We Stand
Thank you for taking time to explore this resource! As people trying to live the Way of Jesus, standing with and for those who are especially in need of grace and justice is a critical part of our faith. We meet God in those we support while being the hands and feet and mouthpieces of God wherever we go and gather!
Some people get uncomfortable super quick because this often involves some dabbling in politics. Guess what? Jesus not only was deeply political in is teaching about the Kingdom of God (versus the Roman Empire), he even taught people by word and deed how to engage in nonviolent resistance. In his Sermon on the Mount, he told people to go the extra mile, give the shirt off your back, and offer your other cheek when slapped. These aren't simply tips on being a nice person - in context, they carried instruction on how to hold people in power to account without violence. Gandhi took note and led his people in nonviolent resistance that led to freedom from the British Empire. Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled to India to meet Gandhi, where he learned about Jesus' approach and brought it back to the US, leading to the Civil Rights movement.
When Jesus saved the woman caught in adultery, it was in the context of a deeply sick, political game with the Jewish leaders. When Jesus chose to go into Samaritan territory and talked to a woman at a famous historical well, that was a very courageous political move and statement. Healing non-Jewish people. Including women. Robbing Imperial language for God's purposes. Political. Political. Political. All nonviolent. To choose not to stand for justice and grace is to walk away from Jesus as he speaks truth to power.
Below you will discover things you can do individually that can make a difference. Below that, consider getting involved with other organizations dedicated to grace and justice locally and nationally.
Check out this resource to discover ways you can STAND this month.
There are a lot of things we can do as individuals and as community to help bend the arc of history toward justice and grace. Here is a brief list of things you might consider.
Other Organizations Working Toward Justice:
Women’s March (www.womensmarch.com) -The mission of Women's March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.
Women’s March Napa Valley (Facebook/Instagram @WomensMarchNapaValley)- Local branch which disseminates Women’s March information and facilitates Local peaceful protests/rallies
Indivisible (www.indivisible.org) Indivisible is a nationwide movement of millions of people working to stop the rise of authoritarianism in the United States and to demand a real democracy.
Indivisible NAPA (https://www.indivisiblenapa.com) A progressive movement of activists in Napa County who oppose President Trump's agenda while supporting the Progressive agenda. Organizes/Facilitates local peaceful rallies/protests/marches and Legal Observer training through the North Bay Rapid Response Network.
Webinars & Training Rapid Response
Rapid Response Postcards & Letter Writing
Postcards & Letter Writing Phone & Text Banking
Phone & Text Banking Canvassing & Ballot Curing
Canvassing & Ballot Curing
No Kings (www.nokings.org) - Organizes nationwide peaceful rallies that are in response to what organizers call an abuse of power by the US President. Local No Kings rallies are facilitated by Women’s March Napa Valley and Indivisible Napa
50501 Movement (https://www.fiftyfifty.one) - 50501 (short for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement") is an American progressive grassroots political organization founded to organize the 50501 protests against policies and actions of the second Donald Trump administration in the United States. Local No Kings rallies are facilitated by Women’s March Napa Valley and Indivisible Napa.
Freedom Trainers (www.freedomtrainers.net) - A network of trainers teaching folks about powerful tools of collective noncompliance and mass noncooperation based on tried and true tactics used by movements from around the world fighting against authoritarianism.
Napa Valley Together (https://napavalleytogether.org) - Napa Valley Together is an initiative dedicated to supporting immigrants in Napa County and advancing the rights of everyone who lives here through collective action and legal support. Together with local partner agencies, they provide accurate information, legal services, and advocacy to ensure local immigrants understand their legal rights, and have access to timely support and due process under the law.
Puertas Abiertas (https://www.puertasabiertasnapa.org) - a Napa 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Napa, CA that serves the Napa community as the gateway for access to health and social services. It is a culturally appropriate service provider to Latino families, and a collaborator with a wide variety of community partners. ‘
Donate- Donate
Calendar of Events (Also follow on social media to keep updated on events.)
Napa Valley CanDo (https://www.nvcando.org) - "Napa Valley CanDo is a vibrant, all volunteer service organization that connects, inspires, and empowers neighbors by making it easy to take positive action as volunteers and learn about the Napa community. There are no membership requirements, no dues and no mandatory service hours. The organization creates and implements dynamic projects that recognize unmet community needs, and will collaborate with other local service organizations to further mutual goals."
On the Move (https://www.onthemovebayarea.org) Based in Napa, On The Move was founded in 2003 with a mission to develop and sustain young people as leaders by building exceptional programs that challenge inequities in their communities. On The Move works toclose the achievement gap for children of color, transform outcomes for former foster youth, promote health and wellness across communities, and build strong, engaged families.
LGBTQ Connection Napa/Sonoma (https://www.lgbtqconnection.org) LGBTQ Connection engages LGBTQ people, their families and community, and trains providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents. In Napa and Sonoma Counties the program operates local LGBTQ community centers, supporting underserved LGBTQ youth and elders. The Napa and Sonoma offices of LGBTQ Connection each provide a safe and trusted space to cultivate hubs of vibrant activities and caring community.
Donate (Follow LGBTQ Connection Napa on Social Media)
(Follow LGBTQ Connection Napa on Social Media)
North Bay Rapid Response Network (https://www.northbayop.org/nbrrn) The Rapid Response Network provides a way for people to respond to fear and anxiety in our community as a result of the increase in immigration enforcement, ICE raids and other attacks against our communities. The network provides a 24-hour hotline to immigrants facing a raid by federal immigration agents, dispatches trained legal observers to the raid location, provides legal defense to affected communities, and offers accompaniment to impacted people and families following a raid. Our mission is to mobilize an emergency response network, serve as witnesses to immigration enforcement actions, uphold the rights of immigrants, and provide services to affected North Bay residents.
Newsletter Sign-Up (Get a weekly newsletter to keep informed.)
Donate (Keep an eye on the calendar for legal observer training in our area.)
Calendar (Keep an eye on the calendar for legal observer training in our area.)
Napa Valley Mutual Aid (Instagram @napamutualaid) This is a grassroots, volunteer driven community initiative in Napa, California, operating on the "neighbor helping neighbor" principle to provide resources and support to residents, particularly focusing on the unhoused community. They facilitate, distribute, and collect supplies, including food and necessities, often hosting events like Free Supply Sundays at Kennedy Park.
Napa Takes Action (https://www.napatakeaction.org) This is a community of Napa County groups and neighbors working together to peacefully protect our own and others ’ rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness —free from fear, oppression, discrimination, or violence. This group is a source of information regarding upcoming events as well as ways to take action against current injustices and civil right violations.
Thank you for taking time to explore this resource! As people trying to live the Way of Jesus, standing with and for those who are especially in need of grace and justice is a critical part of our faith. We meet God in those we support while being the hands and feet and mouthpieces of God wherever we go and gather!
Some people get uncomfortable super quick because this often involves some dabbling in politics. Guess what? Jesus not only was deeply political in is teaching about the Kingdom of God (versus the Roman Empire), he even taught people by word and deed how to engage in nonviolent resistance. In his Sermon on the Mount, he told people to go the extra mile, give the shirt off your back, and offer your other cheek when slapped. These aren't simply tips on being a nice person - in context, they carried instruction on how to hold people in power to account without violence. Gandhi took note and led his people in nonviolent resistance that led to freedom from the British Empire. Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled to India to meet Gandhi, where he learned about Jesus' approach and brought it back to the US, leading to the Civil Rights movement.
When Jesus saved the woman caught in adultery, it was in the context of a deeply sick, political game with the Jewish leaders. When Jesus chose to go into Samaritan territory and talked to a woman at a famous historical well, that was a very courageous political move and statement. Healing non-Jewish people. Including women. Robbing Imperial language for God's purposes. Political. Political. Political. All nonviolent. To choose not to stand for justice and grace is to walk away from Jesus as he speaks truth to power.
Below you will discover things you can do individually that can make a difference. Below that, consider getting involved with other organizations dedicated to grace and justice locally and nationally.
Check out this resource to discover ways you can STAND this month.
There are a lot of things we can do as individuals and as community to help bend the arc of history toward justice and grace. Here is a brief list of things you might consider.
- Stay informed of what’s happening in our country. Use resources (news, podcasts, social media) and share information.
- Network with other groups and organizations.
- Use AI to create vocabulary/statements consistent with goals and shalom.
- Participate in/help facilitate or organize local social justice rallies/peaceful protests/marches
- Join/Volunteer/Signup for newsletters with organizations that support social justice
- Be a “witness” and speak out against social injustice. See something say something.
- Attend Legal Observer Training, join local Rapid Response team
- Be an organizer. Research local needs and what other groups are already doing.
- Create safe/inclusive spaces
- Congregate with like-minded people, but also cultivate and associate with diversity, including interfaith groups.
- Have “curious” conversations with those of differing views
- Be aware of “harmful help”
- Should be organic and routed in God’s love
- VOTE! Be aware and active in elections both local and beyond. Consider supporting elections outside of California that can influence positive change in social justice
- Lead by example by leading with humility, active listening, and consistency
Other Organizations Working Toward Justice:
Women’s March (www.womensmarch.com) -The mission of Women's March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.
Women’s March Napa Valley (Facebook/Instagram @WomensMarchNapaValley)- Local branch which disseminates Women’s March information and facilitates Local peaceful protests/rallies
Indivisible (www.indivisible.org) Indivisible is a nationwide movement of millions of people working to stop the rise of authoritarianism in the United States and to demand a real democracy.
Indivisible NAPA (https://www.indivisiblenapa.com) A progressive movement of activists in Napa County who oppose President Trump's agenda while supporting the Progressive agenda. Organizes/Facilitates local peaceful rallies/protests/marches and Legal Observer training through the North Bay Rapid Response Network.
Webinars & Training Rapid Response
Rapid Response Postcards & Letter Writing
Postcards & Letter Writing Phone & Text Banking
Phone & Text Banking Canvassing & Ballot Curing
Canvassing & Ballot Curing
No Kings (www.nokings.org) - Organizes nationwide peaceful rallies that are in response to what organizers call an abuse of power by the US President. Local No Kings rallies are facilitated by Women’s March Napa Valley and Indivisible Napa
50501 Movement (https://www.fiftyfifty.one) - 50501 (short for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement") is an American progressive grassroots political organization founded to organize the 50501 protests against policies and actions of the second Donald Trump administration in the United States. Local No Kings rallies are facilitated by Women’s March Napa Valley and Indivisible Napa.
Freedom Trainers (www.freedomtrainers.net) - A network of trainers teaching folks about powerful tools of collective noncompliance and mass noncooperation based on tried and true tactics used by movements from around the world fighting against authoritarianism.
Napa Valley Together (https://napavalleytogether.org) - Napa Valley Together is an initiative dedicated to supporting immigrants in Napa County and advancing the rights of everyone who lives here through collective action and legal support. Together with local partner agencies, they provide accurate information, legal services, and advocacy to ensure local immigrants understand their legal rights, and have access to timely support and due process under the law.
Puertas Abiertas (https://www.puertasabiertasnapa.org) - a Napa 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Napa, CA that serves the Napa community as the gateway for access to health and social services. It is a culturally appropriate service provider to Latino families, and a collaborator with a wide variety of community partners. ‘
Donate- Donate
Calendar of Events (Also follow on social media to keep updated on events.)
Napa Valley CanDo (https://www.nvcando.org) - "Napa Valley CanDo is a vibrant, all volunteer service organization that connects, inspires, and empowers neighbors by making it easy to take positive action as volunteers and learn about the Napa community. There are no membership requirements, no dues and no mandatory service hours. The organization creates and implements dynamic projects that recognize unmet community needs, and will collaborate with other local service organizations to further mutual goals."
On the Move (https://www.onthemovebayarea.org) Based in Napa, On The Move was founded in 2003 with a mission to develop and sustain young people as leaders by building exceptional programs that challenge inequities in their communities. On The Move works toclose the achievement gap for children of color, transform outcomes for former foster youth, promote health and wellness across communities, and build strong, engaged families.
LGBTQ Connection Napa/Sonoma (https://www.lgbtqconnection.org) LGBTQ Connection engages LGBTQ people, their families and community, and trains providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents. In Napa and Sonoma Counties the program operates local LGBTQ community centers, supporting underserved LGBTQ youth and elders. The Napa and Sonoma offices of LGBTQ Connection each provide a safe and trusted space to cultivate hubs of vibrant activities and caring community.
Donate (Follow LGBTQ Connection Napa on Social Media)
(Follow LGBTQ Connection Napa on Social Media)
North Bay Rapid Response Network (https://www.northbayop.org/nbrrn) The Rapid Response Network provides a way for people to respond to fear and anxiety in our community as a result of the increase in immigration enforcement, ICE raids and other attacks against our communities. The network provides a 24-hour hotline to immigrants facing a raid by federal immigration agents, dispatches trained legal observers to the raid location, provides legal defense to affected communities, and offers accompaniment to impacted people and families following a raid. Our mission is to mobilize an emergency response network, serve as witnesses to immigration enforcement actions, uphold the rights of immigrants, and provide services to affected North Bay residents.
Newsletter Sign-Up (Get a weekly newsletter to keep informed.)
Donate (Keep an eye on the calendar for legal observer training in our area.)
Calendar (Keep an eye on the calendar for legal observer training in our area.)
Napa Valley Mutual Aid (Instagram @napamutualaid) This is a grassroots, volunteer driven community initiative in Napa, California, operating on the "neighbor helping neighbor" principle to provide resources and support to residents, particularly focusing on the unhoused community. They facilitate, distribute, and collect supplies, including food and necessities, often hosting events like Free Supply Sundays at Kennedy Park.
Napa Takes Action (https://www.napatakeaction.org) This is a community of Napa County groups and neighbors working together to peacefully protect our own and others ’ rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness —free from fear, oppression, discrimination, or violence. This group is a source of information regarding upcoming events as well as ways to take action against current injustices and civil right violations.