Never Give Up, Never Surrender

April check-in poll

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:27:32 GMT

Posted by: redbird

There were seven posts in the community in the last two months.

On February 3, rydra_wong posted a link to Naomi Kritzer's Bluesky thread about ways to donate and otherwise help people in Minneapolis, Springfield, OH, or wherever else ICE invades

On February 14, petra posted about public comments about gender-affirming care for minors

On February 20, lyr posted about [reporting GoFundMe pages that help the murderers of Renee Good and Alex Pretti]{https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/324071.html)

On February 28, chestnutpod posted about logging in Oregon's old growth forests

On March 7, sathari posted about a global women's general strike

On March 9, petra posted about mandatory conversion therapy for trans immates

On March 11, flamingsword posted about protecting LGBTQ kids from a proposed change in HHS policy

Please use this poll, or leave a comment, to let us know what you’ve been up to, or are planning.

View Poll: April check-in poll

As usual, you can comment on the pinned post or DM me if you want a tag added or other help with the community.

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protecting LGBTQ kids

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:33:19 GMT

Posted by: flamingsword

Because Biden told HHS that they couldn't stick kids with people who would make them more likely to be bullied into self harming, and Trump hates everything that Biden stands for including protecting kids from people like him, Trump is trying to stick LGBTQ kids with unsupportive "traditionally Christian" families. He's getting his stooge, RFK Jr., to propose scrapping protections for LGBTQ+ kids in foster care.

The Trumpist regime is trying to sneak another shortened comment period by us too quickly for people to protest. If you want to register a comment about how much these people hate children, etc, here is where to do so. And if you want to read the whole weasel-worded decision, you can do so here.

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Conversion therapy mandated for trans inmates in federal prisons

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:48:35 GMT

Posted by: petra

A friend let me know about a new Bureau of Prisons guideline for treatment of inmates with gender dysphoria, which you can read in its entirety here. The short form is that they're denying trans inmates gender-affirming care despite medical consensus, and substituting conversion therapy, which has been proven to be harmful and does not in any way "cure" gender dysphoria.

( My friend's letter, posted with permission )

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Global Women's General Strike

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:17:59 GMT

Posted by: sathari

On March 9, there's a global women's general strike--- more information on the range of activities can be found here. (I tagged for a lot of different types of actions, accordingly, but there may be more ways to participate that I didn't see.)

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Resist logging in Oregon's old-growth forests

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:46:48 GMT

Posted by: chestnut_pod

The BLM has announced a plan to log to the "maximum" in some of the last old-growth forests on the West Coast. A period of public comment is open.

Here is a long explainer on why these lands are important, and why the proposal is ineffective in its stated aim of fire-prevention and destructive to human communities and the whole surrounding ecosystem.

This is the project number: DOI-BLM-ORWA-0000-2026-0001-RMP-EIS

Here is the notice of intent.

Public comment is open for 26 more days.

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Reporting GoFundMe pages

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:41:47 GMT

Posted by: lyr

If you have a bit of time to spare, you can help Ultraviolet with the whack-a-mole fun of reporting GoFundMe pages trying to raise money for the killers of Pretti and Good in MN. I have been doing the reporting side of things, and there's just something soothing about watching the pages come down.

Here is a link to a round-up of the pages spotters have collected which handily also includes a link to instructions on how to report: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PqG-bKig3Z8BbHMN7HTrYwWrIoPkQbrM6QboRP_z4mg/edit?gid=86617038#gid=86617038

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Be Trans Kids' Valentine - Public comments on gender-affirmation bans

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 20:53:52 GMT

Posted by: petra

The public comment period is open until 2/17/26 on two regulations. One would prohibit use of public funds for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors, and the other would prohibit the use of Medicaid or CHIP funds for gender-affirming care for minors.

As people of conscience, we should speak out in defense of the young people who cannot vote against this.

Federal Register Comment Area 1 re: hospitals.

Federal Register Comment Area 2 re: Medicaid and CHIP.

I have a standing offer in my journal to write for people who make donations to food banks, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Stand With Minnesota. I am adding in a drabble or limerick per comment on these topics because it's urgent.

( My comments, for reference )

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Springfield, Ohio is up next

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:43:28 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

Via Naomi Kritzer on Bsky, this thread of ways to donate or volunteer:

https://bsky.app/profile/leeceelee.bsky.social/post/3mduanvydvs2q

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February check-in poll

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:16:33 GMT

Posted by: redbird

After a very quiet couple of months on this community, there were 16 posts in January. I’m not posting a round-up: this is a check-in poll, including space in the comments to discuss reither what you’ve done recently, or what you’re planning to do.

Also, I just noticed the comment from a month ago that we would probably need a Venezuela tag. If you need a tag added, please DM me.

View Poll: February check-in

As usual, you can comment on the pinned post or DM me if you want a tag added or other help with the community.

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Call your senators to oppose ICE funding

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:40:04 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

https://www.tumblr.com/leebrontide/806670334696767488/actually-im-gonna-disagree-a-smidge-with-ops

With magnificent advice if your senator is a Republican:

Actually, I’m gonna disagree a smidge with OPs excellent post here.

I ALSO want those of you in red states screaming at your Senators. And I want you to pretend to be a lifelong republican when you do it. Yell about community and what-about-the-children and “this isn’t what I voted for why are spending billions on this when eggs still cost a million dollars” and yell about shooting a mom on the way from school one week and a nurse who treats veterans the next. About kidnapping a little boy right off the school bus and disappearing him across state lines. About ICE harassing police and law abiding citizens. About how they kidnap 3000 with no warrant and almost all of them are citizens. Call ICE agents every variant of “thug” and “lawless” that you can think of. Tell them you saw the videos and know ICE is lying and think you’re all too stupid to notice. Say you don’t want your government smashing peoples windows and carrying people off and saying they don’t need warrants. About gassing a minivan full of kids and an infant in the hospital.

If they tell you it’s fake you tell them your aunt lives here and is seeing it and has given up the Republican Party forever.

Tell them you didn’t want to believe what those Democrats said about Republicans and feel mad and ashamed and betrayed to see this.

Cause even Republicans here are PISSED OFF.

And every Republican elected in MN knows their party is fuuuuucked as far as MN goes. You can see even many of them posting begging for this to be over.

Your job is to put that fear into YOUR Republicans before this comes to your door.

Remember, you can call after hours to leave a message, and you can email if the phone is too much.

Please encourage others to join you.

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H.Con.Res. 70 and S.Con.Res. 26 regarding Greenland

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:08:50 GMT

Posted by: aurumcalendula

House Concurrent Resolution 70 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 26 were introduced on January 15th by Representative Khanna (D - CA) and Senator Gallego (D - AZ).

I think it might be a good idea to ask congresspeople to support them.

https://congress.gov/bill/119-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/70

https://congress.gov/bill/119-congress/senate-concurrent-resolution/26

( the main text of both under the cut )

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How To Help If You Are Outside Minnesota

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:29:21 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

A post by Naomi Kritzer:

https://naomikritzer.com/2026/01/21/how-to-help-if-you-are-outside-minnesota/

This also has advice on how to start preparing for if and when this shit comes to your home state.

(If you are in Minnesota: https://naomikritzer.com/2026/01/19/how-to-help-twin-cities-residents/ )

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Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:03:54 GMT

Posted by: watersword

Democrats Successfully Strip All Anti-Trans Riders From Final Appropriations Bills.

Now would be a great time to tell your Democratic representatives that you saw the party protecting trans people, and that you approve and want them to keep doing that. If your reps are Republicans, I guess tell them to stop putting discriminatory clauses in the budget?

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Fandom Trumps Hate 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:16:55 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

Their calendar is here -- creator sign-ups open on the 26th Jan:

https://fandomtrumpshate.dreamwidth.org/53196.html

Their list of non-profits they're supporting is here:

https://fandomtrumpshate.dreamwidth.org/53468.html

(Mods, could we have a "fund-raising" tag please?)

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H.R. 7013 - Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:04:44 GMT

Posted by: aurumcalendula

H.R. 7013 (Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act) was introduced by Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) last week: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7013

It prohibits the use of Federal funding to facilitate the invasion, annexation, purchase, or other form of acquisition of Greenland.

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Robert Reich has talking points for calling your reps re: ICE and the DHS funding bill

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:56:48 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

(Yes this is the real Robert Reich, yes he has a Tumblr.)

https://www.tumblr.com/robertreich/805924550315524096/congress-is-now-considering-the-appropriations

Congress is now considering the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, whose funding runs out at the end of January.

Call your members of Congress and tell them to vote NO on any bill that increases ICE's funding.

Please demand that the DHS appropriations bill prohibit ICE and Border Patrol agents from carrying guns and that it unambiguously declare that agents do not have absolute immunity under the law if they harm civilians.

Also tell them that any bill must restrict ICE and Border Patrol’s ability to conduct dragnet arrest operations and target people based on their race, language or accent. And the bill must clarify that ICE agents are liable under civil and criminal law if they harm civilians.

Do this as soon as you can.

To reach your representative or senator, call the U.S. Congressional Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Tell them the state and city where you live. They will connect you to any member’s office.

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"I'm not in Minnesota -- what can I do to help?"

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:02:25 GMT

Posted by: rydra_wong

Naomi Kritzer has a good thread listing ideas.

Linking to the last skeet in the thread because the threading's broken otherwise:

https://bsky.app/profile/naomikritzer.bsky.social/post/3mcdamldccc23

Also here's a collection of links to local mutual aid funds, food banks, and other organizations doing work on the ground:

https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

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Constitutional rights - Red Cards

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:18:42 GMT

Posted by: otter

These cards can be ordered or printed on you own. They provide a summary of constitutional rights and a brief script to follow if/when needed.

You have constitutional rights:
• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is
knocking on the door.
• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an
immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the
right to remain silent.
• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a
lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are
free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of
your home, show the card through the window or slide it
under the door.
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions,
or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th
Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.
I do not give you permission to enter my home based
on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States
Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed
by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide
under the door.
I do not give you permission to search any of my
belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.
These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike

https://www.ilrc.org/redcards#print

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Venezuela

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:30:54 GMT

Posted by: aurumcalendula

It looks like there were two bills regarding Venezuela introduced yesterday:

H.Con.Res.68 - To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/68

and

S.3595 - A bill to prohibit the use of funds for the deployment of United States military or intelligence personnel in Venezuela for certain purposes.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3595

(I saw the AP mention that a war powers resolution to limit further attacks on Venezuela advanced in the Senate, but I'm unclear if that referred to either of these)

ETA (1/9/2026): I think this is the resolution mentioned by the AP:

S.J.Res.98 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/

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H.R. 1936 - No Invading Allies Act

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:22:11 GMT

Posted by: aurumcalendula

I also ran across H.R. 1936 (No Invading Allies Act) that was introduced by Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in March, and it sounds like it might be useful to contact Reps about: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1936

(the summary isn't up for some reason, but the full title is 'To prohibit funds for the Armed Forces to engage in operations to invade or seize territory from Canada, the Republic of Panama, or the self-governing territory of Greenland.')

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Greenland

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:38:20 GMT

Posted by: aurumcalendula

I just saw that Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of funds for military force or other hostilities against Greenland - I've been asking my senators to support it.

Press release: https://www.gallego.senate.gov/press-releases/gallego-introduces-amendment-to-block-military-force-against-greenland/

Text of amendment: https://www.gallego.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gallego_Greenland-Amendment.pdf

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Violation of Venezuelan Sovereignty

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:08:10 GMT

Posted by: fabrisse

There are no words for how angry I am. I have already contacted my representative and both Senators offices. I also called the office of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to request that she lead the charge on the Bill of Impeachment.

To my Senators I wrote:

The President of the United States and his Secretary of Defense have committed the ultimate crime: Aggression against another country. This violates the U.N. Charter. It also violates U.S. Law as only Congress has the power to declare war -- FDR brought the request to congress after Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, for instance -- and only Congress can commit the funds necessary.

This is an impeachable offense. It is a violation of our Constitution, a betrayal of the Declaration of Independence, and a bone deep offense to United States values. I hope that a motion to impeach the President will be brought forward in the House within the first week of the New Year. We cannot let our allies, both in NATO and other regions, believe that we support this unilateral violation of international law.
Should the Articles of Impeachment pass, I hope that you will help expedite the trial in the Senate for both the President and the Secretary of Defense. This is such a serious violation of all Articles of War, that justice must be served swiftly and decisively.

Thank you for your service to the country in the Senate.

To my representative, who has a tendency to follow the President over all cliffs, it was mostly the same:

The President of the United States and his Secretary of Defense have committed the ultimate crime: Aggression against another country. This violates the U.N. Charter. It also violates U.S. Law as only Congress has the power to declare war -- FDR brought the request to congress after Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, for instance -- and only Congress can commit the funds necessary.

This is an impeachable offense. It is a violation of our Constitution, a betrayal of the Declaration of Independence, and a bone deep offense to United States values. I hope that a motion to impeach the President will be brought forward in the House within the first week of the New Year. We cannot let our allies, both in NATO and other regions, believe that we support this unilateral violation of international law.

I expect you to vote in favor of the Bills of Impeachment for both the President and the Secretary of Defense.

Lack of support would show that you lack both honor and the Christian virtues you espouse.

I think we'll need a Venezuela tag.

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Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:01:50 GMT

Posted by: redbird

There were ten posts in the community in the past two months:

On Sept. 10, watersword posted about the Restore Trust in Congress Act:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/315708.html

On Sept. 13. toastykitten posted a link roundup about Palestine/Gaza awareness and possible actions.
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/316064.html

On Sept. 24, gingicat reminded people about 5 Calls dot Org, and suggested some calls for people in Massachusetts:

https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/316387

On Oct. 1, gingicat posted about the government shutdown:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/316542.html

On Oct. 2, I posted about a Boston Globe request for letters about anti-trans views of foster parents:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/316711.html

On Oct. 7, toastykitten asked people to call California Gov. Newsom about trans issues:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/317077.html

On Oct. 10, mxcatmoon posted about nonviolent resistance training:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/317190.html

On Oct. 21, gingicat posted about the What’s Next after No Kings livestream:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/317532.html

On Oct. 23, toastykitten posted updated links about Palestine/Gaza:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/317729.html

On Oct. 29, otter posted about a Minnesota Medicaid fraud investigation, noting that they weren’t sure what to ask, say, or do about it:

https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/318026.html

And on Nov. 2. toastykitten posted about a call to end arms sales to the United Arab Emirates:
https://thisfinecrew.dreamwidth.org/318426.html

Thanks to everyone who posted.

Here's a poll to tell us what you've been doing:

View Poll: November check-in

As always, everyone is free to make posts about any issues and actions they think the comm should know about. You can also drop information into a comment to our sticky post if you'd like the mods to do it.

If you're looking for information on anything else, you can use our tags to check for any ongoing actions or resources relevant to the issues you care about. I try to keep the tag list up-to-date. If you need a tag added, you can DM me.

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End arms sales to UAE

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:08:31 GMT

Posted by: toastykitten

US urged to end arms sales to UAE as it backs genocidal paramilitary in Sudan.

Sen Chris Van Hollen and Rep Sarah Jacobs have reintroduced the Stand Up for Sudan Act - which would prohibit U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until the UAE is no longer providing material support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

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Minnesota fraud investigation

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 23:27:57 GMT

Posted by: otter

I'm not even sure what to ask, say, or do about this.

I have services from an ARMHS worker and provide services via IHS and PCA. It's about half of my monthly income.

"The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, which represents 200 organizations that provide disability services, said pausing payments for the Medicaid programs could “destabilize an already fragile care network.”

“Pausing payments to legitimate providers for up to 90 days is not an accountability measure, it’s an existential threat to the care infrastructure that keeps Minnesotans with disabilities safe, housed and supported in their community,” ARRM CEO Sue Schettle said in a statement.

Among the 14 affected programs: Integrated Community Supports, Nonemergency Medical Transportation, Peer Recovery Services, Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services, Adult Day Services, Personal Care Assistance/Community First Services and Supports, Recuperative Care, Individualized Home Supports, Adult Companion Services, Night Supervision, Assertive Community Treatment and Intensive Residential Treatment Services.

https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walz-pauses-payments-for-14-high-risk-medicaid-programs/

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