Indivisible Kensington Newsletter #17

Dear Indivisible Kensington,

We’re sorry for getting this newsletter to you a little later than usual. There’s been a lot happening in our personal lives (mostly good) and political lives (mixed).

After the exciting and stunning victory of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of NYC and the other Democratic wins on November 4, eight Democratic senators broke ranks and agreed to vote with the Republicans to pass the Continuing Resolution bill that would re-open the government. The Democrats got nothing in return other than a “promise” to open discussion on protecting health care. Although those eight Senators were undoubtedly concerned about the on-going, devastating effects of the shut-down on their constituents (we’re trying to be generous here), they actually betrayed their constituents and their party by ceding power to the Republicans and their agenda. It also revealed how weak Senator Schumer is as Minority Leader. In response, national Indivisible has launched its largest 2026 primary program in the history of the organization.  The campaign calls on all Senate candidates who want support from Indivisible in their primary campaigns, to commit to calling for Senator Schumer to step down from leadership. See the full press release here.  

We would like to hear from all of you about what you think of this campaign. Does it change how you feel about some of the postcard campaigns we participated in, for instance the election campaigns of Jackie Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, both of whom were among the eight voting against their party? Does it impact how you might react to postcard campaigns in 2026 and beyond? You can post your comments on our Nextdoor group or Facebook page or just send them to us and we’ll compile them in a future newsletter.

Meanwhile, here are some events happening you might find interesting:

Sunday, November 23 • 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Thangs Taken: Rethinking Thanksgiving (IN PERSON)
Event flyer: On turquoise background, red medicine wheel and white letters that read THANGS TAKEN: Rethinking Thanksgiving and event details. Now in its 18th year, Thangs Taken continues to challenge and reshape the colonial “thanksgiving” narrative by centering Native resistance, rematriation, and collective healing through art, music, dance, ancestral knowledge, and storytelling. Guided by Indigenous organizers from Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, this annual gathering is both medicine and movement, creating space for truth-telling, reflection, and solidarity. Sliding scale tickets $15–$60. This event sells out every year, so get your ticket early.
Location:La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattack Ave, Berkeley
Friday, November 21 – Wednesday, November 26 • various times
Film Screening: Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk 
(IN PERSON)
A poster for the film featuring a still of Fatma smiling joyously in a video chat with her friend Sepideh, who holds up a peace sign. Join the Roxie for the release of the Cannes award-winning and Gotham-nominated documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, which offers an intimate, first-hand perspective on life under siege in Gaza, captured through video calls between director Sepideh Farsi and 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and poet Fatma Hassona. Combining raw immediacy with deep humanity, the film captures daily life during the ongoing war on Gaza through the eyes and unwaveringly optimistic presence of Fatma. It also now stands as a heartfelt memorial and final testament: Fatma and her family were tragically killed by a targeted airstrike one day after the film was announced as a selection of the Cannes Film Festival. Location: The Roxie, 3117 16th St, San Francisco
Thursday, December 4 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Know Your Rights Workshop (IN PERSON)
A photograph from a previous Know Your Rights training, featuring a presenter in front of a crowd of seated community members. Friends of La Peña Immigrant Rights Committee and East Bay Sanctuary Covenant invite you to a free community training that will cover how ICE operates and collects information and what to do during an ICE encounter. It will prepare advocates and allies to give urgently needed “Know Your Rights” information to community members. RSVP required.
Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley

Finally, National Week of Action for the Stanford 11 – The Stanford 11 are the first group of students in the nation to face trial for felony charges related to protesting the genocide in Gaza. During the week of November 17, we need your help raising the alarm and amping up pressure against Stanford and District Attorney Jeff Rosen! At stake is not merely the fate and future of 11 students, but fundamental rights central to any democratic society: the right to peacefully dissent, engage in civil discourse, and advocate for moral accountability without fear. Stanford’s cooperation with the DA’s aggressive actions appears driven less by considerations of justice than by external political pressures aimed at appeasing the Trump administration and safeguarding federal government funding. Learn more about the case and please sign the petition.

In Solidarity,

Barbara and Robin

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Resistance Through Persistence

IndivisibleKENSINGTON

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