We are Indivisible Champlain Islands
We are Indivisible Champlain Islands, a non-partisan group of citizens in northwestern Vermont. We’re one of thousands of Indivisible groups across the country taking action to build grassroots power to save democracy and defeat authoritarianism. We are no longer Democrats, Republicans or Independents. We are united as neighbors, concerned about our shared future, for our children, our community and our country. And we are united as patriots who believe that this is a time for courage and collective action. Each of us has a role to play in this rapidly growing national movement.
Immigration & Federal Overreach Discussion
Monday, February 23, 2026 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Join Senator Vyhovsky, Senator White, Representative Dodge, Representative Kleppner, and others for a discussion about current immigration legislation, opportunities to take action, and the challenges of navigating federal overreach in Vermont. Then, we’ll open the floor for respectful public comment and Q&A. Moderated by VPIRG. Topic: Immigration and Federal Overreach. Questions? Email jheiden@vpirg.org.
USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER:
https://secure.ngpvan.com/o5-ZNHG6skSlbmwVwfNBpw2
Message from Marilyn
Hello Indivisibles,
On Tuesday night, Pres. Trump will give the annual “State of the Union” address.
It will be an hour and a half of lies, insults, accusations, gloating, self-praising, and pure fantasy.
I, for one, do not intend to listen to it. My time is too valuable to waste listening to that. I, at least, will deny him this audience of one. Perhaps you would like to do the same? How much more valuable would it be to spend your time having a conversation about the REAL State of the Union with other citizens?
I suggest that you may what to join a few others and actually talk about where the Country is today, how we got here, and how we move forward in a positive direction. Call a few people; arrange to meet at your favorite restaurant or tap room (they could use your business). Or invite a few people over for pizza, or popcorn, or even dinner, if you feel ambitious. Let them know what you plan to talk about and why. (Because you are not tied to the TV schedule, you can meet at whatever time is good for you). I am discovering that people are finally eager to talk about what is happening. They truly want to share their outrage, their fear, their hopes, their ideas to fight back. Use your valuable time on Tuesday evening in conversation with fellow citizens, doing the work of being informed citizens.
US Rep Becca Baliant has decided not to attend the President’s address. Instead she will attend a rally on the National Mall organized by Move On and Meidas Touch, “The People’s State of the Union”. She explained:
The State of the Union address “is meant to be a serious reflection of our nation’s progress, our shortfalls, and the common goals ahead of us.”
“Instead of sitting through what has become President Trump’s annual self-congratulation, misinformation, and division speech, I look forward to a night of standing with colleagues, organizers, advocates, and everyday Americans who are committed to doing the real and honest work of protecting our rights, strengthening our communities, and holding those in power accountable”.
If you do decide to hold your own small People’s State of the Union conversation, we would love to know about it. What concerns and suggestions were shared? We are not alone, unless we choose to be. We have a lot of work to do together. We will have a lot more dark days to face before we reach the other side of this storm. The more we reach out to each other, the stronger we will be. I also want to give you a couple of links to information I think you will find useful.
The first is a presentation by Rick Steves giving a clear overview of what is happening to our country: (this would even be a good thing to watch with some friends or neighbors on Tuesday evening)
The second is a link to the “Know Your Rights” presentation by an ACLU lawyer that Becca Baliant hosted online last week. It is excellent. I highly recommend you watch it.
I also want to remind you that the Senate is back in session tomorrow and the fight to place restrictions on ICE/CBP, and force them to act lawfully and with accountability, will continue. As you know, we are currently in a partial government shutdown over giving more money to ICE/CBP. Many members of the Senate (including almost all Democrats) are demanding changes to the rules under which ICE/CBP can operate before they will vote to pass funding for the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes another large chunk of money for ICE. I encourage you to resume your calls to your Members of Congress, especially the Senate at the moment, and demand that they do NOT approve more money for ICE and they require the new restrictions and rules be placed on Immigration Enforcement before they will approve funding for DHS.
Lastly, I want to let you know that planning for NO KINGS III on March 28 is underway! Do you have ideas you think we could use in planning this event?? Would you like to be involved in the planning phase?? We still need more help with this. We need both ‘ideas people’ and ‘action people’. Please reach out to me and let me know if you think you can help.
Several of you have indicated an interest in working on the “Events Team” we are forming. If you have not heard from us, please let me know!! We may have missed your name somehow and we do really need your help. (Things get a little chaotic at the big meetings where most people sign up. Sometimes we lose track of a name or cannot read the name). We are having a meeting of the new Events Team later this week, so sooner is better.
I hope you are finding a way to enjoy this lovely new snow (now that the shoveling is done).
Cheers,
Marilyn Lagrow
February 1 MEMBER MEETING
This third-world country secret police approach to immigration enforcement must END. No money for ICE/CBP until these conditions are enacted.
The number to reach the Senate switchboard is: 202-224-3121
House of Representatives switchboard: 202-225-3121
Office of Bernie Sanders: 202-224-5141
Office of Peter Welch: 202-224-4242
Office of Becca Balint: 202-225-4115
Every call is recorded as a checkmark for or against a particular issue. Call every day. Make lots of check marks. Show that you really, really care about these issues. Thank you!!
ICE out for GOOD
January 10, 2026, South Hero
More information and registration at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/861110/