Did you hear the news? FOX News says it’s all our fault.
Apparently, the issue with ICE isn’t a violent horde of armed government agents; it’s “organized gangs of wine moms.”
Two Dangerous Kingpins
When they start making outlandish arguments like this, you know they’re losing the argument. Are they really trying to convince America that moms are the problem? What’s next, baseball and apple pie?!
Silly arguments like this also reveal a deeper truth: we really are their worst nightmare. Regular people are showing up en masse to demand government accountability. And the GOP is stuck defending the indefensible.
So who’s ready to make 2026 the Year of the Wine Mom? 🙋🏻♀️
🚨PLEASE NOTE! DATE CHANGE: our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4 — one week later than we announced last week. Please RSVP here!
NEXT WEEK: Early Voting Starts in FW
Are you a Fort Worth “expat” … or do you know someone who is?
We’ve got a few simple suggestions for ways to support turnout in the special election in Texas Senate District 9. You might remember this race: the Democrat (Taylor Rehmet) beat the two GOP contenders, but fell just short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
Conventional wisdom says that those warring GOP factions will unite and hold the seat. But the potential for an upset still exists … so we may as well do what we can to start changing power here in Texas, right?
Early voting starts next Wednesday, January 21, and election day is Saturday, January 31. Here are a few ways to take action:
1. Call five people you know from Tarrant County.
Ask them to vote early (Jan 21–27) or on Election Day (Jan 31). Then ask them to call five people they know.
2. Record a 20–30 second video.
Address it to your “Fort Worth people.” Direct message it or post it with a clear, personal ask: “If you live in Texas Senate District 9, go vote for Taylor Rehmet.”
3. Consider strategic contributions.
Investing in a tight, meaningful race like District 9 now can pay dividends down-ballot and statewide.
4. Join a Phone Bank.
Blue Texas Virtual Phone Bank for Taylor Rehmet. T/TH 6:00-8:00 CST
If Tarrant County shows even a modest spark in turnout, everyone watching the 2026 Texas elections will take notice. And they will see what we already know:
Texas can shift — one relationship, one conversation, one hometown at a time.
SUN 1/25: Bringing Down a Dictator, Molly & Ann
Mark your calendars! FORWRD-Hyde Park will screen two essential documentaries on Sunday, January 25 beginning at 4 pm.
First, we’ll watch the 20-minute 2018 film “Molly and Ann,” about the friendship between these two Texas icons. Filmmaker Paul Stekler will join us for a discussion after the screening.
Then, we’ll watch the essential 56-minute “Bringing Down a Dictator,” detailing the successful nonviolent overthrow of Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic. Big thanks to FORWRD member Kim Sevcik for organizing this event! Space is limited — please RSVP.
🗓️ Calendar Highlights
For Friday, January 16th: Plugging in, pushing back.
💜= FORWRD member recommended
Local Austin events (in person):
💜Saturday, January 17th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Justice for all Community Vigil at Austin City Hall Come together in honor of the 35 lives taken by ICE in Austin in 2025, and to protest Austin Police Dept's new policy of collaborating with ICE.
Saturday, January 17th 10:30-11:30 AM Rise Up Book Club Join us to discuss a book exploring politics, democracy, and social justice. We also discuss how we can be more involved in the democratic process. This month’s book: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
Sunday, January 18th 12 - 2 PM Resist Fascism and Protest ICE in Pflugerville Join Indivisible 1431 near an ICE facility in Pflugerville to call attention to the damage ICE is doing in our community
💜Monday, January 19th 9:30-11:30 AM MLK Day March and Rally The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
💜Tuesday, January 20th 2-5 PM ICE Out of Austin: The Free America Walkout Come to the afternoon rally calling on Austin City Council and Austin Police Department to stop handing our neighbors over to ICE by serving administrative warrants.
Sunday, January 25th 1-3 PM HandsOff Central TX January Book Club In January, we’re reading “The Authoritarians” by Bob Altemeyer. Join us for a group discussion about the book (and whatever else you want to talk about!)
💜Sunday, January 25th 4-6:30 PM FORWRD Documentary Screenings
Please come join us for a screening of “Bringing Down a Dictator” and “Molly & Ann.”💜💜💜WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4th 6:30-8:30 PM FORWRD Convening at The Ballroom at Spiderhouse It’s TIME!!! We can’t wait to see you IN PERSON as we re-engage and activate for 2026!
Online Events (from the comfort of your couch!)
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (times vary): Volunteer Deputy Registrar Training with Powered by People The key to restoring democracy is getting voters to the polls! In Texas, you must first get certified as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) in order to help register voters. Take this quick 1 hour training — bring a friend!
Tuesdays 6-7 PM: How We Win in 2026: Relational Organizing Training Join Blue Action in an interactive training session where you’ll learn the essentials of relational organizing—a proven strategy for building powerful, people-centered movements. Great for new and experienced organizers alike.
© Ruben Bolling
