October news and updates

Hello CRAGgys!

Welcome new people! I have posted a FAQ page to answer common questions about CRAG.

Energy is building as we gear up for NO KINGS 2.0 on Saturday, October 18.

Also this week:

• Houghton County Commissioners, Tuesday, October 14, 6 pm.
  • They will discuss a resolution opposing the state cuts to county budgets, which also require counties to shift resources to law enforcement budgets. See p. 19 of the comm packet.
• Hancock City Council, Wednesday, October 15, 6 pm. FLOCK Camera resolution is on the agenda. (details below).
  • and right across the street at 7 pm:
• Town Hall: Health Care for All, October 15, 7 pm. Orpheum Theater.

Protests and Events

NO KINGS 2.0

NO KINGS events are scheduled across the UP (compiled by Emma- thanks!). To assist planners, register if you can at https://www.mobilize.us/.

NO KINGS Guidance:

• These protests must be NON-VIOLENT.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property. Indivisible

• Raise any concerns with the volunteer security people wearing fluorescent vests or with local law enforcement. Houghton law enforcement has always been respectful of our first amendment right to protest; treat them with respect in return.
  • If you feel a situation is escalating, back off and notify security people. Do not provoke opponents.
  • Deescalation training sessions and videos here.
• Wear Yellow
• Bring American flags
• Bring your own sign, or borrow one from Indivisible
• Bring your friends!
• Have fun, show people that joining the team is fun and energizing.

Health Care Town Halls

Two upcoming events address the crisis in health care in the U.S.

• Health Care for All Town Hall, Wednesday, October 15, 7 pm.
• Open Up our Care Town Hall, October 22, 6:30 pm.

📎 Paper Clip Protest 📎

It's a thing! Wear a paper clip, cheap, easy, recognizable. Know your tribe. Inspired by the Norwegian resistance during WWII. Promoted by Ollie and Janice Pedersen, and E. Jean Carroll, and recently amplified by Joyce Vance.

Reminder: Michigan Statewide Petitions

At least SIX petitions are being circulated for proposals to go on the 2026 ballot. Bridge Michigan has a good summary; others may be added. Check local farmers' markets for petition collectors.

• YES (if you are eligible.):
• Ranked Choice Voting (RankMiVote) petitions. (contact Joan Chadde to sign)
• Invest in MI Kids to fund schools by taxing millionaires.
• Michiganders for money out of politics (MMOP) to restrict political donations by regulated utilities.
  • contact agerard@miunited.org to sign these.
• NO! Decline to Sign. Watch out for the anti-voter rights petitions that seek to add repressive "proof of citizenship" language to the Michigan constitution:
  • Americans for Citizen Voting- DO NOT SIGN
  • Committee to Protect Voters Rights - DO NOT SIGN
  • AxMITax, The AxMITax proposal seeks to eliminate all property taxes in Michigan, shift the tax burden to regressive sales tax, and make it harder to raise any other taxes in the future - DO NOT SIGN
• Important: keep track of which petitions you have signed. Do not sign the same one twice.

(My) Recent Activities

Marquette

I visited Marquette last week to meet the Yoopers United group and join their "Signs Against Fascism" event. It was great to meet you!

While in town, I also spoke at the Marquette Country Commissioners' meeting (comments here) and had a nice discussion with UP Energy expert, Jenn Hill.

I encourage everyone to drop in to activist meetings and demonstrations as you travel across the region. It's important to establish these connections for mutual support, idea-exchanges, and broader solidarity.

Michigan Tech BoT

On Friday I spoke at Michigan Tech's Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, my third visit this year. An undergraduate student, Violet, gave an excellent statement about ICE at the BoT. She agreed to allow me to post her statement here (thanks Violet, and welcome to CRAG!).

Water Walk

This weekend I joined parts of the People of the Heart Water Walk. The walk will finish in Baraga on Monday evening. You can still join today; look for the walkers between Houghton and Baraga. All are welcome. (Women are requested to wear long skirts; men should wear long pants.)

When and Where to Speak UP

Check the calendar for details.

Some key upcoming meetings:

• Houghton County Commissioners, Tuesday, October 14, 6 pm.
  • They will discuss a resolution opposing the state cuts to county budgets, which also require counties to shift resources to law enforcement budgets. See p. 19 of the comm packet.
• Hancock City Council, Wednesday, October 15, 6 pm. FLOCK Camera are on the agenda for Hancock City Council this week (apologies, I was off by a week in my last missive, the meeting is definitely October 15):

Hancock is considering purchasing Flock license plate-reading cameras after Baraga County wisely rejected them. 404 Media found that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has access to data collected by this system. To share your view, attend the next Hancock City Council meeting, Wednesday, October 15 at 6 pm

Local action groups convene regularly. Some public body meets somewhere every single week; take 30 minutes to show up and express your opinion. (Sample statements.) And let me know if you go and what you learn.

Remember, this is a long process. Showing up multiple times builds trust and demonstrates to people with diverse viewpoints that you don't have horns.

Why and how to attend local meetings

Organizing Meetings

Details are on the CALENDAR. (Please send updates, check to confirm.) These groups are all very welcoming. Drop by a meeting to connect with friendly faces. Any level of engagement contributes to making our world better.

Houghton/Hancock

• Yoopers for Ukraine 🇺🇦 Rally at the bridge Wednesdays at 5 pm.
• Keweenaw Indivisible meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6-8 pm at the KUUF.
• Houghton County Dems meet every 1st Wednesday, 7 pm at the Super 8.
• 4th Wednesdays AWAVE, 6 pm. Gathering at UU Fellowship Houghton.
• 3rd Sundays, 7-8:45 pm, Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy Monthly Action Committee (KATO). Please register at the link to help with the headcount.

Baraga

• Baraga County Democrats, 3rd Tuesdays at 6 pm, L'Anse Township Hall

Marquette

• Every Tuesday evening at 7pm, Yoopers Unite, a gathering of local pro-democracy groups, at LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave, Marquette.
• Marquette: Every Saturday morning from 11:30-12:30, between 40 - 80 people have been assembling at the Marquette Post Office, standing in support with long-established Citizens for Peace & Justice.
• Join Lake Superior Region Indivisible

See you on this bridge on Saturday!

Thanks for all your support and all your efforts to support and expand freedom, justice and democracy!

Stay Well

Sarah