Dear Friend,
Welcome to our revamped newsletter!
The next election season will be here before we know it. This is a fresh approach—not just in how we communicate, but in how we show up for our communities. This newsletter is part of that shift: we need more ways to get involved and more connections between neighbors who care deeply about the future of our democracy.
Gone are the days of assuming certain races are unwinnable. We saw more than 800 people show up for the NO KINGS rally—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike—all standing together to say: enough is enough. This gives me hope that we can find common cause in guarding and strengthening democratic values and winning elections.
This upcoming election we’re committed to ensuring that no seat goes uncontested. Voters deserve real choices and leaders who believe in protecting the rights of every American.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved, now is the time. Whether you’re ready to join a club, host a house party, run for office, or simply stay informed, there’s a place for you.
Let’s build something better—together.
Please forward this to a friend or family member who you think may be interested.
Angela Batista (she/her)
Chair, Washington County Democratic Central Committee
If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.
– African Proverb
Rush Hour Resistance Makes Good Trouble
by Dave Williams
Once a week since June 20th, evening commuters on Interstate 70 have encountered a special message as they approach the Appalachian Trail footbridge. Washington County Indivisible’s Rush Hour Resistance team uses 30” tall letter tiles to spell out thought-provoking messages for east and westbound travelers.
- August 15: BE BRAVE WITH US
- August 8: TARIFF = TAX ON U & ME
- August 1: ICE TARGETS COLOR NOT CRIME
- July 24: RELEASE THE FILES
- July 17: MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
- July 11: MEDICAID CUTS HURT US ALL
- July 3: SPEAK UP LIKE IT’S 1776
- June 27: NO BILLIONAIRE TAX CUTS
- June 20: DUE PROCESS FOR ALL
Washington County Indivisible (WCI) is a nonpartisan grassroots movement. It is one of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild democracy, and defeat the authoritarian Trump agenda. Individuals of all parties or no party are welcome. The WCI Rush Hour Resistance is a local chapter of the Visibility Brigade nationwide network of bridge and overpass messengers.
After spelling out the message with letter tiles and hanging two large United States flags, the Rush Hour Resistance team cheers and waves at more than 7,000 cars for ninety minutes. There are usually more than a thousand honks, waves and thumbs-ups as well as a small number of middle fingers before the team removes the flags and letters, cleans up any trash they find, and leaves the footbridge unharmed and ready for their next visit.
Messaging commuters weekly is an effective way to reach out to large numbers of citizens. The goal is to reassure those worrying about the decline of democracy that they are not alone, to urge those already sympathetic to come together and act, to encourage others to think about issues for the first time, and to inspire some to re-think positions they hold.
Click Rush Hour Resistance for more information about Washington County Indivisible and how you can participate.
What’s Happening in Hagerstown
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendar for the annual Washington County Democratic Dinner, Thursday, September 25. Details and keynote speaker coming soon.
No Kings Rally
A crowd of 800 gathered at the Washington County Courthouse June 14 for the No Kings rally. Speakers welcomed the crowd and kicked off the march. Rally goers later lined West Washington Street and were greeted by hundreds of motorists expressing their support for American democracy and opposition to King Trump!
Hagerstown Pride
Washington County Dems staffed a tent at Hagerstown Pride June 21.
Fight the Trump Takeover
Washington County Indivisible continued to generate enthusiasm with the Fight The Trump Takeover rally in The Square August 16. More than 100 patriots demonstrated their support for democracy and the rule of law. Hundreds of motorists responded with honking horns and waves of support.
The rally was followed by a panel discussion on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and the dire consequences for Maryland and Washington County. Speakers included Maryland ACLU Executive Director, Dana Vickers Shelley; Washington County NAACP President and WCDCC member, Taj Smith; and former Delegate, Brooke Grossman.
What’s Coming Up
Thu, Aug 21 | Kickoff Fundraiser in support of Delegate Matt Schindler | Omni Creative Center | 4-5:30 PM
Fri, Aug 22 | Indivisible Rush Hour Resistance I-70 banner protest | Appalachian Trail parking lot | 4:15-6 PM
Sat, Aug 23 | United Democrats of Washington County picnic | Hagerstown City Park | 5-8 PM
Thu, Aug 28 | Book Club Discussion of “A Council of Dolls” | Baile Cask & Kettle | 6 PM
Fri, Aug 29 | Indivisible Rush Hour Resistance I-70 banner protest | Appalachian Trail parking lot | 4:15-6 PM
Mon, Sep 1 | Workers Over Billionaires Rally (WC Indivisible) | Hagerstown (details to come) | Noon-1:30 PM
Fri, Sep 5 | Indivisible Rush Hour Resistance I-70 banner protest | Appalachian Trail parking lot | 4:15-6 PM
Sat, Sep 6 | Maryland Democratic Party Talk-Back Tour | Applause Caterers | 4:00 PM
Tue, Sep 9 | Board of Elections early voting site hearing | 11718 Virginia Ave | 7:00 PM
Thu, Sep 11 | WCDCC monthly meeting | Washington County Library | 6 PM
Thu, Sep 25 | WCDCC annual dinner | Cortland Mansion, Hagerstown | (details to come)
We Can’t Do It Without the Resources
Democrats are regularly outspent by Republicans and their wealthy special interest mega donors. We can’t out-raise them but grassroots Democrats can still be competitive. Washington County Dems must raise the dollars to pay for printed literature, yard signs and direct candidate support. Please make a donation to the WCDCC. Making a donation takes two minutes and you will be spending to support Washington County Democrats.
We Can’t Do It Without You
Washington County Dems need more members like you. Membership is free and meeting attendance isn’t required (although all are welcome).
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