350PDX Weekly Update – 6 days to go – Oct 28 2020

Hi everyone,

Well this is the last weekly update before Election Day. To go with the theme of 2020 – rapid response adaptation to unprecedented events – over the past few weeks we’ve been busily preparing for this election, particularly for what will happen if those in power refuse to accept the results.

Our General Meeting on Monday night was on this topic – here’s the recording, and the slidesWe went through various scenarios that could play out, talked about our view of power and the theory behind how that power can be toppled, and then shared some of the ways you can get prepared for next week. You can read about much of what we talked about in our election plan here too.

The main point is that in order to protect the results of the election and to make sure every vote is counted there’s a high likelihood of mass mobilizations in the days after Nov 3. So clear your schedules, attend some trainings, stock up on supplies (just in case), talk to at least 5 people who would go into the streets with you, and keep your eye out for action alerts on this mailing list.

We’re part of a large coalition planning for this here locally, and connected to national level conversations too, so we’ll hear about plans for mobilizations, strikes, and other disruptive actions early on, and will pass on those action alerts to this mailing list as quickly as we can.

One thing you can do right now is take the pledge to defend democracy:

  1. We will vote.
  2. We will refuse to accept election results until all the votes are counted.
  3. We will nonviolently take to the streets if a coup is attempted.
  4. If we need to, we will shut down “business as usual” to protect the integrity of the democratic process.

Take this pledge and pass it along to as many people as you can.


From isthisacoup.com ​​​​​​, a website measuring how close to a coup we are​
Graphic of a speedometer with 4 sections: Democracy, Preparing For A Coup, Attempted Coup, and Coup, with the needle pointed at Preparing for a Coup

Here’s your 350PDX weekly update.

As a tragic reminder that the fight for Black lives must continue, Walter Wallace Jr., a Black man experiencing a mental health crisis was murdered by police this week in Philadelphia. Patrisse Cullors, of the Black Lives Matter Global Network said: “This isn’t policing — it’s destruction. It’s the legal, systematic killing of Black people. Another video, another name, another person who deserved help, not death.

Black lives are not controversial. Legislation to protect Black lives is not controversial. When we show up to the polls, they cannot ignore us. When we say Black Lives Matter, they cannot ignore us, no matter how hard they try.

We won’t let Walter down. We won’t let our other brothers and sisters that have been senselessly taken from us by police down. We bow our heads to pray, and we raise our fists up high because Black Lives Matter, today and every day.”

Actions

All these actions and more can be found on our website’s Take Action page – 350pdx.org/action

Updates​​​​

Opportunities​​​​

  • Moving Forward, Staying Grounded: A Mental Health Toolbox for Climate-Concerned Parents, Caregivers & Activist

    Thurs Oct 29, 11:00AM – 12:00PM – Online
    This webinar is presented by Families for a Livable Climate

    For parents concerned about the climate crisis, taking action to make a difference can help both the movement and our own mental health. But sometimes the gravity of the issue, along with the many demands on our time as busy parents, can be emotionally and mentally difficult to navigate.

    Dr. Thomas Doherty will discuss healthy ways that parents can engage with global climate change and other social and environmental issues. He will help attendees reflect on their guiding beliefs and values as parents, understand their environment identity, and support the developmental needs of children and people across the lifespan. He will share insights from research on the mental health impacts of climate change and development of environmental behaviors for people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Parents will gain tools to regulate their emotions and stress about climate change, and be more empowered to talk about environmental issues. Parents will also learn ways to find their comfort zone and set healthy boundaries and priorities regarding advocacy and activism.

  • No Military Drone Testing in Portland – Halloween Flotilla

    Sun Nov 1, 12:00PM – Cathedral Park Boat Launch

    Verizon wants to bring a drone testing facility to North Portland, near Cathedral Park. They don’t think there is any problem with testing drones up and down the Willamette because, as they told neighbors, “no one uses the river anyway.”

    After a summer when racial justice protesters were surveilled by military drones, a coalition of community groups has come together to resist this plan.

    Join on Sunday for a rally and flotilla at the Cathedral Park Boat Launch to show that WE use the river, and Verizon’s creepy drones aren’t welcome in Portland! If you have a boat, raft, canoe, or kayak you are welcome to join the Halloween flotilla. Masks and distancing required. RSVP on Facebook + invite friends. You can also sign the petition here.

  • Fridays 4 Freedom – Election Day Action

    Tues Nov 3, Meet @ 5:00PM, March @ 6:00PM – Revolution Hall

    A march for unity organized by one of the main Black Lives Matter groups. More details on their Instagram here.

  • Defend Democracy Action

    Weds Nov 4, Meet 3:00PM, March 4:00PM – Revolution Hall -> Waterfront

    Electoral Justice is Racial Justice. Black Lives Matter. Count Every Vote. We will mobilize a massive non-violent action on Wednesday, November 4th beginning at Revolution Hall in solidarity with nationwide networks and local coalition members. 350PDX is a proud member of 40+ groups that comprise PDX Defend Democracy Coalition. Details may change! Keep an eye out on this email list for more details closer to the time.

Thank you all for the work that you do, stay safe, we’re all in this together,
Ashley, Chris, Chuck, Dineen, Indi, Lucy – the 350PDX staff