Action Items: Week of September 14, 2025

Community is the answer. Never violence.

"The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash

This Week’s Newsletter Contains…

The Top 5 Things You Can Do This Week

Pet of the week

IGGR Events

Events from Other Organizations

Michigan Petitions Update

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The Top 5 Things YOU Can Do This Week

There are many issues that are important. An easy way to make your phone calls is to go to the Five Calls App. Some of the actions listed below are included in 5Calls; there are more actions you can take listed in the app if you’d like to make additional calls.

5Calls provides a summary of the issue, a proposed script for your call and a link that actually dials the Senator or Representative’s phone number. You’ll always get a recording to leave a message for the Senators. During business hours Rep. Scholten has staff answering the phone. Be sure and list your home address so they know you are a constituent.

• Call Senators Peters 202.224.6221 and Slotkin 202.224.4822 (see Resources for You for more contact info).

  • Re: Funding bill to avoid a government shut down. Federal funding is set to run out on September 30 unless Congress passes a bipartisan funding bill. This is an important moment because Democrats have real leverage and they MUST use it to protect our rights, healthcare, and essential services. Republicans need Democratic votes to get past the 60-vote filibuster and avoid a government shutdown.

  • Call Gary Peters (who caved in the last funding fight) and tell him not to give in this time and to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get a funding bill that reverses Trump’s big ugly healthcare cuts and keeps his chaos in check.

  • Call Elyssa Slotkin and thank her for standing firm in the last funding fight and tell her to call on Leader Schumer to unify the caucus and actually stand their ground this time and also do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get a funding bill that reverses Trump’s big ugly healthcare cuts and keeps his chaos in check.

  • Both Senators: Demand these simple things be included in the funding bill or shut down the government until they are:

    • Restore funds cut from Medicaid permanently

    • Reinstate the ACA government tax credits permanently

    • End funding for ICE and the deployment of the military to our streets

    • Outlaw Recissions

  • Vote NO on confirming Stephen Miran, a White House economic adviser, to become a Federal Reserve governor, furthering Trump's effort to exert more direct control over interest rate policy and the central bank's broader role. Trump's Fed governor nominee Miran moves closer to Senate confirmation

  • Thank you for voting YES to keep Sen. Schumer’s amendment to release the Epstein files alive (alas, it was tabled). Senate Republicans defeat Democrats’ effort to force the release of Epstein files

  • Thank you for voting NO on Sen. Thune’s proposed rule changes regarding en masse confirmations of Trump nominees. Senate Republicans move on rules change after Dem warnings against going "nuclear"

  • Thank you Elyssa Slotkin for signing the letter to Trump asking him to clarify a host of facts about the murderous strike on the Venezuela boat, including the military assets involved and how the administration confirmed the targets were part of a drug network. As Democrats press White House on deadly boat strike, Republicans sit on their hands

  • Demand an investigation into the use of the military to destroy a Venezuelan boat that killed the passengers which the administration, without evidence, claims was carrying drugs and drug traffickers. Demand an investigation into the legal authority of the attack.

  • Oppose new FDA decision to limit COVID vaccinations to people over 65 years of age or to people with a medical condition. The latest COVID vaccines come with new FDA limits. This is especially important at the Stratus variant spreads. Map Shows Rising COVID Cases as Stratus Variant Spreads

  • Support HR 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which demands the release of Epstein files.

  • Oppose the executive order renaming the Department of Defense, the Department of War. Oppose HR 5080 that would Congressionally approve the name change.

• Call Representative Scholten, 202 225 3831 or Moolenaar, 202 225 3561

  • Scholten: Thank you for voting NO on House Rule 3486 to increase penalties on immigrants. (Moolenaar voted YES -- tell him you're disappointed in his vote.) House passes bill to increase penalties for illegal re-entry to U.S.

  • Scholten: Thank you for signing on to Rep. Massie’s discharge petition to force a floor vote on his bipartisan legislation to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.

  • Moolenaar: Why are you protecting sexual predators? Sign on to Rep. Massie’s discharge petition to force a floor vote on his bipartisan legislation to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.

  • Demand an investigation of the use of the military to destroy a Venezuelan boat that killed the passengers which the administration, without evidence, claims was carrying drugs and drug traffickers. Demand an investigation into the legal authority of the attack.

  • Oppose new FDA decision to limit COVID vaccinations to people over 65 years of age or to people with a medical condition. The latest COVID vaccines come with new FDA limits. This is especially important at the Stratus variant spreads. Map Shows Rising COVID Cases as Stratus Variant Spreads

  • Support HR 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which demands the release of Epstein files.

  • Oppose the executive order renaming the Department of Defense, the Department of War.

  • Oppose HR 5080 that would Congressionally approve the name change.

  • Stand firm for funding for safety net programs and science research to keep us healthy and safe.

• Call Governor Whitmer 517.335.7858

  • Follow the lead of other states like MA, PA, NY, and NM, and do whatever you can to make sure COVID vaccines are available to everyone who is eligible, such as directing the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a standing order allowing all Michigan pharmacies to dispense and administer COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible people without an individual prescription. Three states take steps to ensure COVID vaccine access. Hochul to Sign Order to Get Around U.S. Limits on Covid Vaccine

• Call your State of Michigan Representatives (Find them here)

  • Push for a state budget that provides for funding for schools, human services and the arts.

• Tell the disabled veterans you know about this program: Applications are now open for the 2026 House Cleaning Program for disabled veterans and their spouses in Kent County, made possible through a partnership between our Veterans Services Department and Riverside Cleaning Co. Services include: Vacuum & mop, dust and clean all surfaces, exterior of appliances, windows, empty trash, clean bathrooms, front of cabinets. This program was extremely popular last year, so if you or someone you know could benefit, we encourage you to apply here.

• Extra Credit:

  • Collect signatures for the Invest In MI Kids and Michigan for Money Out Of Politics petitions. First, sign up for petition training: Monday, September 15 at 6 pm. (More information about the petitions at the end of this Substack.) Sponsored by Distill Social.

  • 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!)

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Pet of the Week 🐱

Name: Ginger

Human: Diane S.

Hobbies: Avoiding cameras because really, can a camera truly capture her essence?

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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.

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IGGR Events 🎉

Tuesday, September 16 at 1:30 pm. IGGR and Art of Democracy Media Conference to educate the public about threats to arts and cultural institutions in the greater Grand Rapids Area and share the art pieces in the exhibition. The public is invited to join the media conference in the Social Hall at Fountain Street Church. More information about the Art of Democracy here and here.

Wednesday, September 17 at 12 pm. Protect Social Security Rally at the Social Security Office, 3045 Knapp St NE

Friday, September 19 at 4:30 to 6 pm. Bridge Brigade 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 26 -Fuller over I-196

Monday, September 22 at 6:30 pm. In-person IGGR Member Meeting and Town Hall: Setting Priorities with the Kent County Commission. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE. Have ideas for Kent County services? Want to help shape the vision? Join us for a town hall event with several Kent County Commissioners who will discuss potential priorities for the County. Ask questions, suggest ideas, and then vote to rank suggested priorities. Whether you are concerned about the needs of children, young adults entering the workforce for the first time, families, veterans, LGBTQ+, working class or seniors, this is the opportunity for your voice to be heard. This Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids town hall event will start with a social at 6:30 pm, giving you the chance to mingle with other concerned Kent County residents before the town hall starts at 7:00 pm. Sign up here.

Thursday, September 18 - Saturday, October 4. Grand Rapids Art Prize will be open. As you plan your day/s for viewing the Art Prize works, please consider giving an hour of your time to help protest against Avelo Airlines. Avelo Airlines based out of Houston and flying to 56 destinations across 23 states and has recently secured a $151 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security to run deportation flights. More information will be forthcoming about where to gather, what signs to use, and what route to take during the time you're available to protest. Please know that other Indivisible groups across the state of Michigan are also being asked to participate to make sure our voices are heard protesting Avelo Airlines’s deportation of our neighbors, co-workers, family members, and friends and demanding they cancel their contracts with ICE.

Thursday, October 9 at 7 pm, Rank MI Vote Presentation on Rank Choice Voting in the Social Hall at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE. Do you have questions about what Ranked choice voting actually is and how it works? Speaker Jordan Green from Rank MI Vote will explain and answer all your questions.

Saturday, October 18 at 11 am to -1 pm. No Kings 2.0 Rally. Ah-Nab-Awen Park. Family Friendly. We need these things to be sure we have a successful rally:

No Kings Signs

Safety Observers

Volunteers to help with set up & tear down. Without YOU, we cannot make this event happen. Please consider volunteering as a Safety, set up person, or tear down person. Fill out this form. Thank you!

Financial contributions are always welcome. You can donate here.

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EVENTS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Monday, September 15 at 10 - 11:30 am. AVELO/ICE Protest. Patterson at 44th St at the entrance to the Grand Rapids Airport. Parking across the street at Wendy’s. Every Monday! Sponsored by Stop GEO Group in Baldwin and Coalition to Stop AVELO.

Monday, September 15 at 12 - 1 pm. Tesla Takedown. 2919 29th St SE. Every Monday from 12 - 1 pm through the summer.

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. Sign up here. Sponsored by the Kent County Democratic Party.

Friday, September 19 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).

Friday, September 19 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.

Saturday, September 20 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 20, at 4 - 7 pm. Dogs and Suds Fundraiser, Kent County Dems HQ, 301 Fuller Ave NE. Sponsored by the Labor-Educator Caucus to support local candidates. Tickets are $30 per person. See post for more info.

Saturday, October 4 at 1 - 4 pm. Progressives in the Park. Riverside Park. This is a festival-style event that will feature elected officials and candidates. Major state and national elected officials, candidates and leaders have been invited to speak at our event to help us draw an even larger crowd. We'll also have food trucks, a beer tent, and family fun at the park's playground. For those of you who were around in 2017-2024, Progressives in the Park has included speeches by Gretchen Whitmer, Dana Nessel, Jocelyn Benson, Garlin Gilchrist, Dan Kildee, and dozens of other state and local candidates. Facebook event. Sponsored by One Michigan Alliance.

Ongoing. 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.

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Michigan Petitions Update

Sign these petitions for ballot proposals that are beginning to be circulated:

Michiganders for Money Out of Politics

Michiganders for Money Out of Politics aims to pass a citizen-led ballot initiative that bans political contributions from regulated monopoly utilities, such as DTE and Consumers Energy, as well as corporations that seek or hold large state and local government contracts.

Starting Labor Day Weekend 2025, concerned citizens will be taking this fight directly to voters to ask: Do we want a government that serves us or a government that is bought and paid for by corporations? If you are interested in helping to get the signatures needed to get this initiative on the ballots, reach out to Mop Up Michigan. Sign up for Policy and Circulator Training here.

Ranked Choice Voting: Rank MI Vote

Ranked Choice Voting is a simple upgrade to our voting process — an easy, nonpartisan, reform that ensures elections are fair, representative, and reflective of the will of the people. Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference—so every vote counts and every voice can be heard. Elected officials need to earn their constituents first, second, and third choices to win an election. With Ranked Choice Voting, politicians are rewarded for campaigning on issues and showing compromise, not for tearing down opponents.

On July 17, 2025, concerned citizens began circulating Rank MI Vote petitions to get 446,198 signatures within 180 days. To volunteer to help get petitions signed, visit Rank MI Vote.

Thursday, October 9 at 7 pm, Rank MI Vote Presentation on Rank Choice Voting in the Social Hall at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE. Do you have questions about what Ranked choice voting actually is and how it works? Come and learn from a speaker from Rank MI Vote. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.More info to come!

Invest in MI Kids

Raises taxes on high-income earners and use the revenue to fund public schools. This proposal aims to address underfunding in the state's K-12 system by taxing individuals earning over $500,000 and couples over $1 million. The money raised would be used exclusively on local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes, and recruiting and retaining teachers; and subject funds to annual audits.

Volunteers are already collecting signatures, with a target of getting 700,000 signatures. To volunteer or donate, contact Invest in MI Kids.

Do not sign these petitions:

Any (so called) voting rights of the petitions circulated by these groups:

• Committee to Protect Voters’ Rights

• Americans for Citizen Voting

• AxMITax which wants to eliminate all property taxes in MI and make it much harder for the state or localities to enact any tax

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