📢 Yes I was arrested
We are living in troubling times that require good people to speak out and take action.
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I am a firm believer that bad things happen when good people do nothing.
Many people believe that no one person can effect change. I disagree. All of our small actions can and do affect change. I believe that my job as a mom is to feed, clothe, shelter, educate, and love my child. But I also have a job as an American mom, and that is to fiercely advocate for my child’s future and all children’s.
Yes I was arrested. It happened a few years ago when I went to DC as an ally to support dreamers seeking DACA.
I have since been arrested over a dozen times in the past few years for civil disobedience for reproductive justice, immigration reform, democracy, and more. I have no record on my file because it was civil disobedience and I paid my civil fines. Civil disobedience, alongside our activism—writing letters, signing petitions, making calls, knocking on doors, reaching out to voters with letters and postcards, sharing resources on social media, registering new voters, electing leaders, and holding them accountable—gives us the power to drive real progress. These tools, used together, amplify our impact and keep the momentum for change alive.
I mention this period in my life because it was terrifying. I hear a lot of folks say they have no time for to advocate for our rights, freedoms, democracy, or the rule of law or they don’t think they can have an impact, but the reality is most folks are afraid. I will submit that I had no idea when I left suburbia what would happen, but I knew then and now that failure is not an option. We are living in troubled times that require good people to speak out and take action. You don't need to get arrested like me, but there are plenty of ways to speak out and get involved. No matter what we do our actions will never be as terrifying as what some folks in our community experience.
It will never be as terrifying as the people living in our community being targeted and criminalized because of the color of their skin or speak a different language or practice a different religion.
It will never be as terrifying as folks dying because they have no access to affordable healthcare or housing.
It will never be as terrifying as watching innocent lives slaughtered by weapons of war.
It will never be as terrifying as someone being targeted for their identity, pronouns, or who they choose to love.
It will never be as terrifying as the fear of living everyday in limbo, afraid to share who you are and where your heritage comes from.
It will never be as terrifying as folks struggling to make their bills and take care of their families, while they watch more tax breaks go to billionaires and special interest groups.
As long as there is a breath in my body and I have the ability to stand up and fight these travesties, I will be there with my fists in the air. Hopefully there will be no more arrests, but if there is, so be it.
Will you join me to keep pushing back against fascism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, transphobia, misogynoir, elitism, and bigotry?
Every small action you do—attending a meeting, having a conversation, signing a petition, or volunteering—creates ripples. Those ripples inspire others to act, and together, we build the momentum needed to drive progress.
We’ve seen the impact of grassroots organizing on the other side. MAGA’s movement, despite its destructive agenda, is proof that activism matters. Now it’s our turn to harness our energy for good—to build coalitions rooted in justice, equity, passion, authenticity, and determination. When we invest in grassroots activism, we’re not just changing the present; we’re creating a future where freedom, justice, and democracy thrive.
Let’s commit to showing up, speaking out, and proving that our actions matter—because they do.
Together we can champion Progress and Power to the People
People Power United members are committed to championing progress and power to the people. We don't just complain; we do the work to make change happen.
Friends, this is a plea for help with our People Power United efforts. With our membership growing, we're building momentum, but we need your help to reach even more people—every bit of assistance counts. Together, we can make a difference!
People Power United is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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Donald Trump and Elon Musk are tearing through our democracy, wrecking everything in their path, and calling anything that stands in their way “illegal.” They’re testing the strength of the American people—and it’s time we answer.
This is a crisis. But it’s also our moment.
On Saturday, April 5, we’re joining a powerful coalition— MoveOn, Public Citizen, labor unions, and more—for a nationwide day of action to say loud and clear: Hands off our democracy. Hands off our rights.
Want in? Here’s how to get started:
Join the NATIONAL MOVEMENT CALL
Join the national mass call on April 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Hear from movement leaders like Rahna Epting (MoveOn), Randi Weingarten (AFT), and members of Congress about:
The legal fights against Trump’s lawless power grabs—like the detention of Mahmoud Khalil and blatant defiance of court orders
How we’re defending Social Security, public education, and other vital public services
What to expect and how to get involved in the April 5 nationwide mobilization
Join a Rally near you on Saturday, April 5
Find a rally near you—virtual or in-person—and sign up to take action on April 5
There are events all across the country. Whether you’re outraged by the attacks on our democracy, our economy, or our communities—this is your moment to rise up.
We are the firewall. Let’s show them what people power really looks like.
Join the mass call on April 1. Show up on April 5. Let’s stop the chaos and take back our future. Click here for more information or to sign-up.
In a democracy, the principle that "no one is above the law" is non-negotiable.
Allowing leaders to escape the consequences of their actions sends a dangerous message that power, not justice, prevails—ultimately destabilizing society and giving rise to authoritarianism.
History warns us that unchecked power leads to corruption, oppression, and the silencing of our voices, threatening the freedoms we cherish.
Now, more than ever, we need everyone to step up and stand together. Join us and be part of a movement that demands accountability and justice for all. More resources are coming, but today, please join our Not Above the Law Rapid Response Team and sign on to our Freedom Over Fascism pledge.
People Power United Updates
Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:
We joined a group effort to encourage the Senate to move forward with confirming Head of Office of Government Ethics (it worked!)
We sent out several updates and news briefs on our newsletters:
Stay connected, get People Power United on the Substack app
Additional updates can be found here.
Laurie’s Post-Election Message
After living in Florida for over 30 years, I've witnessed firsthand how easily rights, freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law can erode in a red state.
I share with many of you the feelings of deep disappointment in seeing the election of former President Trump and convicted felon to the highest office of President, the loss of the U.S. Senate, and the precarious hold on the U.S. House. This is not just a matter of politics—it's personal.
The day we stop advocating fiercely for our families, friends, co-workers, and communities is the day we surrender to authoritarianism—and that day is not today.
There will be endless analyses, explanations, and debates about what happened and why. I'll share my thoughts when the time is right, but remember this: our voice remains strong.
No one can silence us from speaking out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!
No one can take away our resolve to demand accountability from our leaders to uphold the people's will.
And no one can extinguish our movement for progress and empowerment for every American to thrive.
This experience, like many others, is an opportunity to rethink how we protect and expand the principles we believe in.
We must come together, address this setback, and build a stronger, more resilient movement for the future.
Together with you, I am looking forward to turning this disappointment into a driving force for accountability, justice, and unwavering commitment to the ideals that brought us here.
- Laurie Woodward Garcia
Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.
Laurie, I love all you do. Don't know how you do it. BUT on my end, I'm dealing with serious family issues at this time. I did what I could writing postcards. I will go to local rallies when I can. I try to read what you send. Keep it coming, but pls note it's hard to consume all the CRAP we're dealing with.
Love Ya, Gloria Stein - a very stressed out Floridian :>(.
Just stay strong Laurie
I have been through so much harassment and abuse through the years due to being serious about ethical living. I am old now,and often feel a bit burned out, but I am working on being stronger again.I am so grateful that we care to SHINE with heart and soul power. Keep shining dear one UNITED WE STAND.