This Week from Indivisible Akron
Greetings from Washington D.C.
Greetings from Washington D.C.
You may have noticed that our newsletter is a day late. Why? Lisa Schoenberg and I (Noelle Bowman) have been in Washington D.C. for IndivisiFest, a gathering of 300+ leaders of Indivisible groups all over the country (including Alaska and Hawaii!).
As I type this, I’m listening to what I assume to be Trump’s caravan noisily travel up Connecticut Avenue toward the White House. Being in D.C. feels different from prior trips I’ve made. That sense of awe and pride in the hub of our country’s government has been replaced a sense of disgust and fear. It feels dark. We need to kick these corrupt politicians out of this town.
That said, IndivisiFest was amazing! Lisa and I had a great weekend, and we’ll bring lots of ideas and information about upcoming initiatives. We had the honor of having dinner with Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, Indivisible’s founders on Saturday.
Ohio is on their radar, as Emilia Sykes seat is vulnerable; the extreme right has already started running smear ads against her, perpetuating false information. We need to save that seat.
More to come — thank you for all you do. Don’t forget to spread the word about June 14, our NO KINGS peaceful rally!
SB1 Referendum is Still a TOP Priority
Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1), now known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, is facing a referendum challenge due to concerns about its restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, faculty rights, and academic freedom.
Where can I sign the petition? Access the interactive table here.
👉🏻‼️Links to sign petitions, collect signatures, donate and learn more‼️👈🏽
All In for Ohio Kids Resources
Protect public education in Ohio. All in for Ohio Kids lays out how lawmakers are attacking public school funding in this resource page.
Their Call to Action Kit contains several tactics for engaging superintendents and school board members in our districts – ranging from asking them to simply inform residents about how the state budget could affect the district to passing a resolution calling for lawmakers to protect the Fair School Funding Plan.
Get the All in for Ohio Kids Toolkit.
Stop Ohio’s SAVE Act
Two identical bills, SB 153 and HB 233, are currently moving through the statehouse. If passed, Ohio's SAVE Act could prevent tens of thousands—and potentially hundreds of thousands—of eligible Ohioans from voting. This legislation is deeply concerning, as it imposes significant barriers to registering to vote or updating voter registration. In addition, it threatens to undermine Ohio’s citizen-led ballot initiative process.
★ TAKE ACTION NOW—Use this advocacy tool to learn more about the dangers of Ohio's SAVE Act and ways you can take action.
Educate Your Networks About That One UGLY Bill
As you have conversations with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers about that One Friggin’ Ugly Bill that The Great Betrayer Trump is gaslighting Americans about, here are a few ways that the bill will hurt Ohioans.
Ohioans Stand to Lose Food Benefits by Ohio Capital Journal
CTAs: Calls to Action Week of June 1, 2025
June is Donation Match Month from Indivisible!
Indivisible’s matching campaign kicked off June 1 and goes through June 30. Every dollar donated to Indivisible Akron through this link will be matched by Indivisible, up to $500.
Every Tuesday: Meetup at the Mustard Seed
Join progressive minded community members at the Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square for our weekly social hour. There's no agenda, no speakers, no to-do lists, and no asks (other than a donation to help offset the space rental fee).
Indivisible Akron and Red, Wine and Blue help to make this event possible.
You never know what you'll find at each week's meetup! Sometimes we write postcards, sometimes we make protest signs, and every time we have a great time and meet new people.
Please support the Mustard Seed Market by purchasing a beverage or food from the cafe (no outside drinks or food please).
RSVP for June 3, June 10 and/or June 17
June 2, 16 & 30: Indivisible Akron Resilience Group Meetups
Feel like talking? This subgroup within Indivisible Akron is about empathy, coping and sharing stories. When you need to vent or take a break from the cacophony, join your fellow members for a session of venting, comfort and laughs. Meets every two weeks. No agenda, no action items, no speakers. These are facilitator-led sharing and coping sessions.
June 2: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Norton (location to be released upon registration).
June 16 & June 30: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Northwest Akron Branch Library, 1720 Shatto Ave. RSVP here.
June 3: How Things Work at the Statehouse
Join Indivisible Akron and Rachel Coyle of How Things Work at the Statehouse for this virtual session and advocacy training at 6:30 p.m. on June 3. Learn how a bill becomes a law in Ohio, and how we the people can impact state laws and policies! RSVP for the Zoom link.
June 3: Save Democracy Rally at Medina Square
Tuesday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
June 5: Fifth Annual Pride on the Square
This event by Out Support - Medina Ohio takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Public Square in Medina (17 S. Court Street, for GPS users). From the Facebook event page: Cupcakes, treats and chalk provided. Bring your own picnic, hang out, and discover new or familiar organizations and nonprofits. Enjoy music by Natalie Martin while celebrating YOU!
June 7-8: Mitzvah Day Akron
Mitzvah Day Akron is happening June 7-8, featuring service projects throughout greater Akron. On Sunday afternoon, the Akron Area Interfaith Council (AAIC) will host a panel with high school students discussing community violence. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action will participate as part of the Wear Orange campaign. Indivisible Akron attendees are encouraged to wear orange.
Register for service projects and the panel at mitzvahdayakron.com.
June 10: Know Your Rights Zoom Training
The Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild will host back-to-back public trainings. Legal Observer training begins at 6:00 p.m. and Know Your Rights training begins at 7:00 p.m., on June 10. via Zoom. Register for one or both.
June 12: Sign Making Pizza Party
Join Akron Democracy Defenders and Indivisible Akron to make your signs in preparation for the June 14 NO KINGs events! 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, 981 W. Market Street, Akron.
We'll have some poster board and limited supplies. Bring your own markers, paint pens and creativity. What's the central theme for June 14? The United States does not support elected officials who throw themselves king-size military birthday parades, especially at the taxpayers' expense and on a day that celebrates our democracy. Let's take back our flag.
We'll have pizza, and guests may bring their own beverages. $5 donation appreciated to offset costs for food. This is a family-friendly event. Accessibility may be a challenge as parking is on-street only (so, it's first-come).
June 13: Kent Pride 2025
June 13 & 27: Letter and Postcard Writing Party
The Constant Campaign will join the fight for democracy and decency with postcard and letter writing and other activities for as long as it takes to save the country. We will support pro-democracy candidates at all levels – from school boards to mayors to the House and Senate.
All activities at churches or other 501(c)(3) organizations will be strictly non-partisan. We will help get out the vote and assist voters with the new stringent voter suppression ID laws.
Join the rapidly growing cadre at the vanguard of this fight. Bring pens and enthusiasm – and postcard stamps would be a great help! We plan to meet roughly every two weeks. Other events to be announced shortly.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday June 13 and Friday June 27 at the UUChurch of Akron. RSVP required.
June 14: Flag Day ‘NO KINGS’ Rally
Activists across the country are calling for a peaceful demonstration to oppose the Trump regime. Learn more about the national No Kings movement.
Our event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, in front of the Seiberling Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 2 S. Main Street in downtown Akron. RSVP for more details.
Crooked River Action will be holding a No Kings event at 10:00 a.m. at Doodlebug Memorial Park in Cuyahoga Falls. RSVP for more details.
June 14: Medina’s Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Join us for the annual Juneteenth Celebration. A day of festivities, including a keynote speech by Danita Harris. Family friendly event with music, entertainment and more. Information on Facebook.
June 17: Candlelight Vigil for Due Process
June 19: Speaker Event Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and a leading force in gun violence prevention, will speak at Hudson Library on Thursday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m.. Her book, Fired Up, empowers women to step into their power, whether in activism, career, or personal life.
Copies will be available for purchase and signing. Registration required—sign up at hudsonlibrary.org.
June 24: Indivisible Akron - LGBTQ+ Working Group Meetup
Join the Indivisible Akron community for the monthly get-together. Agenda and program TBD, but get it on your calendar for Tuesday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square. More details to come! RSVP required.
July 1: Indivisible Akron - Environmental Group Meetup & Guest Speaker
Join the Environmental Working Group on July 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the North Hill Library for two speakers: Kimberly LoVano, community engagement director of Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Casey Shevlin, director of sustainability for the City of Akron. Kimberly will present data and visuals on the impact of the Trump regime on CVNP, and Casey will update us on what’s going on with Akron’s sustainability efforts. RSVP required.
Other Noteworthy Events
June 6: GCEF exhALE Annual Celebration
exhALE celebrates the Gay Community Endowment Fund's impact in the community and recognizes its most recent grant and scholarship recipients. Proceeds support academic scholarships for LGBTQ+ and allied students in Greater Akron. This year’s celebration will feature remarks by Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and drag queen and activist Nina West. Guests may purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win prizes donated by the Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo, Cleveland Orchestra, Mountaineer Casino Resort and more. The event will culminate with the presentation of the 2025 Paul Daum Award to the Akron Pride Festival Steering Committee for its contributions to the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ community. Tickets are $75 at the Akron Civic Theatre 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
June 10: Rainbow Poetry
Stark Library at the Plain Community Branch, 1803 Schneider Street NE, Canton. “A night to celebrate pride through poetry.” Read your own poetry, read a poem from someone else (giving them credit, of course), or simply enjoy the messaging. Register at (330) 452-0665 or at starklibrary.org. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10.
June 21: Stow Monroe Falls Pride Cookout
In honor of Stow Collaboration for Change's fifth anniversary, the Stow-Munroe Falls Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative, the SMF LGBTQ Crew, and the Stow-Munroe Falls Democratic Club, are hosting the inaugural Stow-Munroe Falls Pride Cookout. All are invited to this safe, affirming, free event, where guests will share food and fellowship in celebration of queer identity. Free Event, with donation site. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at the ADA-accessible Leona Farris Lodge, in Silver Springs Park.