Support & Action in These Troubling Times

Suddenly our government doesn’t feel protective to us any longer. We fear for ourselves and for our neighbors and friends. So many of us feel helpless to make any kind of meaningful change. At Immanuel we are holding forums on Saturdays in which we can support each other and think of ways we can help. We’ve held a few rallies at the corner of Farmington and Woodland so that others driving by can see that we are protesting the unfair and illegal actions being taken by the new administration. The power we have is fueled by God’s abundant love and the LOVE we have for each other. And that’s a mighty powerful way to affect the world.

This page has been created and is updated regularly to hold resources for plans in the future to continue our Stand UP!s, our Support & Actions Groups, and any other information.

Second and fourth Saturdays

Join us at 8:30 am on the corner of Farmington Avenue and Woodland Street to show our support for those vulnerable communities, for the environment, and for other areas of concern.

**WHAT YOU CAN DO:**
**Contact your legislators:**
**Best to Call** (better than email, letters or petitions.) Call frequently — once a week is good; once a day is terrific. If you leave a message, include your street address and zip code.
**Murphy**: 202-224-4041 or CT office 860-549-8463
**Blumenthal**: 202-224-9673 or CT office 860-258-6940
**Larson**: 202-225-2265 or CT office 860-278-8888
**Contact** Governor Ned Lamont 860-566-4840 or email.
Check out 5calls.org - an app that makes calling really easy - also suggests issues and scripts.

We noted the Trump administration’s freeze on FY25 education funds ($6 billion nationally) cost Connecticut over $50M, cutting after-school, ESL, and workforce programs. Hartford could lose $2.7M, threatening services for low-income, multilingual, and adult learners. As promised, here is the link to the details:

Analysis of Withheld Federal Funding

Notes: These upcoming actions and multiple resources have been compiled compliments of Kristen Boucher, in collaboration with Nancy Rion, Jim Boucher, and the wonderful folks who come to the Gatherings for Support & Action.
Give them some special love when you see them!

ACTIONS TO TAKE / UPCOMING EVENTS

LOCAL:

Saturday Gathering at Immanuel Congregational Church 10-11:30 am
Every Saturday morning 10-11:30 West Hartford green (Farmington Ave & Main St)

NATIONAL:

Future dates - we will be on the lookout for upcoming events.

A question was raised at the Saturday meeting for future consideration: Would some of the participants be interested in a book study? (see 2 new books added to Resources below).

RESOURCES

The History of NPR podcast with Steve Oney, author of On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR. The ups and downs NPR has faced since the early 1970s and what recent federal funding cuts mean for the network.
Podcast:The Way Out is In - Inspired by the Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh, co‑hosted by Brother Pháp Hữu and Jo Confino.
Interfaith Alliance’s Denouncement of Trump
Blessing for Anger by Brian McClaren, a week of daily meditations.
Still I Rise, poem by Maya Angelou
Seedlings Newsletter: Preaching Green
Indivisible CT Hartford area group. It’s easy to join.
NY Times: The Irreconcilable Difference Between Trumpian Politics and Christianity
Bishop William Barber’s Moral Mondays, a livestreams.
Home of the Brave a website where people can share their stories and look at stories that have been shared by others impacted by the Trump administration's policies.

Money Lies & God - Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy” by Katherine Stewart.
See No Stranger - A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Val arie Kaur. “A revolution of the heart. A new way of being and seeing that leaves no one outside our circle of care. A love without limit.”
Pete and Pickles Berkeley Breathed
The Violent Take by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy: by Matthew Taylor
Jessica Craven’s Blog, Chop Wood, Carry Water recommends daily actions.
Mobilize- shows virtual events, e.g. phone banking, texting, meetings, etc., on this platform. The filter option allows you to select a tactic, and other options.
Actions You Can Take Now - phone calls to your members of Congress on specific issues
Visit this website for executive actions.

Many of us get daily emails from Heather Cox Richardson and Robert Hubbell. Both are well researched with lots of links – but you can also read for a good overview of what’s happened the day before. Hubbell tends to remind us to keep the news in perspective and breathe!