1.5.2026: New Year, Same Fight

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We learned a lot in 2025, and we’re taking those learnings forward into 2026. Let’s keep up the Indivisible spirit as we continue to stand hand in hand for democracy, against fascism.

Looking to get more involved with our team? Reply to this email! An Indivisibuddy will get back to you shortly.

New Year, Same Fight

by Jackie

On a positive note, I feel like 2026 is going to be a fantastic year.  We have so much to look forward to as a community. The number one item should be the primaries.  We will have lots of opportunities for folks to learn about canvasing, precincts, maybe think about being a volunteer for voting locations to see first hand how things are done.  And we’re in the process of confirming a guest speaker from the State of Colorado to speak to the group via Discord to explain the integrity and processes of our voting system.  This is an event you don’t want to miss.

Next, Indivisible Westminster will be celebrating its one year anniversary gathering with the theme “Embracing our Community”.  This in-person event will have drawings of fun items, swag, cake & beverages, and a chance to network with other groups members because everyone is invited.  Save-the-date:  February 4, 2026 in Olde Town Arvada.

In conclusion, we need every body to get involved.  And this means You.  Joining an Indivisible group offers so much to fill the void that together we can make things happen.  If you don’t join Indivisible Westminster, please consider going to this link to find a group near you.  https://indivisiblecolorado.net/

Immigration Corner

Testimonial

by Jackie

A few days ago, I was personally effected with a loss of community, when my neighbor from Mexico announced that after three years of living next door to me he no longer felt safe.  He was a professional plumber who was here in Westminster only trying to make life better for himself and his family.  He would often check on me; and in turn I took over my home grown peaches and jalapeño’s and left on his door handle.   I also gave him and his family the Red Cards and Know Your Rights cards, they were very appreciative with my gesture. He was moving back to Mexico because Trump had put the fear in his heart.  He said if he was picked up by I.C.E. his family would suffer and he wouldn’t be able to protect him.  On a positive note, they made sure that I had his Mexico phone number so that I could visit him and he offered to be a guide while there.  He and his family were good neighbors and humans.  We were created equal by a great power and that is my message.  Treat people with respect and care.

Below are some opportunities for you to get involved:

IPT-Specific Trauma Response Coping Sessions: At least two of our IPT leaders have training in how best to respond to trauma. They have graciously offered to share their expertise with us in the following sessions:

• January 5 at 6:00 PM over ZOOM: Vicarious trauma 

• January 19 at 6:00 PM over ZOOM: Monthly support meeting

• February 16 at 6:00 PM over ZOOM: Monthly support meeting

• March 16 at 6:00 PM over ZOOM: Monthly support meeting

Also check Indivisible Westminster’s Event schedule to see what other immigration activities that are on our calendar.  I know there are weekly highway overpass protests, a Hudson trip to a potential detention center, and Monday evening gatherings in front of the Aurora GEO Detention Center. [You must be a Discord member to view our event schedule - info on how to join below.]

Mental Health

by Jackie

With the 2026 primaries approaching, many may experience political depression with symptoms of anxiety, negative emotions, exhaustion, hopelessness and more.  I can attest that trying to find a “happy space” can be difficult.  The constant barrage of news updates, political events and the polarization can be just too much.

Recommendations for Relief (make the effort for yourself):

• Limit exposure & set boundaries for yourself

• Redirect your energies - plan to work on a hobby, go for a walk, offer to walk a friend dogs or other exercise activity.

• Engage in Constructive activities - volunteer at a school, church, hospital, food bank or other organization.  As volunteering is a good heart feeling that stays with you. A good New Years Resolution would be to sign up for one volunteer group throughout the year.

• And there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. 

For more info, check out Mayo Clinic’s article, “News Rewires Your Brain”. 

Politics at Play

A Brief Look at the Upcoming 2026 Elections

This year, elections will be an important focus for our team, because there are some pivotal seats opening up in Colorado, for the state and local districts. Here’s a relatively quick look at the playing field:

Statewide (and these seats all held by a fairly new set of officials):

• Governor

  • Currently Jared Polis, for only 1 term

  • Polis has been mercurial, trying to balance both the favor of the president and his cronies, and the blue-leaning state. Is it enough to keep him around, or will a challenger arise who is steadfast against the tide of fascism and bullies?

• US Senator Hickenlooper, in office since 2021

  • A former governor, Hickenlooper has also been wishy-washy in the face of fascism, and he’s doing just enough to pass as a pro-America Democrat. He is running for one more term as senator, after considering retirement. Will his track record hold up to get him through?

• Attorney General

  • Currently Phil Weiser, since 2019

  • Weiser has taken stands against Trumpism, and won some, but there are those who think they can do better.

• Secretary of State

  • Currently Jena Griswold, since 2019

  • Recently, the Trump “sad”ministration sued her after she refused to share unredacted detailed voter information. (It’s frustrating when files are redacted, isn’t it?)

• State Treasurer

  • Dave Young, serving since 2019

  • Recently dropped of the 2026 race for CD-8 state representative, citing family health issues.

Local Congressional Districts (CD):

• CD-8, House Representative - High Alert

  • The seat is currently filled by Gabe Evans, a Trump sycophant.

  • This election is pivotal and close to home, as CD8 includes  Adams, Weld, and parts of Larimer Counties (including Thornton, Greeley, Commerce City, Brighton, NorthGlenn and parts of Westminster).

  • Join us this year to protest outside Evans’ office every Friday. Let’s say “GOODBYE, GABE!"

• CD-7, House Representative

  • Now held by Democrat Brittany Pettersen. While not pro-Trump, we need to hold our politicians to account always.

  • Represents Jefferson, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Park, Lake, Chaffee and parts of Fremont and Custer counties. 

• CD-6, House Representative

  • Held by Democrat Jason Crow. Again, he's not pro-Trump, but we need to hold our politicians accountable.

  • Represents parts of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties including the towns of Centennial and Aurora and slices of Thornton and Highland Ranch.

Less local, but still a key Colorado CD election:

• CD-4, House Representative

  • Now held by Republican Lauren Boebert,

  • This district represents a large portion of eastern and southern Colorado. This is another district we would love to see turn from red to BLUE, and dump Trump!

To shake the rise of fascists, technocrats, oligarchs, and the like, we need to vet our candidates well to ensure they are pro-everyone, and especially pro-America; and then we need to be in lockstep to canvas, discuss, and support those candidates. The people, united, can never be defeated!

Stay tuned as we dive into the each seat, race, and candidate. This is bound to be a juicy section this year.

Spotlight on Upcoming Events

Training Opportunities

• February 28, 2026, 2-4 pm: Save-the-date for CORRN Confirmer/Rapide Response training in Arvada

  • Keep an eye on Mobilize.us for this training and next month's newsletter with the link to sign up. This class is hard to get scheduled, so if you’re interested please plan on signing up. Class size is limited to 60 individuals, so sign up fast!

   

 Demonstrations

• Tuesday, January 6th, from 1-5PM: Mock Trial for Trump, hosted by the Solidarity warriors at the State Capitol. The “trial” will be followed by a concert.

  • You’re welcome to join for the show, but are you interested in being a “juror” for the trial, or know someone who might be? Go to this website to sign up. (Costumes provided.) Other volunteer opportunities are available, too.

   

Recent IW Event: Cookie Decorating

To get a taste of what some of our events are like, check out these photos from Indivisible Westminster’s cookie decorating party!

Some creative folks in our group made these.

CD-8 candidate Manny Rutinel stopped by to decorate some cookies.