MI Barry County Indivisible community members
MI Barry County Indivisible

Newsletter Archive

Missed an issue? Catch up on local updates, upcoming events, calls to action and ways to get involved.

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Latest Newsletters

Read the four newest issues below. Browse earlier newsletters by month.

Original October 19 newsletter image

Greetings Indivisibles!

Early, in-person voting begins in just 5 days! (Saturday, the 24th). No time to waste. The election is NOW. Here's what we all need to know and do...

Monday, October 19. Last day to register to vote on-line or by mail.

Tuesday, October 20 through Tuesday, November 3 at 7:59 PM. Register to vote IN PERSON ONLY at city or township Clerk's office.

Recap of NO KINGS Vote Early

The crowd size (estimated at 200) might not have been as hefty as we have been accustomed to see at the previous three NO KINGS events.

Original October 19 newsletter image
Original October 19 newsletter image
Original October 19 newsletter image
Original October 19 newsletter image
But we have said from the beginning that the success of this event was not dependent on how many people showed up on Saturday.
The purpose, instead, was to get people ready to vote early, AND recruit their friends and family to do likewise.
The end goal is not to just make a lot of noise. The end goal is to vote in the kind of change that we have been working towards these past 20+ months as an organization.
And, as we will discuss later, we must be vigilant to ensure that the election results are legally enforced all the way through the start of new terms in January.
And the message was made loud and clear. Get out to vote, and Vote Early.
Thank you to all who worked so hard to put this event together. To Mary Beth and Phyllis for their leadership of the planning committee.
To Alan for being the MC and keeping the program on schedule.
To Blue Sky Country, the band who (along with Desiree) entertained and inspired us throughout the event.
To Penelope Ypma, forner Baltimore Township Clerk, for her impassioned and thorough defense of the integrity of our election system.
To Kristen for her beautiful and inspiring poem.
And Lynette for her personal reflection on why voting matters so much.
And to the many volunteers who worked throughout the event to keep things moving and to make sure the message was heard.

So, was NO KINGS (version 4) a success? The day's events definitely were. Now comes the important part. Getting through the finish line! Keep reading for more ways to do just that.

Voter registration

Today (October 19) is the final day to register for this election online or by mail. So, the chances are good that by the time you read this it will be too late.
But never fear. Eligible voters can register in person at their local clerk's office all the way through the end of Election Day (November 3).
Starting this coming Saturday, October 24, people can register to vote and cast their vote at the same time, veritably taking care of two birds at once!

Voting by absentee ballot

If you applied for absentee voting, you should have received your ballot already.

Today, October 19, is the last recommended day to MAIL your ballot, due to inconsistencies in policies and implementation at the USPS instigated by the Trump administration.
So we HIGHLY recommend that you drop your completed absentee ballot off directly at the polling place. Remember, our theme here is to vote early and to overcome any and all attempts to disrupt our vote!

Vote early and in-person

Early in-person voting starts this coming Saturday (October 24) and runs through Sunday, November 1. Remember that voting early in-person is a great way to get to the polls before the troublemakers can!
Remember that the voting site, as well as hours of operation, for early voting may not be the same as on Election Day. 
Click here for details for your location: Early voting information

Election Day is November 3

If you didn't vote by absentee ballot or early in-person voting, Tuesday November 3 is the ultimate D-Day.
We hope that all of you will have followed our VOTE EARLY advice, but not all of your neighbors and friends may have done so. 
So keep your "GOTV" (get out the vote) messaging going all the way through November 3.
Volunteer for your favorite candidates and support them financially if you can!

So it is now November 4. The election is over, right? NO! 

The season of Election Protection begins NOW!

As we have said so many times these past months, the election isn't really over until EVERY individual who has been duly elected has been rightfully placed in office in January.
This gives Trump and his election conspiracists nearly 2 months to gum up the system and try to subvert the will of the people.
But we will not allow that to happen, will we? Wait, I couldn't quite hear you. Let me ask the question again. We won't let Trump and company subvert our election, will we? Yes, that response was much clearer. So where do you begin?

Barry County Board of Canvassers meeting. Begins on Thursday, November 5, 8:00 AM. Barry County Courthouse mezzanine

The first line of defense is our local Board of Canvassers. After each polling precinct completes their duties on Election Day, the voting materials are transferred to the County for verification by the Board of Canvassers.
The Barry County website tells us that "the Board of Canvassers is responsible for canvassing and certifying elections, inspecting ballot containers, and conducting recounts."  This is not done in some secret room where nobody is watching. It is open to the public, and we are encouraged to observe the process.
It can be a time-consuming event, so you don't have to be there the whole time. But plan on stopping by and be a part of the first stage of protecting the vote.

Our Protect the Vote Rapid Response Team needs YOU!

So, what will we do after the Canvassing is complete? 

We will prepare for the potential (and likely) attempts by Trump and cronies to prevent the certification and swearing in of the duly elected candidates.
To do this we need to be ready to respond QUICKLY! And in mass numbers.
We have several hundred of our Indivisible members' email addresses. But we know from experience that email is often ignored or considered non-urgent.
There are other phone apps that allow for quick messages to big groups (such as Signal Chat), but we have found that our members would prefer not having to learn and use yet another technology.
Telephone or text messages are the most efficient way for us to communicate urgent messages.
What if we were to create a version of the old-fashioned "calling tree?' Here is how it works.
One or two people at the top initiate t he process by contacting a limited number of people.
Each of these contacted individuals then reaches out to a few more people, and this chain continues until the entire group has been reached and informed.
So, here's the deal. Are YOU willing to be a part of this "rapid response team"?
Would you be willing to be part of a phone/text "tree" responsible for contacting 5-10 other members to alert them if/when necessary?
We need as many people as possible to sign up for this and there is no time to waste.
Some of you may have signed up for this earlier or at the rally on Saturday. Whether you did or not, PLEASE go to this form to make sure you are included. 
Sign up here TODAY: Rapid Response Team survey

Member meeting. Saturday, November 14. 9:30, Delton Library

We have heard from our members that they prefer we revert to meeting on Saturday mornings. Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 9:30 AM, at the Delton Library. We hope we will be gathering in celebration of a great win for democracy. We really don't know what to expect. But win or lose, we plan to be there with and for each other!

5 calls  (https://5calls.org, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822) 

We haven't said much about this lately, because it seems like our Congress and Senate's only acknowledged duties are going home to get re-elected.

Sounds to me like they have forgotten why we sent them there in the first place! What about all the problems we want and expect them to work on?  That's a story for another edition of this newsletter.

You still can (and should) regularly call our elected officials. There is no shortage of issues needing attention, from the Epstein files to the Republican War against Iran, high prices, stagnating wages, unbelievable corruption at the highest levels of government, etc., etc. 

Tell the staffers at Moolenaar's office to keep the lights on for Ben's impending arrival! You can also mention to the staff at Senator Peters office that Abdul likes to grind his own coffee beans, so they might want to take the Keurig machine home on January 3!

If you are anything like me (and based on those of you with whom I spoke on Saturday), you are exhausted. You are ready for all of this to end. But NOW is NOT the time to quit! We need to keep on working and fighting until the job is finished. Then, maybe we can take a rest.

And, when we rest, we will be confident that we did all that we could for a cause that is greater than any ONE of us.

So stay alert. Keep focused. Join the Rapid Response Team. GOTV. There will be plenty of time to rest in January!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski

Mary Beth Adyniec

Greetings!

NO KINGS! VOTE EARLY! The big event is upon us. The time it NOW to organize, energize, and get out the vote!

Here's what you can do to get ready...

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

NEW!!! Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM. Documentary "Jesus Was a Migrant"
DATE CHANGE!!! Monday, October 12, monthly member meeting, Hastings
Saturday, October 17, NO KINGS: Vote Early!, Thornapple Plaza, Hastings
NEW!!! Saturday, October 24, 10:30 AM. Rally at the Barry County Courthouse
NEW!!! Saturday, October 31, 10:30 AM. Rally at the Barry County Courthouse

LAST CALL!!! Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM. Public viewing of the documentary film "Jesus Was a Migrant," produced by Tisby Media.

  • Hosted by our local Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity, this film explores the question that too many people are ignoring: how does a person of good conscience reconcile the Trump administration's immigration crackdown with ethical behavior regarding care for the stranger?
  • Whether you are a person of faith or not, the issue of how our own government is abusing people is a concern for all of us at MBCI. Despite what Trump wants us to believe, immigrants are human beings worthy of a voice and worthy of our efforts to ensure their rights.
  • We invite you to come to this free film, followed by a panel discussion that will include people who assist our immigrant community as well as the detainees at North Lake Detention Center in Baldwin.
  • A free will offering will be taken to support immigrant needs for financial assistance, legal aid, transportation, and basic necessities.
  • Please come to this film. I promise you will be moved and motivated to take positive and concrete action.
  • Planning on attending the Abdul rally in Ionia later on Sunday? We should be finished with the film and discussion by shortly after 3:00 PM. That gives you plenty of time to get to Ionia afterwards!!

REMINDER!!! Member meeting. Monday, October 12, 6:30 PM. Emmanuel Episcopal Church

  • This meeting was originally scheduled for the 19th, but we wanted to gather ahead of the NO KINGS rally. So come with your enthusiasm and get informed and energized!
  • This is our final scheduled member meeting before the election.
  • This election is the target we have aimed for since our very first Indivisible gathering some 19 months ago in March, 2025.
  • The opportunity to enact real change is in our hands. We can't and won't let it skip away.
  • Let's gather together to get ready!
  • One issue that is of concern is the potential for interference with the vote by local or federal officials.
  • Part of this meeting will address the strategies that could be used in such scenarios.
  • We are very aware of the fact that this election does NOT end on November 3.
  • That is the last day to cast a ballot, for sure. But the election is not fulfilled until the votes are certified and the newly elected officials are securely in their place.
  • We cannot and WILL NOT allow nefarious actions to undermine the will of the people!

NO KINGS Vote Early! Saturday, October 17, Noon, at the Thornapple Plaza in Hastings.

  • We have barely three weeks left to get out the largest, most energized, most focused, most motivated group of voters in recent history. So our focus at this rally is to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) early!
  • We will have speakers to rally the crowd about the issues that dominate this election cycle. Issues like affordability, the war in Iran, and government corruption.
  • We will have our voter registration booth, as well as other nonpartisan groups and organizations related to the themes of the day.
  • Come join us that day. Music, marching, lots of fun and many important and serious issues at the same time!
  • Get your kids, grandkids, mothers-in-law, and neighbors to join us! BE A DEMOCRACY DEFENDER
  • The theme for this rally is a little different from the first three versions of NO KINGS.
  • Do we want people to get excited? YES! Do we want a bigger crowd than any of our previous rallies? YES!
  • But, if we are honest with ourselves, NONE of this matters unless we get the largest turnout of voters in a midterm election in history. None of it matters if we don't elect the change that we champion.
  • So, if 500 people show up at the rally, but the enthusiasm doesn't carry forward to a record voter turnout and a big win for democracy, that would be INCOMPLETE!
  • So, yes, come to the rally and chant and cheer and applaud.
  • But, even MORE important, VOTE EARLY! And get your friends, family, and neighbors to vote early too! That is our real goal.
  • Want to be involved more? There's still time to volunteer. We need people to be "QR Queens," volunteers for our voter registration and Indivisible information tables, folks to assist in making "VOTE" bead bracelets, help in the kids "Democracy Playground", work as greeters, chanters, and safety marshalls. Here's YOUR chance to step up! Click here to see where help is needed, and to sign up: Volunteer for NO KINGS.

Final stretch efforts to GOTV (Get Out the Vote!) and Protect the Vote

  • There is still time to sign up for Neighbor2Neighbor. This is an easy way to engage in impactful election discussions with people who live right in your own area. People who probably think a lot like you do, who are unhappy with the current situation in our country, and need a boost to get them to vote. We know that face-to-face engagement is by far the most effective way to motivate people. Take a chance and get started now!
  • Local candidates are still in need of our help as well. Financial contributions, canvassing, phone calls, text messaging. All of these actions need your support. Don't know where to turn? Contact Chris at bushchristinarose@gmail.com for ideas on how to get involved.
  • If you haven't already done so, sign up for the Election Protection Corps. You will be kept informed of the latest ways to get involved in ensuring that our election is safe, secure, fair, and accurate.

[F1B9F946-4E9E-4FAE-87B5-38B2D87B028C.png]

>There is still time to be trained as a Poll Inspector or Poll Challenger

  • There is a final training for Poll Inspectors this week, Thursday October 15 (4:00-7:00). Training is at the Tyden Center (121 S. Church St), and you can sign up here: elections@barrycounty.org.
  • This year, poll challengers will play a very important role. We anticipate a greater presence of federal observers and possible poll interference, so having trained poll challengers is critical. Go here for more information, and to sign up for training: Poll challenger training and sign-up

Latest on local election defense issues

  • In our last newsletter we wrote about a recent meeting we had with Sheriff Dar Leaf. You can read more about that here: Meeting with the sheriff
  • We were pleased with the comments made by our sheriff, but we remain skeptical and vigilant. It is incumbent on all of us to be ready if and when shenanigans of some sort may develop.
  • It is also critical that we maintain a regular presence at Barry County Commissioners meetings. There are only two meetings (October 13 and 27, 9:00 AM, at the BC Courthouse)) ahead of the election.
  • We need MBCI members to show up and speak out if so moved. We need to reinforce our confidence in our local election officials at the County Clerk, Hastings City Clerk, and Township Clerk levels.
  • We want all of our elected officials to know we are determined to have safe, free, and fair elections. This includes, but is not limited to, our sheriff.
  • Earlier this week we were contacted by a journalist with the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) who was planning a trip to Barry County as part of a story they are running on the US midterm elections.
  • They came in time to witness one of the tabulating machines being tested (as part of the Logic & Accuracy Tests conducted ahead of elections).
  • They were also able to interview one of our members who attended this week's Poll Inspector training, as well as interview your MBCI leaders about our concerns regarding the upcoming election.
  • They apparently were also able to meet with the sheriff as well! We are unclear as to how the comments he made to them may differ from what we heard from him at our recent meeting.
  • We will let you know when the report will be aired as soon as we find out. Even the Canadians are aware of the unique position we have here in Barry County when it comes to election deniers and potential interference.

5 calls (5calls.org, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822)

  • The House of Representatives as well as the Senate are out of session until after the election. It is our duty to keep applying pressure.
  • Make your calls! Call for the impeachment of our Secretary of Defense for his corruption and incompetence in executing the hapless war in Iran. Call out his shameful plan to livestream the execution of a convicted military officer!
  • Call for invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office due to his obvious mental incompetence.
  • Demand accountability for DHS and ICE by encouraging support for S.3891, The ICE Accountability Act, and S.2212, The Visible Act, both of which offer increased guardrails for these aggressive agencies.
  • Call for Moolenaar to show up in a public way in Barry County.
  • Check out the 5 Calls app for more suggestions. But keep calling!

So much to do, and so much to think about. Take action. Show up at the meeting on Monday. Show up on NO KINGS on October 17. Keep engaged, and motivate at least ONE other person to vote. And VOTE EARLY!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski

Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible

mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com<mailto:mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com>

Greetings Indivisibles!

The election is only a few short weeks away, so there is much for us to do this week and beyond.

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

UPDATED!!! Thursday, October 8, 4:00 PM, rally at Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office
NEW!!! Thursday, October 8, 5:30 PM, Rally for Healthcare, Grand Rapids
NEW!!! Saturday, October 10, 10:30 AM. Rally at the Barry County Courthouse
NEW!!! Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM. Documentary "Jesus Was a Migrant"
DATE CHANGE!!! Monday, October 12, monthly member meeting, Hastings
Saturday, October 17, NO KINGS: Vote Early!, Thornapple Plaza, Hastings
NEW!!! Saturday, October 24, 10:30 AM. Rally at the Barry County Courthouse

Rally at Moolenaar's office this Thursday at 4:00 PM

The weather wasn't on our side last week, so we postponed the rally. My weather app predicts favorable weather this week, so let's show up in large numbers. * Our Congressman may be unresponsive to our interests and to his Constitutional obligations, but the hundreds of people driving by are voters. People we can influence to vote for change. So let's gather together and do just that!

Rally For Healthcare Thursday, October 8, 5:30 PM. Outside the headquarters of WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids (120 College Ave SE).

This event is sponsored by Kent County Indivisible (in coordination with many other Indivisible groups in Michigan and Wisconsin), and is geared towards highlighting the crisis within our healthcare system.
If you are a health care worker, wear your scrubs, your white coats, or your uniform, and show the community that we are united for change.
Not a healthcare worker? No matter. Come anyway. The healthcare crisis affects all of us.
This event is immediately ahead of the debate at WOOD TV between Senate candidates Abdul el Sayed and Mike Rogers, hosted by WOOD TV.
We know Abdul wants all Americans to have access to quality healthcare. Rogers, on the other hand, seems content and even eager to see the Affordable Care Act wither away, leaving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders unprotected.
Concern about the accessibility and affordability of healthcare are motivating factors in this election. Help shine a light on it by making the rally as big as possible.
Go here for information and to sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/michiganshowup/event/1050094/
Also, if you are so inclined, there will be a debate watch party afterward at Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain NE)

Rally at the Courthouse. Saturday, October 10, 10:30-noon

Only 30 of us showed up at this past rally. I know there are many other obligations we all have, but we need to keep energizing our community.
We know there are many issues that deeply concern our community members. Issues like affordability, the war in Iran, healthcare, government corruption. And MORE.
We need to remind our neighbors that the only way to fix these problems is to VOTE. That is our main focus for the next month. VOTE. VOTE EARLY if possible, but VOTE!

Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM. Public viewing of the documentary film "Jesus Was a Migrant," produced by Tisby Media.

Hosted by our local Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity, this film explores the question that too many people are ignoring: how does a person of good conscience reconcile the Trump administration's immigration crackdown with ethical behavior regarding care for the stranger?
Whether you are a person of faith or not, the issue of how our own government is abusing people is a concern for all of us at MBCI. Despite what Trump wants us to believe, immigrants are human beings worthy of a voice and worthy of our efforts to ensure their rights.
We invite you to come to this free film, followed by a panel discussion that will include people who assist our immigrant community as well as the detainees at North Lake Detention Center in Baldwin.
A free will offering will be taken to support immigrant needs for financial assistance, legal aid, transportation, and basic necessities.
Please come to this film. I promise you will be moved and motivated to take positive and concrete action.

Member meeting. Monday, October 12, 6:30 PM. Emmanuel Episcopal Church

This meeting was originally scheduled for the 19th, but we wanted to gather ahead of the NO KINGS rally. So come with your enthusiasm and get informed and energized!

NO KINGS Vote Early! Saturday, October 17, noon, at the Thornapple Plaza in Hastings.

We have less than 30 days to get out the largest, most energized, most focused, most motivated group of voters in recent history. So our focus at this rally is to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) early!
We will have speakers to rally the crowd about the issues that dominate this election cycle. Issues like affordability, the war in Iran, and government corruption.
We will have our voter registration booth, as well as other nonpartisan groups and organizations related to the themes of the day.
Come join us that day. Music, marching, lots of fun and many important and serious issues at the same time!
Get your kids, grandkids, mothers-in-law, and neighbors to join us! BE A DEMOCRACY DEFENDER
Want to be involved more? There's still time to volunteer. We need people to be "QR Queens," volunteers for our voter registration and Indivisible information tables, folks to assist in making "VOTE" bead bracelets, help in the kids "Democracy Playground", work as greeters, chanters, and safety marshalls. Here's YOUR chance to step up! Email us for details.

Updates on Sheriff Dar Leaf

A small group of us met with the Sheriff this past week to address our concerns. We did not present ourselves as directly representing MBCI. Instead, we said that we were speaking on behalf of a significant number of people in several community organizations and churches who also share our concerns.
We also stated specifically that we are dedicated to following all election laws, and that we expect our local officials to do likewise.
We were able to get his responses to the following concerns:
Disruption or intimidation at the polls
Potential presence of armed law enforcement (not requested by the Clerk) at the polls
Possible interference in the post-election certification process by local or federal officials
Our sheriff said he is not concerned about disruption or intimidation at the polls. He will "make sure that people stay in their lanes." He implied that he believes the media is exaggerating these risks.
We asked what he would do if armed ICE agents or other Federal law enforcement or military showed up at the polls. He is not concerned that this will happen, but he assured us that if they do he would tell them to leave, because it is against State law.
He has arranged a mandatory training program (October 8) for all Sheriff personnel regarding election law and procedures.
This is being conducted by County Clerk VandenBurg, and this increased our confidence in the reliability of the information his deputies will be getting. The Sheriff indicated that he too will attend this training.
We presented him with a copy of a memo that AG Nessel sent out to all law enforcement agencies in the state prior to the primary election. This memo details the duties as well as the limits of law enforcement in the election process in Michigan. At first glance he didn't appear to be overly familiar with it, but said he will review it.
The Sheriff did not have any questions for us. When we asked him what HE was concerned about, he began to talk about the Venezuela conspiracies regarding voting machines. We immediately told him that was not an issue we wanted to discuss, that we disagreed with his views on this issue, and that we wanted to focus only on local issues. He responded by asking us to keep an open mind on the issue.
Overall the meeting was very cordial and not confrontational in any way. He brought cookies to the meeting and gave us a tour of the jail afterward.
So, what are we to make of this? On the surface we are encouraged by his responses, particularly about how he would respond to armed Federal officers at the polls. We are also pleased that we have opened a channel of communication, that he knows us, and that he knows there are many people in this community who also have concerns about what might happen during this election.
Yet we also realize that he was deliberately playing the role of a good host with us.
We realize that he is prone to undue influence by people who oppose our efforts.
We also know that we disagree with him on many election-related issues, as well as any role that he as a sheriff is supposed to play.
So we are by no means of the opinion that we should not be concerned about these issues. We still need to be vigilant. We still need to plan for any possibilities before, during, and after the election process.
What can you do?
As we mentioned in earlier newsletters, keep communicating with our County Commissioners either in person, by making a public comment at a Commissioner meeting, or via emails/letters.
Keep telling everyone you know that we have faith in our election process and the workers who make it happen.
Our story needs to be amplified, so that the Trump message becomes the useless chatter that we all know it really is.

PLEASE!!! One final request

Are you attending this week's poll worker training at the Tyden Center on Wednesday morning? Or, do you know someone who is? We have a reporter who is interested in talking to an attendee afterward. If you can help out, reply to this email or call Ed at 616-706-7767.

5 Calls

Our Federal Representatives and Senators are out on the campaign trail. It appears that keeping their jobs for another term outweighs the need to actually DO their jobs. But their staff people are still in the office and ready to take your comments and questions. So, fire away!

That's it for this week. Stay strong, united, and fired up!!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

Greetings Indivisibles!

There are barely five weeks to go before the midterm elections, and there is still much to do. Here's what's most important this week and beyond...

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 1, 4:00 PM: Rally at Congressman Moolenaar’s Caledonia office.
Saturday, October 3, 10:30 AM: Rally at the Barry County Courthouse.
Saturday, October 10, 10:30 AM: Rally at the Barry County Courthouse.
Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM: Screening of Jesus Was a Migrant.
Monday, October 12, 6:30 PM: Monthly member meeting at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Hastings. Date changed from earlier newsletters.
Saturday, October 17, noon–2:00 PM: NO KINGS: Vote Early! at Thornapple Plaza, Hastings.

Rallies and protests--

Our monthly rally outside of Congressman Moolenaar's office (8980 N. Rodgers Court) continues this week. Thursday October 1, 4:00 PM. Hundreds of cars pass us as we rally there, and we need those drivers and passengers to remember how ineffective their Member of Congress actually is. While you're there, stop inside the office and tell the Congressman's staff the actions you want from our Representative.
Barry County Courthouse rallies will be every Saturday, 10:30 AM, through the midterm elections. Think of it this way. Maybe just ONE more voter will be persuaded to change their minds. Maybe one more voter will show up at the polls. That ONE more may make the difference! Add your voice!

Change in date for our next member meeting!

Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 12. 6:30 PM, Emmanuel Episcopal Church. This is different from what was reported in earlier newsletters. We want to meet ahead of the big NO KINGS rally set for October 17

NO KINGS Vote Early! Saturday, October 17, noon, at the Thornapple Plaza in Hastings.

We have all worked hard these past 18 months to fight the authoritarian overreach of the Trump administration. 100% of those efforts have prepared us for this moment, the time when we have the electoral power to enact real change.
But none of this will work if we don't get out the largest, most energized, most focused, most motivated group of voters in recent history. To inspire them to vote! And, importantly, to vote early.
Early voting reduces the likelihood that Trump and MAGA's attempts to sabotage the election through intimidation and disinformation can succeed.
So our focus at this rally is to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) early!
We will have speakers to rally the crowd about the issues that dominate this election cycle. Issues like affordability, the war in Iran, and government corruption.
We will have our voter registration booth, as well as other nonpartisan groups and organizations related to the themes of the day.
Come join us that day. Music, marching, lots of fun and many important and serious issues at the same time!
Get your kids, grandkids, mothers-in-law, and neighbors to join us! BE A DEMOCRACY DEFENDER
Want to be involved more? There's still time to join the planning committee (next meeting is September 30, 6:30. Email us for location details).

Why the emphasis on early voting?

Here's what we need to know about voting early. As we mentioned earlier, early voting reduces the likelihood that Trump and MAGA's attempts to sabotage the election through intimidation and disinformation can succeed.
It is unlikely, for example, that any intimidation efforts would be staged during the early voting period.
There are two ways to vote early. By absentee ballot OR by voting in person during the nine days of early voting.
Any voter in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot.
Those of us who have already signed up for absentee ballots may have already received them, or should very soon.
If you are not already signed up for this, do it NOW. You should either visit or call your local city or township clerk's office and complete an application for an absentee ballot.
Experts recommend that you submit an application for an absentee ballot at least three weeks before Election Day. Using that time frame, people should do that by October 13.
The other option to Vote Early is to vote in person during the nine days of early voting. This year early voting begins on October 20.
Contact your local city or township clerk for details on the voting site and hours of operation. Your early voting site may be different from where you would go on Election day, and the hours may also vary.
So, keep these dates in mind: October 13 as the target date to apply for an absentee ballot, AND October 20- Nov 1, early in-person voting.

Updates to our letter writing campaign about Sheriff Leaf

Our Sheriff announced at the County Commission meeting this week (9-22-26 Commission recording ↗) that the department's body-worn camera program is now in place. Time will tell if our Sheriff is telling the whole story.

We had suggested that the issue of the delays in implementation of this project would be the most effective angle to present to the Commission, due to the significant financial outlay for the cameras and the systems needed for their use.

Now that this tactic has been neutralized, our efforts must be placed solely on the issue of election integrity.

The Sheriff continues to spout conspiracy theories, and his latest forays into the Secretary of State offices in Hastings and Ionia (Sheriff accused of harassing state workers ↗) stir the pot even more.
Our suggestion at this time is that we as concerned citizens do one (or both) of two things.
Write (or email) your County Commissioner to express your faith in the election system, and to demand that all elected officials abide by the rule of law. Contact information here: Barry County Commissioners ↗.
If you are so inclined, you may also communicate your concerns directly to the sheriff (Barry County Sheriff ↗).
Your second option is to show up at the Commissioners meetings and make a public comment.
If the message is repeated clearly and positively by many different voices, the Commissioners will appreciate the concerns of their constituents.
They will realize that support for a new jail will require public confidence in the Sheriff's department. Confidence that is lacking at this point in time.
This requires new voices. We can't just have the same people coming over and over again if we want to make the point that we have broad support in the community.
Please make an effort to attend one or more meetings (Commissioner meeting schedule ↗).
At this past Board of Commissioners meeting, public comments were made expressing concerns about the sheriff's activities. After the meeting, direct communication with the sheriff resulted in a scheduled meeting with him later this week. At this meeting we will outline our concerns. Stay tuned for more...

How do I get involved in Election Protection?

You have many options this election season. Each one of us MUST choose one or more of these actions if we are to be successful with this election effort.
Get out the Vote: Remind your friends, relatives, and neighbors to REGISTER to vote. Remind your friends and neighbors that the last day to register to vote online or through the mail is October 19.
Beginning October 20, citizens can register to vote in person (at their local city or township clerk's office) up to and including Election Day (November 3).
Actively support your preferred candidates.
While we are working diligently to get money out of politics, the game is still rigged to favor the deep pockets of the ultra-weathy, the super-PACs, and the mega corporations.
If you can spare it, contribute to the campaigns of those who will work for the goals and interests you support.
Even better, volunteer to work on their campaigns. They need people willing to canvass, make phone calls, write letters and postcards, and more.
If you want to help with any of this and don't know where to turn, reply to this email with your question or call Ed at 616-706-7767 ↗, and we'll help you get connected.
Work at the election
We have learned before about the importance of your being an election inspector, a poll challenger, or a poll watcher. But let's be honest. Have YOU done anything about this? There is still time to act!
The Barry County Clerk's office will host election inspector (AKA poll worker) training at the following times: Wednesday October 7 (8:30-11:30) and Thursday October 15 (4:00-7:00). Training is at the Tyden Center (121 S. Church St), and you can sign up here: elections@barrycounty.org ↗.
Poll challengers will play a key role this year as observers of the election process right at the polling place. Should there be attempts to intimidate or harass voters, or should other election interference attempts take place, having certified nonpartisan poll challengers in place is crucial.
To learn more about this, see the chart displayed earlier, or go here: Poll challengers manual ↗.
If you are ready to sign up to be certified as a poll challenger (there is a one-hour online training program), or have questions about the program, contact Joanne Galloway (joanne.galloway@michigancountry.org ↗)
I have told my friends to register and they say they already ARE. What else can I tell them?
Everyone should visit the Michigan Voter Information Center (mi.gov/vote ↗), part of the Secretary of State's voter section.
If someone is registered to vote, or is unsure if their registration is current, they can check it out here: Your voter information ↗.
Every voter should sign up for Ballot notifications ↗, so they can keep informed when their absentee ballot application has been received, the date their ballot has been mailed to them, and the date it has been received by the clerk.
All voters also should keep this phone number handy: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683 ↗). If you see or hear anything at the polls that seems out of the ordinary or suspicious, call that number. It is staffed by trained legal volunteers who are specialists in election law, and they can help you.
So, bookmark these two things SOMEWHERE you will be able to find them during this election season: mi.gov/vote ↗ and 866-OUR-VOTE
Be an informed citizen and an informer of others!
I have been surprised by how many people are unaware of the two very important ballot proposals on this November ballot. You can do a lot of good by educating your family and friends to vote intelligently.
Proposal 1 is a resolution to hold a Michigan State Constitutional Convention. Our current Constitution was adopted in 1963 and mandates that a proposal like this be placed on the ballot every 16 years.
You might, at first glance, think this is a harmless proposal. It seems reasonable that the Constitution should be reviewed from time to time.
But, as with so much else, the devil is in the details. In today's hostile and polarized political environment, it is possible that a new Constitutional Convention would endanger many of the previously adopted Proposals, such as the independent redistricting commission, the protection of reproductive rights, and much more.
Almost all moderate and progressive groups and leaders urge a NO vote on Proposal 1.
Proposal 2, the so-called "Money out of Politics" proposal, would limit the ability of entities and individuals who have contracts with the government to make direct or indirect contributions to political campaigns.
It seems difficult to find a reason to oppose this one. After all, it seems logical that you should not be able to use financial leverage with people who are elected to regulate your activities.
So, we recommend a YES vote on Proposal 2.
Attend a NO KINGS webinar on election protection
This workshop, co-sponsored by Indivisible, ACLU, and the No Kings coalition, will teach us how we can take action wherever we are to protect our elections this fall.
We’ll cover how to get out the vote, the importance of voting early, poll watching, and more. Interested? Sign up here: Election Protection 101 ↗

Update on our collection for The Shack

At our various events and meetings over the past month or so, we managed to collect 205 pairs of underwear and 41 pairs of socks. Thanks to all who participated!

Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM. Public viewing of the documentary film "Jesus Was a Migrant," produced by Tisby Media.

Hosted by our local Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity, this film explores the question that too many people are ignoring: how does a person of faith or good conscience reconcile the Trump administration's immigration crackdown with ethical behavior regarding care for the stranger?
Whether you are a person of faith or not, the issue of how our own government is abusing people is a concern for all of us at MBCI.
We invite you to come to this free film, followed by a panel discussion that will include people who assist detainees at North Lake Detention Center in Baldwin.
A free will offering will be taken to support immigrant needs for financial assistance, legal aid, transportation, and basic necessities.
Please come to this film. I promise you will be moved and motivated to take positive and concrete action.

5 Calls

5calls.org  |  Moolenaar: 202-225-3561  |  Peters: 202-224-6221  |  Slotkin: 202-224-4822

The House of Representatives is out of session until after the election. The Senate will be in session this week, and will recess on October 5. It is our duty to keep applying pressure.
Make your calls! Call for the impeachment of our Secretary of Defense for his corruption and incompetence in executing the hapless war in Iran.
Call for invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office due to his obvious mental incompetence.
Demand accountability for DHS and ICE by encouraging support for S.3891, The ICE Accountability Act, and S.2212, The Visible Act, both of which offer increased guardrails for these aggressive agencies.
Call for Moolenaar to show up in a public way in Barry County.
Check out the 5 Calls app for more suggestions. But keep calling!

I know there is a lot in this newsletter. I also know that many of us might be thinking that we already know much of this material, so why is it being repeated?

Well, the old advertising dictum states that a message must be heard seven times before it really sticks. Just hearing something important once isn't enough.

After all, if we are honest with ourselves, how much action have we already taken on these matters?

But don't fret. There is still time to act.

And only action will bring us the election results our nation so desperately needs.

Keep the faith!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com ↗

Past Newsletters

Text-only archive organized by month. Select an issue to read it.

September 2026 · 3 issues

Greetings Indivisibles!

Here's what's important for this week and beyond—

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

TONIGHT — Monday, September 21: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.
NEW — Saturday, September 26, 10:30 AM: Rally at the Barry County Courthouse.
Thursday, October 1: Rally at Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office.
NEW — Saturday, October 3, 10:30 AM: Rally at the Barry County Courthouse.
NEW — Saturday, October 10, 10:30 AM: Rally at the Barry County Courthouse.
NEW — Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM: Documentary Jesus Was a Migrant.
DATE CHANGE — Monday, October 12: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.
Saturday, October 17: NO KINGS: Vote Early!, Thornapple Plaza, Hastings.

Member Meeting TONIGHT — Monday, September 21, 6:30 PM

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center, Hastings

We have a lot to talk about: the election, local issues involving our sheriff (election interference and body cams), our upcoming NO KINGS rally, and more.
We need YOU there. See you tonight!
PS: Please bring your packages of NEW underwear for The Shack. Today is the last day of our collection.

Rally This Saturday — September 26, 10:30 AM

Barry County Courthouse

Last week's rally was canceled due to Mother Nature's influence, so we have moved it to this weekend instead.
We plan to rally every Saturday at 10:30 AM until the election to drive energy, interest and enthusiasm behind our GOTV (Get Out The Vote) efforts.
Please come, and please ask a neighbor or friend to join us. We're rounding the corner and need to step on the gas to get to the finish line!

Monthly Rally Outside Moolenaar's Office — Thursday, October 1, 4:00 PM

8980 N. Rodgers Court, Caledonia

We had a solid turnout at the last rally, but we can do better!
Come join us as we get a lot of visibility among the many cars driving by during rush hour—another tool in our GOTV strategy.

NO KINGS: Vote Early! — Saturday, October 17 at Noon

Thornapple Plaza, Hastings

This is the fourth NO KINGS rally we have hosted, and this one has a slightly different flavor.
We will focus on nonpartisan issues that are of concern to our citizens, including affordability, corruption in government, civil rights and the war in Iran.
We will promote OUR VOTE as the answer to these concerns and urge people to VOTE EARLY to reduce the risks of unwanted and illegal interference in the elections by the Trump administration.
Come join us! Music, marching, lots of fun and many important and serious issues at the same time. Get your kids, grandkids, mothers-in-law and neighbors to join us. BE A DEMOCRACY DEFENDER.
Want to be involved more? There's still time to join the planning committee. The next meeting is September 30 at 6:30 PM. Email us for location details.

Jesus Was a Migrant — Sunday, October 11, 1:30 PM

Public viewing of the documentary film Jesus Was a Migrant , produced by Tisby Media.

Hosted by our local Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity, this film explores the question: how does a person of faith reconcile the Trump administration's immigration crackdown with Biblical commands regarding care for the stranger?
Whether you are a person of faith or not, the issue of how our own government is abusing people is a concern for all of us at MBCI.
We invite you to this free film, followed by a panel discussion that will include people who assist detainees at North Lake Detention Center in Baldwin.
A free-will offering will be taken to support immigrant needs for financial assistance, legal aid, transportation and basic necessities.

5 Calls

5calls.org  |  Moolenaar: 202-225-3561  |  Peters: 202-224-6221  |  Slotkin: 202-224-4822

Our do-nothing Congress is out of session so they can campaign for re-election to provide more years of ineptitude, so it is our duty to keep applying pressure.
Make your calls. Call for the impeachment of our Secretary of Defense for his corruption and incompetence in executing the hapless war in Iran.
Call for invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office due to his obvious mental incompetence.
Call for Moolenaar to show up in a public way in Barry County.
Check out the 5 Calls app, and refer to last week's newsletter for more suggestions. But keep calling!

That's all I have for this week. See you tonight at Emmanuel for our meeting.

Keep the faith!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski
Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible
mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

Greetings Fellow Indivisibles!

There are barely 50 days remaining before the midterm elections, so there is much for us to know and DO this week and beyond.

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

Monday, September 14: “Anatomy of an Election” presentation, Hastings.
Saturday, September 19: Regular monthly protest at the Barry County Courthouse.
Saturday, September 19: Barry County Ethnic Food Fest.
Monday, September 21: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.
Thursday, October 1: Rally at Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office.
Saturday, October 17: NO KINGS: Vote Early!, Thornapple Plaza, Hastings.
Monday, October 19: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.

“Anatomy of an Election” — Monday, September 14, 6:00 PM

Hastings Library

As we mentioned earlier, we are quickly approaching the election, and the threats to its security and integrity have never been higher. Trump and the Republicans promised this past week, at their “convention,” to not allow the Democrats to take control of the House or Senate. We don't know how far they intend to take this threat.

We have to be prepared for any and all possible developments. The first step is a thorough understanding of the entire election process. Who are the key role players? What can each of us as individuals do to play a meaningful role in the system?

We will have the opportunity TONIGHT (Monday, September 14 at 6:00 at the Hastings Library) to get started.

Joanne Galloway, the executive director of Michigan Country, will discuss how our elections work and how we can be involved in ensuring that they are free and secure.
Michigan Country is working proactively to arm our community members with the knowledge and vocabulary to help defend the security of our elections.
This program will inoculate our community against the mistruths, misinformation and disinformation plaguing our communities.
Their goal is to elevate truths and your confidence in our democratic processes.
They will address threats and potential election subversion.
Yes, we want YOU to come. But that is not enough. We want you to also invite at least ONE friend or neighbor. Our group is not strong enough to do this without adding many more voices to the cause, and many more hands to the work.
By the way, don't forget to bring your package of new underwear for our collection on behalf of The Shack.

How Involved Do YOU Want to Be in This Election?

Last week's newsletter had two surveys regarding participation in township and county commission meetings. Only one person among the nearly 400 who receive this weekly newsletter replied.

We all believe, as Dr. King reminded us, that “the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice.” But it doesn't bend on its own. It requires us to pull when we need to draw people in, and to push when we need to resist. It is up to US to do that pushing and pulling!

Are we as individual voters committed to the change we want to see in November?

We know that the pro-MAGA candidates are heavily funded by big PAC and corporate donations. The only response to this is people power.
This takes a lot of work. Are we up to this task?
PLEASE respond to the Get Out the Vote survey and step up to ACT!
There are various levels of participation that are accessible to any or all personality types and comfort levels.
If you are bold and extraverted, sign up for door-to-door canvassing through Neighbor2Neighbor.
If that isn't right for you, how about making calls, sending texts or writing postcards?
Every single one of us needs to be involved in some way!

Candidate Interviews

We have completed interviews with two more state candidates: 43rd Legislative District candidate Alan Swank and 18th Senate District candidate Anthony Pennock.

The recordings are available, along with the interview of 2nd Congressional District candidate Ben Ambrose, on our YouTube page.
Watch and share the interviews with Alan Swank, Ben Ambrose and Anthony Pennock.
Look for more postings soon, and subscribe to our YouTube page to be notified when something new appears.

How to Talk About the Issues in This Election

We know that there are many issues driving voter concern at this time—real everyday problems ranging from the affordability of daily living for an average family to the corruption plaguing our government.

At the many community events in which our group participated, we posted a whiteboard with eight timely issues of concern to voters and asked visitors to our table to “vote” for their favorites. The results were: Healthcare (18%), Groceries (15%), Housing (8%), Corruption (25%), Living wages (15%), Gas (14%), Childcare (4%) and Utilities (2%).

This is by no means a statistically accurate account of what our community is concerned about, but it does give us ammunition for how to talk to our neighbors.
For practical and reliable information about these issues, explore the issues.
While you are there, check out the other resources Kristen, from our Communications team, has compiled and bookmark our website.

Monthly Rally at the Courthouse — Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM

We will gather again this Saturday to show our community what we care about. We're suggesting something a little new this month. Bring your dog and we can all celebrate “Dogs for Democracy.” Don't have a dog? Come anyway and bark your support for the defense of our Constitution and the promotion of democracy.

Barry County Ethnic Food Fest — Saturday, September 19

Mark your calendar for the second annual Ethnic Food Festival at the Hastings Church of the Nazarene, 1716 N. Broadway in Hastings, from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Work up an appetite at the rally and then come to the festival to support the diversity of our community.
This event is co-sponsored by Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity (RC4RE) in Hastings and Emmanuel Episcopal Church and features delicious food from the diverse cultural backgrounds that comprise our community.
Celebrate our community's diverse heritage through food, music and fellowship. Maybe you have a favorite ethnic dish from your family background that you would like to share.

Monthly Member Meeting — Monday, September 21, 6:30 PM

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center, Hastings

Come for the information. Come for inspiration. Come for the fellowship of your community of democracy defenders. Just come!

NO KINGS IS BACK!

Mark your calendars for another NO KINGS rally: Saturday, October 17 at noon at Thornapple Plaza in Hastings.

The theme for this event is “NO KINGS: Vote Early!”

We have gathered several times already to proclaim to our community that we abide in no king, no throne, no crown!
We still hold these values and are firm in our commitment to democracy. But this event will be more than just a rally.
We know that rallies that are not followed by positive actions are just noise and don't accomplish much.
NO KINGS: Vote Early is not simply a protest—it is a nationwide day of nonpartisan voter participation.
Here in Hastings, we are coming together to help every eligible voter understand their voting options, make a plan and feel confident casting their ballot.
We want our community to be totally engaged in the election that will be only two weeks after the event.
Stay tuned for more details.
Learn more by watching the NO KINGS kickoff call.
To get ready for this all-important day, we are holding a NO KINGS planning meeting this Wednesday, September 16, at 6:30 PM at State Grounds Coffee. Come join us with your ideas, your enthusiasm and your commitment!

Make Your Calls

Use 5 Calls, or call Moolenaar at 202-225-3561, Peters at 202-224-6221, and Slotkin at 202-224-4822.

Call Senators Peters and Slotkin:

Oppose the CLARITY Act (H.R. 3633). This bill doesn't protect consumers, doesn't close money-laundering loopholes and does nothing to stop Trump's crypto-fueled bribery machine.
Oppose the confirmation of Danielle Severs for Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. Her appointment would give Republicans a 3–1 advantage on the FCC instead of the traditional 2–1.
Oppose the confirmation of Dr. Heidi Overton for Food and Drug Administration Commissioner. She is anti-vaccination and anti-reproductive choice.
Work to end the war in Iran. The war costs approximately $1 billion per day, and the price of gas has increased by $1.27 per gallon in Michigan.
Demand that funding and staffing cut from FDA and Health and Human Services laboratories and food-inspection protocols be restored.

Call Representative Moolenaar:

Work to end the war in Iran.
Support H.R. 9917, the AI Kill Switch Act, a bipartisan bill that would create a mechanism to control or shut down AI models that could hack personal and governmental computers.
Support H.R. 9981, the Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, intended to stop CDC job cuts and improve response to foodborne illnesses.
For old times' sake: “How about a live, in-person, unscripted town hall?”

Call your state representative—Rigas at 517-373-1403, Smit at 517-373-0615 or Johnsen at 517-373-1796—and State Senator Albert at 517-373-1734:

Ask whether education, health care and affordable housing are included in allocations from the budget passed July 3, 2026.
Oppose tax exemptions for data centers.
Support expansion of health-care coverage for low-income Michigan residents through H.B. 6274 and S.B. 1152.
Oppose Trump's school tax credits for private schools and continue supporting Michigan opting out of the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program.
Oppose Consumers Energy's sale of Michigan river dams to a private equity firm.
Senator Albert: Oppose legislation that would cut or eliminate property taxes without careful analysis of the replacement revenue. Eliminating or seriously cutting property taxes would hurt public schools.

That's a Lot for One Week!

As a reward to our faithful readers, the first eight people who reply “SIGN” to this email will get a FREE MBCI yard sign! Leave your contact information and pick up your sign at the member meeting on September 19.

Someone asked me this week if I was tired of this work. “Aren't you burned out yet?” If I am honest (yes, Mom, I am trying), I am fatigued and overwhelmed by the task before us. Our country is being bombarded with misinformation, outright lies and hate-filled messages from our own government. The ultra-wealthy few among us are trying to buy this election and take away the power of the people.

But I keep going. I continue because I want a country worthy of the legacy of my two grandfathers, who both immigrated here to create a better life for their descendants. And I fight so that my grandkids have all the opportunities and freedoms that I have been so blessed to enjoy.

So onward and upward we must go. One step and then another, working toward a future that fulfills the promises made in our Declaration 250 years ago.

I invite you to keep on moving forward as well.

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski
Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible
mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

Greetings!

We might argue about whether summer is over or not, but we definitely will agree that the current state of our country needs our attention. So, here is what you can do this week and beyond.

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

NEW ITEM! Thursday, September 10, 4:30 PM: Rally at Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office.
Monday, September 14: “Anatomy of an Election” presentation, Hastings.
Saturday, September 19: Regular monthly protest at the Barry County Courthouse.
Saturday, September 19: Barry County Ethnic Food Fest.
Monday, September 21: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.
Thursday, October 1: Rally at Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office.

Moolenaar Rally — Thursday, September 10, 4:30 PM

Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office: 8980 North Rodgers Court

We were unable to resume our protests last week due to the weather, so let's try again! Bring your favorite sign to let all of the traffic passing on M-37 know that we are working for change. If you are able, remember to bring your donation of underwear for The Shack.

“Anatomy of an Election” — Monday, September 14, 6:00 PM

Hastings Library

There is so much misinformation being thrown at us by the Trump administration—lies about election fraud, attempts to suppress our vote and confusion about mail-in voting. What are we to do?

As with so many things in life, we need to start with education. Learn about how the system works and why it is secure. This may be old hat to some of us, but for the general public it remains a mystery.
Please commit to coming to this program and inviting at least one friend or neighbor. Our mission to protect the Constitution commits us to the important work of promoting the vote and securing the election. Come—and bring a donation for The Shack (new underwear or winter gloves).
Joanne Galloway, executive director of Michigan Country, will discuss how our elections work and how we can be involved in ensuring that they are free and secure.
Michigan Country is working proactively to arm community members with the knowledge and vocabulary to help defend the security of our elections.
This program will inoculate our community against the mistruths, misinformation and disinformation plaguing our communities.
The program will elevate truths and confidence in our democratic processes and address threats and potential election subversion.

Regular Monthly Rally — Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM

Barry County Courthouse

Let's show up in big numbers to show our community what we stand for. The election is getting closer every day, and we want to stir up interest in voting for change!

Barry County Commission Meetings

The Board meets bi-weekly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, and we want to have a representative of our group in attendance at every meeting moving forward.

You do not have to commit to saying anything—although you are encouraged to speak if so moved—but we encourage your presence and interaction with the Commissioners.
Our county officials need to know that we are committed to free and fair elections and to the effective and efficient management of the County. Sign up to attend County Commission meetings.

Township Meetings

Former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” We get caught up in national and state news, yet our greatest influence is right here at home.

Do you know when your township board meets?
Can you attend its meetings?
You can be the eyes and ears of the entire group and demonstrate to your local elected officials that you are committed to the democratic process.

Don't Forget to Make Your Calls!

Use 5 Calls or call Moolenaar at 202-225-3561, Peters at 202-224-6221, and Slotkin at 202-224-4822.

I think you know the drill. You probably already have your own ideas about why you need to call. If you are looking for suggestions, check out last week's newsletter or visit 5 Calls. We need to keep the pressure on all of our elected officials to keep working for change.

Have a great week!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski
Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible
mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

August 2026 · 5 issues

Greetings!

If you are like me, you are wondering where the heck the month of August went! As we get ever closer to the midterm elections (only 64 days away!), here's what we need to know and do this week and beyond.

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 3: Resume our protests at Moolenaar's office, 4:00 PM outside his Caledonia office (8980 North Rodgers Court).
Saturday, September 5: Woodland Homecoming Festival*
Monday, September 14: "Anatomy of an Election" presentation, Hastings.
Saturday, September 19: Regular monthly protest at the Barry County Courthouse.
Saturday, September 19: Barry County Ethnic Food Fest.
Monday, September 21: Monthly member meeting, Hastings.

*MBCI will have a table at this community event. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

Moolenaar protests resume — Thursday, September 3, 4:00 PM

8980 North Rodgers Court

We have been unable to hold our rallies outside his office due to the ongoing road construction on M-37 for the past several months.
I stopped at the site on Sunday, and there appears to be ample room for us to gather safely again.
Please stay away from the road itself. The road construction has reduced the size of the shoulder. There is ample mowed lawn for us to gather safely and still present our message to the passing cars.
Bring your packages of new underwear for the Shack (see more info below).
Hope to see you there!

We have a new updated website!

Thanks to Kristen (Yay Kristen!) from our Communications team, we now have a completely overhauled website! It is stunning and it is packed with great stuff. Go here to check it out, and bookmark it for future reference.

Stay tuned for more information about how we will make this website a useful tool in our defense of democracy. Onward and upward!

Elections update

As mentioned earlier, there are just two short months before the midterm election. Our biggest commitment as a group between now and then is to work to make sure that our elections remain free, fair, and open to ALL eligible voters.

What about the post office and mail-in ballots?

There has been some hoopla in the news lately about an executive order regarding the US Postal Service and the election process.
While there is absolutely no role for the Post Office in the administration of elections, we urge all of our Indivisible members to take the needed precautions. We can control the process!
If at all possible, vote in person and vote early.
As a result of the 2022 amendment to the Michigan Constitution, the mandatory early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election.
If early in-person voting is not a good option for you, drop off your mail-in absentee ballot directly at the polling site specified by your local jurisdiction. This bypasses the Postal Service altogether.
Early voting minimizes the risk of unwanted interference by either local or national miscreants.
So, vote early and if possible in person.

What if they pass the so-called “SAVE” (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act?

While it is highly unlikely to happen, we recommend that we are all prepared to act just in case.
Make sure your passport and MI Driver License or state ID are up-to-date.
If you have registered to vote or voted under different names, obtain certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage license, etc.
We are not saying this to frighten anyone. We are expecting that the SAVE Act will not pass.
BUT, the first step in a good plan is preparation.
Be a good citizen and prepare yourself just in case.

What is “Con-con” and why should I be concerned?

Proposal 1 on this year's statewide ballot pops up every 16 years and is mandated by our State Constitution.
This proposal asks a simple question: should the State convene a Constitutional Convention?
While it might seem to make sense, in today's polarized political atmosphere it would be dangerous.
Every aspect of our Constitution would be up for negotiation, including the hard-fought battles for independent districting, reproductive rights, and civil rights for women, minorities, and LGBTQI+ individuals, and much more.
We urge our members to vote NO on Proposal One.
We urge you to spread the word to all friends and relatives to do the same.
If you want more information, read: What would a con-con mean for Michigan?

Three-pronged approach to securing our election.

Each of us must do our part to make sure that this year's election runs smoothly and fairly.
We are not all called upon to do the same things, but each of us has a duty to do something!
We have already talked about our need to vote early. But what should you do beyond that?
Step 1. Find your “lane.” Everyone has a different capacity for action. So your first job is to find where you fit into the program.
In previous newsletters we have talked about the Election Defense Corps and Neighbor2Neighbor . Check them out if you haven't already done so.
This week we are introducing another useful tool for you to engage, called Ground Control . This site connects you to local groups, programs, meetings, and events related to the midterm elections.
The site offers practical ways to take action. Close to home. Check out Ground Control.
Step Two. You have picked your lane. Now your job is to ACT on it! Do what it is you have found to be in your capacity.
Sign up to be a poll worker, or challenger.
Volunteer to work on GOTV (Get Out the Vote) efforts.
Sign up for the Neighbor2Neighbor or Election Defense Corps programs.
Just DO IT!
Step 3 is to “amplify your action.”
Make sure that everyone in your circle of influence knows the actions you are taking and why.
Suggest that they all get involved as well.
Here's a suggestion. Get three friends to commit to voting early.
Or encourage people to sign up for tracking their vote (Subscribe for voting notifications).
Or encourage 4 friends to make sure they are registered (Your voter information).
You get to choose the action, but your actions will be multiplied if you spread that word to as many people in your circle of influence as possible.
We need to use the power of social media and personal connections!

Candidate Interviews

We have posted our interview with Ben Ambrose on our YouTube channel. Check it out on MBCI YouTube , and encourage your contacts to do likewise.
Remind people that our incumbent Congressman did not reply to our request for an interview!
We are currently in the process of conducting interviews of candidates for State Representative and State Senator.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel (MBCI YouTube) so that you are informed as we begin to post our interviews of local candidates. Informed voters are effective voters!

Messaging: telling the right stories and asking the right questions, to encourage people to VOTE!

We have been talking about how you as an individual citizen have the power to act as well as encourage others to act. Every time you post something on social media, or create a protest sign, or talk to a friend, you are telling YOUR story about what you want to happen. Our “Messaging Project” has been a key focus of our group the past couple of months. The goal is the design and creation of messages that will maximize voter turnout in November. You might think that has nothing to do with YOU as an individual. But it all does, and here's how.

A recent article in The Guardian (We surveyed 6000 Americans) had some powerful recommendations that we can all take to heart. In truth, each of us is a walking and talking marketing specialist for our cause. This is a powerful voice, and we must use it wisely.
How can you be most effective? Pull, don't push. When we push against some other force, we are actually making that opponent stronger. So resist the temptation to comment on someone's ridiculous post. Your comments only spread that original garbage further along the social media food chain.
Instead, pull. Pull people into our story by telling them what we want to happen, what we value, and what we believe in.
What are you for? Tell that story, not just how horrific the opponent might be.
Tell your world that you want a diverse country of various beliefs, backgrounds, faiths, and interests. All living in freedom.
Tell them that you want a thriving working class that actually has a shot at the American dream.
That you want relief from high prices.
That you want affordable healthcare and childcare and housing.
That you want the economy to be rebalanced and no longer rigged in favor of only a few.
Don't tell people they have been duped (even when you know they have been). Research is clear that people retreat to their preconceived notions and fight for them if they feel attacked or threatened.
Instead tell them a better story and invite them in.
We all have strong voices. Let's use them wisely and for the good of our country!

Education program “Anatomy of an Election” — Monday, September 14, 6:00 PM, Hastings Public Library

Joanne Galloway, the executive director of Michigan Country, will discuss how our elections work and how we can be involved in ensuring that they are free and secure.
Michigan Country is working proactively to arm our community members with the knowledge and vocabulary to help defend the security of our elections.
They seek to inoculate our community against the mistruths, misinformation and disinformation plaguing our communities.
Their goal is to elevate truths and your confidence in our democratic processes.
They will address threats and potential election subversion.

Mutual Aid

We believe that action speaks louder than mere words!

In response to this year's Barry County United Way's Day of Caring, we are assisting The Shack in Delton through a collection of winter gloves and NEW underwear.
Underwear is one of the most needed items, because health regulations do not allow organizations to distribute used undergarments.
MI Barry County Indivisible will be collecting donations at all of our events over the next month. Please be generous to our neighbors in need.

Regular monthly rally — Barry County Courthouse, Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM

Let's show up in BIG numbers to show our community what we stand for. The election is getting closer every day and we want to stir up interest in voting for change!

Barry County Ethnic Food Fest — Saturday, September 19

Mark your calendar for the second annual ethnic food festival to be held at The Hastings Church of the Nazarene (1716 N Broadway in Hastings) on Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.
This event is co-sponsored by Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity (RC4RE) in Hastings and Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and features delicious food from the diversity of cultural backgrounds that comprise our community.
Celebrate our community's diverse heritage through food, music, and fellowship. Maybe you have a favorite ethnic dish from your family background that you would like to share.
You can sign up here or contact Maggie (maggiecat310@live.com) for information. Join us!

Monthly Member Meeting — Monday, September 21, 6:30 PM

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center, Hastings

Come for the information. Come for inspiration. Come for the fellowship of your community of democracy defenders. Just come!

5 Calls

5calls.org — Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822

Call our Congressman and Senators—

Oppose the gutting of the Endangered Species Act. The Trump administration is taking devastating new steps to gut the Endangered Species Act and remove critical protections for endangered animals. The administration rescinded a longstanding definition of “harm” in ESA regulations that will enable habitat destruction by industrial and commercial interests. Simultaneously, a bill is moving through Congress that would strip ESA protections from species such as gray wolves and grizzly bears. Write to Congress opposing these actions and rollbacks.
Demand that the procurement of taser gloves be halted. ICE awarded a nearly $17 million contract to buy electric-shock gloves for its agents. The Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE), by Compliant Technologies, allows agents to “deliver a pain stimulus” to an individual to “gain compliance.” Despite being touted as “nonlethal,” the gloves pose significant danger; according to the company's own manual, the shocks “may cause or contribute to death or serious injury.” Read more.
Demand that funding and staffing of the Food and Drug Administration and Health and Human Services is restored. The largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis, the parasitic illness found in lettuce, makes clear that inspections and labs checking our food sources are underfunded and understaffed. Read more.
Support H.R. 9939, the No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act. The Trump administration has been stripping away environmental protections on federal lands in favor of industry and business, including AI centers. An example occurred in June when the Bureau of Land Management approved the Townsend Data Center on 88.5 acres of public land near Boulder City, Nevada, without an updated environmental review or public input. Read more.
Oppose the Trump administration's repeal of the Roadless Conservation Rule to increase timber production on public land and national forests. Read more.
Support H.R. 8154, the Hold ICE Accountable Act; H.R. 4004, the No Anonymity In Immigration Enforcement Act; and H.R. 4667, the VISIBLE Act. These bills would prohibit ICE agents from hiding their identity by wearing masks, would prohibit arrests based on racial profiling and the use of unnecessary force during immigration arrests. Read more.

Thanks for reading this far. You deserve a gold star for caring enough about your country to actually DO something. I sincerely hope that you take action on one or more of the initiatives and action steps outlined above.

Have a safe final week of summer and a Happy Labor Day weekend!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski
Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible
mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

Greetings!

Here's what you need to know and do this week and beyond...

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events (details further in)

Saturday, August 29, MI Dems State Nominating Convention, Lansing
Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*
Thursday, September 3, resume our protests at Moolenaar's office. 4:00 PM outside his Caledonia office (8980 North Rodgers Court) — pending road construction
Saturday, September 5, Woodland Homecoming Festival*
Monday, September 14, "Anatomy of an Election" presentation, Hastings
Saturday, September 19, regular monthly protest at the Barry County Courthouse
Saturday, September 19, Barry County Ethnic Food Fest
Monday, September 21, monthly member meeting, Hastings

*MBCI will have a table at this community event. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

Hastings Summerfest, Saturday August 29

Join your fellow Indivisibles as we increase our community's awareness of our mission and our values. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com) to find out how YOU can help.

MI Dems Nominating Convention. Saturday, August 29, Lansing

If you are planning to attend the meeting, there may be others in the group who would like to carpool. If so, please reply to this email indicating your interest, and we will connect everyone so inclined.

Moolenaar protests

We have not been able to do our rallies outside his office for several months now due to the construction on M-37. We hope to resume on September 3, 4:00 PM. Be on the look-out for last-minute updates since we don't really know if the site will be ready for us to gather or not.

Saturday, September 5. Woodland Homecoming Festival

We will have a table at the festival, and we have been invited to participate in the parade as well! Join your fellow Indivisibles and show Woodland what we stand for! To sign up, and for more information, contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com).

Education program "Anatomy of an Election." Monday, September 14, 6:00 PM. Hastings Public Library

Joanne Galloway, the executive director of Michigan Country, will discuss how our elections work and how we can be involved in ensuring that they are free and secure.
Michigan Country is working proactively to arm our community members with the knowledge and vocabulary to help defend the security of our elections.
They seek to inoculate our community against the mistruths, misinformation and disinformation plaguing our communities.
Their goal is to elevate truths and your confidence in our democratic processes.
They will address threats and potential election subversion.

Regular monthly rally, Barry County Courthouse. Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM

Let's show up in BIG numbers to show our community what we stand for. The election is getting closer every day and we want to stir up interest in voting for change!

In response to this year's Barry County United Way's Day of caring, we are assisting The Shack in Delton through a collection of winter gloves and NEW underwear.
Underwear is one of the most needed items, because health regulations do not allow organizations to distribute used undergarments.
MI Barry County Indivisible will be collecting donations at all of our events over the next month. Please be generous to our neighbors in need.

Barry County Ethnic Food Fest, Saturday September 19

Mark your calendar for the second annual ethnic food festival to be held at The Hastings Church of the Nazarene (1716 N Broadway in Hastings) on Saturday September 19, from 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM.
This event is co-sponsored by Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity (RC4RE) in Hastings, and features delicious food from the diversity of cultural backgrounds that comprise our community.
Celebrate our community's diverse heritage through food, music, and fellowship. Maybe you have a favorite ethnic dish from your family background that you would like to share.
You can sign up here or contact Maggie (maggiecat310@live.com) for information. Join us!

Financial contributions to MBCI in August are matched!

In Michigan, because we are considered a "Battleground State", every dollar up to $600 will be matched by Indivisible National.
We need funds for our GOTV efforts and our mailings to educate our community about our pro-democracy values.
Cash is always welcomed at any of our events. Or you can donate online to MI Barry County Indivisible.
Remember...your dollars go TWICE as FAR this month!

Have a great week!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski
Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible
mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

Images from this newsletter

View the graphic included with this issue.

View larger

Greetings Indivisibles!

Here's what you need to know and do this week and beyond...

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events (details further in)

TONIGHT! Monday, August 17, 6:30 PM, Emmanuel Episcopal Church (315 W. Center, Hastings): monthly member meeting

Tuesday, August 18, Saugatuck Indivisible Art Event

Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*

Thursday, September 3, resume our protests at Moolenaar's office. 4:00 PM outside his Caledonia office (8980 North Rodgers Court)

Saturday, September 19, regular monthly protest at the Barry County Courthouse

Saturday, September 19, Barry County Ethnic Food Fest

*MBCI will have a table at thi community event and VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

The schedule may look thinner...BUT there is still LOTS TO DO!!

Yes, there are fewer "events" remaining as summer winds down. But don't get the idea that there is nothing to DO!

We need to increase the number of people at our rallies. Numbers have declined over the summer. Saturday's rally barely cracked 20 in attendance.
We understand that summer has offered many other options for our time. And that is GOOD! But summer is just about over, folks.
We need to get down to the hard work of defending our democracy.
We need to show up at the Courthouse rallies. AND bring our neighbors, cousins, and mothers-in-law!
We need to talk to our neighbors about making good choices in the upcoming election
We need to put up yard signs for our favored candidates. Yes, you need to get out that MI Barry County Indivisible yard sign. Need one? Contact me today!
We need to give money to the campaigns of our favored candidates. AIPAC isn't waiting! They are eager to buy our votes, and we MUST respond.
We need to post pro-democracy statements and values on our social media
We need to forward and re-post Indivisible communications to our friends
The authoritarians aren't giving up and we can't either!
The US Senate has confirmed a Trump sycophant as Attorney General. The fox is officially in charge of the hen house!
350,000 Haitians living in the US no longer have Temporary Protected Status. Are you angry yet?
ICE agents continue to round up decent people everyday to meet Trump's horrid deportation quotas. Are you ready to take America back from this cruel and inhumane administration?
We have a chance to elect real progressive candidates this fall, but it is up to US to get it done
No time to rest. No time to get discouraged. No time to acquiesce!
No time to stop being enraged at the Republican capitulation to authoritarianism.

Member meeting. Tonight, August 17, 6:30 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Learn how YOU can be involved in our GOTV (Get Out the Vote) and Election Defense Corps actions.
Get engaged in our Education Project geared to motivate our community around our progressive, pro-democracy values
Get inspired to keep fighting
Bring your package(s) of NEW underwear for The Shack (more about this below)

Art as Activism Party, Tuesday, August 18. 7:00 PM in Saugatuck.

If you are interested in supporting a fellow group of Indivisibles and have some fun at the same time, check this out.

Summerfest, August 29. Downtown Hastings

Consider spending an hour or two helping us promote our vision and values at this year's Summerfest. If you're available to help, contact Lynette ((doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>).

Help the Shack!

In response to this year's Barry County United Way's Day of caring, we are assisting The Shack in Delton through a collection of winter gloves and NEW underwear.
Underwear is one of the most needed items, because health regulations do not allow organizations to distribute used undergarments.
MI Barry County Indivisible will be collecting donations at all of our events over the next month. Please be generous to our neighbors in need.

Financial contributions to MBCI in August are matched!

In Michigan, because we are considered a "Battleground State", every dollar up to $600 will be matched by Indivisible National.
We need funds for our GOTV efforts and our mailings to educate our community about our pro-democracy values.
Remember...your dollars go TWICE as FAR this month!

Election Defense Corps updates

Hopefully you have already signed on for this vital program to make sure that our upcoming election is free, fair, and unencumbered by interference. If you are not signed up yet, it's not too late. Go here for information: Election Defense Corps
Here's what we are called to do now
Become certified as a Non-partisan Poll Challenger. Be the eyes and ears on the ground and make sure every voter who shows up gets their chance to vote free from interference or intimidation. Info here: Non-partisan poll challenger
Work at the polls as a paid Poll Inspector. Be the person who assists voters in the election process. Be right there where the action is! Info here: Poll worker
Become a Poll Watcher. Observe and document what is happening at the polls, report any concerns to the Election Protection Hotline. Info here: Poll watcher
Become a Ballot Cure Volunteer. Make every vote count. Ballor Cure Volunteers help voters fix technical errors on the absentee ballots, such as a missing or mismatched signature. You will help notify voters that their ballot has been flagged, walk them through the process of fixing it, and ensure they meet voting deadlines. Go here for information (select "Contact Michigan Voters"): Ballot cure volunteer
If you are a lawyer, a law student, or other legal professional, consider volunteering for the Election Protection Hotline. Information here: Election Protection Hotline volunteer
Become a Board of Canvassers Observer. After Election Day, the real work of certifying the results begins, and we need trained observers inside canvassing rooms to make sure it happens transparently and accurately. League of Women Voters observers are placed inside county canvassing rooms to monitor the official certification of every ballot cast: absentee, provisional, and Election Day votes. Observers are nonpartisan, do not interfere with the process, and document and report any irregularities through proper channels. Information here: Non-partisan Canvass Monitor
Choose which option(s) work best for your interests and availability. BUT CHOOSE AT LEAST ONE! We all need to do our share!

Delete DoorDash!

Maybe you use this reportedly convenient way to order your favorite carry-outs. We are asking you to delete this app and stop supporting this company!
For the past year or so DoorDash has been silent as ICE has arrested, detained, and even killed their delivery drivers.
Now they are supporting HR 9720, an attempt by the Republicans to strip governing authority away from residents of Washington, DC. All so that they can save $0.20 per delivery! Money intended for food access programs for low-income DC residents.
You don't need DoorDash! Go pick up your carry-out on your own. It will save you $$ and it's the right thing to do!

Proposed changes in OMB (Office of Management and Budget) Rules for Federal research grants

Project 2025 is alive and well at the OMB
They have proposed changes to the rules governing federal grants for scientific and medical research. Trump and the OMB want to exert greater political control over these grants.
They want political hacks to have the final say on how federal money is spent, superseding the expertise of scientists, researchers, and trained health professionals.
They are cloaking this under the guise of "efficiency and fraud protection." We know from "DOGE" what that really means!
This proposed rule change would also allow OMB bureaucrats to revoke funding midstream from previously awarded contracts without evidence of malfeasance.
When you make your 5 Calls this week, tell our Congressman and senators to oppose these changes.
Tell them you don't want medical research into multiple sclerosis, Alzhemier's disease. cancer, vaccinations, (or whatever YOUR favorite personal issue might be) to be controlled by an ignorant lackey of the President. Your personal story is always the most effective for issues like this!
Remind Moolenaar that HE was a trained scientist, and that evidence should always trump political whims.
For further information about this very important but little-publicized issue, go here: View link

5 calls (View link, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822)

OMB rules (discussed above)
Clarity Act
Call our Senators and tell them to vote NO on the so-called "Clarity Act".
This act is intended to regulate crypto-currency, but in effect enables "dark money," illegal money laundering, and shady politics. You know, the Trump way of conducting business!
We need legislation to regulate this highly speculative and often misleading industry. The Clarity Act is NOT the way to do it, though.
Oppose any attempts to increase funding for the DoD and for the illegal and immoral Republican War against Iran. Call for the impeachment of DoD Secretary Hegseth for his gross incompetence in handling this debacle.
Speak out against the continued illegal and immoral actions of ICE against the immigrant population of our country.
Call out Congressman Moolenaar for his cowardice in voting in favor of increased funding for these operations.
Demand that the agency not go ahead with plans to purchase GLOVE weapons for immigration agents. Read more about it here: ICE and electric shock gloves
Demand an independent investigation into Trump's illegal desecration of the White House. He has evaded Congressional approval for this personal vanity project of his, and HE needs to be accountable.
This bill would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 350,000 Haitians currently living in the United States.
Immigration officers have already begun isolating, detaining, and criminalizing ordinary law-abiding people in preparation for deportation to Haiti.
Haitians still need this protection. Haiti is not considered safe for travel, and yet our government is proposing sending innocent people there.
Demand independent Congressional and Senate investigations into the multiple retaliatory legal actions perpetrated by the Trump DOJ against "enemies" of the President. The Attorney General and the DOJ are not the President's personal lawyers and private investigators.

There's a lot to chew on this week. A lot to act on. But it must be done, and YOU are the one to do it!

You probably sense the frustration in my writing this week.

Too many among our group are not even bothering to read these communications, let alone act on the recommendations they contain.

Too many are sitting back and waiting for someone else to do it. If you've read this far, pat yourself on the back. You are one of the dedicated few.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for all you do for our country and our community.

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com<mailto:mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com>

Images from this newsletter

View the graphics and images included with this issue.

View larger
View larger

Greetings Indivisibles!

Here's a quick recap of what you need to know and do this week and beyond...

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events (details further in)

Thursday, August 13, BC Dems 2026 Fundraiser Banquet

Saturday, August 15, Delton Founders Day*

Saturday, August 15, monthly rally at the BC Courthouse

Monday, August 17, monthly member meeting

Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*

Saturday, September 19, Barry County Ethnic Food Fest

*MBCI will have a table at these community events and VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

Primary elections are in the past. Lots of work ahead!

The primary elections are done. Whether your preferred candidates prevailed or not, the time is NOW for us to unite and ensure that we assist in the election of the people who will stand up against Trump and his authoritarian grabs.

We need to fight for accountability on the part of our elected officials, and we want to elect candidates dedicated to solving the affordability crisis that is plaguing too many of our families. Here's how you can help:

Come to our member meeting on Monday the 17th (details below) and get involved in our Messaging campaign. We are educating our community about the issues that matter and the need for their getting involved in the election process.
Sign up to be a Poll challenger in the November elections. I served as a poll challenger in Lansing and East Lansing last week, and we were visited by monitors from the DOJ. There were no negative incidents, but we must be on guard for potential interference at the polls and afterward by the Trump administration. There will be training available later in the fall.
Look for other ideas to come on becoming a poll inspector or watcher as well.

Summer events continue

We have had great visibility at a multitude of community events this summer, in our work to spread the word about the fight for democracy and the Constitution. And we still have a few more yet before the summer ends. Review the schedule at the top of this newsletter. There may be a few volunteer opportunities still available, so contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) for information.

BC Dems Fundraiser

MBCI is a nonpartisan group, and we remain unaffiliated with any political party. However, we must acknowledge the special support we have received throughout our existence as an organization from the local Democratic Party. They have been with us from the start and continue to stand alongside us. So we encourage you, if possible, to support the BC Dems by attending their 2026 fundraiser. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 13 at the Legacy at Hastings Club House. All proceeds stay local, and the money raised will support the local candidates who align with our organization's values and mission! Click here to participate: BC Dems Fundraiser If you can't go, you can still follow that link and make a financial contribution to help our local candidates.

Monthly protest at the Courthouse is this Saturday, August 15, 10:30-noon.

Remember that our themes for the next several months are "Hands Off Our Vote!" and "Promote the vote!" Bring your signs and your enthusiasm and rally with your fellow Indivisibles to awaken our community. You can sign up here (Hands Off Our Vote). We encourage people to use this Hands Off Our Vote link which helps publicize our events to others throughout our region.

Monthly member meeting, Monday August 17, 6:30 PM. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center, Hastings. Get the latest updates on our "Messaging" project as well as how to stay involved in the upcoming election season.

5 calls (View link, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822)

Despite his woeful record, the Republicans forced through the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. We need to remind our Congressman and Senators that we will be on watch for Blanche/Trump's next attempts to ignore the Constitution and the rule of law.
Continue to pressure our Senators to oppose the so-called Clarity Act (HR 3633), which claims to regulate cryptocurrency but has serious ethical and enforcement loopholes.
Oppose funding for the Trump/Republican War in Iran as well as the "SAVE America Act". Tell our Senators to vote against H.Con.Res. 113, which has already passed the House. Criticize Moolenaar for voting for this resolution, which adds $100B to the federal deficit, adds $73B in funding for the illegal war, and nearly $13B to fund Trump's voter suppression programs.
Ask our Congressman where his next town hall will be held. Call out his cowardice and his ignoring the needs of his constituents.

That's about it for this week. Keep the faith, and we'll see you on Saturday and again on Monday!

Ed Szumowski Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com<mailto:mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com>

Images from this newsletter

View the graphics and images included with this issue.

View larger

Greetings!

Here's what we need to know and do this week--

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events (details further in)

NO Moolenaar protest this month!

Saturday, August 8, Middleville Pride Festival*

Saturday, August 8, Hastings Rockfest*

Thursday, August 13, BC Dems 2026 Fundraiser Banquet

Saturday, August 15, Delton Founders Day*

Saturday, August 15, monthly rally at the BC Courthouse

Monday, August 17, monthly member meeting

Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*

Saturday, September 19, Barry County Ethnic Food Fest

*MBCI will have a table at these community events and VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

Volunteers need to make calls and visit neighbors on behalf of our endorsed candidates. There are opportunities for Monday ahead of the primary election!

Sign up to make calls for Indivisible-endorsed candidates in Michigan. Go here for information: Make calls. These calls are effective, and every vote counts!
Knock on doors using Neighbor2Neighbor! You can sign up here: Neighbor2Neighbor
Not sure what Neighbor2Neighbor is all about? Go here: Talking to your neighbors is important

Michigan Primary Election, Tuesday August 4

I am sure I don't need to remind any of us that this election is very important. But please take the time to encourage your friends and family to get out there and vote as well. Remember that we are looking for candidates who are willing, able, and ready to fight for our democracy!

Updates on the Election Defense Corps

We have talked at length about the various threats to our elections posed by the Trump administration, along with our need to prepare to fight them.
Within the next few weeks, we will receive real-time updates on action steps we can each take.
The following are of particular interest in our Battleground State of Michigan: Scenario 2 (Voter Roll Purge) and Scenario 11 (Federal Agents at Polling Places)

Hastings Rockfest, Saturday August 8, 5:00-9:00 PM, Thornapple Plaza, Hastings

Looking for a more friendly alternative to the Rock the Country event, as well as supporting local music? Come to the Hastings Rockfest at the Thornapple Plaza. We will have a table there representing our group to the community. Stop by and say hi. Hope to see you there!

Middleville Pride Festival, Saturday, August 8, Noon-5:00 PM, downtown Middleville

Our mission as an organization includes being good allies with those who are threatened by the Trump administration. We will have a booth at the Middleville Pride event and we encourage you to show your support for our LBGTQ+ neighbors, to stop by our booth, and say hello!

BC Dems Fundraiser

MBCI is a nonpartisan group, and we remain unaffiliated with any political party. However, we must acknowledge the special support we have received throughout our existence as an organization from the local Democratic Party. They have been with us from the start and continue to stand alongside us. So we encourage you, if possible, to support the BC Dems by attending their 2026 fundraiser. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 13 at the Legacy at Hastings Club House. All proceeds stay local, and the money raised will support the local candidates who align with our organization's values and mission! Here's how to participate.

or click here: BC Dems fundraiser

Saturday, August 15, Delton Founders Day

We are still in need of a couple of volunteers to staff our table at this year's festival. Available shifts are noon-2:00 and 2:00-4:00. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to volunteer.

Monthly member meeting, Monday August 17, 6:30-8:00, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings. 315 W. Center Street. MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Join us to celebrate (or lament) the results of the primary election and help us plan our campaigns for the November general election.

Barry County Ethnic Food Fest, Saturday September 19

Mark your calendar for the second annual ethnic food festival to be held at The Hastings Church of the Nazarene (1716 N Broadway in Hastings) on Saturday September 19, from 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM.
This event is co-sponsored by Roundtable Companions for Racial Equity (RC4RE) in Hastings, and features delicious food from the diversity of cultural backgrounds that comprise our community.
Celebrate our community's diverse heritage through food, music, and fellowship. Maybe you have a favorite ethnic dish from your family background that you would like to share.
You can sign up here (View link) or contact Maggie (maggiecat310@live.com<mailto:maggiecat310@live.com>) for information. Join us!

Help wanted!

Yes, I mean YOU!

Our Communications team could use some fresh help. If you are savvy in designing social media posts, have skills in website management, or just feel like putting your creative skills to a good cause. we need YOU. If you have any questions, reach out to Marcia (mszumo1@gmail.com<mailto:mszumo1@gmail.com>)

Also, our Messaging team is hard at work designing some effective marketing pieces to engage people to vote for change in our fall elections. If this is an interest of yours, feel free to join them at their upcoming meeting this Thursday evening (August 6), 6:30 PM, at State Grounds Coffee in Hastings. You can also reach out to Marcia about this opportunity as well.

5 calls (View link, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822)

Iran War. Call our Congressman and our Senators and demand they take action regarding Trump's immoral and illegal war in Iran. We are appalled by the loss of lives on all sides of this conflict, as well as the immense financial burden it is placing on all of us. Demand that NO additional funds be appropriated for this fiasco.
Stop Trump's $1.8B slush fund. Trump is threatening to postpone the nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney general until he has a more favorable Senate to do his bidding. (Let's work to make sure THAT never happens!) Demand that our legislators support The Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act . Trump and Blanche have refused to rule out the payment of these slush funds to the January 6 insurrectionists. Tell Moolenaar it is time for him to stand up for the rule of law!
Data Centers continue to dominate the news, as people all over the country demand that no massive data centers be constructed in their neighborhoods. The Trump administration's answer to this is to try to put these huge energy guzzlers on public lands. Tell our legislators to support HR 9939 (No AI Centers on Federal Lands Act), which would permanently ban all large AI data centers on federal lands, require the removal of existing facilities, and mandate site rehabilitation.
Call Congressman Moolenaar and ask him when and where he will be holding a town hall during his month away from Washington. Tell him we need to actually see his face in our district for a change!

Well, all of this should keep you busy enough this week! We are now in the midst of the election season. We have the opportunity to elect people who will actually change things for the better!

Let's go out there and do the work.

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski

Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com<mailto:mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com>

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July 2026 · 2 issues

Greetings Fellow Indivisibles!

I hope all of you are enjoying the summer. And, I am so happy for a day of rain. About time! The primary early voting started on Saturday and will continue through this Sunday. And Election Day is Tuesday, August 4. So get out there and vote! I know a lot of you are working at the polls and being poll challengers. Thank you!

*Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events *

*>Early Primary Voting, Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, August 2*

- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Some townships have combined polling places so check before you go

*>Board of Commissioners Meeting, July 28, August 11, August 25*

- 9:00PM - Barry County Courthouse, Commissioners Chambers, 220 W. State Street, Hastings - More info below

*>Saturday, August 1, Vermontville Pride Festival *

- 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - 108 N. Main Street, Vermontville

*>Election Day, Tuesday, August 4*

- 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

*>Saturday, August 8, Middleville Pride Festival *

- 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - 91 E. Main St., Middleville

*>Saturday, August 8, Kill the Mood Hastings Rockfest*

- 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Thornapple Plaza, 301 E. State St., Hastings - Cost: Free

*>Thurdsday, August 13, BC Dems 2026 Fundraiser Banque*5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

- The Legacy at Hastings - Club House - More info below

*>Saturday, August 15, Delton Founders Day*

*>Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*

**MIBCI *will have a table at these community events and *VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED. *Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

*Candidate Interviews*

We have completed the *interviews of the three Democratic candidates for Congress* in the 2nd District. (Note that *the incumbent did not respond* to our request for an interview). Here's your chance to *compare all three side by side* as you make your choice for the upcoming primary.

Go here to watch all three:

View link

*>Barry County Commissioner Meetings*

- August 14 several of us attended the meeting and Brian Green represented us by requesting that the commissioners work to protect our elections in Barry County due to our Sheriff who has interfered in the past - Following this meeting was a presentation by a group brought here by our Sheriff casting doubt on our elections. The Barry County Clerk was present and many of her township clerks. They refuted the information presented by this group. - After a deadly shooting in Feb 2025 the Board of Commissioners authorized funds to get body cameras. They are now being tested and the sheriff hopes to have them in place by the end of July. - It is important for us to have a presence at these meetings and request that the body cams are in place for the elections so there will be a record if the sheriff and his deputies interfere in our elections.

*>Barry County Dems Fundraiser *

- We are encouraging you to participate and support the BC Dems with their fundraiser. They supported us at our Trivia Fundraiser. - The money they raise will remain local. It will be supporting the local candidates who align with our organization's value and mission.

Summer is a busy time and it goes by too fast. I hope you are all enjoying time with your family and friends. This past week I spent time with my family and Ed and Marcia are spending time with their family celebrating their 50th Anniversary. This is important especially during these stressful times. It helps us to get energized and revitalized so we can continue our important work. Thank you for all you do!

Mary Beth Adyniec Ed Szumowski

-- MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com

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Greetings Fellow Indivisibles!

It looks like President Trump's threat of tariffs on Canadian forest fire smoke has given us a little relief from the horrid air quality. (I confess to being in a sarcastic mood today). In any event, I hope you are able to get outside at least a little. And while we are trapped in our air-conditioned hide-outs, let's focus on how we can fulfill our mission as a group!

Quick Calendar of Upcoming Events (details further in)

Monday, July 20, 6:00-7:30 PM. Member meeting, Delton Library

Monday-Saturday, July 20-25, Barry County Fair, Expo Center*

Saturday, August 1, Vermontville Pride Festival*

Saturday, August 8, Middleville Pride Festival*

Saturday, August 8, Hastings Rockfest*

Thursday, August 13, BC Dems 2026 Fundraiser Banquet

Saturday, August 15, Delton Founders Day*

Saturday, August 15, monthly rally at the BC Courthouse

Saturday, August 29, Hastings Summerfest*

*MBCI will have a table at these community events and VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to find out how YOU can help. PLEASE! Help us spread the word about our vital mission and have fun with your fellow Indivisibles.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

About 25 people gathered at the Hastings Library on Friday afternoon to do a public reading of our nation's founding document.

Organized by the BC Dems, it was a fun as well as an inspiring event.
Reading this document at times felt archaic, with unusual words like "hath shewn" and "perfidy."
Yet, at the same time, the list of grievances rang close to home, as we continue to battle the autocratic impulses of the Trump administration with our "NO KINGS" theme.
It was a great way to gather together and celebrate our patriotism.

Immediately afterward, Congressional candidate Ben Ambrose held a town hall at the library.

He fielded questions for the approximately 25-30 people in attendance.
Ben's main message is that his decades of experience in the Marine Corps, along with related government service in Veteran Affairs, have prepared him to continue to serve the country with his values of integrity, commitment, and trust.
We hope to complete our Congressional candidate interviews this week. Look for a message soon where you will be able to view all three in time for the upcoming primary.

ICE Out vigil

Approximately 30 of us gathered at the steps of the Courthouse on Saturday morning to hold a vigil to honor the latest victims of ICE violence.

Our message was clear. We are saddened and outraged by the killings of Lorenzo Araujo and Sebastian Duran Guerrero.
We are ashamed that these killings were perpetrated by our government and paid for with our taxes.
We are moved by the common humanity we all share with these victims, and we refuse to sweep this under the rug as some sort of operational mistake.
Mother Alicia Hager, from Emmanuel Episcoal Church, read a beautiful and heart-rending poem titled "Home," by British-Somali poet Warsan Shire. I strongly recommend you read this poem, and that you recommend it to anyone who doubts the courage, tenacity, and gut-wrenching desperation experienced by so many refugees and immigrants.
We learned that outrage and sadness on their own are meaningless. If we are to make any good come out of these continuing tragedies, it must be through the actions we take.
We must VOTE. Vote to replace our elected officials with people who are dedicated to justice, to humane treatment of all, and to the rule of law.
VOTE like this is the most important election in our lifetimes. We know that our Congressman is not going to change. So it is up to us to change our Member of Congress by voting in someone better.
We need to work on GOTV (Get Out the Vote) initiatives, voter registration drives, and we need to work in our elections as poll workers, poll watchers, and poll challengers.
Let's turn our outrage into action! Come to the meeting at the Delton Library (Monday, July 20, 6:00 PM) to learn how.

Member meeting, Monday July 20, 6:00 PM, Delton Library. Updates on our programs to promote and secure our elections. Updates on our "messaging project." And more! Be there!

Poll challengers

The role of poll challengers will be significant this year, as we work to fight against the threats of election interference posed by the Trump administration. If you are confused about what a poll challenger does, this chart may help.

If you are interested in participating, you must act now. You have until July 24 to apply and complete the one-hour online training in order to receive an assignment for the primary election. Go here to get started: View link

BC Dems Fundraiser

MBCI is a nonpartisan group, and we remain unaffiliated with any political party. However, we must acknowledge the special support we have received throughout our existence as an organization from the local Democratic Party. They have been with us from the start and continue to stand alongside us. So we encourage you, if possible, to support the BC Dems by attending their 2026 fundraiser. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 13 at the Legacy at Hastings Club House. All proceeds stay local, and the money raised will support the local candidates who align with our organization's values and mission! Here's how to participate.

Barry County Fair

The fair runs this week (through the 25th), and our Indivisible chapter will be hosting a booth. This is our chance to engage with our community, to educate them about our values and our mission, and to recruit them to action. But we need people on hand to accomplish this. A friendly face to explain who we are and what we stand for. YOU are that friendly face! There are specific needs for 2 volunteers for the following shifts: Friday, 2:00-4:30, and 4:30-7:00. And Saturday, 2:00-4:30 and 4:30-7:00. Contact Lynette (doele69@gmail.com<mailto:doele69@gmail.com>) to find out how YOU can help.

5 calls (View link, Moolenaar: 202-225-3561, Peters: 202-224-6221, Slotkin: 202-224-4822)

Call our Senators

Slotkin: Thank you for questioning Secretary of Defense Hegseth about military promotions based on politics not merit. Slotkin, Democrats Question Hegseth Over Blocked Military Promotions.
Vote NO regarding the confirmation of Trump former personal lawyer and current toady Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General.
Vote YES on H.R.1689 - To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status. The Supreme Court just ruled that the administration can remove Temporary Protected Status at will. More than 300,000 Haitians who are legally here no longer have work visas or protected status. ICE can come in and drag them to a detention center at any moment. These immigrants are our friends and neighbors, and we need to protect them.
Vote NO on the CLARITY Act (H.R. 3633), a bill disguised as “crypto regulation” but which actually serves the billionaires and bad actors at the center of today’s crypto chaos. This bill doesn’t protect consumers, doesn’t close money laundering loopholes, and does nothing to stop the biggest threat of all: Trump’s crypto-fueled bribery machine.
Demand that Trump keep his hands off the Smithsonian Museums. Take action to prevent Trump from rewriting history. Inside Trump’s Ideological Fight With Smithsonian.
Oppose the Trump administration demands that States use paper voting ballots and verify citizenship or lose antiterrorism funding that helps pay for terrorism preparedness, training and cybersecurity. Administration Demands States Change Voting Rules or Lose Antiterrorism Funds.
Oppose Congress spending billions of dollars on Trump’s illegal war with Iran. A vote for the White House’s $87.6 billion weapons funding request or any additional funding for war is unacceptable. Demand Trump abide by the War Powers resolution passed by both Houses. The war continues! Why Have US-Iran Strikes Resumed and What Does It Mean for Peace?<View link 5qUl8tudA8RESc> & Oil Prices Jump and Stocks Drop After Trump Says Iran Deal Is Over

Call Congressman Moolenaar--

We are extremely disappointed by your NO vote on HR 1689 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.
Oppose the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. Speaker Mike Johnson wants to include the SAVE Act in the budget reconciliation bill with the hope it will also pass the Senate. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship by certified birth certificate or passport with name on state issued identification matching and would eliminate voting by mail. Johnson Says House Will Pass Stalled SAVE America Act One More Time After Latest Demands.

Well, that's a lot to think about and act upon this week. I know we can often feel overwhelmed. The "enshittification" of our nation by the horrid policies and actions of the Trump administration might tempt us to withdraw and give up. These words from legendary actress and producer, Mary Pickford, are our quote of the week:

"All the water in the world cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. All the negativity in the world cannot sink a person unless it gets inside the mind."

Stay focused, keep the faith, and keep the "s***" out of your mind!

In solidarity,

Ed Szumowski Mary Beth Adyniec

MI Barry County Indivisible mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com<mailto:mibarrycountyindivisible@gmail.com>

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