Republicans have painted themselves into a pretty tight corner with their statements about tomorrow’s No Kings protest. What happens when the streets are full of joy, humor, and what Indivisible’s Ezra Levin called “strategic frivolity” (like, say, A FLASH MOB DANCING TO NANCY SINATRA) instead of the violence and hatred they’re predicting?
We are READY. It’s gonna be great!
The stark disconnect between rhetoric and reality has the potential to put the GOP on defense heading into 2026. They’re already losing Joe Rogan and Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Not to mention that insane Young Republicans group chat, which scrambles the narrative about which party has a problem with hatred and fantasies of violence ….)
So! Let’s do what we can to make it One Big Beautiful Protest ….
Here is our full plan:
DRESS: Purple tops, boots if they’re comfortable
1:30 - meet at the Volunteer Firemen Monument
(here’s a map link)
1:30-1:50 - Enjoy the brass band, pass out beads & crowns
1:55ish - Assemble & dance!
2:00-2:30 - Speakers at the Capitol
2:30ish - Flash Mob again!
2:30-3:00 - March from Capitol to Auditorium Shores
3:00 - 5:00 - A democracy festival! Music, speakers, plus nonprofits &
activist groups sharing info.
We’re excited to be part of history together! See you tomorrow!
The FORWRD-ATX Story (So Far ….)
FORWRD-ATX is a little like a snowball … as we roll, we keep getting bigger & bigger. (We’ve got more than 800 subscribers now❗️)
So we thought it might be useful to put together a video that provides a quick overview of how we got started and what we’ve done together so far. Enjoy!
BORDERLAND Documentary Screening
Our Hyde Park group is hosting a free screening of the documentary “BORDERLAND-The Line Within,” on Sunday, November 9, at 4 pm, at St. George’s Episcopal Church. A Q & A and follow up talk with Jennifer Long, the director of Casa Marianella, will follow the screening. Snacks and beverages provided. Seating is limited, please RSVP.
Thanks, Hyde Park folks … we’re so grateful to you for creating opportunities for us to engage and connect with our neighbors.
Chip In for Better Sound?
If you’ve been to a rally at the Capitol this year, you’ve probably complained about the sound.
The “outdoor sound system” at the Capitol 📸: Sara Diggins for Austin American-Statesman
For this rally, the No Kings planners are outfitting two stages — one at the Capitol and one at Auditorium Shores. If you’d like to chip in to help cover the costs of what we all hope is a massive and successful event — including better sound — here’s a link to donate.
Next Week: Early Voting Starts
If you’re like us, you’ve been feverishly following local election news from across the country (Fairbanks, Alaska ousted their mayor? AIR HORN!). But you probably know less about the propositions we’re voting on this year.
Yeah, we know that Virginia governor’s race is a banger! We know Zohran’s debate performance was inspiring! Eyes on your own paper, Texas voters.
Texans checking out Virginia’s off-year elections
You can get caught up with the League of Women Voters’ Election Guide, which explains all those propositions and summarizes the arguments in favor and against. It might be less entertaining than zingers and put-downs … but it still matters!
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Friday, October 17th: OOOHH - See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen 🎶
💜= FORWRD member recommended
Local Austin events (in person):
💜💜💜 Saturday, October 18th National No Kings Rally!! FORWRD is meeting up at 1:30 PM at the Texas Volunteer Firemen Monument just inside the gates of the Capitol near 11th and Congress. Whether you are dancing with us or there for moral support, we hope you will help us make this No Kings Rally bigger and better than our June rally! Flash Mob starts just before 2 PM. Rally is 2-2:30 PM. At 2:30 PM, the crowd will begin marching to Auditorium Shores and we will perform our Flash Mob one more time on the way out! March with us down to Auditorium Shores. Wear purple! Email us with any questions: [email protected].
Monday, October 20th 7:00 AM-7:00 PM FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING!! Let’s get out and do what we do best!! Exercise our right to vote! Early voting runs from October 20th- October 31st. Check the website for polling locations and hours plus sample ballots (DO YOUR RESEARCH!!). Questions about voting? Send us an email at [email protected].
Saturday, October 25th 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Dialogue Across Divides with Braver Angels. Learn about the psychology behind, benefits of, and tools for having successful conversations across differences with Dr. Becca North.
Virtual Events:
Thursday, October 23rd 2-3 PM What’s the Plan with Indivisible Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan! This week should have a great recap of the successes of the No Kings Rallies!
Thursday, October 23rd 7:00-9:30 PM Zurawski vs Texas Virtual Screening Join the State Abortion Access Network for a virtual screening and live panel discussion of this film.
