WOW - Action Alert June 16, 2025

No Kings: We Did It! What's Next

Thousands turned out Saturday in Jacksonville for the No Kings! Duval Day of Defiance, joining five million (and still counting) at 2,169 events across the country and around the globe. Activities were overwhelmingly peaceful, despite efforts by Trump, DeSantis, and others to foment violent confrontations. No Kings! Day crowds dwarfed DC Trump-backed observances. BAM joined local partners, Indivisible Mandarin, Indivisible Riverside Jacksonville, and 50501 NEFL in organizing events throughout the day. A Wake UP! No Kings! protest at Beach & Hodges kicked off activities, followed by a rally downtown at the

Courthouse. More than 2,500 residents, concerned about the consolidation of presidential power and threats to our democracy, participated in the morning event. Sign-wavers -- many attending their first protest -- received an amazing response from passing cars and pedestrians. Special thanks to participants for peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, and to the Peacekeepers and security volunteers (including BAM members Elizabeth, Mary, Roz, Julie, Mark, Rachel, and Nancy), as well as law enforcement officers for making the protest a safe and positive experience! Click the image for a two-minute video of BAM activities for No Kings! Day.

What's next? Advocacy efforts are more important than ever -- on the federal, state, and local levels. With the weekend's visuals giving power to our voices, pick an action to take this week:

• Congress needs to hear from us now regarding the latest analysis of the Terrible, Horrible Big Bill. Contact FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody this week to advocate against cuts to Medicaid and Medicaid.

• Legislators in Tallahassee will be voting today to finalize next year's budget. Despite promises of tax cuts for everyday Floridians, the proposed budget offers cuts that primarily benefit businesses. Let FL Sen. Clay Yarborough and Rep. Kiyan Michael know what you think about the legislature's budget priorities.

• And, the Jax City Council votes on Tuesday, June 17th on Council Member Rory Diamond's unnecessary ordinance to make Jacksonville's approach to immigration look more like Trump's. Weigh in on the measure using this cut & paste list of council members.

Check out Indivisible's What's Next page for other ways you can take action now, and join the national attendee debrief call tonight (Monday, June 16th at 8 pm) to hear more! Your engagement and participation in BAM are more important than ever. Join us later this week for a virtual presentation --- How to Harness the Power of Boycotts --- as we learn how to use our economic power to advocate for responsible corporate policies!

This Wednesday!  ZOOM Presentation on Boycotts

RSVP HERE FOR ZOOM LINK

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How to Talk to People You Don't Agree With

Elizabeth Andersen, former Beaches school board member, and current CEO of OneJax, is the guest speaker at the Beaches Democratic Club meeting, Tuesday, June 17th, 7 pm. Andersen will discuss an important and timely topic:  Bridging the Gap: How to Talk to People You Don't Agree With. The meeting will be held at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach. Come early to socialize at 6 pm!  RSVP here.