As we approach the 250th anniversary of this country, let’s remember that we continue to have the choice and the power to make a difference…and we ARE making a difference…in our neighborhoods, our districts, our elections, caring for our immigrant families, standing up for others, pushing back on the current regime, running for office, campaigning, reading books and educating ourselves, talking to our neighbors, going to meetings, signing petitions.
In July your West MI leadership team will be busy writing grants, and planning and preparing for the primary on August 4 and the midterm election on November 3. The next Substack newsletter will come out on August 11. There will still be Action Alerts as needed. BUT, there are still plenty of things for us to all do!!
Vote - This Thursday, June 25 we can begin to vote in the primary election. If you have any questions about registration, locations, hours of operation, etc. Check here. If at all possible do not mail your ballot but deliver it to your voting location.
Talk to your Neighbors, family, friends - Listen to what bothers them about the current governmental situation. Encourage them to vote. Use Neighbor 2 Neighbor to find people near you who are like minded voters. You can use the QR Code below to sign up for Neighbor 2 Neighbor:
Call - Governor Whitmer, your State Representative and your State Senator to oppose data centers in Michigan until stronger safeguards are in place, etc. Governor Whitmer (517-373-3400) or go online to 5calls.org or use the app
Protest-Bridge Brigade - Friday, June 26 4:30-5:30 pm, at Fuller SE over I-196. Friday, July 3 and August 7 at Hall SW over US-131, 4:30-5:30 pm. Friday July 10, 17, 24, 31 will be at Fuller SE over I-196, 4:30-5:30. Come and join us! Try something new if you haven’t done this before. Every week, support grows for our demonstration against the Trump regime and what’s happening to our government. Bring a sign or flag if you have one, or use one of ours. We always have extras!!
Vote - in SWIM endorsement poll here for Governor and Senator. This poll closes on Wednesday. We need to hear your voice!
All of our events are posted at mobilize.us and on Instagram at westmi_indivisible
Tonight, Tuesday, June 23, 5:30-7:30 pm is the very first Whine and Dine event! at Little Mexico Restaurant, 5651 Byron Center Avenue SW, Wyoming, 49519. Come and Whine and Dine with local, like-minded people! All are welcome! Enjoy conversations about the latest news and how we can resist the Trump regime! There is no set agenda. We hope to see you there. Register here.
Join us for the start of our Summer Book Club Series! Thursday, July 2, 6:30-8:00 pm. at the Grandville Public Library, we will be talking about Why Fascists Fear Teachers by Randi Weingarten. We will have snacks and a lively discussion. Register here for July 2.
Follow this up on Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8 with a book by Heather Cox Richardson, Democracy Awakening. Sign up here for July 30.
Protest Rally - We the People! - Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30. Come join us! Register here. Meet at the SW corner of Rivertown Parkway and Wilson Avenue by Rivertown mall. Parking is available by RX Optical. We line the street with our signs, flags, drums, and resistance! Also you can join the Facebook page - Standing with West Michigan (Facebook group) for updates.
Coffee and Whine - Tuesday, August 4, 9:30-11:00, Signatures Coffee, 6375 Balsam Drive, Hudsonville. Register here.
Postcard Party - Thursday, August 6, 1:00-3:00, Grandville Public Library, 4055 Maple SW, Grandville. Register here.
August Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, August 6, 4:30-6, Grandville Public Library. Representatives from The League of Women Voters will be our speakers. Register here.
August Virtual Meeting - Thursday, August 8, 8:00- 9 pm
Google meet. Code: gvn-jvgn-jzw or Register here.
Michigan’s Primary is August 4. To view a sample ballot, click HERE and select your county, jurisdiction (township, city), and precinct. August 4 is not the only important date for our elections! If you vote via absentee ballot you can vote beginning June 25.
Pay close attention to each one of these. If you are voting absentee, it is recommended that you turn in your ballot in person or to a ballot box. It is risky to mail it as the postal service is not guaranteeing on-time delivery!
If you have questions, contact your city clerk or township supervisor’s office.
Families - We are continuing to support our families with weekly food, monthly household and personal care items, seasonal clothing, and occasional furniture. Recently some medical needs (doctor visits and medications) have surfaced, so the need for financial donations is increasing.
Ongoing Needs - dried black beans, canned tomatoes, Maseca 22 lb. bags of corn masa flour (available at WalMart), large bags of rice (Costco or Sam’s Club), sugar, salt, gallons of milk, large jugs of corn oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, packages of chicken, beef, or pork, cheese, bags of onions, diapers (size 4 and Huggies size 6), baby wipes, laundry detergent, fabric softener, toothpaste, men’s and women’s deodorant, toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, soap, body wash, lotion. In July, contact someone on the food team, or email us at westmiindivisible@gmail.com to drop off donations.
Our new coalition group is Hope for Neighbors. They focus on support of the people who are detained at North Lake detention center in Baldwin, Michigan. It is the largest detention center in the MidWest and where approximately 1400 people are being “detained” with a maximum capacity of 1800. The overwhelming majority do not have any criminal record. Follow on Facebook - Hope for Neighbors - if you would like information about how to put money into someone’s commissary fund for food, write a letter, visit, provide transportation, or provide a quick homestay if released, etc.
Please support these immigrant friendly or immigrant owned businesses in our area! If you know of others to share, please contact us to update the list!
J & W Lawn Services - Contact Jaime (616) 278-2787, or jaiml5862@gmail.com
Littlefoot Coffee Roasters, 3049 Broadway Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Belkis Bistro Venezuelan Restaurant, 1500 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Madras Indian Grill, 2030 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Lalos Mexican Restaurant, 3910 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Two Guys Brewing, 2356 Porter St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Mi Bella Guatemalan Bakery and Shop, 3728 Alpine NW, Comstock Park MI 40504
Little Africa-Ethiopian Food, 956 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids MI 40503
Urge Your Members of Congress to
Demand Dignity for Detained Immigrants
Recently, Members of Congress have been denied access to immigrants detained at Delaney Hall during an oversight visit after previously being allowed to speak with people inside. We must insist that Members of Congress do everything in their power to escalate their oversight actions and bring attention to the horrifying conditions and human rights abuses at Delaney Hall and Trump’s concentration camps around the country. HERE is a link with more information and actions you can take.
At our last West MI Indivisible meeting, we had the opportunity to listen to two wonderful speakers-Eunice from Moms Demand Action, and Alyssa from End Gun Violence Michigan-educate us on updated gun safety laws in Michigan, policy, legislation, and school programs. A big thank you to Eunice and Alyssa!!
Legislative Alert!! Michigan is one of only seven states that requires domestic violence victims to PAY for personal protection orders (PPOs) to be served. If they cannot afford it, they have to ask a friend or family member to serve the order to their abuser, which can be incredibly dangerous. There are bipartisan bills (HB 5120 and HB 5121) to fix this, and there is a real chance of passing them in the current legislature. But they need to get moving. The focus of advocacy is on Republican women in the House who actually have some influence with leadership to get them on the floor. One of the districts of focus is House District 79 that encompasses parts of Kent, Allegan, and Barry Counties, a seat held by Rep. Angela Rigas. If you are interested in joining a group of constituents to meet with her, fill out the form here and you will be contacted. Following are some links for you to check out if you are interested in helping:
SIGN UP to meet/email your State Representative about this issue
MI State House District 79 Map
DONATE
Become a West MI Indivisible Donor! There are always opportunities to donate, whether it’s with your time, food, clothing, ideas, or financial support. Below you will find the QR Codes for Act Blue to make a financial donation to West MI Indivisible (first QR code) and Venmo (second QR code) to make a financial donation to support our immigrant neighbors at West MI Response.
West MI Indivisible
West MI Indivisible always welcomes volunteers! Big or small, your efforts make a difference. E-mail us at westmiindivisible@gmail.com to get involved or ask any questions.
Our Democracy needs us!
“By actively engaging in peaceful protests, raising awareness, and exercising our democratic rights, we can create meaningful change and ensure that oppressive forces do not thrive.”
- from BookKey, 30 Best On Tyranny quotes.
No AI is used in the writing or the design of this newsletter.
Thanks for reading West MI INDIVISIBLE!
Thanks for doing your part to save our democracy!
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