LVSU Mass Meeting Jan 20, 2025
On MLK Jr. Day, of all days, Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term as president of the United States. I know we’re all feeling a wide range of emotions right now, and that’s okay. Feel them, sit with them, process them, but remember not to give up hope. That’s what the billionaire class wants. They want us to feel so hopeless and powerless that we stop fighting, we stop organizing, and we stop building working class power. But we will not give up. We will stand up for ourselves and our neighbors. We will protect each other and build a PA that works for all of us.
On Monday, over 300+ Pennsylvanians came together in virtual, hybrid, and in-person mass meetings across the commonwealth to honor MLK Jr. Day and our movement ancestors’ legacies. We held space for our fears, developed the vision for a path forward, and welcomed new members committed to fighting for every Pennsylvanian’s safety, dignity, and resources.
We received powerful feedback from members:
“I almost didn’t call in to this because today just seemed so dark but …..this is giving me hope. Thank you” -Lindsay, PASU Virtual Meeting Attendee
“Being around like-minded people whose hearts are full of love and compassion, rather than solely focusing on the inauguration and a man whose heart is full of racism, fascism, chauvinism, homophobia, transphobia, and hate was a bright spot on a dark day. We can’t give up hope!” -Remy, LVSU Mass Meeting Attendee
“This meeting gave me so much hope. I met and exchanged ideas with ppl who care as much as I do. I joined the NEPA chapter, and I’m feeling much less helpless about the future because I have a concrete outlet for my fears.” -Julia, PASU Virtual Meeting Attendee
We’re hopeful because organizing works, and together, we’re turning inspiration into action. We have work to do, and building working class power takes all of us. Can we count on you to join us?
Make A Donation To Sustain Our Work!
In community,
— Edwin, Mary, Hannah, and Briana: PA Stands Up Comms Team
P.S. – AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Under direct orders from President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security is ending a policy restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ ability to arrest undocumented people at or near “sensitive locations”, including houses of worship, schools, and hospitals. AND THAT AIN’T RIGHT!
We will keep each other safe. We can protect our neighbors by learning these phrases in Spanish to warn them if ICE comes into our workplaces or communities.
- “La Migra”, a term used to identify ICE
- “No Digas nada”, Don’t say anything
- “Pida un abogado”, ask for a lawyer
For more information on your rights if you encounter ICE, click here.
It’s up to us to keep each other safe and informed!