Hello, fellow Kansans, and welcome to a new week -

With our legislators in Topeka still on recess, state news was quiet this week. While they're back in their home districts, you have a great opportunity to reach out to your elected officials to follow up on the issues that matter most to you. Look up your elected officials here, then drop them a quick email or, if they're active on social media, a note there. See if any upcoming events are happening, and if not, start a dialog. State-level elected officials represent many fewer people than their federal counterparts, which means they can (and should!) be much more responsive to constituent contact.

Here locally...

• Three candidates for the GOP nomination for Kansas governor participated in a debate. All emphasized the need to slash spending and minimized the link between increased education funding and improved outcomes.
• Advocates for peace marched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination.  
• Student organizers of the Town Hall for our Lives followed up with Representative Kevin Yoder, fact-checking his claims on his gun record and pushing back on his absence. Check out their fantastic open letter to Yoder here!

At the federal level, tensions continue to rise as the Mueller investigation continues and the Trump administration launches missiles at Syria.  

• The U.S., along with the U.K. and France, launched missiles targeting chemical weapons sites in Syria.
• Amid mounting pressure on Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, and the release of James Comey's memoir, speculation continues that Trump may be thinking of firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

These two issues form the core of our calls to action this week.  In addition:

• Senator Jerry Moran will now take over as chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. We'll call upon him to use his new authority to hold this administration accountable.
• Paul Ryan announced that he will not seek reelection in 2018.
• The challenge of being black in America was highlighted by two incidents this week: a teenager was shot at while asking for directions and two patrons were arrested at Starbucks on trespassing charges.

Even though every day is starting to feel like a Friday evening news dump, we're ready to take action. Ready?

Calls to Action  

Take action on your own schedule! Use your phone and computer to make your voice heard.

Attacks in Syria

Assad's use of chemical weapons against civilian targets is shocking, and the urge to do something is strong and just. However, with no strategy and no Congressional approval, Trump's escalation is irresponsible and flies in the face of our nation's laws. Our Members of Congress MUST act as a coequal branch of government and step up to their responsibilities in a time of conflict.

Congress has many options available to them to act in the defense of the Syrian people. Click here for additional information and a call script to demand YOUR elected officials rise to their Constitutional and humanitarian obligations.

Special Counsel Investigation

In the past week, Trump and his spokespeople have openly flirted with the possibility of firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees Mueller's investigation. If he were to do so, it would be a severe strike against our democracy and the rule of law. Once again, there is much that Congress can do if it chooses to, from withholding consent in the Senate to reject nominations to passing legislation that would protect the Special Counsel.  

First, call your Members of Congress to demand action to prevent this crisis from ever taking place. Then, review the plan of action if Trump should fire Rosenstein or Mueller.

Are you ready to take to the streets? Find your rapid response event at trumpisnotabovethelaw.org

Upcoming Events

Take action with others! Build energy and connection among like-purposed people.

Monday, April 16th

At 7:00pm, join Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) of Kansas City for their April Mass Meeting: Disrupting Internalized White Supremacy. First-time SURJ event attendees should consider SURJ 101, presented from 6:30-7:00pm. Click here for more information.

Thursday, April 19th

At 7:00pm, join the League of Women Voters and UMKC Law Professor Allen Rostron for a conversation about the Second Amendment, and what it does and doesn't say about gun control. Attendees can expect a civil dialogue inspired by a passion for engagement and conversation. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Friday, April 20th

On Friday, students across the nation will be walking out of schools to demand gun control. From 4:00-7:00pm, join the students of the Blue Valley School District and Indivisible KC for speakers and a march to demand an end to lives lost in gun violence. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

As always - keep writing, keep calling, and keep showing the world your passion and your power.

As Angela Davis said, "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."

We'll see you out there -

Indivisible KC