Fishers Resists

A new chapter…

Effective September 3, I stepped down from leadership of Fishers Resists.

A beloved family member was diagnosed in July with a serious medical condition, and I need to step away from the demands of this role to be more present for my family.

I thought I could manage both, but I cannot. Fishers Resists has been an enormous part of my life for the past 18 months. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together— especially our leadership team and volunteers who’ve shown up, again and again, to stand for democratic values and fight the (really bad) bad guys.

I am especially grateful that Heather Long, our Communications Lead, is stepping into the leadership role. Heather is compassionate, clear-seeing and “wicked-smaht” —and I can't imagine a better person to help Fishers Resists build on the momentum we've created.

Our creative, talented & feisty leaders Carmen Bauer Gary Pupers and Tom will continue serving on the Steering Committee, and I know they will be there to support Heather and our team of volunteers.

When I look back over these 18 months, I’m proudest of two things: Our community that has REFUSED to stand quietly by when we see democracy, human dignity and our neighbors being threatened.

And second, I’m proudest of how – as a team -- we leaned into audacity. From Amy K. insisting last August we start a Wednesday protest, to Therese C. stating-as-fact, “let’s hire 3 busses and bring Fishers folks to No Kings 2 at the Statehouse!” I began to see the sparky potential of stepping into the unthinkable.

We held lots of events on a wing and a prayer that resonated with our community. (Along with other huge events — NK3 & Hoosier Hospitality March & Vigil — led with skillful finesse by Project Manager Reagan Stafford-Tarin).

Fishers has become known as a place where people show up. That's because of YOU.

And I want to give a very special thank you to Amy Klodzen Therese Cochran Steven L. Alexander Dan Svrchek Chris Sorgi Dean Shelley F Debbie Cobb Jordan Dayingledue Gary & Sue Jackson and our tenacious Streetside Democracy Defenders who have shown up on Wednesdays — through the heat, the cold and everything in between. Things are NOT NORMAL right now, and you won’t let anyone forget that.

To everyone who has marched, held a sign, made a phone call, written a letter, brought a friend, shared a post, offered encouragement or simply stood beside someone who needed to know they weren't alone: Your courage makes a difference.

Fishers Resists has thousands of people in its community now. I hope you will continue to show up, support one another and most important, step into a volunteer role with Fishers Resists. We need you now especially, to strengthen and shape our next efforts.

I'm stepping away from leadership, but I'm not stepping away from the community.

Stay strong. Be audacious. Keep resisting. ❤️ Julie

(Photo credit: Allison A. Mayer)

It takes a village...of volunteers.

fishersresists.substack.com

Looking forward to seeing you this afternoon, 4-6!

Happening Wednesday night. Worth checking out amidst the ICE invasion of Indiana and conversations about immigration.

Hello friends. For info on the most timely & accurate ICE sightings & information about how to respond to them, please follow Indy Rapid Response on FB & IG ().

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DYZGfysUQ/?mibextid=wwXIf
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ICE in Westfield, IN, 169th & Union St., 7am today.