Weekend Update! "Keep Higher Education Independent: Protect Academic Freedom" at Irvine City Hall
What to know about this coming weekend
Dear neighbors,
We were encouraged and relieved this week to see that many academic institutions are refusing to bend the knee to Trump’s bullying demands to sign a “compact” in exchange for priority access to federal grants.
This Sunday November 2nd, we gather to rally for academic freedom and to protect our institutions of higher learning against an administration that brazenly uses mafia tactics in an attempt to reshape our education systems. See you there!
We’re also of course still running our weekly food & essentials drive. Remember, it’s not just for those who can contribute from their abundance. So give what you have, but also take what you need. With the SNAP cutoff caused by the Republican government shutdown starting on November 1st, it’s more important than ever that we support one another.
Speaking of which…
SNAP Funding Lapse: Resources & Ways to Help
With the current Republican government shutdown likely leading to a postponement in the SNAP benefits relied upon by millions of families, we want to share local resources that are available to those in need in Orange County.
SNAP and other services were put in place to support those in need, since as a society we produce more than enough for everyone. Food is a human right. There’s no need for anyone to go hungry. If you need help, there’s no shame in it. All that means is that you, like everyone else, need support from time to time.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to share with those around you from your own abundance, then in doing so you are part of creating a community and world that does not leave anyone hungry at night.
Check out our list of resources for both those who need help as well as the helpers:
Poll Monitor Opportunity with We Are California
Sign up with We Are California in a nonpartisan effort to ensure free and safe voting.
Poll observers are in demand through the weekend and especially on Monday and Tuesday. The locations in Orange County most in need of observers are:
Golden West College - RCJTC Bldg (Huntington Beach)
Murdy Community Center (Huntington Beach)
Santa Ana - Delhi Center, Orange County Registrar of Voters
Anaheim - Anaheim Union High School District
Orange - El Modena Branch Library
Westminster - Miriam Warne Community Building, Westminster Branch Library
Costa Mesa Senior Center
No Self-Defense Saturday This Weekend
The usual self-defense morning training session with Greg is canceled this Saturday! We’ll see you next week.
Support the Red Card Fundraiser
With ICE raids ramping up yet again in Orange County, especially Santa Ana after the No Kings protest, we are now more than ever in need of Know Your Rights red cards to distribute to our at-risk community members. Learn more about how you can help:
Donate to the 1 Million Red Cards effort
Educate yourself: ICE in OC Resource Drive
Support the Orange County Rapid Response Network
Join a local community defense group (Instagram link)