Next Week: All Their Nonsense Begins
The special session starts on Monday, and redistricting will be the main event. (Here’s the Texas Tribune’s guide to the special session.)
We all know that nothing will stop the GOP — not big protest crowds, quorum breaks, or bad PR. We’ve seen this movie before: they’re marching in lockstep, with their fingers in their ears.
Can we imagine a new response? How can we make it as difficult as possible for them to live here as they strip away power from entire communities? (Public shaming?)
For now, we can show up at the pop-up protest at the Governor’s Mansion on Sunday. And we can submit letters and comments on media stories. One key message is that flood relief — the only true legislative emergency on the Governor’s agenda — should be first on the calendar. Another is that redistricting is an undemocratic power grab that’s unfair to voters, who deserve to hold their elected representatives accountable.
You can submit a letter to the Statesman here. We’ve updated our draft letters to the editor to include some language about redistricting; they’re all yours if you’d like to use them.
And we are on a listening tour for more tactics and strategies as the special session goes forward. We’re only half kidding about the public shaming ….
Announcing: FORWRD WITH FRIENDS, Our 1st Happy Hour!
Thursday, August 14, 6-8 pm
The Little Darlin’, 6507 Circle S Road, 78745
Mark your calendars for our first-ever happy hour, FORWRD WITH FRIENDS!
Here’s the big idea: bring a friend you think would be interested in FORWRD. We’ll have a special cocktail, even!
This will be the first in a series … we’ll be announcing our second event very soon.
Could we coax a few more folks off the sidelines and into some form of resistance? We know there are so many of us living our lives, seething with outrage. At the very least, we’re good company. We hope to see you on the 14th!
Hyde Park Neighborhood Meet-Up
We hosted our first-ever neighborhood meet-up on Monday in Hyde Park, and it was a great success — everyone was so busy connecting that no one snapped a photo!
This impressive group of neighbors spent time discussing ways to engage younger generations, including hosting a public event. The group will meet monthly and communicate primarily through Signal.
Hyde Park neighbors, we knew we could count on you to blaze the trail and show us what neighborhood resistance looks like. Thanks to everyone who came out!
Hey World, Check Us Out
We spent some time this week updating our website, so new members can zero in quickly on what we’re doing right now. Check it out!
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For July 18th
Items marked with a 💜 are from FORWRD members!
Local Austin events (in person):
Friday, July 18th 6:00-8:00 PM Resistance Happy Hour Grab a friend and join the Resistance Happy Hour at Kinda Tropical on Friday, July 18th at 6 pm! We have invited local resistance organizers so you can find resources and connections in the movement.
💜Saturday, July 19th 9:00-11:00 AM Tesla Takedown South
💜Saturday, July 19th 4:30-6:30 PM Unity Picnic with the Central Texas Handmaids Please join us to get to know one another without the chaos of a rally or protest. United we stand, and together we will make a brighter future. Please note that this is a potluck style picnic.
💜Sunday, July 20th 5:00-6:00 PM Pop Up Protest/Press Conference Texas legislators need to "Focus on Flooding, Not Redistricting". Join us for a Cen TX delegation press conference on Sunday outside the Governor's Mansion -- our governor needs act in the interest of Texans rather than what tRump wants! We need 200+ voices to make sure we are heard LOUD and CLEAR!
Tuesday, July 22nd 8-9:30 AM Far West Banner Drop - with the Rosedale Huddle. Peaceful, energetic and FUN! 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. At Far West and MoPac
💜Wednesday, July 23rd 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Postcard Writing with the Log Cabin Scribes The Log Cabin Scribes meet from 10:00 am to noon on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month to write postcards for a variety of causes. Email [email protected] for more information about the meeting place.
Friday, July 25th 8-9:30 AM 12th Street Banner Drop with the Rosedale Huddle - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! 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, At 12th St and I-35.
Friday, July 25th 6:30-8:30 PM Austin Town Hall Big news: Beto O’Rourke, Congressman Joaquin Castro, and State Representative James Talarico are coming to Austin for a town hall about state and federal issues!
“May every day be another wonderful secret.” 👀
