Action Items: Week of August 31, 2025
What IS so funny about peace, love and understanding? (thanks Elvis Costello)
This Week’s Newsletter Contains…
Reader Survey - Please Complete, Thank You!
A BIG ISSUE & The Top 5 Things You Can Do This Week
Pet of the week
IGGR Events
Events from Other Organizations
Michigan Petitions Update
More Information - Website & Social Media
Reader Survey Closes Tomorrow! 📋
Please fill out our reader survey by tomorrow end of day and share your thoughts! Your feedback is essential to helping us understand how we can improve our efforts to better serve and connect with our community.
A BIG ISSUE & The Top 5 Things YOU Can Do This Week
Big Issue of the week! The deployment of armed National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement purposes. There are 2200 troops deployed in Washington D.C. and troops are to be deployed in Chicago soon. The deployment of troops for domestic law enforcement purposes is based on Trump’s assertion that there is a national law enforcement emergency. He also plans for the National Guard to be trained specifically for domestic law enforcement and suggesting there could be training for civilians who would assist in such enforcement. (Think right wing vigilantes.) We should all be very worried about this. This action violates federal laws that have been in place since the 1870s.
The “Actions to Take” materials highly recommend calling, emailing, writing letters, going to town hall meetings and generally making our opposition to the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes known to both federal and state representatives. This deployment of troops domestically is very dangerous. Our civil liberties are in danger.
Call Senators Peters 202.224.6221 and Slotkin 202.224.4822 (see Resources for You for more contact info).
This is the big issue of the week. Call, email, write letters, attend Town Halls. Demand that your reps oppose-- and make a big deal about opposing-- the deployment of National Guard and military for law enforcement purposes in Washington D.C. It seems Chicago is next. Right now in the District of Columbia, the 2200 National Guard troops deployed there have begun carrying military weapons. The domestic deployment of the military for law enforcement purposes violates the Posse Comitatus Act and the subsequent amendments that strengthened the limitations on the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes.
Demand that the Federal Reserve Board remain independent of Trump and that Lisa Cook not be dismissed from the Board of Governors.
Demand funding be reinstated for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Employees of the agency wrote Congress that the funding cuts to the agency could result in a national catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina.
Oppose Trump making deals with major corporations for the government to favor the businesses for government contracts and favoritism in exchange for the government getting a percentage of the companies profits. (Why is this a bad idea? It’s a move towards state-managed capitalism not free- trade. Free trade encourages competition and innovation. It’s also ironic that a republican president and congress would want more government involvement in industry when generally the republicans stand for less government.) Corporate America’s Newest Activist Investor: Donald Trump
Demand that Trump stay out of law enforcement issues and that he not use federal law enforcement agencies to seek revenge against people who have spoken out against him.
Oppose the Department of Energy order that Consumers Energy keep the Michigan coal powered energy plant in West Olive Michigan to remain open for an additional 90 days. Consumers Energy had planned to close the plant at the end of May 2025 stating that it would save approximately $600 million dollars. Trump administration extends order to keep Michigan coal plant open. The closure had been approved by Consumers Energy, State of Michigan and regional regulators.
Support enforcement of the Federal Court from the Miami Florida district preliminary order that the immigration detention center in the Everglades was constructed illegally because there wasn't an environmental study regarding the damage by the detention center. The lawsuit was brought by environmental protection organizations and the Miccosukee Tribe which has members who live in the area. (Note: this issue is subject to ongoing litigation and isn’t the final order, however, letting the Senators know what you think about this detention center is important.)
Call Representative Scholten, 202 225 3831 or Moolenaar, 202 225 3561
This is the big issue of the week! Call, email, write letters, attend Town Halls. Demand that your reps oppose -- and that they make a big deal about opposing -- the deployment of National Guard and the military for domestic law enforcement In Washington D.C and soon to be deployed in Chicago. The 2200 troops deployed in Washington D.C. are now armed with military weapons. The domestic deployment of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes violates the Posse Comitatus Act and the subsequent amendments that strengthened the limitations on the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes.
Oppose Trump making deals with American companies giving them priority to contracts in exchange for the government taking a percentage of the profits. This action moves our economy towards a state-managed capitalism. Companies agreeing to this plan end up having an advantage over companies without such a deal thereby suppressing innovation and competition. Corporate America’s Newest Activist Investor: Donald Trump
Oppose the U.S. Department of Energy’s order that the coal burning plant that generates electricity, located in West Olive, Michigan, remain open for at least 90 more days because of a national energy emergency. Consumers Power owns the plant and wants to close it. State of Michigan and regional regulators approved its closure. Trump administration extends order to keep Michigan coal plant open.
Call Governor Whitmer, 517 335 7858
Big issue of the week! Oppose deployment of National Guard and military for domestic law enforcement purposes. Refuse to allow Michigan National Guard troops to be deployed anywhere for domestic law enforcement purposes. Deployment of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
Call your Michigan Representatives (Find them here)
Oppose the deployment of the National Guard for domestic law enforcement purposes. At this time 2200 National Guard troops are deployed in Washington D.C. and soon will be deployed in Chicago. The troops are armed with military weapons. Demand that no Michigan National Guard be deployed for domestic law enforcement anywhere. Do not allow deployment of the National Guard anywhere in Michigan. The deployment of the military for domestic law enforcement violates the Posse Comitatus Act and the subsequent amendments that strengthen the ban on using the military for domestic law enforcement.
Oppose deployment of National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in arresting immigrants.
Oppose the U.S. Department of Energy’s order to keep the coal fueled electricity generating plant open in West Olive, Michigan when Consumers Energy intended to close it at the end of May 2025 The May 2025 closure of the plant had been approved by State of Michigan and regional regulators. Trump administration extends order to keep Michigan coal plant open.
Push for a State budget that provides for funding for schools, human services and the arts.
Call Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (517.335.7622, only during business hours)
Big issue of the week! Oppose deployment of National Guard and military for domestic law enforcement purposes. Refuse to allow Michigan National Guard troops to be deployed anywhere for domestic law enforcement purposes. Deployment of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
Thank her for: (1) Filing a lawsuit to oppose the United States Department of Agriculture order that requires states to provide personal information about recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP). (2) Filing a lawsuit to Oppose the Department of energy order to keep the coal powered electricity generating power plant open in West Olive, Michigan. (3) Joining a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration order to tie crime victim services funding of $37 million to cooperate with immigration enforcement, in violation of the Victims of Crime Act and the Crime Victims Rights and Restitution Act. (4) For filing and joining other states in 30 lawsuits against Trump initiatives that cut funds for services or curtail constitutional rights.
Extra Credit:
Help Put Change on the Ballot—Become a Petition Circulator! Kent Dems have partnered with Distill Social to help find volunteer petition circulators for:
Rank MI Vote - Right now, voters are punished when they are given more choices in an election. Rank Choice Voting gives voters the ability to rank each candidate on a ballot, no matter how many candidates there are, instead of just picking one.
Invest In MI Kids - This initiative seeks to pass a constitutional amendment to create a 5% “fair share” surcharge on incomes over $500,000 for individuals or $1M for couples will raise about $1 billion annually for Michigan’s public schools.
Register with Distill Social, join the team, and let’s make sure every signature counts—because together, we turn petitions into progress! If you want additional information, you may also contact Gail Zemmol
Protect the Porcupine Mountains - On August 26, the Michigan House approved the $50 million grant to Wakefield Township to enable the proposed Copperwood Mine. Now the conversation passes over to the Senate, which will decide whether to include or exclude the grant from their 2026 budget proposal. Reach out to your local state senator via phone call, in-person visit, hand-written mail, and the contact form on their website. Note that the contact form is superior to email. Please also contact the top-priority targets below. FIND YOUR SENATOR. You can also watch this Reel on Instagram for more info (and follow them for ongoing updates!)
Pet of the Week 🐱
Name: Apple (aka Apple Pie)
Human: Tony K.
Hobbies: Napping, eating catnip, napping, watching birds, napping (rinse, repeat - you go girl!)
Send us a photo of your pet! Following the lead of The Contrarian, IGGR has started a new feature: Pet of the Week, highlighting the adorable animals who share the homes of our IGGR members. Please send a picture of your pet to indivisibleggr@gmail.com, along with your Pet’s name; we will include your first name and initial.
IGGR Events 🎉
Wednesday, September 3 at 12 pm. Protect Social Security Rally at the Social Security Office, 3045 Knapp St NE
Friday, September 5 at 4:30 to 6 pm. Bridge Takeover Protest. Hall over US-131 (we have been asked to continue here to show our support for the surrounding community--Keep that in mind as you choose your protest signs). Future dates/locations:
Sept 12-Fuller over I-196
Tuesday, September 9 at 4 pm. Meet with Kevin Hrit and his team from Gary Peters staff. You can register here. Sponsored by SWIM.
Monday, September 22 at 6:30 pm. In-person IGGR Member Meeting. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE. Mark your calendars and plan on attending our monthly meetings this fall. Mondays at 6:30 pm. October 27, November 24. A free will donation will be accepted to cover the cost of renting the church space.
EVENTS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Wednesday, September 3 at 5 - 6 pm. Freedom Protectors Rally. Ten Mile Road and Main, Rockford. Family Friendly rally to protect first amendment rights, civil rights, and liberty and justice for all. Every Wednesday. Public Parking Lot P12 (directly off the bike trail) behind all the buildings in the first block of North Main St.
Friday, September 5 at 4:30 - 6 pm. Rush Hour Resistance. Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (North Park). (Alternates weekly with Jupiter Avenue Bridge, parking near the intersection of Konkle and Jupiter, just off West River.)
Saturday, September 6 at 12 pm. Support Our Veterans and VA Rally. Veterans Park in Greenville, MI on M-57 Washington between Bower Street and Luray Street; rally on north side of M57 (Alternates with: Michigan Veterans Home, 2950 Monroe Ave NE, GR). Sponsored by the Support Our Veterans and VA Facebook group.
Saturday, September 6 at 1 to 4 pm. North Lake Correctional Facility Protest, 1805 W 32nd Street; Baldwin. Sponsored by No Detention Centers in Michigan.
Starting Saturday, September 6. California’s YES on Prop50 Phonebank. Six days a week, two shifts a day. Join these phonebanks and help stop the Trump / MAGA agenda. Trump is trying to rig the midterm elections and passing Prop 50 is the best chance we have of taking back Congress next year. Sign up here. Sponsored by the California Democratic Party.
Friday, September 12 at 3 - 5 pm. Grim Reaper Rally. Meeting at the Family Dollar Parking Lot, 321 East Main Street, Carson City. Sponsored by Flat River Indivisible.
Thursday, September 18 at 7 pm. Do Something Now - Gen Z and Democracy. Kent Dems HQ, 301 Fuller Ave NE. Why is Gen Z's support for Democrats showing signs of strain—and what can be done to rebuild that connection? Join us for an eye-opening presentation led by Kasen Wooters, a 17-year-old political organizer and founder of the Freshwater Future Fund PAC … AND member of KentDems! With firsthand experience in campaign strategy and youth mobilization, Kasen will explore why Gen Z turnout for Democrats has lagged, where engagement efforts have fallen short, and how the party can better connect with young voters going forward. Sponsored by the Kent County Democratic Party
Michigan Petitions Update
Sign these petitions for ballot proposals that are beginning to be circulated:
Invest In Michigan Kids. A proposed constitutional amendment seeking to impose a 5% surcharge on high income earners (above $500,000 for single filers and $1 million for joint fliers). The proceeds of this tax are to be earmarked for education.
Ranked Choice Voting (RankMIVote): A proposed constitutional amendment that would change how elections are decided. Voters would rank candidates by preference. This could potentially give more influence to smaller parties or candidates with broader appeal.
Michiganders for Money Out of Politics. The proposal would change how politicians are able to raise campaign funds. The proposal would restrain the power of large corporations to spend millions each year in unregulated donations to politicians.
Do NOT sign these petitions:
Americans for Citizen Voting (or any other voting petition). This proposal would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in the form of a certified birth certificate or valid passport and a state issued photo identification card with the name matching that on the birth certificate or passport. This proposal would make it difficult for women who changed their name when marrying because their birth certificate would not match the name on their state issued photo identification. It would also make it difficult for people who don’t have a certified copy of their birth certificate to register to vote.
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A wonderful event by Indivisible Twins Cities! We should be doing something like this at our local events.
https://substack.com/@mikaanderson/note/c-150773713?r=113nff
There is a FiftyFifty.One "Workers Over Billionaires" Protest right here at Garfield Park, in Grand Rapids tomorrow Labor Day, September 1 at five in the afternoon. Thanks for supporting the Anti-tRump / Fight the Oligarchs Resistance!