We always knew that a quorum break was a short-term solution. And it looks like the clock will run out next week.

State Rep. Gene Wu’s goal for the quorum break was simple and urgent: “Do everything we can to wake up America.” That mission was undeniably accomplished. The quorum break is still making national news, and polls show that the Texas GOP’s power-grab is wildly unpopular with voters.

Texas Dems also lit a fire under the national party (finally) … even mild-mannered pols like Kathy Hochul are promising to fight back. (And Gavin Newsom is having a BLAST.)

It might be all over but the shouting — but we still intend to SHOUT. There’s a rally at the Capitol on Saturday at 11 with Beto O’Rourke, Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar, and activist Dolores Huerta.

We’ll be there — let’s meet at the Tejano Monument (slightly east of Congress, close to 11th) at 10:50ish, then move into the shade at 11. Look for our FORWRD-ATX signs!

The experts claim this map insulates the GOP from losing seats. But has there ever been a time when a party has so openly and indiscriminately attacked the Latino community, while also counting on their vote to maintain power? Redistricting may still wind up being a pyrrhic victory for the GOP, and we’re determined to work hard to make it blow up in their faces.

They’re holding a much weaker hand today than they were post-election, and videos of law-abiding citizens being treated like garbage by Trump’s goons won’t help their sagging poll numbers — nor will skyrocketing prices, especially on groceries. They’re stuck selling their stinker of a bill. And they’re about to place a very large bet on a community that’s already shifting away from them.

Who knows what could happen next November? The experts aren’t always right ….

Meanwhile, FORWRD members keep finding creative ways to make resistance to the GOP’s plan visible. Our Signal channel has been CRACKLING with good ideas that have quickly become reality.

Do you remember those post-it notes FORWRD members were leaving on Capitol nameplates? They made it into the Washington Post’s coverage of the standoff. ‼️ Here’s a screenshot:

Did it make a difference? Well … we heard a story this week about a DPS agent telling a visitor they “could be charged with trespassing” for leaving post-it notes on nameplates. Definitely some good trouble.

But that’s not all you did this week! FORWRD members put together a “Dance Party for Democracy” on the Hancock Drive MOPAC overpass:

Here are a couple of shots from the bridge:

We figured all this activity was reason enough to start our own Instagram account. Give us a follow, if you’re on there!

But wait — there’s more! A group of FORWRD members, organized by Jill Jacob, gathered for an impromptu performance of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Mis in the Capitol Rotunda (an anthem about pushing back against government power):

Not a bad first effort! Should we start a bona fide resistance choir of our own? Give us a shout if you’re interested.

HUGE THANKS to everyone who came out to our first-ever happy hour last night! And thanks to Mimi and The Little Darlin’ for hosting us. Those frozen hibiscus margaritas were delicious!

We were especially interested in hearing your ideas about why you’re showing up in this moment. We’ll be sharing YOUR thoughts on Instagram in the coming weeks.

We’ll be hosting TWO MORE happy hours this Fall — our next one will be in Northeast Austin. We’ll announce the date very soon … let’s keep the momentum rolling right into 2026.

FORWRD members from Hyde Park and Northwest Hills got together this week!

It’s pretty cool that people are coming out to make real connections with their neighbors and talk about creative local actions we can take together. And the good ideas that come from these gatherings are gaining traction!

If you’ve been waiting for someone to host one in your neck of the woods, we’d love to help you make a plan and do it yourself. How can we use what (and who) we know to make resistance visible in our neighborhoods?

For Friday, August 15th: Hot Resistance Summer Continues!

Items marked with a 💜are from FORWRD members

Local Austin events (in person):