September 30, 2025
The Weekly Briefing
Hi All,
Every day seems to bring something new in the news and not in a good way. Many of the current policies and actions are designed to create fear and foster the sense that nothing can be done, that everything is out of our control. It’s disheartening at times, but there is still plenty we can do.
Keep calling your representatives and making your voice heard. If enough of us are calling, writing, emailing, and showing up at events, our collective voices will form a chorus that cannot be ignored. Just as importantly, keep an eye out for your community and neighbors who may be in need. This is a time to stand together.
CHESTER COUNTY CARES: Dismantling our safety nets is hurting people and it will continue to get worse. Stepping up for one another is part of being an American. Let’s build the America we want: one rooted in empathy, respect, care, and mutual aid. Protests matter, but survival requires more because food insecurity is real. If you want to connect, support, and show up for our communities, donate or volunteer at your local food bank. We are always stronger together! See Take Action for more infomation.
NO KINGS RALLY 2: In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon.
Ballot Drop Off Tailgate Party Make your vote count and celebrate democracy with us! Swing by to drop off your mail-in ballot and then stop for our tailgate celebration. Bring your friends, bring your ballot, and let’s make voting a community celebration! Please note: Date and times may change based on official ballot drop-off schedules announced by Voter Services. Saturday, October 25, 1-4:00 PM, 601 Westtown Road RSVP HERE.
Join INDIVISIBLE Chester County and Savesocialsecurity.net to object to the Taking of our Rights and Services and Silencing of Americans. Let’s not be silent, let’s take a stand every Wednesday at 4 PM in front of the SS Office in West Chester
RSVP for location and more info
OTHER EVENTS
Weekly Peaceful Protest in Kennett Square, Corner of S Union Street and State Street, Join on Saturday, 4-5 PM, No RSVP Required.
Committee of Seventy Candidate Forum: Judges for Pennsylvania Commonwealth & Superior Court: The Committee of Seventy, along with Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, invites you to participate in a virtual candidate forum for Superior Court of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. September 30, 2025 at 7:00pm, Virtual. More information and RSVP.
Promote the Vote PA: Grab your favorite beverage, a comfy seat and head back to basics to gain a better understanding of the country we are & aspire to be. We’ll be joined by expert speakers who will take you from square one for a COURTS CRASH COURSE with Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, Esq. October 1, 7-8PM, virtual. RSVP HERE..
ACLU - Safety Training: Know your Rights and De-escalation Training. This training will give you the tools to take action safely, confidently, and with key de-escalation strategies in hand.
Meet the Candidates: Chester County Row Office candidates and PA judicial candidates hosted by Way Forward and Chester County Marching Forward.
Wednesday Oct. 8, 6:30 PM at Beth Israel Synagogue of Chester County, 385 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs, PA 19425
We will be joined by Chester County Row Office candidates: Caroline Bradley, CC Clerk of Courts, Alex Christy, CC Prothonotary, Nick Cherubino, CC Controller, and Sophia Garcia Jackson, CC Coroner
and PA judicial candidates: Mackenzie Smith, Court of Common Pleas, Clay Cauley, Court of Common Pleas, and Stella Tsai, Commonwealth Court.
Every Monday at Noon -- Join our friends at Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW for Monday’s at McCormick’s, in front of Senator McCormick’s office at 20th and Market Streets.
Takedown, DEVON: Every Saturday, 11:00am-12pm, 470 Lancaster Ave, Devon More Info
Takedown, West Chester: Join us for the West Chester takedown: People over Billionaires! Saturday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.- noon. We meet in front of the Tesla dealership at 1568 West Chester Pike, 19382 (at the intersection with route 352). Parking available at the closed RiteAid across the road. Please bring signs and water!
Take Action
Vote No on the Funding Bill: Democratic leaders have pledged not to vote for a partisan funding deal that continues Trump’s healthcare cuts. But any deal to protect healthcare must also stop the Trump regime’s illegal misuse and weaponization of government funding and resources -- and some Senate Democrats still seem willing to surrender. Call or Email your Democratic senator(s) to express the importance that Dems keep calling on Schumer to ensure Trump isn’t handed blank checks. John Fetterman (D): DC (202) 224-4254, Philly (215) 251-1090. Calling Senator McCormck just keeps the pressure on, Dave McCormick (R): DC 202-224-6324, Philly, (215) 405-9660
Patriotic Education? The Department of Education wants to make “patriotic education” a priority sending federal dollars toward groups that push a government-approved version of history. This wouldn’t just affect schools. Museums, nonprofits, and civic organizations could all be pressured to teach propaganda instead of the full truth. Tell the Department of Education that we don’t want our tax dollars funding propaganda. Submit a public comment now
Call the County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz voting in favor of creating a County Human Relations Commission. You can reach their office at (610) 344-6100.
Be a POLL WORKER: Be a poll worker at your polling place but know that some polling places often face a shortage of volunteers and may need your help. On the application, there is an option to indicate if you are willing to travel to work at another location. Helping out communities in need of poll workers is an important way to ensure elections run smoothly for all voters. Be a POLL WORKER
Help win Virginia by signing up for Virginia Phonebanks Thursdays: 6:30pm ET/3:30pm ET - 8:00pm ET/ 5:00pm PT. Note: There will be a phonebank this Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30pm ET, but afterwards, phonebanks will be held on Thursdays until October 18.
Chester County Cares/Local Food Banks: The recent decision to end the annual food insecurity survey will make it harder to measure the impact of cuts to nutrition programs like food stamps. But we don’t need a report to see the reality: these cuts are already having devastating impacts on our neighbors.
To help meet the growing need, our mutual aid team has set up food collection boxes at the LIbraries listed below. Please consider donating. Every contribution helps our local food banks support families in crisis. Check here for a list of needs or choose to Donate.
Exton: 450 Exton Square Pkwy, Exton, PA 19341
Kennett Square: 320 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Malvern (after Oct 1): 1 E 1st Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355
West Chester (After Oct 1): 415 N Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Spring City: 245 Broad Street, Spring City, PA 19475
Tredyffrin: 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford-Wayne, PA 19087
**YOU CAN ALSO DROP FOOD DONATIONS OFF AT OUR NO KINGS RALLY ON 18 OCTOBER**
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Things to Know
Curious about the current status of the reconciliation bill to keep the government open? Heather Cox Richarson has a good update and explanation. Government Shutdown and why it matters/explainer.
Municiple Election, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025: Row Offices and Judges. Do You have a plan to vote? Do you know someone who needs help or a ride? The polls are open every from 7 AM to 8 PM and if you are in line by 8 PM, you can vote. You can find voting information at Chesco.org/156/votere-services or https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote.
SAMPLE BALLOT (Use you finder and put in your polling location, name or # or just scroll)
Find Out about being a POLL WORKER Note: Some polling places often face a shortage of volunteers. On the application, there is an option to indicate if you are willing to travel to work at another location. Helping out communities in need of poll workers is an important way to ensure elections run smoothly for all voters.
Nov. 4, 2025, is the Municipal Election, open 7 AM - 8 PM
Last day to register to vote: Oct. 20, 2025
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: Oct. 28, 2025
Learn about Municipal Elections
Project 2025 was in the works by the Heritage Foundation for years and is based on interpretation of conservative theology. There is a minority group that is in charge of our nation today and regardless of your religion there should be concern. Although it is not branded as christian nationalism, below are some terms that is clearly outlined in the project and you might have heard or recognized lately.
Christian Nationalists: A political ideology that seeks to merge American and Christian identities, asserting that America was founded as a Christian nation and that the government should take steps to keep it that way. This is distinct from Christianity itself, which is a global religion. Key aspects are: A specific vision for the country: Proponents believe the U.S. has a divinely ordained, exceptional place in the world and that its laws should be based on a particular interpretation of Christian teachings. Emphasis on hierarchy: It often includes a strong view of social hierarchy, which can include race and gender roles. Distrust of pluralism: Christian nationalists can be suspicious of religious freedom for other faiths, focusing instead on protecting and promoting Christianity within the U.S.. Political goals: The ideology can drive policy goals related to social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and has been linked to anti-democratic rhetoric.
The Seven Mountain Mandate is a far-right Christian nationalist movement that calls on adherents to take control of seven key areas of society to “reclaim” them for God that are religion, family, education, business, government/military, media, and arts and entertainment.
Chester County Members of Congress (MoC):
John Fetterman (D): DC (202) 224-4254, Philly (215) 251-1090, WEBSITE
Dave McCormick (R): DC 202-224-6324, Philly, (215) 405-9660, WEBSITE
Chrissy Houlahan (D): DC 202-225-4315, West Chester (610) 883-5050, WEBSITE
We are Stronger Together,
The INDIVISIBLE Chester County Team
Take Action, Build Community, Create Change
by Tom Weisshar, professional photographer, One More Shot
Fact-checking websites - FactCheck.org or PolitiFact: Non-partisan fact-checking sites to verify specific claims and reduce the spread of misinformation.
HELPFUL LINKS
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Indivisible Chester County (ICC) is a people-powered movement that believes in democracy want a voice in politics. Our mission is to defeat the Trump agenda, elect progressive leaders, and realize bold progressive policies.