Dear Friends,

Think back to why you first showed up. Maybe it was a rally, a march, holding signs on Hwy. 70, or an empty chair town hall at Congressman Harrigan’s office. That could have been the moment you realized you couldn't keep watching from the sidelines. That same feeling is why we're reaching out now.

Saturday, October 17, will be the next national day of action - "No Kings: Vote Early.” Indivisible National is joining with  a broad coalition of other pro-democracy groups in working toward the largest mid-term Early Vote turnout in history. The main idea: support and celebrate voting early, which will be in its third day in Catawba County. The No Kings coalition is encouraging smaller, organic actions that support early voting. ICCV members met with Rally Committee last week and brainstormed a lot of different ideas. But - WE HEARD YOU! YOU WANT A RALLY! 

So, we’ve come up with a plan for “Five Mini-Rallies with a Twist.” This will not be a huge rally with speakers and music. We will be gathering in small groups from 8:30 until 10:30 am at each of the 5 Early Voting sites. You choose which site is most convenient for you. This will not be a permitted rally or march. There will be a safety lead at each site (we still need one more lead in either Newton or Conover - let us know if you would be willing to help), whose primary responsibilities will be to: 

  1. Make sure we do NOT block traffic, either vehicular or pedestrian. 

  2. Remind ICCV members of safe, peaceful demonstration behavior as needed. 

  3. Be sure that the event ends on time and that we leave the space at least as clean as when we arrived.


Here’s What We Will Do- 

  • Celebrate the act of voting and encourage people to vote early. This is intended to be positive and joyful. The No Kings organization is VERY CLEAR that this is a non-partisan event. Bring your flags, beautiful signs and posters, or other bright and positive symbols. We CANNOT bring posters for / against specific candidates or parties. We CAN bring posters reminding people about the importance of voting for democracy, for change, for making life more affordable, etc. Please wear your ICCV gear. (If you need ICCV shirts, hats, or visors, we have them available.) Again, please no partisan candidate t-shirts during the rally.

  • Cheer on voters! Greet people with signs, smiles, and applause as they come and go.

  • Say thank you. A simple "thanks for voting" can mean more than you'd think.

  • Bring a friend. Everything is more fun, and more powerful, together.

We're not asking for a lifetime commitment, just a few hours. Picture a nervous voter walking up to the warm sight of welcoming faces, and then being thanked for voting. They may call a friend and suggest they go vote. 

Democracy isn't something we inherit and keep automatically. It's something we show up for, together, again and again.

Mobilize signups will be available no later than Monday 10/5

With gratitude and determination,
Lynn Dorfman, ICCV Rally Committee Chair