Is The Fix Already In?
Let’s be honest: what’s happening in Austin right now is a pantomime of true representative government.
Sure, the GOP is “holding hearings on redistricting.” And what they’ll hear is a loud roar of disapproval. But because the Central Party has commanded a new map, the outcome is practically predetermined. They’ll sit through a few public hearings and then do what they’re told.
Even former Texas GOP legislators are coming out against this plan — former State Representative Burt Solomons has a scathing op-ed in today’s New York Times imploring his former colleagues to ignore the president’s pressure and abandon redistricting. (Sample line: “No American should accept a president deciding who represents Americans in Congress.” HELL YEAH, BURT.)
GOP members showing up for the redistricting hearing
They have a map they won’t show us. They’re holding flood relief hostage. They have a supermajority. Is the fix already in, or does representative democracy still stand a chance in today’s GOP?
Time will tell, but here’s what we believe: we gotta fight this power grab. Here’s what we can do right now:
Keep speaking up. Here’s the link to make a public comment about the redistricting plan. Use it and share it widely!
Show up if you can. Here’s the link to the star-powered rally TONIGHT at the Delco Center. And keep your eye on the FORWRD calendar for more events in the weeks to come!
Rally your friends. If you’ve got friends in Houston or DFW, encourage them to show up at the hearings. Bring a friend to the Delco Center! Share the public comment link on your social media! Time to pull out all the stops.
We SEE you, GOP
We need to make this process as slow and loud and painful as possible. These apparatchiks are answering to their Central Party instead of the voters of Texas — and representative democracy hangs in the balance.
What does “do everything in your power to stop this” look like for you? Making calls, donating to pay Democratic members’ fines for breaking quorum, showing up at hearings and protests, talking to your friends and neighbors — now’s the time to do it.
We hope to see you tonight at the Delco Center! Wear your FORWRD-ATX button if you’ve got one!
Announcing: VECINA Immigration Training
Tuesday, August 5th
6:00 - 7:00 pm
RSVP: [email protected]
For the past several weeks, individuals from a variety of citizens’ groups (like FORWRD, Rosedale Huddle, and No KINGS) have been meeting to discuss a coordinated response to local ICE raids and immigration enforcement actions.
FORWRD members are actively working in many ways to create hands-on opportunities for ordinary folks to help protect our immigrant neighbors. We’ll keep you updated on ways to mobilize as they develop!
ProtectATX.org was developed by FORWRD member Laura Carbonneau 💪🏽
Now we’re thrilled to announce an online training exclusively for FORWRD members with the leaders of VECINA, an “Austin rooted and nationally focused” organization that responds to immigrants’ legal and humanitarian needs.
We’ll unpack the most pressing developments in immigration today, trends that aren’t being covered in the media. We’ll also explore actionable ways to get involved — both local and remote — including volunteer opportunities to support immigrants navigating the complex legal system.
Please note: We’ll be passing the hat to support Vecina during the training, and all attendees will be asked to provide their names and some basic information in advance.
***Please do not share this event on social media. This one’s just for us!
Save the Date! Travis Heights Neighborhood Meet-Up
Monday, August 4! Stay tuned for a location and other details!
📸: Don Mason
FORWRD With Friends: Here’s Your Invite
Thursday, August 14, 6-8 pm
The Little Darlin’, 6507 Circle S Road, 78745
Hey, check it out — our friends at The Little Darlin’ made us a flyer!
Here’s their suggestion: CTRL-C this flyer and send it to your friends with a message that says something like ….
“I want to invite you to this cool group I’ve gotten involved with recently that’s helping me deal with the awfulness of Trump. We are having a fun happy hour and inviting new people to check it out and I think you ladies will LOVE IT.”
Can you invite two friends to our happy hour? And so on, and so on, and so on ….
Our time-honored strategy for building power.
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For July 25th
Items marked with a 💜 are from FORWRD members!
Local Austin events (in person):
💜 Friday, July 25th 6:30-8:30 PM The People Vs The Power Grab An all-star lineup — Jasmine Crockett, Beto O’Rourke, Joaquin Castro, Greg Casar, and so many more — aims to keep the spotlight on the redistricting fight. We’ll see you there!
Saturday, July 26th 10 AM - 12 PM Care, Not Cuts: Families First Rally Families First brings people together to collectively demand an end to policies that harm children, seniors, and our families. Hear from Representatives Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, who are fighting to protect families in Congress, plus a lineup of other strong speakers.
💜 Monday, August 4th, time TBD: FORWRD Travis Heights Neighborhood Meet-Up! Stay tuned for more details!
Online Events:
Wednesday, July 30th 7:00-8:30 PM One Million Rising: Non Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism How To Make It Happen: Learn not just our strategy, but how you can lead a discussion with others and get them on board with taking action in your community. You'll host your first community resistance gathering after this session, before our next session.
💜 Tuesday, August 5th 6:00-7:00 PM Immigration Update with VECINA VECINA—an Austin-rooted and nationally focused organization—will unpack the most pressing developments in immigration today. We’ll also explore actionable ways to get involved—whether you're local or remote—including volunteer opportunities to support immigrants navigating the complex legal system. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and engaged in the fight for immigrant justice. (RSVP to [email protected] for more info).
The $64,000 question
