August 3 Updates

Good things happen when people show up. This week's newsletter is full of opportunities to do just that—meet candidates, support local families, volunteer your talents, and help prepare for a busy election season. We hope to see you along the way.

Upcoming:

Aug. 7: Rush Hour Resistance

Aug. 11: BOCC protest: Rise & Grind

Aug. 16: Pens to Power in-person event

Aug. 28: Food Drive at Hub City Brewery

Oct. 7: Candidate Speed Dating

Coffee. Donuts. Democracy.

Join us Tuesday, August 11, at 9:00 AM for a special Rise & Grind Protest outside the Board of County Commissioners meeting.

We'll have free coffee and donuts, so bring a friend, fuel up, and help us remind the Commissioners that we're not going anywhere until ICE detention centers and data centers are no longer a threat to our community.

Bonus: We'll even have free vuvuzelas for anyone who wants to make a little extra noise!

Pens to Power: Mark Your Calendars!

Pens to Power is gearing up for our General Election mailer campaign, and we have several upcoming opportunities to help us reach as many voters as possible before Election Day.

All events are 1:00–4:00 PM. Please RSVP to alicejimroberts@gmail.com to receive the address and let us know how many people will be attending.

Upcoming Dates

• August 16 – Postcards & Prep
• August 30 – Postcards & Prep
• September 20 – Mailer Campaign Rollout
• October 4 – The Big One! Help us write, seal, and stamp thousands of voter guides.
• October 11 – The Final Push

We also need Forever Stamps to help make this campaign a success! If you'd like to contribute, you can mail stamps to:

Washington County Indivisible​
PO Box 87
Clear Spring, MD 21722

Or make a donation through our ActBlue account.​

Thank you for helping us connect voters with the information they need before heading to the polls!

Food Drive at Hub City Brewery

Friday, August 28

Washington County Indivisible and Hagerstown Rapid Response are teaming up with Hub City Brewery for a food drive benefiting local immigrant families affected by ICE detentions.

The Western Maryland Immigrant Rights Collective (WMD-IRC) has seen a dramatic increase in need, growing from supporting one family with four children to four families with thirteen children in just three weeks. These are our neighbors, and together we can help make sure they have the food and essentials they need.

As a thank-you, Hub City Brewery will offer 50% off your first drink, with more incentives to be announced.

Can't make it on August 28? You can also donate anytime by dropping nonperishable food items in the collection bins at Eliza's House — 35 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown

Whether you bring a few canned goods or a full grocery bag, every donation helps support families in our community.

Candidate Speed Dating!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00–8:00 PM and join us for Candidate Speed Dating—a fun, interactive way to meet the people seeking your vote.

Rather than listening to speeches from the audience, you'll rotate through a series of short, casual conversations with local candidates, giving you the chance to ask your questions and get to know them one-on-one.

The event will be held at Hub City Vinyl, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Admission is free, and beverages will be available for purchase from the bar.

Candidates: Please RSVP by August 10.

Next WCI Rush Hour Resistance

Meet us on the Appalachian Trail bridge on Friday, August 7 at 4:30 PM to help set up, or stop by before 6:00 PM to wave. Our letters aren't waterproof, so we cancel if it's raining.

If you have any suggestions for the message, please send them ASAP! Keep it to 30 characters (including spaces) or less.

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

For photos, videos, and a video celebrating our one-year anniversary, visit this link:

Could You Help Launch a Community Podcast?

Do you enjoy thoughtful conversations about important issues?

Are you looking for a new way to get involved in your community?

Do you have experience with podcasting—or would you like to learn?

Knowledge Is Power (KIP), a local group that grew out of discussions among Washington County Indivisible members, is creating a new podcast exploring social, economic, and political issues. They're looking for volunteers to help with production and would love to welcome new members to the team.

Interested? Email washingtoncountyindivisible@gmail.com and let us know you'd like to learn more.

Standing Together: DMV Accompaniment Network (DAN)

No one should have to face an immigration appointment alone.

The DMV Accompaniment Network (DAN) provides trained volunteers who accompany immigrants to ICE check-ins, ISAP appointments, and immigration court hearings throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Volunteers offer practical and emotional support while helping ensure community members do not face these moments in isolation.

DAN estimates that 10–15 immigrants are detained each day during ICE and ISAP check-ins in the DMV, and most did not have an ally with them.

Need accompaniment?​
​DAN Hotline: 202-335-1183

Interested in becoming a DAN volunteer? Contact Donald Donoghue at ddonoghue99@gmail.com.

For additional resources, visit the DC, Maryland & Virginia Immigrant Resource Guide:​
​https://migrant-resources-dmv.my.canva.site/english​

Help Fund Washington County's Leaving MAGA Billboard

Beginning August 3, a new Leaving MAGA digital billboard will begin running along Route 40 in Washington County. Leaving MAGA is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for people questioning or leaving the MAGA movement, encouraging respectful conversations across political divides.

Supporters have already raised more than half the cost of the first month's billboard and are now working to cover the remaining balance. If enough funds are raised, they'll also extend the campaign for a second month. Organizers hope the billboard will spark conversations locally while also generating media attention for Leaving MAGA's work.

If you'd like to help, donations can be made directly through the Leaving MAGA website:

​https://leavingmaga.org/donate/​

When donating, please note in the comments that your contribution is for the Washington County, MD digital billboard (you may also include "per Judy Carbone").

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