In a presidency that’s already been shockingly criminal and destructive, the past few days really stand out:
A war of choice in the Middle East that’s damaging the global economy, costing lives, and raising prices
A “massive, illegal, and horrific” breach of Social Security data by DOGE staffers set loose by the president
Credible accusations from the Epstein files that the president sexually assaulted a minor
The violent deaths of 168 innocent civilians, mostly children, when his overheated Secretary of Defense dropped a missile on a girls’ school
A Jan 6 rioter, pardoned by the president, sentenced to life in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting two 12-year-old girls
A competent opposition party could take any one of these scandals and end a political career. An engaged media would follow these stories past the expected denials and dismissals. And a truly patriotic GOP would at the very least want some answers.
Unfortunately, we don’t have those nice things. So we gotta be like Pepperidge Farm and REMEMBER all this. Because every one of these scandals requires accountability.
Write it ALLLLLLLL down
Let’s use these outrages as fuel to keep going. To keep talking to our neighbors and friends, keep showing up at protests, keep calling the Capitol switchboard. Keep widening the circle and building our civic power.
Who else in your life needs an invite to No Kings? Who might enjoy the Raise Our Voice community sing-in? Who needs a nudge off the bench?
These clowns. Their shoes don’t even fit.
Who’s Ready to Raise Our Voice?
Our Community Sing event is less than two weeks away!
Are we nervous about putting on such a big event?
Yes!
Are we excited about putting on such a big event?
Also yes. (And we’d love your help!)
Is it going to be amazing?
You have NO IDEA.
Special guests, new arrangements — you
don’t want to miss it!
Tell your friends, tell your neighbors … we’ll see you there!
Save Big Bend!
They’re doing it, y’all. They’re messing with Texas.
In the past few weeks, the Dept. of Homeland Security (still under Kristi Noem’s steady hand) waived environmental protection laws and signed contracts to fast-track construction on a border wall cutting through Big Bend National Park.
The outcry has been immediate and bipartisan. So DHS tried to pivot. They claimed the plan was “in the early stages” and released a revised plan that uses “alternate detection methods” instead of an actual fence in the park.
But! We can’t trust these shifty weasels to tell the truth or act in good faith. And they still want to run a big physical wall through OUR Big Bend Ranch State Park.
This project is classic Trump: It’s being forced on us against our will. It will have catastrophic effects on the local environment and economy. It will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s not even the most effective tool for the job. And they’re not being honest or transparent about any of it.
So. We know what we have to do, right? We’re tired of it, too, but we need to call our reps and remind them that one day, they’ll have to come back to Texas and explain what they did.
Specifically, we can amplify this campaign to encourage Congress to de-fund this abomination entirely. And we can show up to a local rally on April 4.
This isn’t about politics; this is about TEXAS. The Big Bend isn’t Donald Trump’s to spoil for a cheap political win! Our West Texas neighbors need our help!
Save the Date: Our Next Meeting
Mark your calendars for our next FORWRD-ATX meeting!
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cherrywood Center
1605 E. 38-1/2 Street, 78722
We love the Cherrywood Center! Great floors for dancing 🕺🏻
This meeting will be a can’t-miss for anyone eager to dive into some serious POWER-BUILDING with our FORWRD-To-Win committee. After months of research, interviews, and discussion, the committee has identified a small group of candidates to present to all of us. Our goal is to select one, possibly two, to “adopt” through the November election. We’ll also discuss both tried-and-true and creative ways we can lend our support.
How do we build civic power together? We help a get a candidate over the finish line. We help flip the U.S. House of Representatives!
Don’t miss the committee’s report and the opportunity to have a voice in deciding who we support and how we make it happen. Things are getting interesting ….
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Friday, March 13th SXSActivist! ✊
💜= FORWRD member recommended
In Person Events
💜Sunday, March 15th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Community Sing at Mueller Connect with community and learn protest songs from the Singing Resistance Songbook. Songs are easy to learn, no experience necessary. All voices, ages and genders welcome and celebrated! Singing starts at 11:00. Come early to connect. Picnic after. Let's sing a more just and joyful world into being!
💜💜 Every Monday 5:00-5:30 PM Weekly Protest at the Menchaca Library Join FORWRD members in holding up signs at the Menchaca Library every Monday. Bring your own sign or borrow one of ours!
💜Saturday, March 21st 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Travis County Democratic Party Convention Do the “Texas Two-Step” - You already voted in the Democratic Primary, NOW you can register for the County Convention! This is going to be FUN - music, BBQ, and there's a good chance that pretty much anyone who attends will be able to go to State!
Sunday, March 22nd 1:00 PM- 10:00 PM Raise the Volume: No Kings Benefit Concert a live music concert and community gathering at Far Out Lounge on March 22 starting at 1pm. We have an incredible lineup of musicians and drag performers - doors at noon! Proceeds from this event will help us cover the costs of hosting AUSTIN NO KINGS 3. Can’t attend, but still want to help pay for those beautiful port-a-potties? Donate here!
💜🎶💜THURSDAY, MARCH 26th 7:00-8:30 PM Raise Our Voice Community Sing Do NOT miss it! FORWRD, Craig Hella Johnson, and First Austin invite you to a night of joyful solidarity and singing together. What a magical way to be together ahead of the No Kings 3 Rally. Invite your friends! Sign up to volunteer (we need you!)! Donate to help produce this FREE community event!
💜💜💜Saturday, March 28th 1:00-4:00 PM No Kings 3 Rally Silence is not an option when our families are under attack. From Iran to Venezuela to our own streets, the costs of this administration's cruelty fall on real people. That's why we need you. We're not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us, and help make it the largest protest day in American history. Stay tuned for details about FORWRD’s participation.
Bannering Events:
Our good friends at Rosedale Huddle now have THREE weekly bannering events! These powerful events make the resistance visible to thousands of Austin commuters - and they are A BLAST! Grab a friend and join one!
TUESDAYS 8:00-9:30 AM West Side Banners Over Austin with the Rosedale Huddle. At the Far West bridge over MoPac
WEDNESDAYS 8:00-9:30 AM South Austin Bannering At the pedestrian bridge at Loop 360 and South MoPac - great location!
FRIDAYS 8:00-9:30 AM East Side Banners At the 12th St bridge over IH-35
Online Events:
Wednesday, March 25th 1:00-2:00 PM Empower Communities: National Immigrant Law Center Webinar This session will cover the major changes to immigration enforcement practices, resources for immigrant communities, and opportunities to advocate. Shared by our friends at Vecina.
“First week of Iran war cost $11.3 billion”
