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Thank you, truly, deeply, to every single one of you who showed up for our No Kings 3 rally on Saturday. There are moments when you look out and feel something bigger than yourself, and Saturday was one of those moments. Thousands of people, right here in Snohomish County, standing together… it was powerful, and it was deeply moving. I felt so much pride. And so much gratitude. Because that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of you. To our speakers, our Admin Team, our organizers, our volunteers, our sound crew, and to Paula, whose steady presence continues to hold so much of this together, thank you doesn’t feel like enough. Your care, your time, and your belief in this work made this day possible. And to everyone who came, who stood shoulder to shoulder, who chose to be part of this, please know this: Your presence mattered more than you may realize. You were part of something real. Something that is growing. What we witnessed wasn’t just a gathering. It was a reminder of who we are: Every time they escalate, we go higher. Every time they try to silence us, we get louder. Every time they try to divide us, we show up together. That’s not just a message. That’s who we are becoming, with love and hope, together. And this rally was not the end. It wasn’t even the peak. It was the beginning. The work continues, in our communities, in our organizing, and at the ballot box. But what I carry with me from Saturday is this: We are not alone. We are not powerless. And we are not going anywhere. Thank you for standing in this moment. Thank you for being part of this movement. And thank you for showing, so clearly, what people power looks like. With love and deep appreciation, – Anita Dietrich, Founder/Director, Snohomish County Indivisible
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“Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible… It may be tempting for some to compromise with power, and grab what you can, or even for good people to maybe just put your head down and wait for the storm to pass.
But Jackson’s life inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope… Wherever we have a chance to make an impact, whether it’s in our school or our workplaces or our neighborhoods or our cities, not for fame, not for glory, or because success is guaranteed, but because it gives our life purpose, because it aligns with what our faith tells us God demands, and because if we don’t step up, no one else will.”
– Remarks in memory of
the Rev. Jesse Jackson:
Barack Obama,
44th President of The United States
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Refuse Fascism Fridays —
Americans Against Oligarchy! Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Join us for sign waving at locations throughout Snohomish County: Everett, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Marysville, Snohomish, Arlington. Unofficial locations: Tulalip, Lake Stevens, Stanwood, NEW Smokey Point! > See Locations
Weekly Warm-up Sign Waving
Mondays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Historic Soapbox Corner (Hewitt & Wetmore Avenues) in downtown Everett.
Join a small but mighty group with signs, flags, and music near the Snohomish County Republican Party office.
Sunday, April 12: Connection Meeting
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St, Everett
This meeting will give you a chance to connect with your fellow protestors and SCI members!
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day Sign Waving
4:30 – 6:00 pm
38th St & Broadway, Everett
Join our Climate and Environment Focus Group on Earth Day to show your love and dedication for the only home we have!
Sunday, April 26: General Meeting
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Special viewing of the 30-minute documentary, We Mean to Make Things Over: A History of May Day followed by a discussion of the true meaning and significance of May Day.
We’ll explore why May Day holds such an important place in labor history, why it carries deeper meaning for many than Labor Day, and why the holiday officially recognized in the United States became Labor Day instead. We’ll follow the film with a group discussion and begin to see the reasons why history still echoes in the present moment.
Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St, Everett
Social time with snacks 2:30 – 3:00 pm, with the meeting beginning at 3:00.
Friday, May 1: May Day Rally and General Strike
Save the date — more details to come! A general strike means no work, no school, no shopping. Major labor unions have already signed on. The whole country is being asked to stop — together — for one day.
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| Meet the Overpass Outlaws, an unofficial Refuse Fascism Friday group that’s been meeting on the I-5 overpass at the 88th Street exit in Marysville since July 4, 2025. When the larger NSCI group moved to downtown Marysville, Karen Boldra and Mike Christian stayed put. Karen calls them a “a tight little team” that sometimes swells to 15 people. The team has added some 10-foot banners over the year and Karen says they never miss a Friday, even Mike who drives from Oak Harbor! |
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A plethora of helpful handouts for supporting immigrants and opposing ICE
(Inset) Bob Bleiler and co-presenter Sarah present information on hyperlocal immigrant support groups. |
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April 22nd Meeting: Protecting our Immigrant Neighbors |
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The headline of the March 18th edition of The Daily Herald read, “ICE arrests in Snohomish County on the rise.” The SCI General Meeting on March 22 was all about helping immigrant neighbors under attack, from reporting ICE activity to delivering hot meals and even assisting with children’s passport fees.
Bob Bleiler, Snohomish County Independent Immigration Activist, led the Actionable Advocacy – Snohomish County program that focused on the critical importance of hyperlocal groups — people who know the community well. Bob says the Mountlake Terrace Rapid Response & Immigrant Advocacy group is the poster child for what is also going on with hyperlocal groups in Everett, Bothell, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and Edmonds.
Bob recommends rapid response training, even if you aren’t on the front line, “Role play is helpful — you never know how you’ll react when confronted by ICE.” But there are other ways to help: delivering hot food to day laborers waiting for jobs in the Home Depot parking lot, forging alliances with local businesses, and becoming educated about immigrant rights, to name a few.
 Speaker Justice Wells of the Everett hyperlocal group provided a VIDEO acronym to follow if you are accidentally on the scene of an ICE abduction (see photo). And a presentation by Dr. Ileana Ponce-Gonzales M.D. MPH and her husband Michael Parchman of Community Health Worker Coalition (CHW) for Migrants and Refugees highlighted the inspiring work of the Wings to Freedom Project, a program that helps cover passport fees for U.S. children in mixed-status families.
Meeting participants came away knowing there is much work to be done — and many ways to help. If you want more information or want to become involved, contact Bob Bleiler at [email protected].
ACTION: Review the program presentations for Actionable Advocacy – Snohomish County (PDF) and Wings to Freedom (PDF). |
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(Left) Dr. Ileana Ponce-Gonzales M.D. MPH and her husband Michael Parchman of Community Health Worker Coalition (CHW) for Migrants and Refugees
(Right) Mountlake Terrace Immigrant Advocacy & Rapid Response team: Jan, Jim, and Sarah.
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Another Way to Help: Fostering Pets! |
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What happens to cats and dogs left behind when families are taken by ICE? Pastor Gail Rautmann of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lynnwood who “has a heart for helping pets in need” first heard about the situation from a sister in Minneapolis — people being detained by ICE were having to abandon their pets.
She said it made her curious about what was happening with pets in Snohomish County. She spoke to three area shelters: PAWS, Seattle Humane Society, and Beck’s Place — each was aware of the situation. There are plans for fostering pets of families in crisis (sudden homelessness for example), however the shelters generally require family permission first, which may not be possible in ICE situations.
So, having a list of people who have the heart, the time, and a comfortable home to share with a foster pet if the need arises is a positive solution to a heartbreaking situation. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Pastor Gail with subject line: Fostering Pets. |
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March 8th Connection Meeting: Safety and the Art of De-escalation |
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“How many of you are worried about your safety at SCI rallies?” asked Anita Dietrich, SCI Founder/Director. A surprising few in the audience raised their hands, but all understood the significance of the question. It is smart to be prepared.
In light of that, the video and training about staying safe began with advice from an attorney to SHUT UP. The less you say the better. However, it was noted that if you intend to exercise your Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent, you first must make that very clear. Other advice included to go with a buddy, disable your cell phone settings, and know that you have a right to record what’s going on.
The second half of the meeting focused on what to do if you find yourself in a confrontation. The advice? Take a deep breath and assume an open, relaxed posture — keep your voice and body “low and slow.”
ACTION:
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No Kings 3 Crowds Are the Largest Yet! |
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The weather cooperated beautifully on the third No Kings Day in Snohomish County, where more than 7,500 people in Bothell, Tulalip, Snohomish, Marysville, Darrington, Monroe, Oso, Stanwood and more showed up to fight for democracy. Meanwhile in Everett, 7,000 to 8,000 people gathered on Rockefeller Avenue — many with creative signs and costumes — to tell the world we will never give in and we will never give up.
From the rousing music of environmental troubadour Dana Lyons, who led the audience in a sing along of his well-known fight song Cows with Guns, to an introduction from SCI Founder/Director Anita Dietrich who said, “Movements like this, people-led, nonviolent, are how change has always happened,” the day got off to a high-energy start.
There were hopeful words from inspiring speakers: U.S. Representative Suzan Del Bene, promised, “We will take back the House of Representatives” and Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti asked the audience if they were ready to stay united and fight like hell — the answer was a resounding “YES!”
State Senator Marko Liias said, “We are the people … who have to fight for our country at this moment,” while Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers noted, “Our common ground is bigger than the things that divide us.” Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin asked the crowd to “Stand up, show up, support local businesses, especially migrant-owned — they need you right now.” David Montes, Washington ACLU attorney; Karen Crowley, President of Washington State League of Women Voters; and Snohomish County Councilmember Megan Dunn also spoke with passion about showing up and letting our voices be heard.
Indivisible Leadership Team member and veteran Chris Glans paid tribute to veterans, and families of veterans and ended by saying, “I believe that the United States…must continue to be a beacon of light for the world.” On that uplifting note, thousands took to the streets of Everett, lining Broadway for nearly 20 blocks, waving, chanting, and receiving hundreds of honks and waves in return!
ACTION: Watch the video of our inspiring speakers at No Kings 3 Day.
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| The first protest at this location in Arlington, the No Kings 3 event was spearheaded by Katie, a veteran — there were many veterans in the crowd. A Vietnam war veteran wearing a Frank Zappa for President T-shirt said the protest brought back memories, so he wore his shirt bought at the height of Zappa’s career (there were holes in front!). Katie thanked all the protesters for coming, especially two veterans with an anti-fa sign who did not even know her. Several protesters carried two or more signs when one was too small to convey their feelings. |
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| Sky Valley Indivisible in Monroe is led by Jared, who helped increase their numbers to 130. Surprisingly, this small group mustered more than 800 people to attend the No Kings 3 rally. Ready-made signs were available for the attendees, but were almost gone an hour into the event! The crowd was a nice mix that reflected America’s diversity … very young kids shy about showing their faces, a band, a Pinocchio, some chickens, the regular old timers, veterans, and LGBTQ+ people. |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Why Cass Roy Keeps Fighting |
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 Cass Roy joined SCI in March 2025 and quickly became indispensable. Now serving as both Communications Manager and Admin Team Lead, she’s the steady force behind countless meetings, messages, and mobilizations.
Her motivation to volunteer is deeply personal: “My kids are targets of this administration, and I could never live with myself if I sat around and did nothing,” she explained. “My only real choice is to fight.”
Cass chose to volunteer with SCI because she recognized the determination in its leaders who kept showing up through years of low event turnout before the explosion in attendance that 2025 brought. That tenacity convinced her these were the people she wanted to share her energy with and who she wanted standing with her.
Even though Cass is ever-present in SCI’s efforts, she wants others to know she does the work simply because it must be done. “I’m not stronger, smarter, or braver than anyone else,” she said. “Average people who think they can’t help are the only ones who can. It’s on all of us.”
You may see Cass wearing a pin that captures her spirit. It reads: “I can’t do this, but I’m doing it anyway.” |
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A Chat with Our Elected Officials: Jason Cummings |
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 “SHOW ME THE MONEY.” That's what Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Jason Cummings is finding himself having to say more and more to the Washington State Legislature. Unfortunately, it's a plea being made by government officials all across the state.
Jason says lack of necessary funding hangs heavy over his office's ability to provide all the services necessary for the county. Mental health is one area where lack of funding raises its ugly head. Both homelessness and drug offenses are affected by not being able to properly treat citizens who need help getting out of the downward spiral of mental health difficulties. He also says his office must ensure that both sides of any criminal case, be it the victim or alleged perpetrator, be properly served so true justice prevails.
Jason says it all keeps him busy but he gets great satisfaction knowing he is constantly working to make Snohomish County a better place for its inhabitants to live. So, state legislature, please SHOW HIM THE MONEY! |
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LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team Helps Raise Trans Awareness |
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In recognition of International Trans Day of Visibility on March 31st, the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team helped raise awareness and encourage attendance at Indivisible’s Take Action virtual training on March 30th to deepen understanding of the systemic oppression and violence facing gender-diverse people. Held in partnership with Advocates for Trans Equality and Parents of Trans Youth, the training covered how to practice accountable allyship and inclusive leadership that centers trans voices.
The team would like to thank those who called or signed “PRO” for Senate Bill 6081 to ensure the privacy of sensitive gender-change information in our state records. The bill became immediately effective on March 16th and will help protect gender-diverse people from harassment, stalking, and forced outing. |
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Reclaim Our Vote Wraps Up Primary Campaign |
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The Reclaim Our Vote postcard campaigns for Wisconsin and Virginia wrapped up for this primary season.
The final numbers:
- Volunteer writers: 58 of 105 contacts signed up
- Postcard parties: 12 hosted
- Postcards: 3,960 requested!
- Postage: 690 stamps
This was a fantastic campaign with many people helping to make it a success! Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Race election was on April 7 and Virginia's redistricting special election is on April 21.
The next campaign for the MIDTERMS will begin in late July or early August. Watch for an e-mail!
ACTION:
- Interested in writing to fellow voters? Follow this link to learn more AND add your name to the postcard interest list.
- Don’t have the time to write, BUT interested in helping with postage? Sign up here.
- You can also e-mail Jarucia for more information!
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North Sno County Team Writes 500 Postcards! |
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On Sunday, March 29, 29 member-volunteers gathered at the Marysville Library to write 500 postcards to voters in key districts in North Carolina.
North Snohomish County Indivisible organizer Suzanne Grove also gave a No Kings 3 recap. In addition to offering messages of affirmation, she gave next steps. In her “How to Meet the Moment” presentation, she stressed donating, volunteering, mutual aid, library support, and local participation. She also urged each participant to bring friends to events like Refuse Fascism Fridays.
Meanwhile, each handwritten postcard offered voters a tiny hit of truth in a sea of misinformation: Trump's tariffs hike prices when families are already struggling with healthcare, housing, and childcare.
Fact-based postcard campaigns like these have been proven to help get out the vote in key districts in the past, and to change the course of elections.
ACTION: Want to help? The next North Snohomish County Indivisible postcard campaign will launch on May 11. For more information, e-mail Suzanne Grove. |
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Environmental tip of the month: Lesson of Earth Day |
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Get the Facts!
Don’t be fooled by questionable sources. The Media Bias Fact Check allows you to search and learn the bias of news media using a database of more than 9,000 trusted media sources, journalists, and politicians. |
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CREDITS Many thanks to the talented volunteers without whom this newsletter would not exist!
Editor: Betsy Case | Writers: Aurel Aquino, Chris Kirschner, Natalie Raines, Brian Saulsman, Richard Swanson, Amber Cash, and Devan Hudson | Technical assistance: Cass Roy | Production: Emily Walker | Graphic designer: Katrina Lyon
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SUBMIT A STORY IDEA
Do you have a great story idea or know a volunteer who deserves recognition? This is your newsletter — let us know what you want to read about!
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MISSION STATEMENT As part of a national grassroots movement of Indivisible groups, we are dedicated to electing progressive leaders who embody our values and work toward the passage of legislation that reflects those principles. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to building and strengthening partnerships with like-minded activist groups across Snohomish County that reflect our shared values.
We advocate for the implementation of bold progressive policies, striving to ensure a strong democracy. We achieve this by organizing efforts to amplify our voices to elected officials, ensuring that our democracy is free from local and national policies or legislation that marginalizes the vulnerable and undermines our health and well-being. We are committed to promoting equality, fairness, and justice for all through education and activism.
Revised Voted and Adopted: August 2025
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Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22nd. Ten percent of Americans participated in 
