Check out this great campaign that our compadres at FORWRD-BLDR got rolling: #RecaptureTheFlag.
(Yes, we have a sister group in Boulder, Colorado! And they’re doing a ton of cool stuff … let us know if you’re headed that way this summer and we’ll hook you up 🤜🏽 💥 🤛🏽 )
Here’s how it works: we want to flood social media with videos and posts that share our personal stories about the flag and patriotism. Use the hashtag #RecapturetheFlag. (If you need inspiration, here’s an example from one of our favorite wingmen.)
Here’s the added bonus: making a post like this is guaranteed to increase your feelings of patriotism by at least 15%. It’s a great way to observe our nation’s 250th, and reflect on what being an American means to you. (Or! You can just find a flag out in the wild and share it with the hashtag if you’d rather not bare your soul for the camera.)
The flag belongs to you and me. When one side is fighting to end democracy, those of us on the other side are the true patriots. And we deserve to say so out loud!
“Despite how dark this moment feels, I do have hope … people are paying attention to this midterm election cycle in ways we have not seen before. The people are still in motion. And that gives me hope that we can still build the democracy we all deserve - not the one we inherited, but the one we have the power to create.”
Next week we’ll give you a full report on the three great design blitz meetings we’ve hosted to develop our own plans for our work supporting Katy Padilla Stout in TX-23 until the election. Exciting plans are coming together that will give all of us (and our friends!) lots of fun opportunities to get involved … both at home and out on the road. Stay tuned!
Getting our flag harnesses custom-fitted & we’ll be good to go
Let’s Keep the Pressure on YETI
We’re still mighty peeved about the news that YETI founder Ryan Seiders is actively cooperating with federal contractors who are preparing to build a border wall in Big Bend State Park and surrounding areas. Let’s see, Ryan’s got wealth, power and privilege, and he made millions from a company with the tagline “built for the wild.” And he threw in the towel immediately, instead of fighting a plan that will destroy one of Texas’ beloved wild places.
Do they think we’re just going to forget?
YETI: PERCEPTION (left) vs. REALITY (right)
At the NO WALL, Y’ALL benefit last month, we launched a petition demanding that the YETI corporation oppose the border wall. How do they feel about Ryan helping to spoil one of our state’s natural treasures? We’re just getting started online — please sign and spread the word so YETI knows this isn’t going away!
We also gave away lots of EvIL stickers:
All 📸: Lars Frazer
And we dusted off an old-school favorite: a custom button machine.
Who knew? Everybody loved the buttons. And it gave us the chance to connect with folks, tell them what we’re up to, and invite them into the fold. (Welcome, new friends from Radio/East!)
Now we want to keep up the momentum. We’re hoping to organize a protest & collect more signatures in front of the flagship store in the coming weeks … stay tuned.
Got Plans for the 4th?
Skip your neighborhood do and head to Northwest Hills to watch the Lawn Chair Brigade in action!
A 34-year Austin tradition that leads with joy & music? Count us in.
This group sounds right up our alley … they’re also about building community through joy and fun. It’s no surprise that FORWRD members (like Margot Clarke) are part of the brigade! If you’re looking for something fun to do on Saturday, the NW Hills parade starts at 9 am at Waterline & Far West and ends at Doss Elementary. Let’s go cheer on Margot and her fellow Lawn Chair Brigadiers!
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Friday, July 3rd: 🇺🇲🎆🇺🇲
Events with a 💜are shared from FORWRD members!
Saturday, July 4th 10:00-11:00 AM Declaration of Resistance Join the American Friends Service Committee at the Texas Capitol to sign the “Declaration of Resistance” - a shared art piece that will be a visible expression of collective commitment that connects communities across the country.
💜Saturday, July 4th 10:30AM -12:00PM A Reading of the Declaration of Independence Our friends with the Indivisible Rosedale Huddle will be reading the Declaration of Independence in the Capitol Rotunda! They will be joined by Austin Resistance Choir for singing before and after.
💜Wednesday, July 8th 6:00-8:00 PM Drum Social with HandsOff Central TX Gather with other activists and make your own “Protest Drum” - RSVP for more info!
Saturday, July 11th 2:00-4:00 PM ICE Collaboration in Travis County Knowledge is protection! Community is power! Join your community for an educational forum on ICE collaboration in Travis County and the growing role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement. Together we’ll discuss 287(g), detention, deportation, and how upcoming policy changes impact our community.
💜💜💜Saturday, July 18th 4:00-9:00 PM “FUN”Raiser for Gina for Texas! FORWRD member Gina is organizing an evening of music with 5 bands playing at The Carousel Lounge! Come on out and support the Gina for Texas campaign. If you are a VDR and want to help, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Recurring Events
MONDAYS in JULY:
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 JULY:
8:00-9:30 AM West Side Banners Over Austin 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 JULY:
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
THURSDAYS in JULY:
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!
FRIDAYS in JULY:
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.
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!
