ICO Newsletter - 5/28/25

Written By Indivisible OH12

New and Noteworthy Protests and Events

Thursday, 5/29/2025: Pickerington Stands Up for Democracy, 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, Bob Evans, 1760 Hill Road N, Pickerington. This is a local Indivisible event! There are one thousand and one things to be outraged about right now. What has motivated you to say, “Enough!”? Join us for Fairfield County Indivisible’s first Pickerington protest rally. Register.

Saturday, 5/31/2025: State of the State Rally, noon to 1 PM, 21 S State St, Westerville. Gather in front of Westerville City Hall & spread out along S. State Street to raise our voices and signs together,showing support for public education and our democratic rights, both under attack in the state legislature. Organizers will have handouts explaining the state budget proposal. Register.

Saturday, 5/31/2025: United in Prayer Rally for a Compassionate Budget, 11 AM to 1 PM, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, West Side Facing High Street. Join the Community of Believers of ALL FAITHS at the Ohio Statehouse as we rally for a Compassionate Budget that meets the needs of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Food and t-shirts for those who sign up. Register.

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. 

June 14 = Pride AND 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. We’re protesting and celebrating at the same time. 

On the day that Trump is throwing himself a military parade for his birthday, we need you 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. 

Here are the 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 as we get closer to 6/14! Remember, please register for the event, no matter what activity you are doing. 

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.

  • Lancaster.. 12 PM to 2 PM, Fairfield County Courthouse, 210 E Main St. 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 5/30 (Fri) and 6/3 (Tues), 6/6 and 6/10, all 4:30-6pm. Details, directions and sign up are HERE. Bookmark that location 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, 5/28/2025: 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. We demand to be seen AND heard - just like his rich donors. More info and register HERE. 

Saturday, 5/31/2025: 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, 5/31/2025: Weekly Tesla Protest! 4:30-5:30 PM, Easton Tesla Dealership. Join the weekly Tesla Takedown protest! Even driving by and giving us a supportive honk is appreciated! 

Tuesday, 6/3/2025: 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! Registration & more info HERE. 

  • Worthington: Join us to deliver our message of resistance to commuters at the intersection of Route 161 and High St. in Worthington. Organized by the Worthington Area Democratic Club and Westerville Progressive Alliance. Signup & parking info HERE.

Thursday, 6/5/2025: Pickerington Stands Up for Democracy, 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, Bob Evans, 1760 Hill Road N, Pickerington. There are one thousand and one things to be outraged about right now. What has motivated you to say, “Enough!”? Join us for this Pickerington protest rally. Register HERE.

TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK

1. OPPOSE SB 153 – Require Citizenship Verification Before an Elector May Vote (OHIO’S VERSION OF THE “SAVE” ACT!)

What’s new: SB 153 received a third proponent/opponent/interested party hearing on 5/27/25.

What it does: The bill would require verification of an elector's citizenship before the elector may vote and to modify procedures regarding voter registration, voter roll maintenance, absent voting, and election petitions. SB 153 was referred to the Senate General Government Committee. (HB 233 is the House version of this bill.) Read this article for more information. 

What to do (URGENT!)
QUICK ACTION: Send a message through the ACLU.
Tell these members of the Senate General Government Committee you OPPOSE SB 153: 

Ask your senator to say no to SB 153, and ask your representative to reject HB 233.
Write a letter to the editor in support of your local BOE. See this LTE toolkit

Sample script:
Hi. My name is __________ and I’m calling from [full address if leaving a message]. I’m calling to urge [elected official] to reject SB 153. This bill attacks the citizen initiative process and threatens voters with potential prosecution. It would disenfranchise eligible voters and shrink the electorate. Essentially, SB 153 and its counterpart, HB 233, would criminalize democracy! Even though lawmakers have said there is no need for more big changes in election law, SB 153 represents a huge overhaul. We need to slow down and allow time for implementation of other recently passed election bills. Our boards of election are already under-resourced and overburdened. Adding bureaucratic and financial burdens without providing additional resources is unfair to Board of Elections staff. I expect [elected official] to say NO to SB 153 and its companion bill, HB 233.

Want to know more?



2. OPPOSE HB 42 – Require Certain Agencies To Collect and Report Citizenship Data. 

What it does: HB 42 would require certain agencies, including the Department of Education and Workforce, to collect and report data concerning the citizenship or immigration status of persons with whom they come into contact. Read more in this analysis and the Capital Journal.

What’s new: This bill received a second proponent hearing on 5/20/25 in the House Government Oversight Committee. 

What to do (URGENT)
Tell these members of the House Government Oversight Committee you OPPOSE this bill:

Email Ohio representatives using this action tool.

Sample call script:
Hi. My name is _____________ and I live at [give full address if leaving a message]. I’m contacting you to urge you to stop House Bill 42 from moving forward. This bill would require all public schools to collect and report student information to the federal government. It is a misguided attempt to help federal immigration officials deport more children and families. HB 42 isn’t about helping schools. It’s a political move that puts vulnerable students in harm’s way. It breaks the trust between families and schools, risks student safety, and could hurt children from all backgrounds. I urge [elected official] to say NO to HB 42. Ohio’s kids deserve safe classrooms rather than surveillance and fear.

We are committed to having a positive impact in our local community! For the second and final time, this week we are asking for donations to support Adrienne Hoods’ "B-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. Thank you for your generosity!

An Extra Month to Collect CSC Signatures!
An administrative schedule change means that the Columbus Safety Collective now has an extra month to collect signatures! Honestly, that extra month could mean the difference between falling short and successfully collecting the required number of valid signatures. 

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. You can be a part of this victory! Weiland’s has given Indivisible Central Ohio special permission to collect outside their store – let’s take them up on their offer. It will be a great place to get signatures!

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) 

Wednesday, 5/28/2025: Counting the Cost 2: Local Facts About Private School Vouchers and What to Do With Them, 7-8:15pm, via Zoom. “Want to know how unaccountable private school vouchers are impacting your local school district? Want to know how much public school money is instead going to private schools in your local area? Join Honesty for Ohio Education and Red Wine & Blue Ohio to learn how to create your own fact sheet or request one be made for you. And we'll plan together the different actions we can take this summer, supplied with local facts to educate and mobilize your community to fight for accountability!” Register. 

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, 5/31/2025: United in Prayer Rally for a Compassionate Budget, 11am-1pm, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, WEST Side facing High Street. “Join the Community of Believers of ALL FAITHS at the Ohio Statehouse as we rally for a Compassionate Budget that meets the needs of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. We rally for funding MEDICAID, HEAD START and CHILD CARE and safety net services. Through expressions of our faith, we will share messages about why we need a compassionate budget through Song, Prayer, Dance, and The Spoken Word. There will be a combined state choir to lead rally goers in well-known congregational songs. Food and t-shirts will be provided to those who REGISTER.”

Tuesday, 6/3/2025: Impeach and Remove Digital Town Hall, 7:30-8:30pm, via Zoom. “Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by attacks on our Constitution, our democracy, and our most vulnerable communities. It’s time to act. Join Free Speech For People and Women’s March for a digital town hall featuring Congressman Al Green of Texas—who has introduced articles of impeachment—and leading legal experts. Learn why Trump must be held accountable and how you can take action to protect our democracy.” Register. 

Friday, 6/6/2025: D-Day Protest, Defend the Constitution, 4-6pm, Reynoldsburg City Hall, 7232 E Main St, Reynoldsburg. Come join your Reynoldsburg neighbors as we peacefully protest to defend the Constitution and support our nation’s veterans. What we suggest you bring: Your home-made signs, a water bottle, American flags, and a chair if you need to sit. We hope you will join us! 

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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ICO Newsletter - 5/21/25