evening presents a chance to (re)connect, do some important sense-making together, and clarify our priorities for the weeks ahead. Come refill your bucket!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

On your way in the door, you’ll have a chance to grab a drink and some snacks. We will begin promptly at 6:30pm by gathering as a large group in the school’s Big Room to:

• Welcome our new members (and meet and greet one another)

• Align around our shared values, identity and brand

• Clarify the mechanisms we use to connect and communicate

• Highlight some of our current initiatives

We then plan to break out into smaller groups. The following is a working list of break-out group topics and brief descriptions. Many thanks to those who offered input. We are incredibly excited about all these topics and trust that at least one will pique your interest, too:

• Activism 101:  If you are new to activism and/or are operating under intense time constraints, this group will identify some of the simplest actions you can take regularly that really make a difference.

• Arts, Music, Culture:  For the creatives among us that would like to help FORWRD-ATX tap the rich community of artists in Austin and bring their talent to bear on our efforts, this is the group for you.  

• Writer's Room:  Do you develop talking points for a living and/or in the shower? Have you been frustrated by the Democrats’ messaging and want to take a crack at it? Come unleash your muses here.

• Brand Activation:  Following the presentation of FORWRD-ATX's brand work during the large group session, this break-out group will consider ways to focus and amplify the network's effect locally, and how best to disseminate our values and methods to others (we are regularly being asked).

• Merch & Swag:  If a design charrette is your speed, join this group to identify or mock-up potential posters, apparel, and other merchandise for FORWRD-ATX members to carry/don in the world in coming weeks and months.  Most pressing will be the Hands Off Protest on April 5th.  How might we make our mark there?

• Adopt a Winner:  At a recent rally, Congressman Lloyd Doggett encouraged attendees to "adopt a winner" - that is, identify (and throw our weight behind) one or more candidates anywhere in the country with a fighting chance of winning us back some leverage in Congress in 2026.  While this break-out group will not be identifying potential candidate(s) on April 3, we are seeking early input on the criteria and considerations we ought to be giving to this longer-term initiative. 

• Repair and Restore to Resume:  If your general mood is: "I just can't", then look no further. Join this circle to catch your breath, recenter, and generally re-energize. 

HOW TO RSVP:

Please do be sure to RSVP for April 3 using this link.  Feel free to share the link with others. We simply ask that anyone planning to attend RSVPs by close of business on Monday, March 31.  Having an accurate headcount is very helpful for planning purposes.

MORE DETAILS TO COME:

We will be back in touch next week with a map of the Griffin School campus, important parking information, as well as an opportunity for you to pre-register for your preferred break-out group.  So please keep your eyes peeled for that follow-up.

We very much look forward to seeing many of you and we can promise that there will be plenty of seating!