Join the Movement
At IndiWMC, We Put Action Behind Words
There are several committees, groups, and initiatives that we sponsor or participate in. As members of Indivisible Westside Monroe County, we use our skills and varying levels of commitment to help these groups move forward with their goals. Your ideas for new groups or committees are welcomed!
IndiWMC also organizes and co-sponsors several protest events in the area. These range from intersection protests to rallies and marches. We peacefully protest to ensure the safety of our members.
Below are a sampling of the committees, groups, and initiatives that Indivisible Westside Monroe County members have started or are part of.
Election Education Committee
There is a lack of information on the entire political process among our citizens, including those with a newfound awareness of the extreme importance of political races. The purpose of the forum is to inform and inspire our members and allies to engage further in the electoral process, whether as a voter, a volunteer, a poll-worker, a campaigner, or a political candidate.
IndiWMC, IndiRoc, IndiOutreach, and other local activist groups are collaborating to bring speakers to the community to educate on the electoral process and the importance of participation.
Town Meeting Committee
While many members are aware of what is happening politically at the federal and state levels, the same is not necessarily true at the local level. Our town policies play a vital role in our lives. The purpose of this committee is to help keep members informed about current and proposed policies in our towns and give us the chance to speak out if a proposed policy may be harmful to the community.
Compassion & Action
We are compassion and community in action, offering tangible and valued support to those in need.
Education Committee
From extremist Executive Orders whitewashing education to funding being revoked at colleges that refuse to blindly follow MAGA educational standards, America’s educational system is under assault. Our hope is to identify vulnerable institutions and rally support to stop changes before they happen.
We are looking for volunteers to:
- attend school board and college meetings across the region to identify where pressure is being felt to appease Trumpian standards
- advocate for our most vulnerable students who are losing IEPs and special services.
- spread the word regarding threats to education
- Support the #TeachTruth initiative
The Education Committee is made up of a consortium of activist groups around Monroe County with Indivisible Rochester taking the lead and Indivisible Westside being a strong collaborator.
Visibility Brigade
The Visibility Brigade holds overpass bannering across the various highways in Monroe and surrounding counties. The group is a multi-organization effort and also provides support for the neighborhoods surrounding the overpasses they banner on.
Community Outreach Committee
In collaboration with allied groups and individuals, the IndiWMC Community Outreach Committee organizes monthly events to introduce the public to our group and the activist community. Past and upcoming events include community potluck suppers, sign-making, rock-painting, letter-writing, concerts, lectures, and educational presentations. The goal is create events that foster community engagement and positive relationships, increase awareness, and build community.
Banned Book Club
The IndiWMC Banned Book Club is a discussion group that meets monthly to read and talk about books facing censorship, as a form of democratic resistance and education, expressing our right to read diverse, often controversial, ideas. The Club discusses books banned in schools or libraries, analyzing the reasons for bans (e.g., sexuality, politics, race), and reinforcing the importance of intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives.
Young Progressives
How do we encourage younger people to become politically active? IndiWMC has a new group focused on this question and pursuing creative strategies such as graphic cartoon brochures “’zines” to reach college-aged people using media they may relate to.
Signs of Fascism / Handmaids
Two activist groups that you may find at the protests around Monroe County are Signs of Fascism and The Handmaids. The Signs of Fascism members wear black clothing and carry signs that have messages that warn of fascistic behaviors. The Handmaids dress in costume made famous through The Handmaid’s Tale book by Margaret Atwood and television series.
What is the mission of your organization?
Our mission is to actively promote and protect the civil and human rights of all individuals in Western Monroe County. We strive to ensure that justice and liberty are upheld, resisting any threats to these fundamental rights under the Constitution.
How do I become a member?
There is an area on the homepage where you can enter your email address so that we can send you a link to our online membership form. After filling out the form, one of our New Member Committee members will reach out with more information to connect with our group.
How can I get involved with your community efforts?
Once you become a member, you can get involved by attending our twice monthly meetings, volunteering or attending events, or joining our advocacy committees. We welcome everyone who shares our commitment to social justice, strengthening democratic values, and community activism.
What types of events do you organize?
We organize a variety of events including workshops, rallies, and educational seminars focused on civil rights, social justice, and preservation of democracy. These events aim to raise awareness and mobilize community action for positive change.
What values guide your organization’s work?
Our organization is guided by values of integrity, inclusivity, and empowerment. We believe in the importance of standing together to defend rights and freedoms, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and heard.
Where can I learn about other things I can do?
Check the Resources page to learn about local party resources, local and regional advocacy groups, and local and regional politicians.