July 2026 | Volume 13

Presenters Cass Roy, SCI Communications Manager and Admin Team Lead; Robin McGee, Chair of Snohomish County Democrats; Jarucia Jaycox Nirula who spearheads the SCI postcard campaign; and Paula Townsell, SCI Deputy Director, explained to the audience of about 50 how the many different local governmental boards, agencies, and elected officials influence how our government functions on a daily basis. 

It is time for Democrats to become active in shaping local politics, characterized by one speaker as “the backbone” of an effective political party. Because the national political scene gets so much attention, local elections are often overlooked. What can be done? Sending out postcards to elected officials, canvassing, doorbelling, and even just talking to your fellow citizens were mentioned as effective ways to influence voters.

As Cass Roy pointed out, “Every vote counts.”

ACTION:

• Check out the 2026 Elections Presentation…when it’s time to fill out your ballot, you’ll be glad you did!
• Read about the local candidates endorsed by SCI to date

Despite unpredictable June weather, team volunteers were out in force. Alongside the stalwart event planner, they engaged the public in conversations about SCI and the team’s specific advocacy efforts. 

Crucially, information about two upcoming November ballot state initiatives was shared, recommending a “No” vote on IL26-638, requiring all girls electing to play school sports to prove gender identity assigned at birth or submit to invasive genital exams, as well as a “No” vote on IL26-001, which would compromise students’ rights to privacy. Additionally, the team raised awareness about the need for separation of church and state by discussing the Heritage Foundation-linked Lifewise Academy's work to infiltrate schools in Snohomish County.

The advocacy team volunteers also distributed comprehensive resource guides, ensuring LGBTQIA+ community members know where to find support and allies know how to help. Beyond these efforts, some team members had affirming conversations with individual event attendees, reminding those who feel targeted or at risk that they matter and are not alone.

Tabling at the Pride events also provided a valuable opportunity to build coalitions. The team connected with complementary local organizations and gathered contact information from community members eager to learn more about SCI.

“The LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Team of Snohomish County Indivisible believes it is critical to show up for our family, friends, neighbors, and communities at as many Pride events as possible,” said Mark Gooding, Advocacy Team Pride Planner. “We educate the public about upcoming legislation and the extreme right's efforts to undermine the rights of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. We also use these events to connect with supportive organizations, collaborating to protect the lives and rights of our community.”

Hosted by the Committee for the First Amendment (CFA), the livestream concert featured an all-star lineup including Jane Fonda, Robert DeNiro, Julia Roberts, Lily Gladstone, Patti Smith, Bette Midler, Rufus Wainwright, Joy Reid, Wilson Cruz, and more. There were rousing speeches by celebrities, appearances by family and friends of those detained by ICE, and many original and familiar songs reflecting Fonda’s words, “Music can speak the truth.” The night celebrated the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest.

At the Lynnwood watch party, people connected with neighbors and rejoiced in the power we build when we come together. Joy Reid, former MS NOW host, said in her speech, “If you have not raised your voice, you have chosen a side.” In Lynnwood on June 14, 100 voices were raised in song and solidarity.

ACTIONS:

• Watch the event on YouTube 
• Check out the lyrics book
• Learn about the Committee for the First Amendment

Those interviewed in Lightworkers ranged from musicians and artists to politicians and activists. Roth says, “Many of the people in the movie were a joy and a mystery to me and all gave me their time and thoughts.” The film was made with a small crew of three working for free. Instead of the usual distribution, Roth decided to share it with as many people as he could in a “grassroots kind of way.” SCI was part of that effort when members showed up to join in a Zoom meeting with Roth, watch the film, and join an in-depth discussion led by SCI Deputy Director Paula Townsell.

The film clearly made an impact. SCI feedback included comments such as, “Bobby Roth delivers a picture of what democracy can look like if we all even just ‘do one thing.’ My skepticism couldn't keep up. I was powerfully moved to carry on.” Another member added, “I found it inspiring to hear the voices of some well trusted folks deep in the trenches of the political world as well as the voices of artists, actors, and other longtime activists speaking about their experiences, their viewpoints, and how they participate in the fight against fascism.”  And finally, “We were all inspired and we have some hope!”

ACTION: 

• Watch Lightworkers
• Watch the post-viewing attendee Q&A with filmmaker Bobby Roth here: Zoom interview

A young man on the move, Nathan, a born and bred native of Snohomish County, is currently working to raise enough money to attend Everett Community College with the aim of being an EMT, which will ultimately lead to his goal of being a firefighter.

On top of that he has recently stepped up to take over most of the leadership roles of North Snohomish County Indivisible, including running the meetings. He says his first time as a public speaker — presenting to more than 50 attendees at an NSCI meeting — was “an interesting experience!” He says he thought he did well, and feedback confirms that he did an “incredible job.”

Over the past year, Nathan says he has learned how important community is. “I’ve learned how to talk to people I might not agree with, learned how to focus on main issues, and have found friends and allies in the most unlikely places.” 

As he steps up to take on a leading role at NSCI, Nathan shares wisdom beyond his years: “Don’t lose hope. It is important to remember to laugh and smile even though it’s a dark time in our history…we always come back up!”

ACTION:  Find a great volunteer position with SCI and join members of your community like Nathan.

• Learn everything you need to know about joining a postcard campaign. Please read through all the content before responding with questions!
• Get MORE information, watch the short introduction video, and request postcards:  POSTCARD SIGNUP .

Suzanne Daniels, who currently hosts the events with fellow North Snohomish County Indivisible member Julie Cutler, started with 12 friends several years ago by having postcard events in her home, writing to voters in swing states through the Progressive Turnout Project. Early on, Julie joined Suzanne, wanting to do “something to push back against political corruption and chaos.” The gatherings soon outgrew Suzanne's home and the duo approached NSCI, which hosts once-a-month meetings at the Marysville Library, suggesting that the postcard group use the other available monthly time. Recently the group also outgrew the library.

Consistent with the vision that community building goes hand-in-hand with action, Julie and Suzanne saw participation grow from 25 to up to 85 people at each event. One of the most rewarding results was the connection to voters in Virginia encouraging them to successfully vote to re-elect three state supreme court justices in 2025. The 2026 midterm work has already begun — in May, more than 800 cards were written in preparation to go out to inconsistent Democratic North Carolina voters, encouraging them to vote in November.

Currently, their emphasis is on getting out the vote to swing states as participants address and write cards using one of three provided messages. 

Suzanne says, “Along with the commitment to get out the vote, our project is also experiencing a growing community, supporting each other and working together to take on the daunting task of returning our democracy.”

• Attend an NSCI Postcard Event. Monday, July 13 and July 27 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Marysville United Methodist Church, 5600 64th Street N.E., Marysville. Future dates will be published in the newsletter.
• Get more information. Watch the Progressive Turnout YouTube video.

• Tuck a few bills into the donation jar at NSCI and SCI events
• Provide your own SHEET of stamps (Rolls are often shorted by as many as 30 stamps—rolls are produced by an outside contractor.)

While tick-borne diseases aren’t as common here as they are in other parts of the country it is still good to take precautions. Ticks hang out on branches and brush so that when you walk by or brush against them, they can jump on you. Then it’s game on! When adventuring outdoors there are precautions you can take to protect yourself. This Department of Health article is full of great tips.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick-borne diseases is to reduce your exposure, so always check clothing, gear, and pets for bloodthirsty hitchhikers after adventuring in potential tick habitats. Happy exploring!