April 28 Updates

From remembrance to action, from education to organizing — this week reflects the many ways this community continues to show up!

Upcoming:

Apr. 29: ICE / Migra Watch Virtual Training

May 1: May Day, A National Day of Action

May 1: WCI Rush Hour Resistance

May 5: Community Care Virtual Training

May 9-23: Knowledge is Power Civic Education

May & October: Candidate Forums

Candlelight Vigil for ICE Victims

On Saturday, April 25, community members gathered on the Public Square in downtown Hagerstown for a moving candlelight vigil honoring those who have died in ICE custody.

The evening included music, poetry, advocacy, and readings of letters from individuals in detention. Names of victims were read aloud, followed by the creation of a memorial left in the Square — a powerful moment of collective remembrance and solidarity.

Immigration Activism Training Opportunities

ICE / Migra Watch Virtual Training

Wednesday, April 29 | 6:30–9:00 PM (Zoom)​
A community-centered, trauma-informed training focused on building awareness, safety, and rapid response.

👉 Register here to receive the Zoom link (check spam folder)

Community Care Virtual Training

Tuesday, May 5 | 7:00–8:30 PM (Zoom)​
Learn how to support families impacted by ICE through mutual aid and community care efforts.

👉 Register here to receive the Zoom link

May Day: A National Day of Action on May 1

May Day (International Workers’ Day) is a nationwide day of action focused on worker rights, economic justice, and collective power. Across the country, individuals and organizations are participating in actions like strikes, boycotts, and rallies to highlight the importance of workers and community solidarity.

Join Indivisible and Hagerstown Rapid Response in participating:

• No work
• No school
• No spending

Even partial participation matters.

🕓 Local rally: 4–6 PM (location TBD)​
This is about showing up in whatever way you can.
Bring signs calling for transparency and accountability.

New Civic Education Program

Knowledge is Power: A Community Engagement Initiative launches a free 3-part civics series designed to make government more accessible and understandable.

Each session covers:

• How a level of government works
• How decisions are made
• How community members can engage

Sessions:

• Local Government: May 9
• State Government: May 16
• Federal Government: May 23

Registration is free and currently open for the May 9 local session only. Spots are limited. Location shared upon registration.

Upcoming Candidate Forums

Hosted by HARC in partnership with the League of Women Voters and Washington County Library.

Free, nonpartisan, and open to the public. All candidates invited.

Washington County Free Library (Rooms 308–309)​
100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown

• May 7 | 6–8 PM — Board of Education (Primary)
• May 21 | 6–8 PM — County Commissioners (Primary)
• Oct. 1 | 6–8 PM — Board of Ed (General)
• Oct. 15 | 6–8 PM — Commissioners (General)

Visit to LWV or HARC's website for more information or to submit questions for consideration in advance.

Pens to Power Upcoming Events

Evening Writing Event

May 12 | 6:30–8:30 PM​
A relaxed evening to write, connect, and take action.

Sunday Writing Event

June 7 | 1–4 PM​
Postcards, letters, and food donations for community partners.

RSVP to: alicejimroberts@gmail.com (for all in-person events)

🌱 Write From Home

You can participate anytime:

Option 1 — Postcards:​
Request a batch (addresses + instructions included):

Option 2 — Vote Forward Letters:​
Join and start preparing PA Election Guides

Dashboard: https://votefwd.org/wacoindivisible​
(Log in through this link so your letters count toward the group total)

🌱 Host a Satellite Event

Interested in hosting your own Pens to Power writing event?
Sign up to receive supplies, guidance, and support.

Next WCI Rush Hour Resistance

Meet us on the Appalachian Trail bridge on Friday, May 1 at 4:15 PM to help set up, or stop by before 5:30 PM to wave. Our letters aren't waterproof, so we cancel if it's raining.

Email Dave Williams at dwilliams21783@gmail.com for more information.

For photos, videos, and more about Rush Hour Resistance, visit this link:

WCI is on Discord!

We're excited to announce that our organization is now on Discord, creating more avenues for communication and connection! For access, go to this link: