May 22, 2017 01:08 PM UTC

What you can do to fight back this week (May 22)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

If you’ve turned out for any of the major protest events in Denver since Donald Trump took office, you might already know Katie Farnan. Katie is a mother of two young kids who stood up after Trump’s election to start organizing the resistance in her community. Last week, the Associated Press told Katie’s story:

Stationing herself outside a bank building and holding a sign in the unforgiving midday sun, Katie Farnan was multitasking, as usual. She’s a mother of two young children and works for a nonprofit firm but also has a third job: Chair of the town hall committee of the activist group Indivisible Front Range Resistance…

Before Election Day, Farnan was relatively uninvolved in politics. Born and raised in Ohio, she lived there until she and her husband David moved to Boulder in 2011. She was able to tele-commute for her 30-hour-a-week job as director of operations for a New York-based nonprofit. She volunteered for Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012, but didn’t do the same for Hillary Clinton’s presidential run last year. She had two young kids. Plus, she added, “I thought it was in the bag.”

For a month after the election, Farnan was heartbroken and adrift. Her husband said, “It was more difficult from Nov. 9 to January because it was impossible to participate in any way.”

Since then, Katie Farnan has become one of the most tireless volunteer organizers in Colorado—helping make events like February’s town hall meeting “with or without” Cory Gardner and demonstrations to protect healthcare enormous successes. Katie is a symbol of the resistance movement that has swept America since Trump became President. Katie defies the stereotypes and cynicism of the pundits and shows us all the ways forward: not just against Trump, but in support of the better nation and world we know is possible.

And the best part? You are all Katie Farnan. Every one of you who has stood up for our shared values of decency, fairness, and equal opportunity in this difficult time. You, like Katie, are my personal heroes—and I’m proud to stand with you week after week.

Here are ways you can fight back for the week of May 22:

Colorado Needs You To Run For Office

If you are thinking about running for office, are already an elected official, or you just want to find out how you can change our rigged campaign finance system you are invited to meet and talk to other like-minded people who want to immediately create real bipartisan change in our government.

Where: Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden, 4995 Argonne St, Denver
When: Monday, May 22 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Persuasion Workshop – Listening to find shared values

Facts, figures and logic rarely persuade anyone. Learn how to reach people on an emotional level using personal stories and listening techniques. This casual workshop features experienced facilitators who will coach and guide you on using your real values to open conversations with those not in your tribe.

Where: 4185 Pinon Dr, Boulder
When: Monday, May 22 at 6:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Running For Office 101

Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you want to run for office, but don’t know where to start? Join us Monday night, May 22, to learn what it takes to run for office, and how you can be active in local campaigns. The roots to change happen at the local level. We need progressives to stand up and participate in local elections – school board, county and district offices. These are the positions from which we can make the greatest impact to our communities.

Where: Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S Ridgeline Blvd, Room Shea A, Highlands Ranch
When: Monday, May 22 at 7:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Thinking Liberally

Thinking Liberally is a lively, informal social gathering for liberal-leaning persons wanting to share thoughts, beliefs, and ideas with like-minded Broomfield residents, while enjoying a beverage, appetizers, and/or dinner in a relaxed setting. Please RSVP to attend to help us plan! We look forward to seeing you. NO SOLICITING FOR VOLUNTEERS OR DONATIONS WILL BE ALLOWED.

Where: Delvickios Incredible Italian, 1100 US Highway 287, # A500, Broomfield
When: Tuesday, May 23 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Women’s Lobby Annual Scorecard Release Party 2017

The Women’s Lobby of Colorado has prepared an annual scorecard since 2009, in hopes that the scorecard will serve as a guide to Coloradans on issues that are important to women. The annual scorecard contains voting records of each member of the Colorado State Legislature on priority bills for the Women’s Lobby of Colorado.

Where: RSVP for details
When: Tuesday, May 23 at 5:30pm

Click here for tickets and more information.

How to be an Active Ally with Helen Thorpe

What does it mean to be an ally to the immigrant and refugee community? Bestselling author Helen Thorpe, whose book on the topic of refugee resettlement will be published this fall, describes her experiences getting to know various refugee families in Denver. Come be inspired to get to know your refugee and immigrant neighbors better.

Where: Park Hill Branch Library, 4705 Montview Blvd, Denver
When: Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Alternative Facts Trivia

Come try the hottest newest game show in town – Alternative Facts Trivia Night – it is so new it’s only 124 days old!! Kelly Anne herself is flying in from DC to be the MC for the evening, questions will be provided by the Trump/Putin administration, answers will be provided by Steve Bannon and David Duke.

Where: The Hornet, 76 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80203
When: Friday, May 26 at 4:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Memorial Day Run & March 2017

The Memorial Day Run & March invites civilians, Veterans, and uniformed Military to challenge themselves in friendly competition, while helping feed homeless Veterans. Sign up for the 5K or 10K Run or the challenging 30K Ruck March! Registration is OPEN!

Where: Douglas County High School, 2842 Front St, Castle Rock
When: Saturday, May 27 at 7:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Denver Action Day! Presented by Denver Green Roof Initiative

Denver Action Day is a first time event bringing local community activists together in one location to help facilitate those who want to get involved in their community. We will have various speakers and presentations from different groups and organizations around the city. Come out and find an organization that speaks to you. There is something for everyone!

Where: Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St, Denver
When: Saturday, May 27 at 1:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Join One Colorado at Denver Gay Latino Pride!

Join us for Denver Latino Gay Pride Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 28th at Zuni and Evans. There will be traditional food booths, a beer garden, carnival games, and live entertainment and bands on two stages.

Where: One Colorado, 1490 Lafayette St, Ste 304, Denver
When: Sunday, May 28 at 4:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

As always, check your email throughout the week as breaking news could change everything—just as it has on multiple occasions since Trump took office. Major upcoming battles over health reform and the national budget are approaching fast, and the investigation into Trump’s alleged collusion with Russia to win the election is heating up rapidly. Thank you for everything you’re doing to fight back, and we’ll see you at the next event.