Say His Name. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.
With equal parts heartbreak and anger, we honor the memory of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo – the latest person shot and killed by federal immigration agents. He was on his way to work. We grieve with his family and his community. Two workers who were with Lorenzo were taken into ICE custody. Their eyewitness accounts contradict the ICE agents’ claims of what happened. The two men are reportedly being pressured to “self-deport.”
We need to end this federal government cruelty and lawlessness. Our neighbors need to feel safe and be safe. For this, elections and accountability are the path. Read on to learn how you can help secure our democracy in the upcoming primary and midterm elections.
Show Up & Speak Up
For The August 4th Primary
This Friday, July 17, ballots will be mailed to Washington state voters for our August 4th Primary Election. The Primary is an important lead-up to the pivotal General Election on November 3rd.
Will we let millionaires, billionaires, and the Trillionaire buy the outcomes? By showing up, speaking up, and engaging, we are shifting the ground and building the future that we want and need. By our actions, we are showing people how to take back their power by using their voice and their vote. To succeed, we need everyone.
So, from now till August 4, create a stretch goal for yourself and dive in. If you are –
Attending our weekly banner-waving or other sign-waving events – Invite a friend or two to join you!
Writing postcards to voters? – Get more postcards at WA8postcards@gmail.com!
Worried about low voter turnout for the Primary – Talk to your friends and neighbors about the importance of voting by August 4th!
Already talking to your friends and neighbors – Join our teams at the Issaquah Farmers Market and Concerts on the Green GOTV Campaign for a one-hour shift of sharing ‘zines (flyers) that explain what’s on the ballot, where to find out more about the races, what to do if you lose your ballot, and why it’s so important to vote. We also need folks to print/fold 50-100 zines in the comfort of your home! See the Upcoming Events section for dates and to sign up!
Concerned about election integrity – Sign up to be a Ballot Box Observer (from late July to Aug 4) and take the virtual training on July 23, 6-7 pm (link to register) or July 29, 4-5 pm (link to register)!
Canvassing about statewide ballot initiatives or to support a candidate you want to see (re)elected – bring along a friend or two! Can’t do much walking? Offer to drive friends who are canvassing!
If you want to make a difference and want support figuring out how to plug in, email us at indivisiblewa8@gmail.com, and we’ll connect you with ideas and support!
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert on the issues or candidates – you know plenty about the importance of taking back our power and the importance of voting. So, set your goal! Use your voice!
Constitutional Observer Training
Monday nights 6:30-8:00 PM
Online
On July 4, while many were celebrating freedom and independence, at least two people were detained on the Eastside of King County—one in Bothell and one in Kirkland. Detainment activity across the Eastside has been quietly increasing over the last few months.
Join a constitutional observer training led by local Indivisible chapters and learn what to do if and when you see an incident.
Help Feed Families on the Eastside
July 24th, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Bellevue
On July 24th, join local partners and us in an act of solidarity and support for local families. Volunteers from IWA8 and Indivisible Eastside will team up with volunteers from Africans on the Eastside, a nonprofit that supports youth and families, to assemble bags of food for distribution to households in need.
This event is funded by a Solidarity In Action grant from Indivisible National. Providing staples of culturally appropriate food sends an important message in these times of detentions and fear: We see you. We support you. You matter. We are neighbors. We are all members of the Eastside community.
Sign up here using the passcode food
Address and information will be provided to registrants.
Questions? Email us at indivisiblewa8@gmail.com.
Note From the Editor
IWA8 is powered by volunteers. Like you, sometimes we get stretched thin. Case in point: last week’s newsletter included a piece saying we’d made a mistake about opposing Issaquah’s choice for police chief.
It’s more accurate to say that after we publicly raised concerns and insisted on answers, something opened up that the city had not originally planned – opportunities for community members, including Indivisibles, to meet the candidate, ask tough questions, and hear from him directly.
We appreciate the city taking this step. Indivisible members’ “red-flag” issues became “orange flags” or “yellow flags” and, in the end, the Indivisibles who met with Mr. – now Chief – Mylett told him they hoped to see his words turn into actions.
We want to thank everyone who engaged in the process – an example of democracy in action at the local level. In case you missed it,
Here is the letter we wrote about that process
