ICO Newsletter - 5/21/25

Written By Indivisible OH12

Day Trip to Dayton 
For a week starting today, a world spotlight is on Ohio! The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is happening in Dayton, May 21-27, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords which ended the war in Bosnia. Join us to show the world that we’re not OK with the man in the Whitehouse or the cruel, corrupt, and unconstitutional actions of his administration!

From 10am to 6pm this Saturday, 5/24/2025, the Baby Trump Balloon will make an appearance at the protest zone located at 124 E Second St, Dayton, and your presence is needed! Make your signs or use the brilliant ones you already have, bring your chants, noise makers and voices to show all eyes on Dayton that we will not accept the destruction of our democracy! Stay tuned to the District 10 Indivisible for All Facebook page for more details. 

*This is not a formal rally so drop in or stay the whole time! Register HERE

Two Town Halls

Thursday, 5/22/2025: Town Hall Meeting, 6PM to 7 PM, the Peggy Wood Pavillion at McGill Park. Join the Central Ohio Rank and File Educators at a town hall in Canal Winchester with or without State Senator Michele Reynolds. Questions and dialogue will be facilitated around the state budget bill, with a focus on funding Ohio's public schools and adjacent public services. This is your chance to learn and ask about Ohio’s state funding bill and to raise concerns about the alarming defunding of public schools and other essential public services across the state. Register for the event HERE.

Saturday, 5/31/2025, 15th District Town Hall, 2:30-4:00pm, Westgate Park, 455 S Westgate Ave, Columbus. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting Mike Carey in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District as vulnerable. We can affect the makeup of Congress by making our voices heard. Carey has REFUSED to face his constituents. We've called, we've visited his office, we've emailed, and we have sent him a certified invitation. No response! We are holding a town hall to hear from YOU. We will meet to express our opinions about the votes Mike Carey has taken to cut Social Security, jobs, healthcare, cutting taxes for the very wealthy, and destroying climate initiatives. We've invited previous candidates from the 15th District to share their experiences running for Congress, and ways we can make a difference in our District. Sign up now to hear how we can work together to speak to our Congressional representative. Register for the event HERE. 

Getting ready for Pride/No Kings National Day of Defiance
Saturday, 6/14/2025 is not only the “No Kings, National Day of Defiance” all across America – it is also PRIDE here in Columbus.

On the day that Trump is throwing himself a military parade for his birthday, we are asking every single Indivisible Central Ohio member to join us to take a stand! We’re protesting Trump’s harmful and anti-democratic actions, but also showing support for our LGBTQ+ members, friends, family and neighbors! 

There are THREE WAYS you can join our “No Kings in the Whitehouse!” Pride Parade activities on June 14. 

  1. March in the parade with us! Register for the event, and then fill out this form that is specifically for folks who want to march in the parade. We have limited spaces – first come, first served! 

  2. Register voters and collect petition signatures in the parade crowd! Register for the event, and then sign up for a registration and signature collection training that is specifically for this event. 

  3. Join the parade and hold a “No Kings!” sign. Register for the event and then wait to receive additional information in the coming weeks!  

We will be sending out information to everyone who is registered in the coming weeks as we get closer to 6/14! Remember, we are asking everyone to register for the event, no matter what activity you are doing. If you plan to attend Stonewall Pride in Columbus, please register!

Additionally, there will be many other “No Kings” protests in Central Ohio, some of them timed so that you can attend the Pride Parade in Columbus and still protest later in the day. The list below will grow between now and 6/14. You can also check for additional events on this map. 

  • Clintonville, 12 PM to 2 PM, intersection of N. Broadway and Indianola Ave. Register.

  • Delaware, 12 PM to 1 PM, Delaware City Hall. Register.

  • Grove City, 4 PM to 5 PM, 4035 Broadway. Register.

  • Knox County. 1 PM to 1:30 PM, Public Square, Mount Vernon. Register.

  • London, 12 PM to 1:30 PM, Madison County Courthouse. Register. 

  • Marion, 12 PM to 2 PM, Marion County Courthouse. Register.

  • Newark 2 PM to 3 PM, Courthouse Square. Register.

  • Springfield, 3 PM to 5 PM. Springfield City Hall Plaza. National Day of Action. Register.

  • Westerville, 3 PM to 4 PM, Westerville City Government. Register.

Spread the Word – Hold Signs above the Highway!
A fun and easy entry to anti-Trump activism is to join our crew as we hold signs over the highways. Upcoming dates are 5/21 (Weds), 5/27 (Tues), 5/30 (Fri) and 6/3 (Tues), all 4:30-6pm. Details and directions are in the sign up, HERE. Bookmark that link as we add dates every week. We have the signs and flags. You bring the manpower!

RALLIES & PROTESTS
Every week there are rallies and protests all over central Ohio! You can follow what’s happening in the Events section of our website, indivisible central ohio.org.

Wednesday, 5/21/2025: Weekly Wednesday’s at Bernie’s, 12pm, Bricker Federal Building, 200 N. High Street. Let's hold Moreno accountable to the people and taxpayers of Ohio. His office is on High Street with lots of public visibility! We demand to be seen AND heard - just like his rich donors. More info and register HERE. 

Saturday, 5/24/2025: Weekly Protest in Delaware, noon to 1 PM. Let’s protest together and let folks know that we are tired of all the shenanigans.

Saturday, 5/24/2025: Weekly Tesla Protest! 4:30-5:30 PM, Easton Tesla Dealership. Join the weekly Tesla Takedown protest! Please make sure to ignore any counterprotesters and annoying drivers. Any fighting or fuss just looks bad on us and literally gives Elon fodder to attack us. Even driving by and giving us a supportive honk is appreciated! 

Tuesday, 5/27/2025: Weekly Rush Hour Rallies, 4:30-5:30pm,

  • Eastside, Support Veterans: Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center, 420 N James Rd, Columbus. Come out to support our veterans! Thousands of cars pass this location during rush hour every weekday afternoon, making this the perfect place to inform people about the crippling cuts that Trump and DOGE are making to our federal government that are harming our veterans specifically. Registration (plus more info about the location & parking) HERE. 

  • Worthington: Join us to deliver our message of resistance to commuters at the intersection of Route 161 and High St. in Worthington. Concerned about proposed cuts to Social Security services? Appalled by the abduction and renditioning of legal immigrants? Outraged by the theft of our private information? Generally dumbfounded by the chaotic combination of evil and incompetence coming from the White House? Make up a sign and let people know! Organized by the Worthington Area Democratic Club and Westerville Progressive Alliance. Signup & parking info HERE.

Your Event Here: Start a Weekly Husted Protest/Rally
We have recurring events for Carey and Moreno, but nothing for Husted! Now that he has finally set up an office in Columbus, he should get some attention as well. This is a great opportunity for new members to step up! Let us know your idea and we’ll help set things up and spread the word. Reply to this email with ideas!

ICO State Budget Forum

A big THANK YOU to our panelists (Kathryn Poe of Policy Matters Ohio, State Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, State Rep. Anita Somani, Rep Latyna Humphrey, Nick Bates of the Hunger Network in Ohio, Ana Chapman of Honesty for Ohio Education, Sen Hearcel Craig) and everyone who came out for the State Budget Forum on Saturday. It was another great event. Mishka Griffin provided livestreaming for the event. In case you missed the event, you can view the livestream here.

TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK

Want an overview of all of the happenings at the Statehouse and what you can do about it? Check out this resource as well as this one.

1. Ohio Library Fund –  OPPOSE Restrictions that Could Close Libraries

What’s new: Restrictions have been quietly added to the House budget bill that would require public libraries to place material related to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression in a portion of the public library that is not primarily open to the view of persons under the age of 18.

How could this hurt libraries?: Smaller library branches may not have the physical space to follow this requirement, and could be forced to close. In addition, the language is written so broadly that ANY book could be included in its requirements.

What to do:
Begin to prepare testimony ahead of the next Senate Finance Committee meeting
Tell these members of the Senate Finance Committee to REMOVE the budget language requiring libraries to hide certain books from minors:

Sample script:
Hi. My name is ____________ and I’m calling from [full address if leaving a message]. I urge [elected official] to REMOVE the budget language that would require libraries to hide certain books from minors. I’m concerned that smaller library branches may not have the physical space to follow this requirement, which could force them to close. Also, the language is written so broadly that ANY book where characters fall in love could be included under this requirement. I urge [elected official] to remove this language from the budget bill. Thanks for your consideration.



2. OPPOSE HB 155 – Prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Schools

What’s new: HB 155 received a 2nd proponent hearing in the House Education Committee on 5/20/25, so now is a good time to prepare opponent testimony!

What it does: This bill, the House version of SB 113, bans diversity, equity and inclusion. According to the Ohio Federation of Teachers, which opposes this bill, HB 155 would sabotage effective, data-driven efforts to improve student performance. 

What to do:
Tell these members of the House Education Committee you OPPOSE this bill:

Sample script:
Hi. My name is  _________ and I’m calling from [provide address if leaving a message]. I’m calling today about House Bill 155. Like its counterpart in the Ohio Senate, HB 155 bans diversity and inclusion, upending the core premise that every child should feel welcome and safe in public schools. According to the Ohio Federation of Teachers, HB 155 would also sabotage effective, data-driven efforts to improve student performance. I urge [elected official] to say NO to HB 155 and SB 113. Thanks for your consideration.

Want to know more? Review this analysis and articles from the Buckeye Flame and Ohio Capital Journal.

We are committed to having a positive impact in our local community! This week we are asking for donations to support Adrienne Hoods’ "Be Eazy" day to honor her son Henry Green who was killed by police. Read more about the B-Eazy Day of Celebration and Family and make a donation at this link. 

Join the Columbus Safety Collective Effort
Indivisible Central Ohio members are collecting signatures to put an issue on the November ballot for City of Columbus residents to establish a division of community crisis response providing 24-service to the city with trained mental health professionals in lieu of the police. 

The Columbus Safety Collective effort is a rare opportunity for a win in Ohio! If it gets on the ballot, it is likely to pass. HOWEVER, we truly truly need more petition volunteers to meet the goal of 50,000 signatures by June 30. 

Get booklets and training: 

  • ICO Office hours: Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm, Global Gallery, 3535 N High St.

  • CSC Office hours: Thurs, 6-7pm & Sats, 10:30am-noon), Old First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Brydon Road.

Find Places to collect signatures:

For info or materials outside of regular office hours contact Jackie Bird (jackieoep@gmail.com) or Cheryl Grossman (cherylrsgrossman@gmail.com). 

Get Connected with the Anti-SB1 Signature Campaign!
A huge grassroots effort is underway to get a referendum on the ballot in November to give voters the chance to overturn SB1, the “Ohio Education Destruction Act." Here are some useful links so you can get connected:

Let’s show our grassroots power! 

Ideas and Inspirations for You

Upcoming Events (Calendar view) 

Thursday, 5/22/2025: Thursday Action Group, 12-1:30 PM, via zoom.  This week we will have Indivisible member Cathy Cowan Becker of Save Ohio Parks as our guest. Save Ohio Parks is a volunteer citizens group that works to protect state parks, wildlife areas, and public lands from oil and gas extraction. 

Thursday, 5/22/2025: Finding Trusted New Sources in the Disinformation Era, 7:30-8:30pm via Zoom. Hosted by Red, Wine and Blue. “It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s noise in this era of disinformation. With AI, deepfakes, and flat out lies spreading widely online, how do we determine what is reliable and what to avoid? Join our conversation with veteran journalist and Stanford professor Janine Zacharia to learn how to spot trustworthy news, why facts matter more than ever, and how this all plays a role in protecting our democracy.” Register HERE. 

Thursday, 5/29/2025: Indivisible Central Ohio Social Hour, 6-10pm, the Crooked Can, 5354 Center Street Hilliard. Join other Indivisibles for a drink and conversation! Look for our table and people in Indivisible gear! No RSVP needed. 

Saturday, 6/7/2025: Two Moms Demand Action “Wear Orange” events:

  • Survivors and Supporters Walk for Peace, 10am, Livingston Ave Park, 760 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus. Join survivors and supporters as we remember those taken by gun violence.  Let's Wear Orange and walk for peace in our city and nation! RSVP.

  • B-eazy Day with Remember Us Urban Legends, 4:30 PM, Maloney Park, 1701 Joyce Ave., Columbus. Join Moms Demand Action and our friends for B-Eazy Day. A day of celebration and Family. Live Entertainment, Food, Community Resources and More. Bring a friend, bring the family. RSVP. 


Monday, 6/9/2025: Voter Registration and Signature Collection Training for Pride, 7pm via Zoom. Learn the ins and outs of how to register voters in Ohio, plus, learn all about petition circulation so you can help the Columbus Safety Collective team get an important issue on the ballot in November for the City of Columbus. This would establish a non-police emergency response team. The training will be carried out by Zoom, then we will equip you with the materials you need in person. Zoom information will be sent to you after you register.

Saturday, 6/14/2025: “No Kings!” Pride Parade activities. 
Indivisible will have a float at Pride! This is a hugely important day of action all across the country as we say “NO KINGS!” on the day Trump is throwing himself a military parade for his birthday. We will have three ways to participate:

  1. March in the parade!

  2. Register voters and collect petition signatures

  3. Join the parade and hold a “No Kings!” sign

More info about all three options at this registration link. 

Tuesday, 6/17/2025: How Things Work at the Ohio Statehouse Advocacy Training, 7pm via Zoom. Join the Zoom and learn how a bill becomes a law in Ohio and how YOU can impact state laws and policies! Register HERE. 

6/25/2025: Indivisible Central Ohio In Person Member Meeting, 6:30-8pm, 1st Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W Weisheimer Rd. Join us as we restart monthly member meetings! We will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Register HERE. 


Mia & Linda for the Indivisible Central Ohio Team

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