Welcome to the latest edition of the Greater Lafayette Indivisible newsletter.
Greater Lafayette Indivisible is a pro-democracy, local grassroots organization that is committed to fighting for progressive policies, registering American voters, and demystifying congressional advocacy. Our goals include holding our elected officials accountable to constituents rather than to their national political party or outside interests, increasing voter participation, and promoting justice, equality, and inclusion. We were established in 2017 and are part of the national Indivisible movement.
In our newsletters, we’re imagining that activism is like a waterway that builds in intensity. In addition to calls to action, we’ll also provide information about upcoming events and opportunities to foster community, good news, and places in which we’re finding inspiration.opportunities to foster community, good news, and places in which we’re finding inspiration.
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Ripples (small direct actions)
- Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies (“GLIA”) is also raising funds for mutual aid, which assists immigrants in our community with expenses related to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications, legal aid, and emergency utility expenses for those who are unable to obtain aid elsewhere. You can donate via their fundraising profile on Chuffed.
GLIA is a volunteer-run organization driven by community members who are passionate about making the Greater Lafayette area a welcoming space for everyone. GLIA promotes fellowship between all immigrants and allies, educates the community on immigrant issues, and advocates for immigrant rights to create a safe and welcoming community.
- Fresh fruits and veggies are always in demand at Lafayette Urban Ministry (“LUM”) Protein Food Pantry, and they gladly accept fresh produce from local “Giving Gardeners.” Whether you’ve grown a row to donate or just have more than you can use, you can share your garden goodness with neighbors in need. You can drop off donations at St. John’s Episcopal Church (6th St. between North & Ferry, Lafayette – enter the red door under the green awning) on Mondays between 12 and 3 pm and Thursdays between 9 and 11 am. Your homegrown gifts help nourish local families and sow seeds of hope. If you don’t have produce to donate but still want to help, you can find ongoing volunteer opportunities here and you can donate toward their work here.
- Indiana Assistance to Immigrants in Detention (“Indiana AID”) is a volunteer group that supports individuals detained by ICE in Indiana by visiting them, bearing witness to their experiences, and providing resources to them and their families. They also facilitate connections between immigrants and various service providers in our region, provide commissary support so that the people detained there can buy food and medicine, and offer general updates to the public about developments in immigration detention in our state. You can follow them on Facebook, and you can donate toward their work here.
- The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund (MIBF) was formed through a coalition in 2020 and began paying out immigration bonds for Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky residents as funds allow in February 2021. You can donate here toward building up the Fund as a form of mutual aid so that they can continue to help many more individuals and families in the future.
- Queer Haven Indiana is a group of Hoosiers fighting for queer rights through direct action. They, along with Freedom Road Socialist Organization (“FRSO”), have a petition encouraging the Lafayette City Council to pass a resolution protecting gender-affirming care. They also have a second petition encouraging the leadership in Kokomo to do the same.
- Recovery Café Lafayette is hosting The Region 3 Recovery Hub’s annual fundraising brunch, themed “A New Chapter,” on Friday, September 26, from 11:30 am – 1 pm. This special event celebrates growth, transformation, and new beginnings for individuals and families on their recovery journeys. Guests will enjoy a morning of community, connection, and inspiring stories — all while supporting free recovery services across Region 3, serving 10 counties in North Central Indiana. Tickets are $55 per person, lunch is included, and registration is required. You can find more information in their Facebook event and you can purchase tickets here.
- Get a library card! We are so lucky to have 5 (!) branches of the Tippecanoe County Public Library and the West Lafayette Public Library. And even if you don’t live in West Lafayette, you can still get a library card at the West Lafayette Public Library as long as you have proof of local residence! Did you know that you can use your library card to access streaming services like Kanopy, OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, and Evergreen Indiana? You can borrow audiobooks, e-books, and magazines, and stream movies and shows right on your phone, tablet, or computer. Public libraries are often under threat of defunding, so strengthening support by getting a library card is an act of resistance.
- You can also support our local libraries financially:
- The Friends of the Tippecanoe County Public Library is a not-for-profit organization created to act as a support and advocacy system for the Tippecanoe County Public Library (“TCPL”). You can become a “Friend” of the TCPL by purchasing a membership at any of the offered levels. These membership dues are tax-deductible as a contribution. You can also follow them on Facebook.
- The West Lafayette Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit dedicated to providing financial support to the West Lafayette Public Library (“WLPL”). They responsibly cultivate financial donations and investments to ensure that our library remains vibrant, healthy, and growing. You can donate to the Foundation here, and you can choose where you would like your donation to be applied.
Rush (action at the county level)
- There are a few folks who meet up at the courthouse (20 N 3rd St, Lafayette) on Saturday mornings as a sort of “permanent protest” of this administration. Some people gather from 9:30-10:30 am, and some gather from 11 am – noon. Everyone brings their own sign about whichever topic feels important to them that day, and they make themselves available to have conversations with anyone walking by. Amy shared that she’s had people hug her in gratitude for her visibility, some of her conversations have led to changed minds, and the connections she’s made with strangers have resulted in them getting more involved in local activism.
- If you would be interested in working as a security marshall for future events, you’re invited to email Caity Felkner at [email protected] for more information and deescalation training.
- We’re excited to have a table at the annual Tippecanoe Latino Festival on Saturday, September 13, from 12-5 pm at Columbian Park (1915 Scott Street, Lafayette). We are especially in need of bilingual volunteers. Don’t worry if you can’t stay the entire time – we’ve broken it down into 2 shifts: 12-3 pm and 3-5 pm. You can sign up for one or both shifts on Mobilize. We will be outside, so please dress accordingly and bring plenty to drink (we will have our pop-up tent).
If you’ve never registered voters before and are feeling intimidated, please know that we always have at least 2 people at each location, so you will always have someone experienced with you who will show you how to do it and be available to answer any questions that come up.
- The Tippecanoe County Democratic Party is hosting a roundtable discussion called “What it Takes to Run for Office” on Monday, September 15, from 5:30-6:30 pm at People’s Brewing Company (2006 North 9th Street, Lafayette). If you have a passion for our community and are curious about how you could make a real difference right here in Tippecanoe County, then this informal chat is a great opportunity to learn more about running for public office. This is your chance to hear from folks who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share their insights. There’s no pressure, just good conversation. Parking is available in the People’s lot in front of their building on North 9th Street. You can sign up to attend via Mobilize.
- The Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC)’s Wabash Sampling Blitz is the perfect activity for all ages! Learn how to test water for nutrients, clarity, and more all while seeing local streams and creeks. The blitz is happening from 9 am – 5pm on both Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, and you get to choose 3 hours that work for you! All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. Learn more and sign up to join the fun here.
- The League of Women Voters of Greater Lafayette is hosting a Law Enforcement Forum on Monday, September 22, from 6-8 pm at First United Methodist Church West Lafayette (1700 Mitch Daniels Boulevard, West Lafayette). Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith, Lafayette Police Chief Scott Galloway, West Lafayette Police Chief Adam Ferguson, and Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete, will discuss current issues related to law enforcement in the Greater Lafayette community. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. You can watch for information in the Facebook event.
- The Tippecanoe County Democratic Party has launched its “Blue Tippecanoe” initiative. This “is more than just a project; it’s a movement to build a county that prioritizes equity, a healthy environment, and a truly democratic process for all. We envision a community where local and state leaders champion our shared values, ensuring affordable housing, quality education, and a thriving economy for everyone.” Part of this initiative is a brand new monthly newsletter, and you can sign up here to receive it. Current and future newsletter editions will also be posted here. And you can always follow the “events” page of their website to keep up with upcoming events.
Rapids (action at the state level)
- All-Options (formerly Backline) needs volunteers to become “Talkline Advocates.” The All-Options Talkline is here for people all over the United States and Canada, supporting them in decisions and experiences related to pregnancy, parenting, abortion, adoption, miscarriage, infertility, and more. Their dedicated team of volunteer Talkline Advocates provide open-hearted, judgment-free options counseling and emotional support to callers every day of the year. You can register here for their free training info session on September 3 at 7 pm, and you can apply to be a Talkline Advocate here (applications will close at 11:59 pm PT on Sunday, September 14). You can find more information and Frequently Asked Questions here.
Roar (action at the national level)
- Mark your calendars for an evening of letter writing on Thursday, October 2, from 6-7:30 pm. We’ll meet in the Maple room at the West Lafayette Public Library (208 W Columbia Street, West Lafayette, second floor) to write letters to citizens in Pennsylvania encouraging them to vote in their upcoming Supreme Court election. Envelopes, papers, pens, and stamps will be provided. You can let us know you’ll attend by signing up via Mobilize.
- On the heels of the successful “No Kings” day of protest in June, Indivisible national launched its next initiative called “One Million Rising.” This is “a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.” They offered 3 virtual sessions in July and August, and they are all available to watch on YouTube: Session 1, Session 2, and Session 3.
Opportunities to build community
- Several local groups meet monthly for conversations and planning. In previous newsletters, we’ve listed each of them here. This month, in an effort to improve efficiency, we’re linking to the community calendar on the Take Action Greater Lafayette website instead. This website is full of resources and opportunities to get involved, and we definitely recommend that you check it out!
- We (Indivisible) will be hosting our next monthly gathering on Wednesday, September 10, from 6-7:30(-ish) pm in the Maple and Elm rooms at the West Lafayette Public Library (208 W Columbia Street, West Lafayette, second floor). This meeting will be a bit longer than usual to accommodate the extended conversations and socializing.
For the past few months, we’ve been organizing into teams. Each team will work together to strategize and implement the ideas for things like holding our elected officials accountable, preparing for the 2026 elections, forming a rapid response team, organizing social events, coordinating and preparing for protests, reaching out to other progressives in red areas, mutual aid, offering classes on how to have hard conversations, understanding the “Big Ugly Bill,” and planning community book discussions. We hope to break down our big picture goals into manageable tasks and strategically focus our energy so that together we can make our actions as impactful as possible as we work to grow our community and push for positive change in our county and beyond.
Even if you missed last month’s meeting, now is a great time to join a team or to try out a few teams to see which is the right fit for you. And if you’re not ready to join a team yet but still want to mingle, please join us! There’s usually someone there who isn’t on a team and is available to chat with you. We’ll provide snacks and nametags, so you’ll just need to bring yourself and a willingness to network and strategize. You can let us know you’ll attend by signing up via Mobilize here.
In addition to street parking, parking is also available in the garage across the street at 117 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette. If the cost of parking is prohibitive, the Library staff can validate your ticket at the front desk.
Good news
- The Good Samaritan Project is hosting a Back to School Celebration & Community Health Fair at MatchBOX Coworking Studio (17 S. 6th Street, Lafayette) on Saturday, September 13, from 11 am – 3:00 pm. This free in-person event is a great opportunity to get ready for the upcoming school year while also learning about important health topics. There will be school supplies giveaways, free health screenings, live music, and snacks, so there’s something for everyone at this exciting event. You can learn more and RSVP here.
- West Lafayette Global Fest is turning 30! “This lively, family-friendly event brings the community together for a full day of international music, delicious global cuisine, and hands-on cultural activities and exhibits.” The event is free, and it takes place in downtown West Lafayette (near City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Avenue) on Saturday, September 20, beginning at 3 pm. You can find more information in their Facebook event and on the Purdue Convocations website.
- Downtown Lafayette has a new arts and music festival called “Star City Nights,” which will take place on Friday, September 26, from 6 pm – midnight. There will be free live music, local vendors, food trucks, and pop-up art experiences. You can find more information in their Facebook event and website.
- Right now, many Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet and are relying on mutual aid, but it can be difficult to figure out where to go for help. Indiana 211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources right in their local communities—quickly, easily, and confidentially. There are no eligibility requirements, income standards nor any other rules. Anyone can connect with Indiana 211.
- Don’t forget to check the website Take Action Greater Lafayette for upcoming events and ways to get involved!
What is inspiring us
- NICHES Land Trust is hosting a panel discussion called “Planting Our Seeds: An Evening with NICHES Founders” on Thursday, September 18, from 6-9 pm at the Lilly Nature Center (1620 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette). This discussion will focus on the beginnings of the NICES land trust and celebrate the local conservation community, and it will be followed by light refreshments and mingling. Advanced registration required, and you can register here.
- The Tippecanoe Celebration of Recovery Rally will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 3-6 pm at River City Community Center (2842 Old U.S. 231, Lafayette). The event will feature “free food, healing laughter, and the magic of active recovery.”
- Racial Reconciliation of Greater Lafayette’s exhibit “Race and Housing in West Lafayette” is on display at the Caretaker’s Cottage West Lafayette History Center through the end of November. Part of a years-long endeavor, this exhibition was developed along with a class at the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University under Dr. Nathan Swanson. The center of the project highlights the historic use in West Lafayette property deed language of racial covenants that segregated local housing. If you missed the grand opening of the exhibit last year, you can watch the unveiling on the City of West Lafayette’s YouTube channel. The text of Mayor Easter’s proclamation can be read here.
If you have an organization, an event, or a bit of good news that you’d like us to include in a future newsletter, please email [email protected]. For general questions, please email the Steering Committee at [email protected].
Past editions of our newsletter can be found on our website: lafayetteindivisible.com
As always, you can donate toward our efforts here or by donating cash at our next in-person gathering. Donations are used for expenses such as voter registration booth fees, supplies, and administrative costs. Thank you for your continued support!