COLLECTIVE ACTIONS - October 15, 2025

Social Justice Actions – Federal, State and County Actions

Hello, Social Justice Advocates! 

When we join together and act, we have greater impact and we connect with one another. Connection is so important as it provides space for communal grief and lament, it grounds us, and it helps to energize us for the work of the day. 

Currently we will plan to send out Collective Action Emails monthly or as issues demand. Take 10 minutes to read through this email and act today! Together we can make a change!!

Social Justice Coalition, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Boulder

ACTION ONE – Stand for Immigrants Rights and Lives

STATE & FEDERAL ISSUE: Immigration; Racial Justice

DEADLINE: Today, Wednesday, October 15, 2025

DESCRIPTION: At its meeting on Wednesday, September 17, the Church Council of First Congregational UCC Boulder discerned that the Declaration by People of Faith in Support of the Lives and Rights of Immigrants is in keeping with our congregational Covenants. The Council therefore approved a request from the Racial Justice Ministry for our church to join other congregations and individuals across Colorado in signing the Declaration. 

Now is the time for all people of faith and good will to stand up and speak out in support of our immigrant neighbors.Read and sign the "Declaration by People of Faith in Support of the Lives and Rights of Immigrants" below. And come to the "Immigrant Rights Now!" rally in support of the Declaration and of our immigrant friends and neighbors (Details below).

ACTIONS A & B: Sign the Declaration here &/or Attend "Immigrant Rights Now!" Rally

A. Sign the Declaration here.

B. Details for the "Immigrant Rights Now!" Rally

Thursday, October 16 at 12:15

West Steps of State Capitol Building,

200 E. Colfax, Denver

There will be music, addresses by representatives of many faiths, and

a speech by Sen. Julie Gonzales.

FCC CONTACTS: Allison Hamm, Racial Justice Ministry

Want to know more: Interfaith Immigration Network

ACTION TWO – Rights of Students with disabilities

FEDERAL ISSUE: Education & Accessibility to All

DEADLINE: ASAP

DESCRIPTION: Urgent! The rights of students with disabilities are under serious threat. Last week, the Administration gutted the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. This office plays a vital role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the services and support they need to succeed in school. 

They also:

• Enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and make sure schools follow the law.
• Fund programs to train and support special education teachers.
• Help parents of students with disabilities understand their rights and advocate for their children.
• Oversee programs that assist youth and adults with disabilities with employment.

But now, only a few people are left in this office to protect students’ rights. More than 95% of staff were fired, notified of termination, resigned, or retired this year. Without people to enforce the law, states could ignore their responsibilities to students with disabilities. This would put millions of students at risk. Help make sure this doesn’t happen.

ACTION: Click Here to email your member of congress and tell them to protect the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

FCC Contact: Deborah Raessler, Mental Health / Accessible to All Ministry

Want to know more: thearc.org

ACTION THREE – Support Democracy

FEDERAL ISSUE: Faith & Democracy

EVENT: Saturday, October 18, 2025

DESCRIPTION: n America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. In America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

We’ll hold a short rally in the Boulder Bandshell at Canyon and Broadway at 3:30pm on Saturday, October 18, followed by a visibility honk and wave event up and down Broadway from Canyon. The Boulder Roots Music Fest is occurring all weekend, including on Pearl St Mall, so we won’t be able to march on the Mall. However, we encourage you to attend the Fest before and after the No Kings 2 protest: https://www.rootsmusicproject.org/rootsmusicfest.

ACTION: Attend a local No Kings Rally Saturday, October 18, 2025

Below is information on various rallies.

NOTE: If you attend the Boulder Rally, please note there is NO PARKING at First Cong due to a private event. Cars will be towed if they are there after 4:00pm on both days.



NO KINGS BOULDER 3:30 PM — 5:30 PM MDT 

Boulder Bandshell - Boulder, CO 80302

(No Parking at First Cong due to a private event.)

DENVER NO KINGS II: RETURN OF THE RESISTANCE!

12:00 PM — 4:00 PM MDT

Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park (Across Lincoln St. from the West Steps of the Capitol)

Denver, CO 80203

NO KINGS ERIE COLORADO 3:00 PM — 5:00 PM MDT

East County Line Road & Erie Parkway

Erie, CO 80516

NO KINGS LAFAYETTE 11:00 AM — 1:00 PM MDT

U.S. 287 & West South Boulder Road

Lafayette, CO 80026

NO KINGS LONGMONT 1:00 PM — 3:00 PM MDT

Roosevelt Park open area south of the stage, Longmont, CO 80501

NO KINGS LOUISVILLE, CO 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM MDT

This event’s address is private. Sign up for more details

OTHER NO KINGS RALLIES

FCC Contact: Laura Riihimaki, Social Justice Coalition

Want to know more: Mobilize

ISSUE FOUR – Rights of LGBTQ+ at Risk

STATE & FEDERAL ISSUE: LGBTQ+ Rights; Educational Opportunity

DEADLINE: RSVP BY 10/16/2025 HERE

DESCRIPTION: LGBTQ+ Rights are under attack by federal and state governments led by Christian Nationalists based on a theology that was introduced in 1946 by the committee of the New Revised Standard translation of the Bible. What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the Bible? Join us on Sunday, 10/19/25 at 11:45am (immediately following 10:30am worship) for Lunch and a Movie to watch 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. This feature documentary follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. The church will provide lunch. Invite your friends and family. 

ACTION: Attend Lunch and A Movie Sunday, 10/19/25 at 11:45am at First Congregational Church UCC Boulder in Plymouth Hall. Register by 10/16 at this link 

FCC Contact: Linda Kowatch, LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry

Want to know more: 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture

ISSUE FIVE – Mental Health Support in Boulder

COUNTY ISSUE: Mental Health Ballot Issue

DEADLINE: November 2025 Election

DESCRIPTION: This November, Boulder County voters will have the chance to make a small but powerful investment in healing and hope. Measure 1B would create a three-year, 0.15% sales tax to expand mental health and substance use disorder recovery services across our county.

Faith communities, community groups, and nonprofits are joining side by side to support this initiative because it brings value, dignity, and care to our neighbors, friends, and family members. By strengthening mental health and recovery services, we create a better support system for everyone in our community.

Too many of our neighbors—across race, income, and neighborhood—are suffering without the care they need. Issue 1B gives us the opportunity to bring dignity, healing, and hope to Boulder County. Together, we can live out our values of compassion and justice. Let’s stand side by side to support this opportunity to build a stronger, healthier Boulder County for all of us.

ACTION: Vote YES on Issue 1B

FCC Contact: Linda Kowatch, Mental Health Ministry

Want to know more: Together Colorado and Healthy Minds, Stronger Community

THANK YOU for participating in the Collective Actions!

Celebrate Your Advocacy: Tell Us What You Did: https://forms.gle/Zzbbucmg7mp2fHqe9

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