I will be 73 years of age next month and have lived in the Jefferson Park neighborhood since 1992. 

I have supported and volunteered for progressive causes all my adult life, but my husband and I participated in our first NO KINGS protest only last weekend. 

It was a peaceful and exuberant demonstration, full of like-minded people exercising their First Amendment right in an effort to save our now seriously endangered democracy. 

If we do not speak up for ourselves in these perilous times, who shall we expect to speak up for us?

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to a family of politically active Democrats, I was raised to always be informed and active on issues that matter to me. 

I graduated with a degree in writing a little over a year ago, and I am working toward engaging younger generations in reading fact-based, independent journalism and supporting at-risk public media. 

Democracy will not survive without a thriving free press, and I believe it is crucial to show future generations the value of the written word. 

We must protect public access to stories that breach our collective comfort level and hold empathy and connectivity at the forefront of whatever issue we support. To me, this is the only way to make progress on the generational, racial, and partisan divide. 

If you are afraid of speaking out, take some time to just listen, hear what others have to say, and make an effort to hear voices you wouldn't regularly hear in your day-to-day. Your unique voice and method of action will come naturally after that!

I’m a first-generation South Asian immigrant living in Sauganash with two little kids. 

I’ve spent my career as a public servant both in federal and local government, in campaigns, and in the nonprofit space. 

I care deeply about economic and social justice, radical democracy, upholding fundamental rights of immigrants of all stripes, and advancing inclusive economic opportunity for all.

I’m fighting for those like me and those who came before me from distant shores seeking a better life in America. For those afraid of speaking out, we have already lost to tyranny if we give in to fear.

I have dedicated my life to fighting for the most vulnerable, those with the most barriers, those in need of support. 

As a social worker, I know how crucial public benefits are to the life and potential death of those that live navigating poverty and oppression. 

I have worked in the fields of homelessness, women's rights, and LGBTQ activism for over 20 years. 

While the work has always been hard, the challenges have never been so great. The very work that protects those in need, that prevents public health crises, that supports and affirms identity.. those services are being severely cut/eliminated every day. 

We are watching programs gutted and mass layoffs, and we know that this is only the start of the impact of these changes. Now is the time, before we see the true impacts of these losses. 

I fight for those who have to spend their time surviving, just making it through the day. I fight for my daughters.. for my queer family, for the world I believe is possible. 

I fight because I have hope for a future without injustice.

I fully expected Kamala to win the presidential election. Surely everyone knew what Trump represented (power, greed, fear of immigrants, anti-NATO, pro-dictator, criminal, etc) and the fallacies of the tenets of his campaign (immigrants raise crime .. NOPE, tarrifs are good .. NOPE, unilaterally stopping the Ukraine war .. NOPE, lowering prices .. NOPE, etc). 

I was shocked he was declared the winner before the end of the night. I can no longer see my family, friends, and neighbors duped into believing and trusting this man. I had to do something. 

My wife and I protested for the first time in Hands-Off a couple of weeks back and will again. I joined our community's Town Hall, which the DNC organized, but was not attended by our local GOP representative. 

I've volunteered for more and look forward to the 2026 midterm elections. We all must do something!!

I am a proud product of the Northwest Side. Born and raised in Norwood Park, I am just one name on the long list of Kozlowskis who have called this neighborhood our home. 

My family moved here before the Kennedy Expressway was built, and my grandfather was instrumental in the effort to have it recessed rather than at the street level. It’s a silly source of pride, but a source of pride nonetheless. 

My grandfather stood toe to toe with bulldozers, all in an attempt to keep his community safe. Although he would die long before I came along, he shaped what I believed it meant to be a Chicagoan: someone who would stand to fight for their neighbors, even at their detriment. Someone who would use their privileges to benefit the folks around them. 

I was not raised to be quiet. The old joke was that I’m so talkative, you could draw a smiley face on a wall and I’d strike up a conversation. Talkative with strong opinions, activism seemed obvious. 

It started when I joined my first labor union, good ole UFCW 881. At eighteen, I became the union steward for my job, following in the footsteps of my mother and her father before. I went on to study political science in college and found more folks who thought like me. From Occupy Wall Street in 2011 to last weekend’s Hands Off protest, I’ve tried to take part in any and all demonstrations that aligned with my beliefs. 

I've logged hundreds of volunteer hours with assorted national and local campaigns, including Bernie (both times), Kamala, Pritzker (both times), Emanuel, and more. I've helped coordinate e-mail blasts, phone and text banks, as well as assisted with the creation and moderation of group Discord servers. 

I’m currently volunteering on a congressional campaign for a candidate in IL-9 and am involved with this and other northwest side neighborhood groups. 

I grew up queer in the only conservative area that’s in Chicago city limits – it wasn’t awesome. My sisters and I went to Catholic schools but were raised without religion. We only went to Catholic schools because my parents believed the education was better than that in a public school. Was it? I don’t know. What I do know is that Jesus radicalized me. Jesus radicalized me so much so that I can’t choose what I would consider ‘top issue’. 

Housing, food, and education are all basic human rights. Trans, intersex, and non-binary folks have always existed and aren’t going anywhere. 

We need more walkable neighborhoods with access to fresh food options, more places for community gathering, and more affordable housing. 

We need an administration that works towards the betterment of our democracy and candidates that are moving towards a progressive future. 

I am fighting for everyone who can’t. I’m fighting for the friends I’ve lost to police brutality. For the friends I’ve lost to addiction, poverty, and mental illness. The queer and trans folks who feel they need to stay quiet so they can stay safe. 

I’m fighting for my mother and my Busia because THEY fought, hoping that I wouldn’t have to. I’m fighting for my grandfathers that fought Nazis in WWII and for my uncles that never came home from the Vietnam War. 

I’m fighting for my home and my neighbors. I’m fighting for the folks who agree with me and for those who don’t. I’m fighting for the people who are afraid. And to the people who are afraid – I've got you. 

Your voice is the greatest gift you’ve been given. Your heart is the second. Find what impassions you and pour yourself into it, even if you do so privately. 

Educate yourself on social issues. “Speaking out” doesn’t always have to be audible... sometimes “speaking out” is simply standing in solidarity. 

Support the general strike. Lean on the people in your community who are being loud and let them empower you. There is no wrong way to fight for what is right. 

We’re in this together.

Raised and educated in Chicago. Worked in International Transportation for 43 years on the West Coast. Trump's tariffs are complete madness!

I live in "Logandale." This second Trump term has compelled more political action from me than ever in my life. 

The issues are so fundamental and broad that it's difficult to focus on any single thing. But I worry that this dismantling of our republic and our balance of power will last generations. 

A government that has failed to do enough for Americans will be reduced to one that does nothing for everyday people and instead serve only the powerful. 

I fear that the cruelty that always comes with fascism will come for me and my loved ones.

I live in Park Ridge but spend a lot of time in Edgebrook babysitting my youngest grandson. 

I am the daughter of two holocaust survivors. I am the daughter in law of a man who fought in World War II, and a mother and grandmother. 

I feel like I have to show up for all of them. I want my children and grandchildren to live in a democratic country. 

I am a retired lawyer but keeping my license active for the time being.

I am disturbed by the unconstitutional actions and words coming from the Trump regime. 

Our democracy, including checks and balances & separation of power, is being threatened by bad actors wanting more and more for themselves at the expense of regular, everyday people.

Vulnerable groups are being targeted and discriminated against. I stand with my fellow citizens who are elderly, sick, poor, lgbtq, veterans, students, immigrants, union workers, federal workers, etc, in the name of upholding the constitution and rule of law so that we can all have the human rights we deserve.

I am a retired 70-something former Product Manager. 

My political history is confined to exercising my right to vote. 

I am sickened and appalled about what this so-called President and his henchmen are doing to our country, citizens, and (former) allies. 

I have been calling using the 5 Calls app to voice my concerns to our Senators and my representative. 

But I’d like to see what other things I can do to preserve our struggling democracy. 

We can’t just ignore what is going on. Nothing will be won without a fight.

I live in Libertyville but own a rental property in Logan Square. My son and his wife also reside in the Logan Square area. 

I'm joining Indivisible out of a feeling of outrage at the daily attacks on our democracy. 

I have not previously been politically active but grew up in a home where my father (a history teacher) stressed civics and exemplified activism as a long term member of the organization Common Cause Ohio which actively sought campaign finance reforms. 

My father was also very active in the early campaigns for Sen. Sherrod Brown and often spoke tirelessly of their efforts to promote single payer healthcare. 

I'm recently retired (well at least partially) and I'm half Ukrainian on my mother's side. 

I can't believe that the current administration would support the clear aggressor (i.e., Russians) in their clumsy attempts to broker a cease fire. 

Not only does this reward the aggression against Ukraine, but it also drives a huge wedge in the 80 year old alliances that have served this country so well. 

I feel like I'm fighting for younger generations that deserve the opportunity to live and govern under a functional democratic republic that is respected internationally. 

That cannot be the case while Trump and Vance are in office. 

I have an environmental work background (groundwater quality and contamination) so I have spent much of my career managing complex projects. I look forward to putting these organizational skills to work in helping protect our democracy. 

I think JB Pritzker's State of the State address sums up the need for us to overcome our fears and speak out against the outrageous power grabs being made by the Trump-Vance Administration. 

Pritzker noted how quickly Hitler undermined the German Republic in the run up to WWII. This makes the case that there is no time like the present to stand up to tyranny and speak out! 

I’m a cancer survivor and single mom who left domestic abuse. 

My activism has always been in information sharing, making calls, and organization, but never physically taking to the streets. I believe that is what’s necessary at this point. 

If you aren’t a white cis male with an able body, your rights are being stripped.

Programs helped me through cancer, which I would’ve never afforded treatment for. 

Programs have helped me stay on my feet since going single single with these kids. 

And I have kids who deserve their rights as well. Both are LGBTQIA. One is autistic and may need program help in her future. 

And in the words of AOC, all of the things being stripped are the things that we as Americans have promised to each other. 

It’s time to fight.

My name is Gabriel, I'm from Belmont Craigin, and this would be pretty much be my first time ever being politically active. 

I am pushing past my comfort zone because I have recently been reading into Project 2025 and the ideologies of Curtis Yarvin and Peter Thiel, and I have grown extremely tired of our presidential administration entertaining these naive and hilariously narrow-minded ideas of modern kings. 

I'm tired of every facet of my life being stifled by mentally underdeveloped billionaires and ideologically insulated "philosophers." 

We have to push hard to make these people understand they should learn to be satisfied with what they have and leave us alone.

I am 74 and the last time I was politically active was protesting against the Vietnam war. My top issue is the abuse of power of King Trump and President Musk. I am fighting for my freedom of speech and my social security. We need people more then ever to be involved not be afraid. Power to the People!!

I am a first generation Irish American. Family members live in Canada, Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland, and Australia. My sister and I are the only two in the USA. 

I was taught that this country provided opportunities for a better life for EVERYONE. Education was encouraged. I earned a Doctorate in Adult and Continuing Education. The head of my collaborative dissertation was Civil Rights leader, Dr. Aimee Horton. 

The re-election of Donald Trump has caused me great concern and I am looking to get involved with a group that stands for and will work for preserving this democracy. 

I am tired of friends telling me "There's nothing we can do." or " I am afraid and don't want my name on anything for fear of retribution by Trump." I have encouragrd them to contribute to The ACLU and to contact their representatives in Congress. 

We the people DO have power.

USPS letter carrier living in and serving the Dunning community. Long time political activist. Patriot. We are strong in numbers. America doesn’t want techno tyranny.

Having begun college in 2016, the way I engage with politics and current events has so far been shaped by the Trump administration in one way or another. 

I witnessed the Unite the Right Rally firsthand in 2017 while a student at the University of Virginia. While studying abroad, I was often asked about my opinion on American politics and the Trump administration. 

My graduate thesis was centered around the language used by far-right extremists leading up to the election of Trump. 

This existential threat we have and are currently facing under this administration has inspired me to engage in whatever form of resistance I can, and the best way I can do that is by supporting my community though empathy and compassion and elevating the voices that need to be heard. 

We need to break through the noise.

I worked with older adults for many years before I retired. During that time, I was privileged to hear their life stores as well as their commitment to the common good. I miss that now. 

I am fighting to help heal our nation at its roots: to work with my neighbors to restore a sense of the common good. I fight, too, because the Constitution, which protects us and our common good, is being attacked by people who think they are above the law. 

As a child growing up in the Belmont-Craigin neighborhood, I was taught the Constitution is based on the belief that no one person or group should take total control of the federal government. 

Now, 60 years later, and as the mother of two, I stand with you to say that few things are more important than this belief for keeping our nation safe for our children and for each other.

I live in Park Ridge. I have been politically active in the past but that slowed when I started working more. 

Top issue is campaign finance reform, because of endless $$ from lobbying it has made our politics corrupt and working for the wealthy, while the rest of us are ignored & having more burdens placed on us, the American people. 

I am fighting for my kid's futures, for Democracy. The oligarchs wouldn't be where they are without US. We the PEOPLE, we can't give our power away, like the GOP are currently doing by not standing up to this wanna be dictator POTUS. 

Strength in numbers and we can't just roll over and play dead.

Everyone in our community deserves to live with dignity and respect, whether it's the federal worker unceremoniously fired from their job, the kid opening up about their gender identity, the refugee working hard to build a better life for their kid, or the person making their own reproductive healthcare choices. 

We're all better for the diversity of our communities, and I feel like it's my duty to do everything I can to create the equitable, empathetic world I want to see, not just for my two elementary-aged children, but for all of us.

My name is Jerome Cusson, and I have been a member of the Dunning community for most of my life. I have always been politically active, but in the last few years, my interest in politics has only increased as the state of our union has gone down. 

As someone who teaches at two Hispanic serving institutions, immigration is an important issue because I believe everyone who lives in this country deserves to be safe and have to live in fear of being deported. 

This is also why I am passionate about equal rights for everyone. I work a with a very diverse population, and I see the challenges, both academic and practical, they have to face every day. 

I know speaking out can be difficult, but there are so many ways to resist and fight back. We can all take small actions every day. Even joining a group like this and reading what your neighbors have to say can be an act of resistance. 

I’m a micro business owner in Barrington. I’ve done small bits of activism in the past like marches, demonstrations, and being a voting monitor. I’ve also participated in caucuses when I lived in Colorado. 

All my employees are LGBTQ+ and I’m very concerned about them, as well as my other LGTBQ+ friends. 

As far as I’m concerned, it’s 1939 Germany and if you’re not fighting for all of our lives right now, you need to start.

I remember the hoops I had to go through to finally win my first credit card. 

I remember getting a promotion that came with a salary substantially below that of my male predecessor. I settled in order to advance. 

I remember going through a slow burn when a granddaughter made fun of feminists. 

I am absolutely not ready to go back and you shouldn't be either. 

A resident of Jefferson Park, I have been outspoken in my rage at the Republican takeover of political leadership, going back to the party's immoral, dishonest actions during the Obama years. 

My weapon has mainly my writing. If I were younger, I'd run for office, but now the future lies with the Gen Zs and Millennials that haven't yet drunk the Elon Musk/tech bro Kool-Aid. 

But I think we all, regardless of age, gender, race or income, can wield incredible power by joining forces through a group like Indivisible and fighting back. 

I've got a lot of ideas on what that can look like. The time to start is now.

Hi, I have lived in Norwood Park for 25 years. I have 4 children, friends, and relatives who will be negatively affected by this administration. I have to do what I can to fight back against the hate, division, misogyny, racism, etc, etc.

Hi neighbors, I am a retired French teacher. I moved here from Belgium 40 years ago and have lived in the same house by California and Addison for the last 36! 

I have been an activist for the climate for many years and am now part of Third Act Illinois (https://thirdact.org/illinois/), a group of seniors that fight for the climate and democracy. The climate is an issue that overlaps with many others (justice, immigration, food security, transportation...) and unfortunately, it cannot wait and the consequences of emitting more CO2 are irreversible. 

In the midst of the current chaos and disaster, I feel that it tends to be on the back burner but waiting will only make problems worse. 

Who do I fight for? For us, our children and grandchildren and all the people and species, plants and animals, that constitute our beautiful world. Our survival depends on living in agreement with nature. And our beautiful world is definitely worth fighting for!

I doubt I would have ever described myself as a patriot before the last election. But I most certainly am. 

I love my country, and as imperfect as our democracy still is, I don’t want to lose it. I will continue to fight for it. 

I have been an activist and advocate virtually my entire life, including volunteering on several elections. 

My life’s work has always been mission-driven. My mission now is saving our republic.

I have lived in Hermosa for 19 years, watching the neighborhood (and my ward and state/federal districts) change. 

I've been politically active since high school, but in varying degrees for various causes as life twists and turns. 

I fight to protect marginalized communities, unwind systems of oppression, and to someday live in a world where it is safe for everyone to live and love authentically.

I’ve been active for women’s rights since protesting for the ERA in Springfield while in high school. I also serve as an election judge. 

My top issues for the NW side are to: 

* Get a real Democrat committee chair in Ward 41 instead of the last two do-nothing props. 

* Start prepping NOW for the IL 2026 election. 

* Help us reach out to Illinois R representatives. Yes, I’ve done a lot for WI and MI, but we need to remember our downstate reps vote, too. 

* Encourage more voters to vote. For people afraid, assure them there is much more to do than door-knocking. 

* Show folks how to fill out IL’s very confusing Witness Slips with suggested talking points. 

* Neighborhood postcard parties. 

* Keep an eye on Springfield - has the current anti-abortion bill made local news?

After the 2024 election, I was in a state of disbelief. I thought our country was committed to a different future, and I was devasted to learn otherwise. 

Once Trump took office and started dismantling everything that America stands on, I knew I couldn't sit idly by and let it happen. I have always been politically aware, but I'm committing myself to activism in a way I haven't before. 

I am fighting so my kids have the chance to experience what I hold dear about this country - equality of every person, freedom of speech, freedom of and from religion, the beauty of our native lands, and the ability to be a beacon of hope to others around the world based on our actions and investments.

The folks at Indivisible said it best: Activism is the antidote to anxiety. The news cycle makes me spiral, and pearl clutching never makes me feel better. 

Yelling at a rally does. So does calling my rep and senator, canvassing, writing postcards. Standing up for my neighbors does. Surrounding myself with a community of kindreds like you. 

Choosing "not to be political" is a luxury none of us really can afford. We are feeling it hard right now, but our democracy has always demanded we do all we can, and maybe a few things we think we can't. 

It's up to us.

Hi! I live in Old Irving with my husband and two kids. I’m also a CPS teacher. I joined because listening to the news lately has made me feel both enraged and powerless. 

I want to fight in my community for the rights of the most vulnerable. I have seen first hand how these policies impact families. 

I have had parents of my students tell me they don’t feel safe bringing their child to school because of their immigration status. I have trans students for whom gender affirming care is at risk. 

I can’t sit back and watch. I am ready to fight.

I've lived in Sauganash for 7 years and the Northwest Side for 25 years. I'm a 4th generation Chicagoan. 

My dad grew up in Norwood Park during the great depression. He fought for our freedoms in WWII and was present at the liberation of Nazi camps. 

He was a lifelong Republican (until 2008) and taught me to always value democracy and how the US protected it from fascists. 

I take no pride in saying we must do so again now - and in our own country. I love my city and country and am proud to stand with Indivisible to fight for our American freedoms that count.

I live in Portage Park and have lived in this community for the last 7 years. I have always been politically minded but have not always been active but feel I can no longer sit on the sidelines as I watch the rights of so many I love be trampled. I am here to stand up and fight back for my family, friends, colleagues and neighbors but most importantly the two who call me mom.

My husband and I recently purchased our first home in Norwood Park and are excited to grow our family in this neighborhood we love. 

I canvassed for the Kamala/Walz campaign last fall because I feel we are at a critical point in our democracy. 

I fight for everyone before us who advocated for equality and belonging, and I fight for everyone today and in future generations to experience the same freedoms and opportunities that we have today. 

I will not stand idly by while our democracy is at risk.

I’m Beth from the Portage Park neighborhood. Fighting for genuine democracy, standing up for justice for all, caring for the vulnerable in society, and protecting our freedoms is what I believe in.

My grandmother’s family was wiped out in the holocaust - a harsh lesson in the dangers of authoritarian government. 

47 and his cronies are not only cruel but incompetent. Their decisions are largely illogical, illegal, and destructive. 

I could cite many examples but here’s one: ending Medicaid/Medicare payments for telemedicine. 

We must resist.

Certainly, I own a part of this. It was 1980, 44 years ago, and it was the second time I was voting. It was the Carter/Reagan matchup. 

Having really paid attention this time, I saw politics for the disconnected chaos it likely always had been. There was plenty I'd learned. With a population of 226.5 million it is quite impossible to narrow the choices down to two and not have various wide swathes of the electorate feel their concerns weren't being addressed. This is part of what drives politics to being local. 

Overwhelming consensus on a large is next to impossible. Supply side and the notion of trickle down economics results in a constant drip on your head. Remember, the GOP lives upstairs. Giving more money to the wealthy and expecting anything good to come from it is like giving a three year old a bag of candy to self police only taking one. 

Supply side econ is largely for the already wealthy. Even back then, there was a nagging feeling that "our betters" had little responsibility to do the right, moral, and (sometimes) courageous thing. 

Nixon was a common crook, a vindictive criminal. I think one of our country's larger moral and legal failings in my lifetime was to not locking his ass up, in jail, where he belonged. It would have been for the good of the people and would have set a precedent, and perhaps acted as a warning, or else a blueprint to be used against those who would be tempted to to do likewise in the future. 

There are no kings in the US unless they are visiting. At 22 years old, looking at these and other issues, I'd become convinced that in my lifetime, our disconnected political system would hit a wall and collapse. What came out would not only look different, it could be something we just might not like. I've related this unamusing anecdote numerous times in the past 44 years. 

A few years later, I met my wife, we got married and went about raising our family. My first career saw me spend 13 years in manufacturing. That is until we offloaded manufacturing out of the US in favor of inferior goods and cheaper prices. 

Next, I became a Union Pipefitter. Including the 6 years we owned our business I was a tradesman for 31 years. 

We've lived in the same house in Dunning for 38 years. Trust me, t'was not the plan. It was good. Right? We've always done well and we've had a good, comfortable life. 

America, perhaps, wasn't always great but it was good. Right? My earnings climbed but, always stayed only a bit ahead of inflation. Many of my peers with comparable earnings in the 80's were left further behind as the middle class was "down-sized" so we could shift more money to the wealthy. But, it was still good. Right? 

Whole segments of our population, because of a fact of birth, whether it be because of the color of their skin or their sexual orientation didn't, across the board, always or ever have it good. In fact they often had it quite intolerable. But, it was still good. Right? 

What was so good about it? Looking back 44 years, we should have had, embraced, incremental changes to fix the fundamental failings in the system. To try to educate our society about the things it lacked for those who had a real need.

Building wealth or having opportunity should not be at the expense of others. It should have worked for more of us. It should have had the chance to work for all of us. 

We are where we are at. At this time, at this place. If not into the wall I foresaw, we are at it. We have a looming disaster in front of us that, even through hard work and principled dedication to a common cause, we may not be able to overcome. 

For myself, I don't want to go back to the way things were. And going forward into the totally insane future that MAGA Republicans want is certainly so unthinkable as to not qualify as a possible option at all. 

So we go forward, together. We try to save as much as we can. We fix what doesn't work. Because, I admit it; certainly, I own a part of this. Illegitimus non carborundum

I've lived in Old Irving Park for 12 years, but this is my first time being active in the community, politically or otherwise.

We are on the brink of losing our democracy, and I couldn't live with myself doing nothing while the country we love crumbles around us. 

I fight for my wife, godchildren, friends, and family. I fight for your family, too. 

To anyone afraid of speaking out, know you are not doing so alone. Millions of us are ready to fight by your side and defend one another in this fight. 

If not us, then who? It's gotta be me and you. ❤️

I've only lived in Portage Park, as well as Chicago, for six years. I often think about my grandchildren and the world that we are handing on to them. 

This isn't what I had hoped for. I've spent some time in Central America and Europe. I've seen the plight of refugees and immigrants. I see it on our streets now. 

There's so much misinformation about the impact of immigrant families on our cities. I want to work to correct that. I believe that all are welcome. 

The more we include in our circle, the stronger we are and the less risk to speak out.

I have lived in the Dunning neighborhood for 11+ years. I have never been a political activist, but I have been involved in social justice activities for several years- hosting refugees in my home, feeding programs for hungry folks, sewing hats and scarves for the homeless, sewing chemo caps and port pillows for cancer patients. 

I am appalled by what is happening to this nation. Too many people are silent as our democracy disintegrates. We all need to pull ourselves out of the paralyzing funk of grief and fear we have been in and enter the trenches of passionate resistance. 

It is scary to think of doing this alone, but when we join together, we are strong. There is an African philosophy called Ubuntu- “I am because we are.” One finger cannot pick up a grain, but many can fill a bushel. 

Join the movement and gain strength and courage from your compatriots to course-correct this impending disaster.

I am an American lawyer born and raised in the Northside of Chicago. 

I was raised to believe in democracy, justice, law, and order. I never thought I would see fascism, hate, and chaos dominate my country, but they have. 

No other issues or causes matter. Democracy is everything. I am scared for our safety, families, country, and way of life, but fear never accomplishes anything. 

It’s time to stand up and be counted. I will fight alongside anyone who wants to preserve our republic. 🇺🇸

I’m a lifelong Democrat. Born and raised on the north side of Chicago. 

I’m fighting for an America where democracy matters, where all are created equal, where our government is TRULY by, of and for the people. 

I fight for an America where each of us is free to worship (or not worship) as we choose, where children can attend safe schools that are well funded, where access to a quality education is promised to all, where higher education is affordable. 

I fight for an America where economic opportunity is guaranteed for all who are willing to work hard, and not limited to those who have been born into privilege. 

I fight for an America that values the differences of its citizens and does not divide or vilify some based on ethnicity, religion, sex or sexual orientation. 

I fight for an America where we respect both our citizens, our new immigrants and the citizens of the world. 

I fight for an America that honors its history, but acknowledges the times our actions have fallen short of our ideals. 

I fight for an America that honors our treaties, keeps our promises and sets an example for other nations. 

I fight for an America that believes in science, that leads in technology and uses its multicultural strengths to inspire all citizens of the world. 

You might say that I fight for an America that never was. I agree. 

But just because my America never was, that doesn’t mean it can never be. That is why I fight.

I have lived in Forest Glen for a few years. In my younger days I cared for AIDS patients at the beginning, when people avoided them. 

There are so many issues to fight but I will say that being the proud aunt of 3 transgender human beings, this issue is close to my heart. 

The cruelty, hate and poison coming out of Washington D.C. towards so many is beyond disturbing. It is pure evil. 

I am fighting for all of us. Otherwise all those who died in WWII fighting against evil, died for nothing. 

Silence will protect no one.We have a moral obligation to speak out against evil. I am not going to sit down and I am not going to shut up. 

No one is going to hurt my family/friends as long as I have a breath in my body. My beloved sister, her sister-in-law and I protested fascist trump in 2016. And I am not afraid of fascist trump and his collaborators. To the barricades!!

When I was working, I was focused on making money for my family, not thinking of much but that. 

In retirement, I have a much wider vision, and I can apply my talents to improving our country instead of my family.

I am a retired librarian, since 2022, after 40 years in the profession. My wife and I live in Mayfair I have been somewhat politically active since the then-future 45 and 47 first started dabbling in politics. 

He trumpeted the lie that Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States (which wouldn't have mattered, since his mother was an American citizen.) That got him attention, which is all he seems to want — positive or negative, and feeds his addiction equally well. 

Then he ran for president in 2016, and the thought of such a buffoon as president was abhorrent to me. But, like many of us, I didn’t think he would win the election against the supremely qualified and experienced Hilary Clinton. But when he was elected — or whatever that was that got him into the White House — I was motivated to do what I could to resist his agenda. 

Not that he really had an agenda — I’m still not sure I’ve ever heard the man speak a sentence without starting three others. But things didn’t get too far out of hand as long as the Democrats held majorities in both houses of Congress. 

Despite the embarrassment of having a failed businessman and reality show host in the position of the most powerful person in the world, we survived his first term. 

Then Joe Biden was elected, and was able to clean up most of the mess created by his predecessor. But not enough people realized what was happening, and Biden’s physical issues were construed by many, including the legitimate media, as cognitive issues. 

Biden dropped out of the race, but much too late. Kamala Harris ran as good a campaign as was possible under the circumstances, but again, not enough people saw the race as what it was — a choice between democracy and fascism.

Now, Project 2025 is actually being implemented in front of our eyes by people who are smarter and better-prepared than the 45 administration. So, all right-thinking people need to do all they are able to do to keep the country from becoming a banana republic with an idiot as the leader/figurehead. Sign me up!

I will be 73 years of age next month and have lived in the Jefferson Park neighborhood since 1992. 

I have supported and volunteered for progressive causes all my adult life, but my husband and I participated in our first NO KINGS protest only last weekend. 

It was a peaceful and exuberant demonstration, full of like-minded people exercising their First Amendment right in an effort to save our now seriously endangered democracy. 

If we do not speak up for ourselves in these perilous times, who shall we expect to speak up for us?

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to a family of politically active Democrats, I was raised to always be informed and active on issues that matter to me. 

I graduated with a degree in writing a little over a year ago, and I am working toward engaging younger generations in reading fact-based, independent journalism and supporting at-risk public media. 

Democracy will not survive without a thriving free press, and I believe it is crucial to show future generations the value of the written word. 

We must protect public access to stories that breach our collective comfort level and hold empathy and connectivity at the forefront of whatever issue we support. To me, this is the only way to make progress on the generational, racial, and partisan divide. 

If you are afraid of speaking out, take some time to just listen, hear what others have to say, and make an effort to hear voices you wouldn't regularly hear in your day-to-day. Your unique voice and method of action will come naturally after that!

I’m a first-generation South Asian immigrant living in Sauganash with two little kids. 

I’ve spent my career as a public servant both in federal and local government, in campaigns, and in the nonprofit space. 

I care deeply about economic and social justice, radical democracy, upholding fundamental rights of immigrants of all stripes, and advancing inclusive economic opportunity for all.

I’m fighting for those like me and those who came before me from distant shores seeking a better life in America. For those afraid of speaking out, we have already lost to tyranny if we give in to fear.

I have dedicated my life to fighting for the most vulnerable, those with the most barriers, those in need of support. 

As a social worker, I know how crucial public benefits are to the life and potential death of those that live navigating poverty and oppression. 

I have worked in the fields of homelessness, women's rights, and LGBTQ activism for over 20 years. 

While the work has always been hard, the challenges have never been so great. The very work that protects those in need, that prevents public health crises, that supports and affirms identity.. those services are being severely cut/eliminated every day. 

We are watching programs gutted and mass layoffs, and we know that this is only the start of the impact of these changes. Now is the time, before we see the true impacts of these losses. 

I fight for those who have to spend their time surviving, just making it through the day. I fight for my daughters.. for my queer family, for the world I believe is possible. 

I fight because I have hope for a future without injustice.