Please join us for our 59th consecutive community rally to Defend Democracy in beautiful downtown Bethel at Shakedown Street Eats, 227 Greenwood Ave. While our overall theme is Defending Democracy, each week we pick a specific focus. On Saturday, April 18th, 11am - 12:30pm (90 min rally this week) our focus will be: Pete Seeger’s Walkabout Clearwater Chorus: Fundraiser for Danbury Unites for Immigrants Walkabout Clearwater Chorus was founded by Pete Seeger in 1984, to carry the message of the sloop Clearwater inland, where the boat could not go. "Voices Together for a Cleaner, Healthier, More Peaceful Environment" became their mission; they have performed at hundreds of rallies, festivals, coffeehouses, schools, senior centers and demonstrations. Their repertoire spans songs of protest, songs which celebrate diversity and empower the building and sustaining of community in these troubled times. They hope you will sing along with them. Ten members of the chorus will join us in Bethel as a fundraiser for Danbury Unites for Immigrants (DUFI). DUFI is the primary community group in Danbury Connecticut supporting immigrants in these turbulent times for all “from away” who now call our city home. They deliver knowledge, resources, and hands-on tools to navigate immigration enforcement and its challenges. Through workshops, legal clinics, and direct outreach, they strengthen families and build lasting resilience. Gina Romano, a long time member of DUFI will speak about what is happening in immigrant communities now and how you can help. See the full announcement with pictures here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ab6Dg8TEwShLfmXQ4bOnTmwdvfC6bg5fhTaCeNMAXY/edit?usp=drivesdk Never miss information about upcoming rallies by registering for our rally newsletter, bit.ly/BethelRalliesNewsletter (case sensitive). You can also provide feedback on what you'd like to see at future rallies. Questions and feedback are also always welcome anytime at: [email protected] Visit our website BethelRallies.org to find videos and pictures from our past rallies. Note: Rally is rain, snow or shine. Please bring your own lawn or camping chair. Approximate Rally Schedule: 11:00-11:15. Sign holding and chanting 11:15 - Noon Program Noon - 12:30 Sign holding and chanting 12:30pm Disperse Gypsy Gene kept one set of acrylic markers to bring to the rally. If you bring your umbrellas, you can decorate the black panels of your signbrellas! Food Pantry Requests: We collect for Bethel’s food pantry each week. All non-perishable items are greatly appreciated, but the food pantry especially needs: Cereal, Canned & dried fruit, coffee, toilet paper, laundry detergent in SMALL bottles. The pantry is also ready to receive Cardboard egg cartons only. We have tried to arrange the rallies so there is a little something for everyone: chanting, marching, themes with speakers, live music, fun trinkets, sign making. We appreciate every one of you that attends. Together we can voice our frustrations, build community, and also hopefully learn a little something from experts or your fellow neighbors' experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ❤️ Please park at one of the four public parking lots. We ask that you leave the limited street parking spots open so they are available for patrons of downtown businesses - but definitely enjoy our beautiful town’s restaurants and shops after the rally! Bring your voice, your spirit, and your friends. Let’s make change visible. 💥 Because the fight for democracy continues through all seasons. Thank you 😊 A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.