Please join your neighbors and friends for the 30th consecutive community rally to Defend Democracy in beautiful downtown Bethel. While the overall theme is Defending Democracy, each week there is a specific focus. On Saturday September 27th, 11am -12:30pm, the focus will be: Resistance is NOT Futile “Resistance is futile!” That classic quote from Star Trek could not be farther from the truth! Unless maybe you’re a Borg… “The insight is that we do what is possible—the next right thing. I tell them what Susan B. Anthony’s grandniece said. Also named Susan B. Anthony, she told her therapy clients that in very hard times, we remember to remember. Remember that the light always returns. Remember earlier dark nights of the soul, for ourselves, our families and our nation, when we fell in holes way too deep to ever get out of. Remember the Greensboro sit-ins and the march from Selma to Montgomery, the 2017 Women’s March, the coronavirus vaccine. Remember how in the desert, down by the arroyo, you’ll find dubious patches of pale green, maybe a random desert lily and, impossibly, baby leaves.” - Ann Lamott John Lennon said, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, it's not the end.” Come meet our great speakers this week: At this rally, professor Golda will be speaking about the pervasive propaganda techniques that are seeking to divide our nation and how we can be more aware and fight against them. Michelle will introduce us to Self-Care for Resisters. Here is a sample of techniques for self care: . Take a Breathe..🧘‍♀️ . Try a Smoothie . The Sky’s the Limit . 5 Finger Technique . Grounding/Nature 🌳 . Shake it Off . Heartfelt ❤️ Greg J. Golda Gregory J. Golda is a Clinical Instructor in the School of Communication, Media & the Arts at Sacred Heart University, where he has taught since 1999. He earned his M.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Digital Media Production from Sacred Heart University (2019), his M.Ed. in Art Education from Penn State (1998), and his B.A. from Buffalo State College (1997). Golda teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in multimedia production, television, and media theory, with an emphasis on project-based learning, creativity, and the ethical use of technology. His research and teaching interests include technological democratization, media literacy, and the relationship between media and democracy. Beyond the classroom, Golda is an active media producer and founder of Construkt Media Studios. His recent work includes Future Focus, the Media Arts eXhibition (The MAX), and numerous collaborations with artists and musicians across Connecticut. His most recent public appearance was as a guest of CT State Senator Saud Anwar, discussing media literacy initiatives for K–12 schools on CT-N.com. Michelle Martinez Michelle leads mindfulness classes in New Milford. She is a retired educator with 35+ years as a teacher. Lenny Levine (musician) The talented and accomplished Lenny Levine will be our musician this week. Lenny attended Brooklyn College, graduating in 1962 with a BA in Speech and Theater. Immediately thereafter, he forgot about all of that and became a folk singer, then a folk-rock singer and songwriter, and finally a studio singer and composer of many successful jingles, including McDonald’s, Lipton Tea, and Jeep. He has composed songs and sung backup for Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Peggy Lee, Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, the Pointer Sisters, Carly Simon, and others. In addition, he performed for a number of years with the improvisational comedy group War Babies. His work has been widely published in literary magazines and journals. He received a Pushcart Prize nomination for short fiction. His mystery novels Diehard Fan and Death in the Jingle Jungle are available in print, Nook, and Kindle on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. His website is lennylevinewriter.com. The rally is non-partisan. What this means is that like-minded people from diverse backgrounds are participating and are vital to our rallies. Defending Democracy crosses party lines: we have registered Republicans, Unaffiliated, Democrats, and non-voters, all coming together to fight for the rights of “We the People” to determine the type of society we want to live in. 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 BethelRallies.org to find videos and pictures from past rallies. A sign-making table and an information table will also be available. Note: Rally is rain or shine. There are 2 small benches at the square and we will have a limited number of camping chairs. Please bring your own lawn or camping chair. Approximate Rally Schedule: 11:00 - 11:15 Assemble and rally at curb (You are welcome to arrive prior to 11:00 for extra curb time) 11:15 - 11:45 Program 11:45 - Noon Rally at curb with chant leader Noon - 12:20 March with chant leader 12:20 Closing Song 12:30 Disperse We collect for Bethel’s food pantry each week. All non-perishable items are greatly appreciated, but the food pantry especially needs: oatmeal, tea, soup, instant mashed potatoes, baking mixes, and any jam/jelly flavor other than grape. The pantry also requests clean empty egg cartons (any style). We ask that attendees refrain from sign holding or chanting at the curb during the speaking portion of the rally. We want to be sure everyone can hear the speakers, who are often discussing serious and sensitive topics. We are sharing a small square so we need your help to make the rallies comfortable for everyone. 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. The lot that is closest to the rally location, PT Barnum Square, is behind the municipal center. 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.