ICO Newsletter - 8/27/25
Carey Doesn’t Care Candlelight Vigil: Come out with us tonight!
Congressman Mike Carey votes to cut Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, ACA insurance subsidies, medical research grants, foreign humanitarian aid, and much more. Ohioans will die. But while Carey meets with bankers and big donors, he won't meet with us. Carey doesn't care!
Join us Wednesday evening (TONIGHT!) for the Carey Doesn't Care Candlelight Vigil, 8:15-9:15pm, Schiller Park, City Park Ave, just South of Stewart Ave (across the street from Carey’s home). We’ll be in the park with votive lights, signs, chants, and a special slide show! This event is scheduled for right after the in person meeting, so YES, you will be able to attend both! Register for the Candlelight Vigil HERE.
(The ICO monthly in-person meeting is 6:30pm at the UU Church on Weisheimer. Sign up HERE.)
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. Also check mobilize.us/indivisiblecentralohio/ for all our Indivisible Central Ohio events.
Labor Day Events: Monday, September 1
Workers over Billionaires Labor Day Rally and Support Drive, 10-11:30am, 7232 E Main St, City Hall, Reynoldsburg. Stand with us to protect and defend social safety nets, fully fund schools, healthcare and housing for all, and stop the attacks on immigrants and others within our communities. Please bring gently-worn clean, in-season apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories to donate to Dressed for Success or use the QR code to access a wishlist.
March with Labor in the Annual Labor Day Parade. Participants will gather at 10am in the parking lot at the corner of Walnut and S. 3rd St, Newark. The parade will start at noon. Food provided at USW 244 Union Hall at approximately 12:30, rain or shine.
Columbus 50501 Labor Day Rally, 4pm, McFerson Commons Park, 218 West Street. Join this national day of action event and hear from local workers’ rights groups and unions as well as political justice organizations!
ICO Fundraiser for CRIS, Jeni’s Ice Cream, 4347 N High Street, 3-6pm. Come eat ice cream at the Beechwold Jeni’s on Labor day between 3 and 6pm and help us raise money for CRIS, Community Refugee and Immigration Services. ONLY at this particular Jeni’s store (next to Northstar in Beechwold), and ONLY from 3-6pm. 25% of proceeds will go to CRIS! An ICO crew will be on hand registering voters and collecting petition signatures. Come hang out and eat ice cream with us!
Weekly rallies
Wednesday, 8/27/2025: Wednesday Husted and Moreno Protest, 12-1pm, 200 N High St, Columbus. Senators Bernie Moreno and John Husted are supporting the fascist takeover of our democracy. Let's hold them accountable to the people and taxpayers of Ohio. Their offices are both at 200 N High St, with lots of public visibility! Register HERE.
Thursdays: Grandview Rush Hour Rally, 4:30-6pm, alternating sites, Grandview Heights. Join us in standing up for our future and protesting the Trump administration’s reckless economic policies that put profit over people.
Every other week at Grandview Avenue & U.S. RT 33, beginning 8/28. Sign up HERE.
Every other week at Grandview Avenue & West 5th, beginning 9/4. Sign up HERE.
Saturday, 8/30/2025: Protest in Delaware, noon to 1 PM. Let’s protest together and let folks know that we are tired of all the shenanigans.
Saturday, 8/30/2025: Rally to Protest Musk, Oligarchs and the Power Grab! 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, 9/2/2025: Rush Hour Rally, 4:30-5:30pm, intersection of Route 161 and High St., Worthington. Join us to deliver our message of resistance to commuters. Organized by the Worthington Area Democratic Club and Westerville Progressive Alliance. Signup & parking info HERE.
Join the Overpass Army!
A fun and easy entry to anti-Trump activism is to join our crew as we hold signs over the highways. Upcoming dates are 8/29, 9/2, 9/5 and every Tuesday and Friday from 4:30-6pm. Details, directions and sign up are HERE. We have the signs and flags. You bring the manpower!
FYI you are also invited to attend a Highway Sign Making Party, Thursday, September 4, 6-8pm at the Northwest Library, Aster Study Room, 2280 Hard Road. More info and sign up HERE.
This week’s Actions!
1. Sign the letter asking for Governor DeWine’s Advocacy
Sign the letter asking Governor DeWine to intervene on behalf of Imam Ayman Soliman, a respected spiritual leader who is recently in detention and facing deportation–a move that would likely result in his death. Chaplain Soliman is the first Muslim chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Watch this press conference and check out the community letter HERE.
2. Sign up with an ICO team to ask local businesses to protect immigrants
Sign up now to visit businesses in your neighborhood and ask the owners or managers to step up to protect immigrants by posting signs that declare their support for their immigrant neighbors and opposition to ICE. We’re also asking them to create a private area for employees that ICE cannot legally enter without a signed judicial warrant. These are simple steps that businesses can take to protect their employees from ICE and make all immigrants feel welcome in our community. Sign up here! Once you sign up, you will be contacted by someone from Indivisible Central Ohio to arrange to get you materials and businesses to visit. Thank you for signing up!
3. Commit now to attend Fair Maps Day, 9/17
It’s once more into the fray in Ohio’s battle for Fair Maps! The Ohio General Assembly is scheduled to begin the redraw of our Congressional map starting next month, but with the foxes still in charge of the hen house, we know not to be too optimistic. Nevertheless, we are going to push hard to call out the corruption and get the best maps possible. The fight begins with FAIR MAPS DAY, Wednesday, September 17, 10:30am-12:30pm. This in-person event is our chance to put the gerrymanderers on notice that WE ARE STILL HERE! We’re still paying attention, we still care, and we DEMAND that they follow the rules in the Ohio Constitution mandating an open mapping process and fair outcome. Please sign up now and commit to being a part of the resistance to rigged maps.
What’s On the Porch?
Postcards and more for you to pick up from the porch at 437 Piedmont Rd, Columbus.
PA Postcards are to rally likely Democrats to vote in their November election when many judges are on the ballot, including PA Supreme Court judges. All PA Voter cards are due back on the porch by October 10th
Cartoon cards: Packs of 25 with addresses and instructions. These satirical cards are being sent to Virginia voters in Representative Jen Kiggans district with the hope of flipping the district back to blue in the 2026 election. These cards have very specific instructions and must be turned back in to the porch by September 26th.
Million Postcard Project: Each month you write three cards – one to each Senator and Representative. Let them know what YOU care about and hope they are working for in Washington DC. Mail your cards on the first of each month.
John Gatiss for Westerville City Council cards: These cards can also be checked out and returned from 151 Central Ave in Westerville.
Vote Rider Letters: These letters are designed to help Ohio residents understand current registration and voter ID requirements.
Free DC/DeWine Recall the National Guard rally signs for your car or window.
ICO Gives Back: Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Donate!
Have you heard of World Central Kitchen (WCK)? The founder, Chef José Andrés, wrote about his recent trip to Gaza. Read the update, then donate to the Indivisible Central Ohio fundraiser for WCK, HERE. We have already raised $1,815 in 4 days! Help us reach our $5,000 goal quickly so funds can get where they are needed. We may raise the target to $10,000! Share the link so your friends and family can join us.
Volunteer!
Columbus Food Rescue can use your help! Rescuers are essential in diverting good food from going to waste and delivering it where it’s needed most. Volunteer sign-ups are done in this app, with the schedule of available rescues there. Volunteer FAQs can be found here. In addition to rescuing food, there are opportunities in Ro’s Kitchen, where food donated by the greater Columbus community is transformed into healthy, fresh, and tasty meals. There are also opportunities with the Veggie Van Pop-Up Markets. So many opportunities to have an impact in the community!
Upcoming Events (Calendar view)
Today, Wednesday, 8/27/2025: ICO In Person Member Meeting, 6:30-8pm, First UU Church, 93 West Weisheimer Rd, Columbus. Join other members of Indivisible Central Ohio for an in person member meeting. We will discuss current actions and activities and hear from you about your ideas for new actions. The meeting will also include a work session to make progress on our plans and projects! Register HERE.
Wednesday 8/27/2025: Carey Doesn't Care Candlelight Vigil, 8:15- 9:15pm, Schiller Park, City Park Ave. just South of Stewart Ave (across the street from his home). Congressman Mike Carey votes to cut Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, ACA insurance subsidies, medical research grants, foreign humanitarian aid, and much more. Ohioans will die. But while Carey meets with bankers and big donors, he won't meet with us. Carey doesn't care. Register HERE.
Sunday, 8/31/2025: Concert for a Meaningful Labor Day, 4-5:30pm, Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue. Put some meaning back into the Labor Day holiday this year by singing the praises of all the workers who make our lives richer by doing their everyday jobs. Join Bill Cohen, PhilHart and Teresa Schleifer as they sing songs made famous by a wide variety of artists. $15 per person donation.
Monday, 9/1/2025: ICO Ice Cream Social fundraiser for CRIS, 3-6pm, at Jeni’s Clintonville, 4247 N High St. Come eat ice cream at the Beechwold Jeni’s on Labor day between 3 and 6pm and help us raise money for CRIS, Community Refugee and Immigration Services. ONLY at this particular Jeni’s store (next to Northstar in Beechwold), and ONLY from 3-6pm. 25% of proceeds will go to CRIS! An ICO crew will be on hand registering voters and collecting petition signatures. Come hang out and eat ice cream with us!
Thursday, 9/4/2025: Say Something, Rally the Community, 4:30-5:30 PM, Grant & E Livingston Ave, Columbus. Bring your signs, your voice, and a friend and say something about how you are feeling about the current state of affairs in this country. Planned for every other Thursday! Register HERE.
Thursday, 9/4/2025: Back-to-School Briefing: The State of Ohio Public Schools, 6-7:30, via Zoom. At this virtual briefing from the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, you’ll: learn who Parents United for Public Schools is and how we’re building a movement of families across Ohio; get the latest updates on the state of public education funding, policy, and the real experiences of students and parents; connect with other parents and advocates who care about making schools better for all kids; hear a clear path to action: starting or joining a Parents United chapter in your local school district. This is more than an update - it’s a call to action. Register HERE.
Thursday, 9/4/2025: Sign Making Party, 6-8pm, Northwest Library, Aster Study Room, 2280 Hard Road. We need volunteers to help cut out giant alphabet letters from foam board. We'll provide the template and boards, please bring sturdy kitchen shears or a utility knife for cutting. More info and sign up HERE.
Thursday, 9/4/2025: Westerville City Council Candidate Forum, 6:30-9pm, Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Pkwy, Westerville. Join Gatiss for Westerville volunteers and supporters at the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Westerville City Council Candidate Forum! Wear your campaign t-shirts and come cheer on John at the highest-profile council candidate forum of the campaign! (See more about the event HERE.) Register HERE.
Sunday, 9/7/2025: Re-set, Voices of a New Columbus, 2:30pm, Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard,Columbus. Join us for a youth-led Columbus City School Board & Columbus City Council District 7 Candidate debate, sponsored by Columbus Stand Up. Free tickets at this link.
Wednesday, 9/17/2025: Fair Maps Day! 10:30am-12:30pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Broad St, Columbus. As Ohio politicians begin redrawing the congressional map, we're coming together with voters from every US Congressional District in the Buckeye state to raise our voices in support of fair maps! Join us for a nonpartisan press conference, inspiring speakers, games, mapping demonstrations, and a chance to see your favorite redistricting reformers. Sport your Fair Districts Ohio gear, bring your friends, and wear your comfortable walking shoes as we'll be marching around the Ohio Statehouse. Signs and snacks will be provided. Register HERE.
Wednesday, 9/17/2025: Hunger Network Happy Hour, 4:30-7pm, Thunderwing Brewing, 2419 Scioto Harper Drive, Columbus. Join the Hunger Network in Ohio to Network with others passionate about ending hunger, learn about HNO’s work and how you can support our effort to end hunger in Ohio! (lite refreshments will be provided, alcoholic and alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
Thursday, 9/18/2025: Redistricting 102: Testimony Training & Storytellers Workshop, 6-7pm, virtual. Join the Equal Districts Coalition for hands-on training on how to craft powerful testimony and share your story to influence the redistricting process. Register HERE.
Saturday, 9/20/2025: ICO End of Summer Picnic, 5-8pm, Hoover Sailing Club. Join your friends or meet new ones at Indivisible Central Ohio's end of summer picnic! All are welcome to join us at the beautiful Hoover Sailing Club in Westerville. Register HERE.
Mia & Linda for the Indivisible Central Ohio Team
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