Hope = Action ✊- Action Alert, August 25, 2025

beachesactivistmov
Aug 24
4 min read

"Hope is not a promise. It is not a guarantee of success. It is the courage to act in the face of uncertainty. And right now, in this fragile moment for our democracy, it is the most important responsibility we share."

Marc Elias

Need Hope? Take Action

What makes you hopeful? For attorney and voting rights advocate Marc Elias --- and for Indivisible founders Ezra & Leah, who joined activists across Florida last Monday night for a

Zoom conversation -- it is us. In other words, many of those we most admire for their national leadership in opposition to this administration's lawless cruelty, are taking their inspiration from the millions of us at the local level who are willing to engage and take action to push back against the seemingly endless attacks on our democracy by the likes of Trump, DeSantis, and their enablers.

As Elias says, "(Hope) is a sober responsibility. Hope is what we do when the odds are long and the options limited. It is the stubborn act of trying when despair feels easier. Rather than a passive optimism, hope is the commitment of those who believe they can make a difference, however small."

We all have days when we feel overwhelmed by the countless assaults on democratic and humanitarian norms. But it's our collective determination to stand up for our values that creates the circle of mutual inspiration we and this country need. It's only by continuing to live our hopes and work together that we will ultimately return our nation to sanity. So inspire each other this week by taking action --- make a phone call, send an email, sign a petition, wave a sign, join a protest, attend a meeting, talk to a friend. Push back. Lend your voice to the growing movement to defend the values foundational to this country. Hope demands action!

Demand Florida DOGE & State Lawmakers Investigate Misuse of FEMA Funding for Alligator Alcatraz. In a stunning victory for the rule of law, a court has ordered the dismantling of the Everglades immigrant internment camp. Of course, the state will appeal, but in the meantime, DeSantis and other state officials still need to be held accountable for misusing state funds and entering into questionable contracts. Send this email to FL DOGE, State Senator Clay Yarborough, and Rep. Kiyan Michael to push for an investigation and legislative hearings.
Remind Beaches City Council Member Rory Diamond that he works for us, not Trump. The "Big, Beautiful Amendments" Diamond pushed through the Finance Committee as it wrapped up hearings last week are an effort to advance the MAGA agenda and have nothing to do with the Mayor's proposed budget. Reach him at (904) 255-5213 or RDiamond@coj.net.
Stop the DC Takeover. Sign this Common Cause petition or use 5 Calls to contact FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Rep. John Rutherford, and urge them to support resolutions to stop Trump's phony "emergency" and return power to local officials. Other Democrat-led cities are in his crosshairs.

Join the Next National Day of Protest on Labor Day

at St. Johns Town Center

While billionaires get richer, working people everywhere are still struggling to make ends meet. This Labor Day, a day meant to honor workers, we’re gathering in one of the busiest parts of our city to make our voices seen and heard. Join 50501 NEFL, BAM, and other like-minded organizations at the St. Johns Town Center on Monday, September 1st from 10 a.m. to noon --- together, we'll show that the real power lies with the people who keep this country moving, not the wealthy few who profit off our labor.On June 14, 4-6 million people made history as we gathered in more than 2,100 towns and cities across the country for the No Kings protest. Let's do our part to make sure Stop the Billionaire Takeover is an even bigger demonstration of the nation's rejection of the corrupt, anti-democratic actions of this administration. Bring your signs, your loudest voices, and especially your friends. Please consider bringing a donation of needed hygiene and toiletry items for the Jacksonville Mutual Aid Coalition. The central meeting point is St. Johns Parkway and MidTown Parkway (in front of Wells Fargo). RSVP here for more info and updates.

Stop the Baker Cruelty Camp! Rally August 29th

With his quick pivot from Camp Blanding to the Baker Correctional Facility, DeSantis continues to aid and abet the Trump Administration in its indiscriminate mass deportation efforts. Most alarming, Baker County has a history of violence against immigrants -- another detention facility in the county is already the subject of a lawsuit alleging unlawful detention and excessive force.

Join the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) on Friday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Friendship Fountain on the southbank downtown for a rally to protest the Baker Cruelty Camp and demand an end to Florida's complicity in this inhumane effort.

FL Attorney General James Uthmeier got quite a greeting last week in Jax Beach when he showed up to talk to the Beaches GOP Women's Club about his egregious efforts to establish Alligator Alcatraz, stifle the Hope Florida Medicaid investigation, and set up a special office to help right wing extremists control what is taught and read in our public schools. Thanks to everyone who took part in the quickly organized protest, and a special thanks to the young man who stopped and made a donation to show his support --- it will help fund a canopy for Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance to use in future actions against the state's cruel detention centers.

Mark Your Calendar! BAM September 11th

Membership Meeting

Stephen Miller may claim only old white hippies are fighting back, but we know better! Join us on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Adele Grage Community Center, as we hear from youth advocates about the actions they are taking to address issues they care about, and what we can do to support them. RSVP below and bring a young friend! We'll have pizza!

RSVP Here

Order Your BAM T-Shirt Now!

New BAM t-shirts are here just in time for Labor Day protests! Email us and we'll send you information on sizes, payment options, and pickup. What better way to show your support for the movement and to let people know progressives are alive and well, and RESISTING at the Beach. Get yours for a donation of $25.