ICO Newsletter - 11/12/25

Written By Indivisible OH12

Resistance Yard Signs are Here! 
These powerful yard signs have arrived! Come pick them up from the porch at 437 Piedmont Rd. Even if you did not pre-order, there are plenty of signs. You can donate if you like, but most important is getting these deployed as far and wide as possible. 

Learn more about this project, how to order, donate, and even get involved HERE!

Electricity prices keep getting higher – but AEP always wants more! ICO is joining with Columbus Stand Up and other local groups to tell the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject AEP’s requested rate hike. Here are several ways you can take action.

  1. Sign the petition.

  2. Share the above flyer. 

  3. Sign up to testify at one of PUCO’s public hearings, Wednesday, Dec 4, 6pm, or Monday, Dec 9, 11am. Details in the link. 

  4. Phonebank or canvass with the LightsOut team: 

  5. Linden Canvass: Sunday, Nov 16 2-5pm, 

  6. Parsons Canvass: Sunday, Nov 23 2-5pm, 

  7. Hilltop Canvass: Sunday, Nov 30 2-5pm.

  8. Phonebank Dec 3 at 6pm or  Dec 8 at 4pm.

  9. Join the ICO LightsOut slack channel by replying to this email and asking to be added. 

Let’s send a clear message: Central Ohioans are done paying more for less. It’s time to say lights out on AEP.

Congrats to Jackie Bird! 
ICO’s intrepid and tireless volunteer Jackie Bird will receive the Chrys Gee Activist Award this Saturday at the MyProjectUSA Gala Dinner. Congrats to Jackie! If you are interested in purchasing a ticket to attend the awards dinner, reply to this email. 

We wish we could nominate every single Indivisible Central Ohio member. Thanks to everyone for your efforts, big and small. Together we are making a difference. 

Photograph by Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch

ICO at OSU to Protect Free Speech
Last week, the ICO Signs of Fascism team joined up with OSU students and professors to rally against the attacks faced by colleges and universities from both Trump and the Ohio legislature. Student-organized and led, the rally listed their list of demands, including not capitulating to the “+rump Compact”. Below are three important petitions for all to sign to support academic freedom: 

ICE OUT of Home Depot
More than 50 local activists protested Home Depot's complicity with ICE's abduction of local workers from its parking lots as part of the Disappeared in America weekend of action on November 2nd. Protesters chanted, waved signs, and passed out literature to customers at the entrance to the Grener Avenue Home Depot before marching to W. Broad Avenue for greater visibility. 

Want to help continue to apply pressure to Home Depot? CLICK HERE to sign up for our postcard-writing event on December 7 at 3:30 pm.

This week’s Actions!

1.OPPOSE SB 153 /HB 233– Require Citizenship Verification Before an Elector May Vote
These bills would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, ban drop boxes, and make it harder to gather signatures for a ballot initiative. One page summary HERE and a list of unfunded mandates in SB153 HERE.

URGENT: QUICK ACTIONS: Send a message through the ACLU or send a letter through common cause. 
Tell these members of the Senate General Government Committee you OPPOSE SB 153:

Tell these members of the House General Government Committee you OPPOSE HB 233:

Ask your senator to say no to SB 153, and ask your representative to reject HB 233.
 
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, and its counterpart, HB 233, is un-American and dangerous. It attacks the citizen initiative process and threatens voters with potential prosecution. It would prevent tens of thousands of legal voters from participating in the political process. SB 153 represents a huge and unnecessary overhaul in our election system. 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. Will [elected official] say NO to criminalizing democracy and help to STOP SB 153 and HB 233?

2.OPPOSE HB 486 – Enact the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act
HB 486 would enact the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act to permit teachers in public schools and state institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the influence of Christianity on history and culture. The bill declares that “the teaching of the historical, positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment,” that “an accurate and historical account of the influence of Christianity on the freedom and liberties ingrained in our culture is imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate, and violence within our society,” and that “accurate historical instruction regarding verifiable, historical impacts of religion on American history is factual and is not proselytization or a violation of the First Amendment.” HB 486 will receive a fourth interested party hearing (possible amendment, possible vote!) in the House Education Committee on Thurs., Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m., Room 121. See this Ohio Capital Journal article.

URGENT:
Submit testimony and witness slip (separate pdf documents) to OHReducationcommittee@ohiohouse.gov by Weds., Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.
Contact these members of the House Education Committee:

Sample script:
Hi. My name is [your name] and I live [your full address if leaving a message]. I’m calling to ask you to oppose HB 486, the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act. This bill is a poorly written, reactionary response to a notable political death that would lead to incredible controversy and lawsuits if passed. An accurate and historical account of Christianity’s influence would require students to learn about how Christianity was used to justify slave labor. If the intent is to highlight the impact of all religions on U.S. history, then students are already learning about influences and impacts of religion on American history, government, and policy. The Christian faith is mentioned at least four times in this bill, but no other religions are mentioned. In this country, the separation of church and state is important to uphold. Please remember that we are a nation of many faiths and cultures. I hope you will oppose HB 486. Thanks for your consideration.
 

Don’t Stream Fascism: Cancel Spotify
From Indivisible national: Spotify is running ads recruiting agents for ICE, the federal agency charged with mass deportation and surveillance of immigrant communities. These ads target vulnerable populations, promise signing bonuses, and normalize fear and intimidation in our neighborhoods. Spotify claims these ads comply with their policy, but the truth is streaming hate is not neutral. It’s a choice. You can be part of the solution. Alternatives to Spotify, directions for canceling and additional actions you can take can be found HERE. 

We refuse to fund it. We refuse to ignore it.

Holiday Season Giving Begins 
There is so much need in the community, so many organizations urgently needing support, and so many ways to help – it can be more than a little overwhelming. ICO has an amazing team choosing a variety of effective, high-impact ways to help — and we're sharing their sections with you here every week. Please step up as much as you can! 

  • Mid-Ohio Food Collective: cash donations (to our own ICO link) are most wanted as they have buying power in bulk and can provide more food for people. We will continue to support MOFC through the end of November. 

  • Columbus Neighbor Grocery Match connects neighbors across the city to help each other access groceries during times of need. They match individuals or families who can offer grocery help with those who could use some extra support. Sign up at the link to give or receive help! 

  • St. Stephen’s Community House. Join ICO friends as we volunteer again at the “Christmas Cares, Unions Share” Holiday Food Distribution Event on Sunday, December 21. Sign up HERE. 

  • The YWCA Columbus holiday dinner is fully staffed with volunteers, but they are still looking for people to buy gifts from their Gift Registry to distribute to residents and for residents to give to family.  

  • Contribute to the Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance. Read more at the link. 

  • The Community Development for All People “2025 Christmas Shop” is looking for volunteers. Reach out to Sam Alexander, salexander@4llpeople.net. 

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity! 

Chalking up some wins! 
Thank you again to all the letter and postcard writers. We thought you would appreciate seeing how many of the issues and candidates you wrote for came out on top this year. Here is a list of campaigns you wrote for that WON on November 4:

  • PA judges

  • VA everything

  • CA redistricting

  • Maria Ramirez Worthington City Council

  • Tiffany DeSilva Dublin School Board

  • Nadia Rasul Hilliard City Council

We appreciate all the work you have done throughout the year, and all the time and stamps you have donated. Watch this space for our next efforts!

Upcoming Events (Calendar view) 

Wednesday, 11/12/2025: Fair Districts All Volunteer Huddle, 6PM, virtual. Join Fair Districts coalition leaders for an update on all things redistricting, including what the heck happened in the Ohio Redistricting Commission. We’ll take a look at the bipartisan congressional map that was adopted and talk about what’s next for redistricting advocates in Ohio. Register HERE. 

Thursday, 11/13/2025: Thursday Action Group, 12-1:30pm, via Zoom. Join us to hear Jo Baldwin, the Rural Projects Coordinator at Ohio Citizen Action, discuss HB 303, a bill that would allow for a community energy program in Ohio. More information in this OCJ article. Join HERE. Passcode 668287.

Saturday, 11/15/2025: Organizing With Care: Building Community through Solidarity, 3:30pm,virtual. Join Indivisible partners Solidarity Pledge and learn how to help your community thrive by taking peaceful, nonviolent, and lawful collective action against authoritarianism in support of our immigrant and targeted neighbors. Register HERE.

Sunday, 11/16/2025: Postcard Party! 6-8pm, 219 W Dublin Granville Rd, Worthington, Join us to write postcards. We will supply cards, snacks and drinks.For those who are able, stamps are appreciated. Register HERE.

Tuesday, 11/18/2025: Testifying Tuesdays, 6-8pm, La Matraca Mexican Grill & Cantina, 5000 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester. Join Southeast Progressives of Franklin County for a monthly social/political dinner where we write to legislators or voters, or plot and plan more events. Register HERE.

Friday, 11/28/2025: Blackout Billionaires! Feed Families!, 7:30-9:00 am, 1760 Hill Rd N, Pickerington. Join us for a Black Friday protest calling for the boycott of those billionaires and their companies. We are partnering with local food pantries to help feed federal employees' families and those who have lost their SNAP benefits due to the cruel nature of our federal government. Register HERE.

Sunday, 12/7/2025: Postcard-Writing: ICE Out of Home Depot, 3:30-5pm, Whetstone Library, 3909 N High St, Columbus. Join us to write postcards to Central Ohio Home Depot store managers and to Home Depot corporate leaders demanding an end to their complicity.Register HERE.

Thursday, 12/4/2025: Knowledge is Power.” 6:30-8:30 pm, location and materials to review available on registration. The topic for December is Christian Nationalism. Register HERE. 

Photograph by Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch

NEW AND NOTABLE PROTESTS

Stop the Cruelty Protest, Friday, 11/14/2025, 12-1pm, ICE office, 675 Brooksedge Blvd, Westerville. Join us for a silent protest, signs provided. Parking at Kroger, 55 West Schrock Rd (~⅓ mile walk). 

Signs of Fascism Event, Tuesday, 11/18/2025, 4-5pm, 161 and High Street, Worthington. Sign up HERE. 


WEEKLY RALLIES & PROTESTS
Every week there are about a dozen 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. 

Wednesdays downtown: Wednesday Husted and Moreno Protest, 12-1pm, 200 N High St, Columbus. Senators Moreno & 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 in Grandview: Rush Hour Rally, 4:-5:30pm, Grandview Avenue & West 5th, Grandview Heights. Join us in standing up for our future and protesting the Trump administration’s reckless economic policies that put profit over people. Sign up HERE. 

Thursdays in Sunbury: Good Trouble Thursdays, 5-6pm, on the square, Old Sunbury Courthouse, 51 East Cherry St., Sunbury. Look for the dinosaur! Sign up HERE. 

Saturdays in Hilliard: Hilliard Pop-Up Protest, 9:30-10:30am, Cross Creek Park, 3311 Hilliard Rome Rd, Hilliard, OH. Bring signs and join us!

Saturdays in Clintonville: Weekly Pop-Up Protest, noon to 1PM, North High Street & East North Broadway Street, Columbus.Join us to protest the destruction and degradation of the Trump administration. Register HERE. 

Saturdays in Delaware: Protest in Delaware, noon to 1 PM, corner of Sandusky and Williams, Delaware. Let’s protest together and let folks know that we are tired of all the shenanigans. 

Saturdays at Easton: Fight Oligarchy- Rally Outside Easton Tesla, 4:00-5:00 PM, Easton Tesla Dealership. Join the weekly Tesla Takedown protest! Even driving by and giving us a supportive honk is appreciated! Register HERE. 

Tuesdays, Support Veterans Rush Hour Rally, 4:30-5:30pm, Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center, 420 N James Rd, Columbus. Join us to 
to protest the cuts to the VA and support veterans! Register HERE.

Tuesdays in Worthington: Rush Hour Rally, 4:00-5:00pm, intersection of Route 161 and High St., Worthington. Join us to deliver our message of resistance to commuters. Signup & parking info HERE.

Join the Overpass Army! 
More and more highway sign protests are popping up all over Ohio. You too can join the anti-Trump fun! We are there on Fridays, 3:30 to 5pm. This week on Thursday, too. Details, directions and sign up are HERE. We have the signs and flags. You bring the manpower!


Mia & Linda for the Indivisible Central Ohio Team

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Find us at our website indivisiblecentralohio.org. Check out our Linktree! Follow us here and on our public and closed Facebook pages to stay current with all our activities. Add our Indivisible Central Ohio Google Calendar so you can follow all our events. You can also follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, Reddit, and Discord. Get involved by filling out our “Join us” interest form!

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Indivisible OH12
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ICO Newsletter - 11/05/25