October 7, 2025
The Weekly Briefing
Hi All,
Our country is now in a government shutdown for the 7th day. Most Democrats are holding firm to secure a permanent ACA subsidy extension to keep millions of Americans insured and prevent premiums from skyrocketing for everyone else; to reverse Medicaid cuts that keep low-income Americans covered and rural hospitals open; to ensure appropriated funds aren’t canceled; and to maintain funding for lawmakers’ security. Who is supporting this budget? Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Angus King (Maine) and yes, John Fetterman (Pa.).
The messaging for the government shutdown from the right has been interesting to say the least. They are speaking from “both sides of their mouths”. Have you ever heard this saying before? It means “to say different, often contradictory, things to different people about the same topic, usually to be dishonest, manipulative, or to please multiple audiences”. The slash-and-burn rhetoric has been closeted, their talking points on the shutdown now sounds more like the left.
More threats of military and reserve force “operations” within our own cities are deeply concerning. Court orders to halt these actions are being openly defied. Thankfully, the governors of Oregon and Illinois are standing firm against these incursions and pushing back with everything they have. We should recognize and thank leaders who are defending the Constitution and doing what’s right — because not everyone does. For example, Apple was reportedly asked to remove the ICEBlock app, and Google voluntarily took it off its platform, preventing people from downloading it. Personally, I find that unacceptable and canceled my subscription to Apple.
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.
The measure of a democracy isn’t how it treats its powerful, but how its people stand when fear is used against them.
No Kings: Posters: Join us to create posters for the upcoming No Kings 2 rally on October 18 and make sure your message is seen! Sunday, 2 - 4:30 PM. Sign up for more details.
NO KINGS RALLY 2: In America, we don’t tolerate would-be kings that don’t respect our Constitutional Rights nor is inclusive to all citizens of the United States. This 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.
Save Our Democracy: Join INDIVISIBLE Chester County and Savesocialsecurity.net to stand against the Erosion of our Constitutional Rights and Government Services. Let’s not be silent, Let’s be LOUD, let’s take a stand every Wednesday at 4 - 5 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.
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.
ONE MILLION RISING: On October 8, at 8pm ET/5pm PT, we’re going to talk about the Courage Collectives! We’ll build on how to organize around the real sources of power in our communities: schools, churches, the military, and more. These are the pillars that uphold harmful systems, and we’re going to organize around them in bold, strategic ways.
You’ll also get a quick training on power mapping, which is a tried and true method you can use to figure out where power really lives, and how people and institutions are connected, so that you can challenge and shift power effectively.
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.
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! Every Saturday, 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
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
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.
SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY: Support immigrants in our community - calling all ICC members interested in canvassing local businesses to show solidarity with immigrants. We provide you with the materials and instructions you need. Form your own local group to canvass together or reach out to us if you’d like to join a canvassing effort through our mutual aid group! Contact Regan at reganschoeler@gmail.com
SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY: Support immigrants in our community - calling all ICC members interested in canvassing local businesses to show solidarity with immigrants. We provide you with the materials and instructions you need. Form your own local group to canvass together or reach out to us if you’d like to join a canvassing effort through our mutual aid group! Contact Regan at reganschoeler@gmail.com
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
ACLU: Know Your Rights
Municipal Election, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025: Row Offices and Judges. Retention of the Supreme Court Judges is important for PA. Do You have a plan to vote? Do you know someone who needs help or a ride? Every polling place is open 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
What do you know about Russell Vought? He is an architect of Project 2025 and currently serves as the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB controls the purse strings of the U.S. government and is the largest office within the Executive Office of the President, responsible for implementing the president’s agenda across the executive branch. Video
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
Voter Registration/Changes/Information
CALLS TO ACTION (CTA) Submissions
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.