Accomplishments of 2025 and Priorities for 2026
Remarks from your co-chair, Jane Dickie
We are living through a rapidly changing and challenging time. The news overwhelms us with all of the following:
The rapid deterioration of governmental institutions that serve the people. Medicare, Medicaid, the Food and Drug Administration, the Health and Human Services departments and our National Parks all threatened and diminished at the time when we need them most.
A privileged few are amassing huge wealth and influence. They are removing regulations that protect We the People and enrich a billionaire elite who meet behind closed doors making deals that advance their own ambitions at our expense.
Repeated attempts to diminish our understanding by halting regular reporting on the state of our health, economy, and other essential data. Sometimes outright lying about the cost of living, foreign Entanglements, The Epstein files!
Dismantling progress that we have made over the last 10 years to include everyone and give everyone a chance. Destroying the beautiful work of inclusion, equity and the appreciation of diversity through programs, materials and curricula that teach us the truth about our history. In some communities all gone, banished by book bans, interference with the education systems and manipulation of museums and repositories of knowledge removing historical accuracy.
Corrupting the election process making it harder for people to vote. Creating obscene gerrymandering of districts so that politicians choose their voters rather than voters choosing their politicians.
Our communities are terrorized by masked thugs operating with impunity disappearing people. Stealing funding from programs that support us and putting them into massive detention centers and a Gestapo like army -- ICE.
Are you afraid or angry enough? -- The best antidote is education and action. You dear friends have responded with Rapid Response training to document and protest against the arbitrary and cruel action of ICE. You have contributed funds to support those terrorized by ICE.
You have informed the public about issues, creating informed voters in key battleground states by writing postcards and speaking with neighbors.
You have been visible at protests with creative instruments of joy and knowledge waving amazing signs.
You have participated in building community and unity in monthly meetings together. Gathering as we the people speak. Joyously accompanying the SOS Boat Float for democracy. Going to where the people are at the Pride parade, the 4th of July parade, the Halloween parade.
Educating yourselves with reading and informational sources recommended on our website. Going to the Five Calls App to learn the current legislative issues and calling members in government offices to express your opinion. You have talked with one another and encouraged each other.
YES! We have already acted on the 4 priority areas which we will carry into 2026:
Getting out the vote
Educating ourselves and others
Rapid response and immigrant support
Building community
BECAUSE: to sit and do nothing is to become depressed by the evil actions around us.
Watch for actions to come of which you can be a part. Suggest and develop actions which we can support. Continue to go to our website to see events coming up, to look at the recommended resources, and to get recommendations of actions you can take.
Come to monthly meetings as we invite candidates for interactive sessions. Become a more informed voter for the August 4th, 2026, Michigan primary. Engage with Rapid Response. Prepare to learn about important issues and ways to empower ourselves to get the best information and have the best conversations with those who may not agree with us – yet.
We all have responded which brings some Peace of Mind, encouraged to know that we are not alone. We are in this together and we will change history through our actions.