We’re back at our usual location tomorrow, there is an indoor space we can be in so it’ll be regardless of weather. Sign up here: mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541/

We will be talking about what happened this week in NC politics, tiny tasks you’ve done since our last meeting, and doing some postcards and anti-amendment coloring pages to post around town.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Anna

Thank you to everyone who came to the meeting today to find out our next book club selection in real time. You’re the real ones. Ha! You’re for sure hotties because it was blazing hot.

If you weren’t there know that we had fireworks, a military fly over, and HCR showed up herself and gave everyone hugs and ice cream. The previous sentence was a lie.

ISO: Helpers to hang up flyers at all the libraries, local bookstores, your workplace, church, fave community board, and your front door :) Reach out to moi, Sheila, Community@BullCityIndivisible.org.

You can either print the attached flyer, or I can getchu one or more. I’m emotionally flexible.

Thanks, Stephanie, for making the flyer. You’re a real one and we’re grateful you’ve joined the leadership team. And you brought a friend to a meeting, so I love you more than others. - Sheila

Join us this Sunday for our every other week meeting. We’ll be back to our regular location. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541/

We only have 7 meetings before the Midterm Elections. Please try to make as many of them as possiBULL.

We’re going to be discussing stacking small wins.

“All the small things. Truth care. Truth brings. …” Lyric from Blink 182’s 1999 smash hit All the Small Things.

We have a Tiny Habits coach and Bull City Indivisible member coming to speak with us. Look at that: bringing personal skills and genius to this moment just like Heather Cox Richardson said to. Bravo!

Also, Amanda Nelson, AKA Amanda’s Mild Takes on the internet, has created a spreadsheet with a tiny task for each day from now until election day. It even has a spot to check things as complete and a percentage score - perfect for eldest daughters, first generation Americans, and/or millennials recovering from being in gift and advanced classes in high school. We’ll talk about it - the tiny tasks not burnout recovery - in our meeting and you can start digging in now at https://tinyurl.com/midterms26

We’ll also announce the final results for our next book club book. You don’t want to miss that. We’ll figure out how to make the reveal dramatic because everyone’s life needs more drama right now. Right?

But wait! There’s more.

We have :::squeal!!!::: membership cards! Thanks to our new OC member Stephanie for getting that done for us. Round of applause. Give her an epic high five when you see her.

And there’s more. Sign up now and you’ll get to see the amazing activity OC member Heather has in store for us.

Let’s recap with a who, what, where, when, and how.

Who: YOU and your little friends

What: Be in community with Bull City Indivisible to build a better world one tiny task and high five at a time

Where: Our usual location revealed when you sign up. How very Harry Potter coded of us. It’s giving marauder’s map.

When: Sunday at 3-4:30 PM

How: With a good attitude focused on solutions. Because as Sheila’s grandma used to say, “I’ve never seen a house built outta b*tching and moaning. Might wanna try a hammer and nails.”

Bring: Your amazing self, a good attitude, and maybe a pen to write with.

If you’re able to and feeling frisky:

Bring: Food items to contribute to the Durham Community Fridges. Food scarcity is at an all-time high in our community. If you’re bringing items that need refrigerated, please drop them off prior to the meeting. I’ll see you there with my freshly, homegrown basil.

And/Or

Bring: New school supplies for the kiddos at McDougal terrace. Bonus points for calling any and all local politicians who campaigned/served up a meal at McDougal terrace and tell them to pitch in. Be that person!

If you’re feeling frisky and awesome:

Bring: A friend, ya mama, your neighbor, or even your frenemy. We have to win this election by results too big to rig.

So great to see everyone on Sunday!

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, August 9th. Location TBD — either inside at PSH or outside at Lakewood Social. Make sure you sign up on Mobilize to get the latest updates!

Sign up here

Two regular features at our meetings:

1. Food collection for Lakewood Durham Community fridge.

   1. Food placed in Durham community fridges often disappears within hours. Needs are immediate. Helpful reminders:

      • Prepared meals should include ingredients and preparation date
      
      • Individual containers are preferred whenever possible
      
      • Bottled water is especially needed as temperatures rise
      
      • If fridges and pantry areas are full, frozen water bottles can still help

Lit Drop Turf Pickup. We are partnering with Flip NC to be a site for folks to get turf and lit to do judicial race lit drop canvassing. It’s a super fun and easy way to make a data driven difference!

ACTIONS

(This is by no means a complete list - especially with so much going on right now— check out Durham Dems Action newsletter, Chop Wood, Carry Water NC, Democracy Out Loud and Engaged Defenders for Democracy for more). And, of course, the 5calls app always has all the things to call about!

Something new: we’d love it if folks are willing to chip in a few dollars to our new ActBlue account - we now have a website domain from the funds you’ve already contributed and are working on building it. Stay tuned for more!

1. Donate to children at McDougald Terrace. A community member is hosting an intimate, grassroots Back-to-School Cookout inside the McDougald Terrace community (”The Mac”) to support 50 local kids. They are looking for community partners, nonprofits, and small businesses to help sponsor the event. We can provide charity documentation/receipts for tax purposes for all donations! Please do this BEFORE August 20th. Especially if you’ve ever canvassed at McDougald, please donate — here are ways to contribute:

   1. Zelle: 984-282-6464

   2. Cash App: Monai3x

   3. If anyone wants to donate to me via Venmo and I can send money on CashApp, send me an email at bullcityindivisible@gmail.com. (You would’t get a receipt from this way because it’ll be too complicated).

2. Help choose our next book club read:

   1. “Democracy Awakening” by Heather Cox Richardson

      What it’s about: Historical context for how the United States arrived at its current democratic crisis, the times we have faced similar threats before, and the ongoing struggle to build a democracy that works for everyone.

      The vibe: Grounding and reassuring. Read this when you want to understand how we got here, remember that people have overcome moments like this before, and imagine what democracy could become if we make it work for all of us.

   2. “The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon

      What it’s about: The stories of ordinary and often overlooked people whose courage, persistence, and individual choices helped shape American history.

      The vibe: Hopeful and energizing. Read this when you need a reminder that one person does not have to be famous, powerful, or extraordinary to make a meaningful difference.

Vote in Durham’s “I Voted” Sticker Contest. Round-one voting closes Wednesday, July 29. Durham County residents can vote for their favorite design. The ten designs receiving the most votes will advance to the next round. Vote here

EVENTS

This is not a complete list, but these are some high yield events going on over the next few weeks. Feel free to add what I’m missing in the comments! Also check out Durham Resistance Hub and ED4D (linked above). Marilyn also has an incredible newsletter about opportunities for getting involved. Check it out here!

RECURRING: Every Saturday from 3-4:30, there will be voter registration event meeting at Common Market in Durham. This is a very high yield and high importance event, go if you can whenever you can. Here is more info and sign up.

Wednesday, July 29, 6-8 PM. 6:00–8:00 PM. IN PERSON. Stitch & Bitch Craft Night. Daughters Coffee & Books. Bring a portable craft project such as knitting, crochet, embroidery, sketching, or journaling. All crafts and skill levels are welcome. Show your project and receive $1 off a beverage.

Thursday, July 30, 8 PM. VIRTUAL. Call with Indivisible National about protecting voting rights. Sign up here.

Saturday, August 1. 1PM-4 PM. IN PERSON. Good Trouble Lives On: Organize to Promote Fair and Safe Elections. A coalition training focused on preparing volunteers and leaders for the 2026 midterms. Breakout areas include: voter education, voter registration and registration repair, poll workers, voter protection, canvassing and get-out-the-vote efforts, postcard campaigns, mass action. Sign up here.

Saturday, August 15th, 6-8 PM. Common Market singalong with Pinkerton Raid!

Sunday, August 16th. 4 PM. VIRTUAL. Mutual Aid Spoke planning meeting. Email: mutualaid@bullcityindivisible.org.

Tuesday, August 18th. Austin Channing Brown in Conversation with Adrienne Maree Brown at the Hayti Heritage Center. Free, but tickets required.A conversation exploring burnout, joy, self-possession, being truly seen, and defining yourself on your own terms. More info here.

7/26 Meeting Recap

We started out talking about the attacks on our elections from the NC legislature and our state board of elections. As I write this Substack, the senate is discussing HB 958, a horrific elections bill. Early voting has been removed from college campuses and Black majority areas all over the state. The corruption is unparalleled. This is a good overview. I’ve been following this closely on my Instagram.

Anna’s mom , a retired psychiatrist (and current activist!) came to talk about trauma during the current regime. She explained:

She also shared some techniques for methods to help calm your body in times of trauma:

1. Box breathing

2. Tapping/butterfly hug

3. “Five things exercise”. Find five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste. This can be a useful way to slow down, ground yourself and become centered.

4. Use your body intentionally, whether drawing, writing a note or journaling, moving through space by walking, running or dancing. Try to sink into the present moment as much as you can. If possible, be in nature and focus sustained attention on the natural world.

5. If you are feeling flooded by social media, sometimes you can ask yourself, “is watching this video going to change what I do?” If so, great. If not, you can allow yourself to take a break.

6. Self Compassion. Tara Brach’s hand on heart exercise

7. Finding joy. If we allow these fascists to rob us of our joy, they have won. While it can feel guilt inducing to enjoy life when there is so much suffering, that joy is an essential part of resistance.

She ended with this:

Her Substack can be found here:

Mindy Oshrain MD: Defending Democracy/Practicing Self-Care

A trauma informed approach to turning anxiety and fear into action while caring for oneself.

By mindyoshrainmd

She also writes a weekly newsletter for the Durham Democrats about how to take action:

Durham Dems Action

Durham NC Dems coming together to move our community forward, counter crises and fight for our neighbors' civil rights.

By Durham Democrats Action

The above techniques may not be enough. If you are struggling, please seek professional help. Here are some resources:

Counseling Resources

• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective - connects clients with participating therapists who offer reduced-rate sessions.

• Psychology Today Therapist Finder - find local therapists, can sort by location, insurance, gender, expertise, and other things.

Take care of yourselves y’all.

Finally - link to the HCR video we played at the beginning for a little hope. I’m running out of room on this email so that’s it for today.

See you soon,

Anna

We’ll get y’all a meeting recap including all the genius from our Guest Speaker Dr. Oshrain and the action items and so much more. But first, let’s pick our next book club book.

Leave your vote in the comments below OR respond back to the email. Sorry for the influx of emails, Anna.

Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson

What it’s about: Historical context for how the United States arrived at its current democratic crisis, the times we have faced similar threats before, and the ongoing struggle to build a democracy that works for everyone.

The vibe: Grounding and reassuring. Read this when you want to understand how we got here, remember that people have overcome moments like this before, and imagine what democracy could become if we make it work for all of us.

The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

What it’s about: The stories of ordinary and often overlooked people whose courage, persistence, and individual choices helped shape American history.

The vibe: Hopeful and energizing. Read this when you need a reminder that one person does not have to be famous, powerful, or extraordinary to make a meaningful difference.

P.S.

100 Days Until The Midterm Election

We’re having all the feels and feel like we need to do a lot of things to save our Democracy. I’d (Sheila, again) would like to offer some small tidbits to put in your metaphorical or actual back pockets.

• You. Are. Not. Helpless.

• Death by 1000 papercuts applies to evil too. Take a small action each day and it will add up to something.

• As Persian poet Nazami Ganjavi said, “In the hour of adversity be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds.”

• If you need to discharge pain so you can move forward in life, call Thom Tillis and cuss him out. 202-224-6342

• We’re in this together. Like it or not. So learn to like it and make some friends.

Tomorrow’s meeting is going to be a breath of fresh air. We’re talking about taking care of our mental health during this absolutely f*****d up timeline.

Also, tomorrow is both the final day to contribute to the “Fill That Bus” School Supply drive AND Stephanie’s birthday… the organizer of said school supply drive. So please bring school supplies if you’re able to. See list BULLow.

This will be a great meeting for anyone with neurons, who cares about democracy, humanity, Mother Earth, and/or Jimothy the raccoon.

So sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc

Bring: Your awesome self.

If you’re feeling next level - bring a friend, neighbor, frenemy, or a child who can’t stop saying “I’m bored.” We’ll show you boring!

Accepting contributions for the Lakewood Durham Community Fridge.

AND

One more time with feeling, please bring school supplies. We don’t want to make Stephanie cry on her birthday! Unless it’s tears of joy.

See you tomorrow! Free high-fives to the first billion people in the door.

Hosted by , League of Women Voters, and local unions, the event will be a potluck social and primer from 6 to 8 p.m. at Whippoorwill Park, 1632 Rowemont Drive, Durham. This is a great chance for Bull City Indivisible members to connect with these groups and others in the community about actions we can take this fall.

There will also be a second part on August 1 at People’s Solidarity Hub that seems to be more specific action-oriented. But coming out tomorrow is a great start!

Here is more information about both: mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/967667/

Appreciate everything you’re doing to help our community stay safe and engaged during this critical election cycle!

—Stephanie

Get in, winners. We’re going to save democracy!

Excited to be in community with y’all this Sunday, July 12th, 2026. We’ll be watching “Ride or Die” documentary about how joining groups and being in community can save your life and democracy.

We’re meeting at the People’s Solidarity Hub. We’ve got popcorn and super cute popcorn bags. Enjoy a great film, AC, and great company.

Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541/

What to bring: Yourself.

And PLEASE for the love of goodness, bring a friend! Or a frenemy. Or your wayward nephew.

If you’re able to, our Mutual Aid spoke is taking contributions for the Durham Community Fridges.

AND this Sunday kicks off our school supply drive for Durham Public Schools Foundation in partnership with Crayons to Calculators.

…Now Stephanie is our member aligning us with this school supply drive and we’re trying to woo her to join the leadership team. We REALLY need the help and we REALLY like her. So, can y’all impress her? TIA

This upcoming Sunday, July 12th, 2026, we’ll meet indoors at the People’s Solidarity Hub. And we’ll watch “Join or Die” together. Which is so meta as the whole point of the movie is being in community in clubs is what is needed for a healthy democracy.

For those of you who want to be overachievers and watch it before everyone else, you can rent if for $10 here: https://gathr.com/vod/88648560/join-or-die

Another option is to watch the Trevor Noah podcast featuring Robert Putnam who’s work the entire documentary before you come this Sunday. :)

Whatever you choose, we hope you choose to join us this Sunday, July 12th, 2026. As discussed in the movie, joining a club reduces your risk of death by like 50% so basically it’s lifesaving. Basically.

Anyhoo, sign up here to join us and give us count for popcorn and programs. https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541/

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

With that covered, you know how the majority of the country is fanning in the flames of hell and battling explosive diarrhea as the PERFECT metaphor for where America is at on her 250th birthday?

Well, you could b*tch and moan about the patriarchy OR, hear me out, you could host a watch party and invite over a friend, neighbor, or even frenemy to watch Join or Die. Share your AC instead of your Netflix password for the greater good.

You can watch it on Netflix OR JoinOrDieFilm.com. And then we’ll discuss in our July 12th, 2026, Bull City Indivisible meeting…which you’re totally going to bring a friend to, like I’ve been asking you to for a whole flip-flapping year. Le Sigh.

Sign up to come to July 12th meeting.

And, if you’re feeling frisky and wanting to make it a double feature, you can watch (my future husband**) Trevor Noah’s What Now? Podcast episode featuring Robert Putnam.

Also, for the real ones, please print out the flyer and hang it up somewhere super cool like your front door, church, fave community board, etc. If the file below doesn’t work, email me, Sheila, at Community at BullCityIndivisible.org

*About the movie

Join or Die is an uplifting documentary about Robert Putnam’s decades of research on civic life, social connection, and democracy. Putnam is best known for Bowling Alone, his work showing how the decline of clubs, associations, neighborhood groups, unions, faith communities, and other forms of civic participation has weakened both our communities and our democracy.

The film’s central message is simple and hopeful: joining matters. Gathering matters. The places where we meet, talk, disagree, volunteer, organize, and simply know one another are not extra. They are part of how democracy survives.

And yes, the film also makes the case that joining a group is good for us as human beings. Putnam has famously argued that joining even one group can significantly improve health and longevity. In other words: community is not just nice. It is protective.

You can watch Join or Die on Netflix or at joinordiefilm.com before our next Bull City Indivisible AV Club discussion next Sunday. Watch it on your own, or even better, invite a few people over, share your air conditioning, and make it a tiny act of civic repair.

**About my future husband

I don’t know Trevor Noah IRL. I’m very open to getting to know him… Biblically. But what I did was make a joke and I hope that you’re able to find humor in my adoration for him. Save some space in your life for jokes and whimsy, y’all.

Great meeting on Sunday! We talked about public comment (more below), Durham Community Fridges, and the Fill the Bus initiative.

As I was about to sit down and write this email — I learned that not only did a 600 page draft of a budget deal drop (and likely will be voted on this week) — but that HB 958, the bad elections bill, is on the calendar for tomorrow at the general assembly.

(Reminder that links to the calendar (House & senate dashboard) and more can be found here: linktr.ee/durhamgotv

This email will be a little different because of all of that — here’s what’s happening and what you can do to help.

About the budget:

We have a draft — it’s 600 pages long, unclear if it’s final. Advocacy groups are working through the bill to see what’s in it, so stay tuned. There will likely be a lot of really dumb/bad stuff shoved in there — it’s a year late and they know everyone is desperate. Final votes will likely be in the next day or two.

Groups to follow to stay up to date on what’s happening in the NCGA:

Someone asked me on Sunday how I stay up to date on what’s going on locally. Here are the groups I follow and how I stay up to date (also included my own handle).

Instagram and Threads:

• Me :) — (@bullcityanna)

• Democracy NC (@democracync)

• Carolina Forward (@carolinaforward)

• Hannah Preston (@healthpolicyprincess), who also runs (@influencenc)

• is more for national stuff — but is a fantastic must follow IMO!

Local Media:

• WRAL

• N&O (may have paywall)

• NC Newsline (linking a piece on the horrific bill about unhoused neighbors)

• Cardinal & Pine

• NC Local

• The Assembly (deeper dives)

• The Caucus with Bryan Anderson (formerly Anderson Alerts)

• WUNC

— DOL has a legislative group that Mark Swallow runs. He is SO on top of all of this, so if you’re interested in doing more get in touch with them!

Feel free to shout out anything I’ve missed in the comments!

Why public comments are important and 3 comments you should make today!

We talked about how public comments are one of the most impactful things you can do right now outside of helping get out the vote. They may not be able to stop a horrific rule completely, but they may be able to delay it or improve it (like we did with the board of elections rules earlier this year). A few notes on public comments:

• While using a template can make it easier and is helpful, the people reading comments may only count the exact same response once (if 500 people submit a carbon copy of the same response, it may only get counted once).

• You don’t have to write a super long comment to make a difference — even a few short sentences saying that you disagree with the rule is important.

• The department proposing the rule MUST READ all the comments before passing it—the more comments, the better!

• The comments can become part of the legal record, so when rules are challenged in court, these comments can help the case.

Here’s a quote from an article I talked about on Sunday about what makes some comments more effective, in case it’s helpful (but truly, something is better than nothing):

Here are the rules to comment on this week:

1. Due before July 15: NCSBE - proposed rules on amplified sound and changes to voter ID exception forms. There was a public forum today. Thanks to all who showed up! Democracy NC has a great page about the rules and links to make a comment. Link to comment and more info here

2. Due before July 2nd: USPS rule change. More info from 5Calls, some of which is below (though I recommend reading through all of the info on 5calls):

   1. On June 2, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) published a proposed rule to allow the federal government to control who can cast a mail-in or absentee ballot. The rule, a response to an executive order that Donald Trump signed in March, would require states to send USPS a list of every voter slated to receive a ballot by mail. USPS could then refuse to deliver ballots to any voters whose names are not on states’ pre-approved lists. On June 2025, a federal judge ruled key sections of Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting unconstitutional, blocking the administration from enforcing them during the November general election. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by 23 attorneys general and one governor and protects voters in those 23 states and the District of Columbia. The USPS’s proposed rule change remains active, and the public comment period is open until July 2, 2026. Voters in states not covered by the court ruling should especially consider submitting a comment.

      1. To submit your comment: Email PCFederalRegister@usps.gov using the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Include your full name and address in the email, along with a few sentences explaining why this rule would harm voters in your community. Personalized comments carry the most weight.

3. Extra Credit: due by July 13th. OMB proposed rule on grants. Really good comprehensive info from the National Council of Nonprofits here. Submit a public comment here

An important point on today’s Supreme Court ruling:

OK, more soon — we have more events and info to share — but this is it for now — it’s bound to be a long week!!!

Anna

Apologies for the infrequent newsletters— it’s been a little crazy around here!

This Sunday, we’ll be hearing about a really exciting Fill the Bus project from our Mutual Aid spoke, and we’ll be talking about public comments — why they matter, how to write one, and some recent examples of why they matter as well as some that need to be written now!

Sign up here

Two new regular features at our meeting:

1. Food collection for Lakewood Durham Community fridge.

   1. Food placed in Durham community fridges often disappears within hours. Needs are immediate. Helpful reminders:

      • Prepared meals should include ingredients and preparation date
      
      • Individual containers are preferred whenever possible
      
      • Bottled water is especially needed as temperatures rise
      
      • If fridges and pantry areas are full, frozen water bottles can still help

2. Lit Drop Turf Pickup. We are partnering with Flip NC to be a site for folks to get turf and lit to do judicial race lit drop canvassing. It’s a super fun and easy way to make a data driven difference!

ABOUT TODAY.

Today was a pretty bonkers day in Raleigh.

• The bad elections bill, HB958, made it out of rules committee but not to the floor for a vote. A Republican (Cotham) and a Democrat (Willingham), who had previously voted yes on the bill in committee voted no this morning. While provisions from this bill could show up in the budget or the bill could come back at any point, this is a win and it’s because of the work YOU did with your comments and speaking up.

• Just after committee, Republicans decided to override the governor’s vetos on four bills. The only reason they were able to do this is that Willingham and Cunningham (two former Democrats, now Independents, who lost their primaries in March), left the building. The bills are horrific (more below) — but remember, while this is awful, THIS IS WHY WE HAVE PRIMARIES — and they won’t be coming back. We worked hard (in this group too!!) to raise awareness about Rev Dr Sadler, who beat Cunningham, and Patricia Smith, who beat Willingham. Our caucus will be stronger next year. Bill summaries from :

  

  

  

• The Board of Elections was up to more shenanigans this morning (trying to get rid of an election protection legend on the Board of Elections) — Hannah Preston with describes some additional corruption she noticed in this video:

There are a few upcoming meetings to help organize after the recent veto overrides as well as election protection opportunities:

Thursday, June 24, 7 PM. VIRTUAL. — Mass Call with Siembra NC in response to SB 153. Sign up here

Monday, June 29th, 10 AM. IN PERSON. Final public hearing for the NCSBE's proposed rules on Amplified Sound is coming up on Monday.⁠

• ICYMI: The NC State Board of Elections has proposed rule changes that make it easier to restrict community voting events. The newly proposed language targets "amplified sound" near polling locations, raising serious concerns about Souls to the Polls, Student Marches, and Parties at the Polls.⁠

• In-person public hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on June 29th in the Board Room at the State Board of Elections, Dobbs Building, 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603⁠

• Can't make the in-person hearing? Don't forget to submit your public online at demnc.co/ncsbe. (We’ll be talking about this at our Sunday meeting!!!)

Tuesday, June 30th, 7-8 PM. VIRTUAL. Join ACLU of NC and El Pueblo for a virtual town hall to learn more about what SB153 will mean for North Carolinians. Sign up here.

If you missed our last meeting and shindig — it was a lot of fun (except for our Sea Lion from last August who showed up again — Lakewood social is now aware and all is good)! Team UP NC talked about lots of opportunities to get involved and the candidates they are working with. Learn more here.

Sheila made a really fun Democracy bingo activity — see how many you’ve done below and how many you’re planning to do this summer and fall!

Look forward to seeing you all Sunday!

More soon,

Anna

I’m on vacation - but writing just a quick note about today’s election suppression bill. (we found out yesterday it would be heard today).

Borrowing some text from Karen at Democracy Out Loud on the details:

“Common Cause NC has done an excellent summary of NC HB 958, which will be in the House Rules Committee tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 10 am and likely in the House later in the day. Join us at 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh. This bill:

Attacks our Votes At All Levels.

From state legislators to local elections boards, HB958 would give partisan extremists unprecedented power to suppress our votes and invite brazen attempts to steal our elections.

Represents a Wish List of Corrupt Officials.

New changes could fulfill an anti-voter “wish list” concocted by an extremist State Auditor and Elections Board that has proven over the past weeks it will stop at nothing to influence our 2026 elections.

Highlights Lawmakers’ Misplaced Priorities.

When election cuts come out before a state budget, politicians in Raleigh prove they’d rather prioritize their political futures over the basic needs of our people.

If you can, go to the Auditorium, 3rd floor of the Legislative Building (between the Senate and House galleries) at 9 am. The room fills up quickly; it opens at 9:30 am.”

Comments are still open at the time I write this — leave one if you haven’t yet:

https://www.ncleg.gov/RequestForComments/51

More soon!

Anna

Now, the Bull City Indivisible leadership team has poured our hearts and budget into this shindig. Please bring your best self, a friend, and your appetite. For serious. We ask that you bring a friend every week. Please do it for real life tomorrow.

Also, clear your cabinets and bring what you can to stock the Durham Community Fridge in the Lakewood area. As the temps rise, the need for water and popsicles rises, too. Costco had bottled water priced at $4 for 40 bottles. Our leadership team filled a fridge earlier this week.

RSVP Aqui: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/751541/

RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/967500/

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

We’ll be hearing from the NC Tax and Budget Center on the new amendments that will be on the ballot and from Flip NC on the lit drops — and launching a new partnership.

Sign up here

Two new regular features at our meeting:

1. Food collection for Lakewood Durham Community fridge.

   1. Food placed in Durham community fridges often disappears within hours. Needs are immediate. Helpful reminders:

      • Prepared meals should include ingredients and preparation date
      
      • Individual containers are preferred whenever possible
      
      • Bottled water is especially needed as temperatures rise
      
      • If fridges and pantry areas are full, frozen water bottles can still help

2. Lit Drop Turf Pickup. We are partnering with Flip NC to be a site for folks to get turf and lit to do judicial race lit drop canvassing. It’s a super fun and easy way to make a data driven difference!

See you soon!

Anna

It’s been a while since I’ve written one of these — things have been busy! We had a great meeting on Sunday talking about Democracy in Retrograde.

Lots happened in the general assembly this week —just not a budget.

Our next meeting is Sunday, May 31st - we’ll be hearing from the NC Tax and Budget Center on the new amendments that will be on the ballot (I think! Finalizing details) and from Flip NC on the lit drops.

Sign up here

Two new regular features at our meeting:

1. Food collection for Lakewood Durham Community fridge.

   1. Food placed in Durham community fridges often disappears within hours. Needs are immediate. Helpful reminders:

      • Prepared meals should include ingredients and preparation date
      • Individual containers are preferred whenever possible
      • Bottled water is especially needed as temperatures rise
      • If fridges and pantry areas are full, frozen water bottles can still help

2. Lit Drop Turf Pickup. We are partnering with Flip NC to be a site for folks to get turf and lit to do judicial race lit drop canvassing. It’s a super fun and easy way to make a data driven difference!

ACTIONS

(This is by no means a complete list - especially with so much going on right now— check out Durham Dems Action newsletter, Chop Wood, Carry Water NC, Democracy Out Loud and Engaged Defenders for Democracy for more). And, of course, the 5calls app always has all the things to call about!

Something new: we’d love it if folks are willing to chip in a few dollars to our new ActBlue account - we now have a website domain from the funds you’ve already contributed and are working on building it. Stay tuned for more!

CRITICAL ACTION:

In the shadow of the U.S. Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais and fresh off passing unnecessary rules designed to flag vulnerable voters for removal from the voter rolls ahead of this fall’s elections , the North Carolina State Board of Elections has proposed more changes that could:

• Ppen the door for county boards to reject certain ballots along party lines

• limit certain types of constitutionally protected gatherings at polling sites and

• make it even harder to vote by mail (and harder to have those ballots count).The NCSBE has proposed new rules about voting that would limit events directed at young voters (and especially young voters of color), like DJs to the Polls. They also have new rules that would make it easier for Republican County Boards to toss provisional ballots. You can submit a public comment about these rules — remember, we made the last bad rule less bad by submitting 15,000 public comments. Democracy NC has more info here about the new rules and how to submit a comment.

I published a post on social media recently about our plan to flip NC blue. Below is a “quick start” list of actions — these are high yield, critical actions you can do anytime. The plan will be discussed in more detail at the bottom of the email.

1. Follow & share: follow state legislative candidates & get to know critical races. It’s an easy way to make a difference.

2. Lit drop with FLIP NC in your neighborhood. Sign up: FlipNC.org/volunteer

3. Field Team Justice: self-directed anytime judicial candidate canvassing in your neighborhood. Sign up: NCDP.org/justice

4. Work the polls: a critically important job to protecting our elections.

   Sign up: ncsbe.gov/democracy-heroes-form

5. Phone bank or canvass with TeamUp NC for races that are within the margin of effort. Sign up: TeamUpNC.org/volunteer

6. Donate to critical races in NC through Oath.Vote (they don’t sell your information or put you on email lists!!). Find the slate I put together for the most critical races at: tinyurl.com/criticalnc.

EVENTS

This is not a complete list, but these are some high yield events going on over the next few weeks. Feel free to add what I’m missing in the comments! Also check out Durham Resistance Hub and ED4D (linked above). Marilyn also has an incredible newsletter about opportunities for getting involved. Check it out here!

RECURRING: Every Saturday from 3-4:30, there will be voter registration event meeting at Common Market in Durham. This is a very high yield and high importance event, go if you can whenever you can. Here is more info and sign up.

Saturday, May 23rd, 10:30 AM. IN PERSON. Canvass with Team Up NC for James Galliard and Lorenza Wilkins. Sign up here.

Wednesday, May 27th. 6:30 PM. VIRTUAL. All In for NC Fundraiser for Team Up NC with Heather Cox Richardson. Donate here. Sign up here.

Friday, May 29th, 6 PM, IN PERSON. Singalong at Common Market with Pinkerton Raid. We had so much fun last year we’re doing it again!

Thursday, June 4th, 6-8 PM, IN PERSON. Live podcast taping with The Hometown Holler. Sign up here.

Sunday, June 7, 2-5. IN PERSON. Skills Fair with the Durham Democrats. Learn how to check voter registration online and register voters, use MiniVan, and engage and educate voters about the importance of judicial races. If you want, you can also head out to knock doors for an hour or head home to do it on your own time. We’ll have phone backup for questions and concerns that afternoon, if you want to practice right then! Sign up here.

Meeting Recap

We had such great discussion about Democracy In Retrograde (still highly recommend if you haven’t read it!). I’ll leave you with a quote though, from Emily:

“The most impactful movements simmer over time, gathering momentum and dedicated grassroots support…The reality is that significant civic movements that have been able to achieve major changes are the ones that are built slowly and, to be frank, painfully…For so many of us, politics is a biannual freakout instead of a daily habit, but most progress you want to see will require years of sustained effort. The good news is that the sooner more of us get involved, the less time it should take.” - Emily Amick, Democracy in Retrograde

A listen for the week:

WUNC’s Due South interviewed Anita Earls for this segment: What dismantling the Voting Rights Act means for North Carolina and the South. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Everything feels like a lot right now - that’s their goal. To make everything so overwhelming that you tune out. But we’re in this together, and we’re not going anywhere. Do what you can, when you can, but don’t give up.

See you soon!

Anna

Let’s change the metaphor from eating elephants to eating the rich. Hahahaha!

Here is our discussion guide. Come, whether you’ve read the book, parts, or none at all. You matter and you BULLong.

Sign up here for reminders + location: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541/

Discussion Guide

Democracy in Retrograde

by Sami Sage and Emily Amick

Big idea:
Democracy in Retrograde is about what happens when people feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, or shut out of politics, and how we can still find meaningful ways to participate. The book asks us to move beyond panic and perfectionism and toward community, clarity, and action.

Opening Check-In

In one word or short phrase: How are you feeling about democracy right now?

Discussion Questions

1. What part of the book felt most true to your own experience?
   Was there a section that made you feel seen, challenged, relieved, or activated?

2. The book talks about political overwhelm.
   What makes civic engagement feel exhausting or inaccessible right now? What helps make it feel possible again?

3. Where do you see democracy working locally?
   This could be schools, city government, neighborhood groups, mutual aid, voting efforts, public meetings, or community organizing.

4. Where do you see democracy breaking down locally?
   What issues in Durham, North Carolina, or your own community feel urgent or overlooked?

5. The authors emphasize that civic participation does not have to look one specific way.
   What forms of action feel realistic for you in this season of your life?

6. How do we make room for more people to participate?
   What barriers keep people out of civic spaces? What can groups like Bull City Indivisible do to be more welcoming, useful, and sustainable?

7. What is one thing from the book you want to carry forward?
   This can be an idea, practice, reminder, or action step.

Local Action Reflection

Democracy is not only national. It is also local, relational, and ongoing.

Before you leave, choose one action you can take this week:

• Invite one person to a future meeting

• Share a local issue with a friend or neighbor

• Contact an elected official

• Attend a public meeting

• Help distribute flyers

• Support a local organization already doing the work

• Rest, reset, and come back ready

• Choose your own action: ___________________________

Closing Question

What would it look like for civic engagement to feel less like a burden and more like being in community?

Bull City Indivisible Book Club
Sunday, May 17, 2026
3:00–4:30 PM

Join us as we discuss Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick.

Bring a friend, bring your thoughts, and come be in community with us. Even if you haven’t finished the book, you’re welcome at the table.

We’ll also have flyers available and opportunities to connect before our June gathering.

Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/bullcityindivisiblenc/event/751541

We Need Back Up:

We want to put this on y’all’s radar. The Bull City Indivisible leadership team is spread too thin, and we’re ready to admit we need help. Help looks like a co-spoke lead for each spoke - Communications, Engagement, Voting, Mutual Aid, and Community Engagement.

We also need help with our website, while I, Sheila here, have built lots of websites in my time. I literally do not have the time. We need a pro, not a hobbyist.

If any of that sounds like your cup of tea and within your capacity, please talk to us at the next meeting.

Last Meeting Recap: Community Care Is Democracy Work

Our 5/3 meeting was really impactful. Our guest speakers were awe-inspiring. The opening check-in carried a common theme: everyone is carrying a lot right now.

For many of us, life lately has felt like a combination of saving democracy and navigating grief, illness, caregiving, uncertainty, and the serious realities unfolding in our personal lives.

Reminder: There’s a lane for everyone on the path to collective liberation, including the pull-over lane.

Showing up matters. Resting matters too.

Support the May BCI / FLIP NC Anita Earls Shirt Campaign

Kelly also shared that FLIP NC created a special May campaign link for Bull City Indivisible.

This month, folks can donate $30 or more and receive an Anita Earls t-shirt. When you donate, indicate the shirt size and style you would like. Once the BCI campaign closes, FLIP NC will send shirts to our group contact for distribution.

Donate here: https://donorbox.org/flip-nc-bull-city-indivisible-group

Caring For Our Neighbors Through Food

Ginger Allison | Bagging It for Kids

In 2015, Ginger heard a nine-year-old say, “It’s not my day to eat today.” That moment changed everything.

Through Bagging It for Kids, Ginger and volunteers work to sustain school pantries, reduce food waste, and make sure children have access to food. Together, they have diverted more than 250 tons of food waste while helping feed kids in our community.

She shared a quote from Jane Goodall: “It matters what each of us does.”

And a reminder that felt especially fitting: “If we act on a local level, it resonates globally.”

In Durham, 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity, and Ginger believes the real number may be even higher.

Want to help? Follow: @BaggingIt4Kids on Instagram

Scott | Root Causes

Scott shared the story behind Root Causes, a student organization started by Duke medical students after they repeatedly saw patients experiencing health challenges tied to factors beyond medicine alone.

Patients living with hypertension, diabetes, and other health conditions often lacked access to healthy food, stable housing, educational opportunities, and time.

They describe these as health-related social needs.

For 6 years, volunteers have packed and delivered fresh produce every single week, without missing a single week.

Follow: @DukeMed_Root_Causes

Roo Jackson | Duke Campus Farm

Roo shared about the work happening at Duke Campus Farm and what it means to grow food with community rather than simply for community. Their job, as Roo put it, starts with listening. Listening to neighbors. Listening to needs. Listening to communities. That feedback informs what gets grown and where food goes.

In 2025:

🌱 1 acre
🌱 30,000 pounds of produce grown

We also learned about CSA opportunities and the broader work of getting fresh food into Durham and Duke communities.

Follow: @DukeCampusFarm

Durham Community Fridges

One thing we heard repeatedly: food placed in Durham community fridges often disappears within hours.

Needs are immediate.

Helpful reminders:

• Prepared meals should include ingredients and preparation date
• Individual containers are preferred whenever possible
• Bottled water is especially needed as temperatures rise
• If fridges and pantry areas are full, frozen water bottles can still help

A line from the evening that stuck with many of us:

“We can all do something. If that something is showing up, be there.”

And another:

“This revolutionary idea that everyone eats at our table.”

Upcoming

📚 5/17: Book Club — Democracy in Retrograde
🎉 6/14: Bull City Indivisible Shindig

If you have ideas, community updates, upcoming events, or anything you’d like included in future newsletters: Community@BullCityIndivisible.org

Our next regularly scheduled meeting is our second book club, and it’s going to be AWESOME! Sign up here.

Our next book:
“Democracy in Retrograde” by Sami Sage & Emily Amick

A chance to be in community, make sense of what’s happening, and talk about what we do next.

Show up with us:
• Come on May 17
• Bring a friend
• Print the flyer and share it

Books are available at independent bookstores across Durham and Durham County Libraries. Audio version available too.

Bull City Indivisible is built on community, education, and action. This is one way we practice all three.

Also, we’re looking for the helpers. We need folks to print and distribute the attached book club flyer. Holla at Community@BullCityIndivisible.org if you need/want the direct file or have questions.

See you real soon. Do you best to be your best.