July 16, 2018 01:35 PM UTC

What you can do to fight back this week (July 16)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

Brett Kavanaugh. Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump. Walker Stapleton.

This past weekend, resistance events across Colorado set the stage of the biggest summer of organizing ahead of a major election in at least a decade. Conservatives like Walker Stapleton and Cory Gardner tried to assure the party faithful that all is well and Donald Trump is leading them to another glorious victory.

Photo by the Colorado Springs Gazette

Outside, the people of Colorado have a another message: we are coming for you in November.

The people of Colorado didn’t elect Donald Trump. As Trump has pulled out all the stops to undo as much progress as possible before outraged American voters take away his House and Senate majorities, Coloradans have organized to make sure the terrible mistake made by just enough states to win the Electoral College, millions short of a majority of Americans, is never repeated—and certainly never seen in our state. The damage Trump and the far right in control in Washington is a warning to every American that elections matter. We can never again let our guard down as a nation like we did in 2016.

With your help, we won’t ever let it happen again. Crowds of protesters on the march even in conservative Colorado Springs to fight back against the far right are getting ready to turn out in November. Working together, we’re going to show the world that Donald Trump does not speak for Colorado, and neither does Walker Stapleton.

Let’s get to work. Here are some great ways to take action for the week of July 16:

Congregation Beth Evergreen: Family Separations at the Border, Communities Uniting Here

Join us at Congregation Beth Evergreen on Tuesday, July 17 at 7 pm for an evening with Valentina Restrepo, one of the superhero attorneys from Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. The Florence Project, a nonprofit organization in Arizona, provides free legal and social services to adults detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to unaccompanied immigrant children facing removal proceedings, and to children, including many of “tender age,” who have been separated from their parents at the border. We’ll hear first-hand reports and stories from someone who works on the front lines, and learn how we can help support their efforts.

Where: Congregation Beth Evergreen (CBE), 2981 Bergen Peak Dr, Evergreen
When: Tuesday, July 17 at 7:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Mayor Hancock to release Denver Climate Action Plan

Please join us on the Broadway Terrace (located on the Broadway St side of Civic Center Park) for a special announcement by Mayor Michael Hancock on the next phase of Denver’s climate action goals. Denver has committed to the Paris Agreements, which means that we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. This is HUGE for not only the Sierra Club, but for the entire city of Denver and Colorado. We need as much support as possible, so please bring friends and family. All are welcome!

Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock, Denver
When: Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Cultivating Courage in the Heart of Activists and Allies

This summer we have the honor of collaborating with our friends at Beacons Community Space to host Michelle C. Johnson as she embarks on her first book tour for “Skill in Action.” As an activist, racial justice advocate, intuitive healer, and yoga instructor, she brings her unique blend of teaching and practice to help us show up to daily life empowered, intentional, and on purpose. On July 17th, join us for a powerful opportunity to heal, share, and grow in together as she reads from her work, sparks dialogue, and deep communication across the barriers that so often separate us.

Where: Beacons Community Space, 1859 York Street, Denver
When: Tuesday, July 17 at 6:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition: Family Defender Phone Bank – Denver

Join CIRC Wednesday to call through a list of voters and begin to identify pro-immigrant allies for the 2018 election. Now more than ever we have to encourage people of color to get out to the polls and vote! Food, snacks and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring your cell phone.

Where: Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Denver
When: Wedesday, July 18 at 4:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

One Colorado: Know Your Health, Know Your Rights: Boulder

We know lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families face unique physical and mental health barriers. One Colorado is hosting an event in Boulder to dig deeper into the landscape of LGBTQ health in the state, provide tools for self-advocacy in healthcare settings, and talk with community members to learn more about local issues in accessing care.

Where: Boulder Public Library, Meadows Branch, 4800 Baseline Rd, Boulder
When: Wednesday, July 18 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

The Art of Inclusivity: for Teachers, Wellness Workers & Healers

Our culture is constructed in a way that only allows for some to prioritize their own wellness. So often, taking care of oneself seems like a privilege only afforded to some. Michelle Johnson, author, yoga teacher, social justice activist and licensed clinical social worker, has spent time considering how to create the most inclusive spaces for contemplative practice. If you have an interested creating inclusive healing spaces join Michelle as she shares from her new book: Skill in Action, Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World. Michelle will explore the intersection of yoga and justice as an entry into understanding how to create inclusive spaces for healing. The workshop will include contemplative practice, journaling, self-reflection and small group discussions. Show up to learn more about yourself and to identify ways to inspire justice.

Where: The Healing Garden, 2900 S Peoria Street, Unit D1, Aurora
When: Thursday, July 19 at 9:00am

Click here to RSVP.

One Colorado: Volunteer Welcome Training!

Join us to learn more about One Colorado’s mission and ways you can support LGBTQ Coloradans and their families. We will have a mixer at the One Colorado office to introduce you to folks in the community, and provide you with the tools you need to be a super volunteer. This is a great opportunity to meet active folks in the community and learn about volunteer opportunities! We will be training you in several fields pertaining to the upcoming elections, so no prior experience is necessary.

Where: One Colorado, 1490 Lafayette St, Ste 304, Denver
When: Thursday, July 19 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Zero Hour Denver Youth Climate Rally

Join the Zero Hour youth rally to demand action on climate change! We are the first generation to experience climate change and the last generation that can do anything about it. Climate change is a human rights issue that is caused by and will deepen systems of oppression. We as young people must stand up for our future. We are planning on meeting at the steps of the Capitol for a rally on July 21st, the day the D.C. and sister events are taking place around the globe.

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver
When: Saturday, July 21 at 11:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Thanks as always for your help making all of these great events successful. We’ll see you next week!