January 06, 2020 04:04 PM UTC

What you can do to fight back this week (January 6)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

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Dear {{ user.first_name|default:”Friend”|title }},

It’s 2020. The year we’ve been waiting for.

From Denver to D.C., the challenges we face and decisions we make this year will chart the course of our country for the next generation. Are the fundamental American values of freedom, fairness, and truly equal opportunity still what our nation stands for? Does America stand for hope and prosperity for all, or the hate and greed of the political fringe and the right-wing donor class?

In Colorado, there’s plenty of reason to be hopeful and excited about the coming year. The progressive majority we elected to the Colorado legislature in 2018 returns Wednesday to continue the work begun in 2019 to provide affordable, quality health coverage. After last year’s landmark reinsurance bill, premiums dropped in Colorado by double digits. This year, the goal is to bring costs down even more by providing a robust public option for coverage, and paid family leave for every Colorado worker to take care of ourselves and our families.

In Washington, Donald Trump has become only the third President in American history to be impeached by the US House of Representatives. Since Congress adjourned for the holidays, further evidence of Trump’s manipulation of foreign policy for personal political gain has only deepened our constitutional crisis. The evidence is increasingly clear that Donald Trump should be removed from office. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado says he’s a likely vote to convict, while Cory Gardner, as the Denver Post reports today, remains in hiding:

“Gardner’s silence dates back months. His public appearances, never numerous in 2019, were rarer still this fall. He has avoided conservative talk radio, once a political safe space, along with most news media. His office agreed to arrange an interview with The Denver Post in Washington, D.C., during the House impeachment process, but later said he was unavailable and instead emailed a statement criticizing that process.”

2020 is the year both Donald Trump and Cory Gardner face the music. Let’s get to work: here are some great ways to fight back for our shared progressive values for the week of January 6.

Featured Event: Interfaith Alliance of Colorado: Together In This

Together in This is a series of events for anyone feeling division fatigue from our country’s current political and cultural disagreements. In a series of gatherings, we will come together across difference to share our heartbreak and hope, learn to enter courageous conversations, to listen and seek understanding, to speak with those who hold different convictions, to find common ground, learn how to tell our stories, imagine a new way forward and learn skills to bring healing to our current cultural division.

Where: Denver Community Church-Uptown, 1595 Pearl Street, Denver
When: Monday, January 13 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Women’s Lobby of Colorado: 2020 Legislative Session Kick-Off

Join us for this beginning of session kick-off! We will come together as community as we prepare for a session of advocating for gender equity!

Where: Capitol Hill Tavern, 1225 N Logan St, Denver
When: Monday, January 6 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Faithful Thursdays Kick-off

This is a kick-off event for Faithful Thursdays. Faithful Thursdays is a diverse coalition of leaders, organizations and community members who are committed to adding a deeper, moral dimension to the public policy-making process in Colorado. In 2020, our focus will be on advancing a faith narrative and collaborative process that supports a just economy promotes equity and eradicates racism in Colorado.

Where: Colorado State Capitol, Denver
When: Tuesday, January 7 at 12:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Boulder City Council Meeting: Topic, Homeless Policy

Please join us for the first City Council meeting of 2020 to voice your support for more humane homeless policies that include keeping the walk up shelter open all winter long. Sign up to speak for two minutes using the URL below or come at 5:30 to sign up to be chosen to speak.

Where: City of Boulder Colorado Government, 1777 Broadway, Boulder
When: Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

League of Women Voters of Denver: League goes back to Jail

Interested in registering voters in jail? LWV of Denver is hosting a Voter Registration Drive Training on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the League Office.

Where: League of Women Voters of Denver, 1980 Dahlia St, Denver
When: Tuesday, January 7 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

New Era Colorado: 10th Annual Opening Day Happy Hour

Join New Era for our 10th Annual Opening Day Happy Hour at Prohibition! The 2020 legislative session kicks off on Wednesday, January 8th, so come grab a drink with us at Prohibition and get the inside scoop on what to expect. We’ll be providing appetizers and if you’re a monthly donor, check in with us at the door for a free drink.

Where: Prohibition, 504 E Colfax Ave, Denver
When: Wednesday, January 8 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Rally for Climate Justice

Please join us at the capitol on January 9th as the Governor delivers his State of the State address to share how you think Colorado is doing on climate action. We demand that our Governor declares a climate emergency and immediately stops fracking at Bella Romero. We demand a plan to stop all fossil fuel development in Colorado by 2025, starting by ceasing all new permits, while ensuring a just transition that prioritizes the marginalized populations suffering the most from climate injustice. 2020 is the start of a new year, and we will hold our elected officials responsible for addressing environmental injustice and ecological emergency.

Where: Colorado State Capitol, Denver
When: Thursday, January 9 at 9:30am

Click here to RSVP.

Free DACA Renewal Application Clinic

The Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (DOIRA), the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) are hosting a FREE DACA Renewal Application Clinic on Saturday, January 11, 9:00 am, at Denver Human Services, (3815 Steele St, 80205). Please help us share the message.

Where: Denver Human Service Building-East, 3815 Steele St, Denver
When: Saturday, January 11 at 9:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Gun Violence Prevention – Town Hall

Join DPS Director Tay Anderson, Director Laurvick, Moms Demand Action, DPS Educators, Students, and Families for a conversation on how we can end gun violence in our communities.

Where: Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 Montview Blvd, Denver
When: Saturday, January 11 at 4:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

We’re excited to be back at work, and we’ll see you next week with more ways to make a difference in this pivotal year.