Welcome to
Change Begins with ME!
Change Begins With ME is a grassroots volunteer group working together to encourage civic engagement and drive political change – starting at the local level. We stand for inclusivity, equity, freedom, and opportunity for everyone. We support and collaborate with frontline organizations on issues such as racial, environmental, and social justice, women’s health and equality, immigrant’s rights, climate change and the environment, gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, education, the economy, and more – we are here to help you BE THE CHANGE! We are headquartered in San Diego with activist members across the country. We are part of the Indivisible network. Our goal is to help members stay current and engaged while offering a supportive and uplifting venue for our community to interact with each other via our e-newsletter, Facebook, email, monthly meetings, and events in San Diego.
Our link for the NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance is now live!
Please note: our event is organized by the same coalition behind the April 5th March. If you visit nokings.org, you’ll see two events listed for downtown San Diego. Ours is at Waterfront Park.
We encourage you to RSVP for our event — that way, you’ll receive full event details, updates, and the official link to the hub event page.
PLEASE SHARE FAR AND WIDE – THIS IS THE NEXT BIG ONE – LETS MAKE IT EVEN BIGGER!!
Hands Off!!
We are Marching!!
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Noon
Starting Point: Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Avenue
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
On Saturday, democracy defenders will meet up for a peaceful march to send the message
“Hands Off” our freedoms, our rights, our private data, and our services
Click for Event Hub and Updates
How to get there:
- San Diego MTS Blue and Orange Trolley Lines stop at the Civic Center.
- When you disembark the trolley, head west to 2nd Avenue
- Carefully cross the tracks and go through the 2nd Avenue entrance into the Civic Center.
- There is metered street parking and paid parking lots/structures around Civic Center Plaza.
- Lots can be located using Google Maps.
- We recommend carpooling when possible, whether to a bus stop/coaster station/transit center/trolley station or to the site itself.
Volunteers will direct folks to the March formation
NOTE: We encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle. Single-use water bottles will not be provided at the rally as we aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Sign up here and bring your
signs, banners, and your energy!!
See you on Saturday!!
Brought to you by a coalition of San Diego groups:
Change Begins With ME
Indivisible 49
Indivisible North San Diego County
CBFD Indivisible
Ocean Hills Country Club Indivisible
Activist San Diego
KNSJ
Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside
Democratic Women’s Club of San Diego
Encinitas and North Coast Democratic Club
Rancho Sante Fe Democratic Club
San Diego 350
Swing Left/Take Action San Diego
Women’s March San Diego
Change Begins With ME March Meeting
Pizza, Policy, and Positive Change: An In-Person Gathering
Sunday, March 9th
4:00 – 5:30 PM
Location will be sent upon sign-up
Grab a slice, socialize with kind, like-minded people, and discover how we can make good laws happen at the California level. Plus, learn about the ‘con con’ and what it means!
Why This Matters:
California’s 120 State Representatives have proposed over 1,200 bills this session. Change Begins With ME is part of a coalition that tracks and supports key bills through a democratic process.
We are proud to be part of Indivisible CA: StateStrong (CASS)—a coalition of 80+ Indivisible groups across California united in driving positive change through grassroots activism.
The coalition champions legislation that:
- Defends individual right
- Ensures equality and privacy
- Guarantees access to high-quality education and healthcare
- Hold corporations accountable
- Advocates for climate protection
Bill Voting Process
Our bill voting process begins in early March, and a ballot will be sent in a separate email around March 7, with voting open until March 16. Join us on March 9 to learn more about this year’s legislative priorities. Seating is limited to 50 people, so secure your spot now!
The Pros and Cons of the Continuing Resolution and its Impact on San Diego
Sunday, February 23
4:00-5:30 PM
Virtual
The federal government is currently funded through March 14, and Congress is considering another short-term spending bill (Continuing Resolution) to temporarily extend funding and avoid a shutdown. However, both the House and Senate versions of the bill include funding cuts—raising concerns about their impact.
Join Jason Bercovitch, District Director for Rep. Scott Peters, as he breaks down:
The Pros and Cons of the Continuing Resolution How It Affects San Diego—What programs could face cuts? (Health care, Social Security, food inspections, and more) Your Questions Answered—Q&A session included! Submit your questions in advance after registering.
Register HERE
Invite 3-5 like-minded friends and family to join us—this discussion affects everyone!
Holding Onto Each Other Through the Darkness and Finding Our Way Forward
Change Begins With ME
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
My friends, today I write this not in celebration, but in a heavy cloud of sorrow. The weight we feel in our hearts is undeniable, and the pain is sharp. The election results have left us reeling. We are devastated, not only by the numbers but by what they represent—a society where misogyny, racism, and open hostility toward immigrants and LGBTQI people are given space to thrive, to shape policy, to cast shadows over our lives and the lives of those we love. It’s not just disappointment—it’s a profound sense of betrayal by a country we have worked so hard to move forward.
We awake to an insurrectionist, a convicted felon, a serial liar, and a self-obsessed narcissist winning the election. It’s a sobering moment, and there’s no sense in pretending otherwise.
Right now, we’re hurting. It’s okay to feel numb, to feel defeated, to sit in this grief. Today, and for as long as it takes, we need to hold space for this pain. We need to grieve what this election has taken from us—grieve what it says about the deep, unyielding barriers we still face.
The election results are a stark manifestation of entrenched misogyny and misogynoir—the specific disdain directed toward Black women. It underscores a systemic failure to uplift and honor Black women, who have stood at the forefront of nearly every struggle for justice. The disregard for their leadership and contributions is a wound that cuts deep, revealing the persistent inequalities that plague our society.
We must also acknowledge the peril this outcome poses to women’s autonomy and reproductive rights. The threat to our bodies and our choices is real and immediate. Additionally, immigrants, who enrich the fabric of our nation, now face heightened hostility and uncertainty. Our LGBTQI family members confront an environment increasingly hostile to their very existence. The ramifications of this election are far-reaching, endangering the safety and dignity of countless individuals.
And then there’s our planet. The climate crisis can’t wait, yet we will once again be under the leadership of someone who denies science, ignores the urgency, and puts short-term interests above the survival of future generations. This administration’s stance on the environment will endanger not only the air we breathe and the water we drink but also the global community’s collective action on climate.
As we grieve, we must also face another reality: the need to live alongside those who voted against our values – and, in many cases, against their own interests. Their votes sting, but we can’t simply write them off. Understanding the underlying reasons for their votes requires deep, uncomfortable analysis. We will need to address the fears and grievances that led them down this path and help chart a different course. This includes the people who stayed home and stayed silent, allowing fear and division to fill the void of their missing votes.
Having said that, let’s be honest—this work is exhausting. The weight of activism, of standing up day after day, can be overwhelming. It’s a journey filled with fear, with setbacks, and with moments when it feels impossible to keep going. But it’s also a journey rooted in belief—in the hope that we can, eventually, build a world where everyone has dignity, safety, and respect.
It’s natural to feel lost in a moment like this, as if we’re floating in an ocean with no shoreline in sight. And while we may not be ready to start swimming toward that shore, I want us to cling to one another like a lifeline. We don’t need to know what’s next just yet. We just need to know that we’re here, together, and that we’re not alone in our sorrow. Today is about acknowledging the exhaustion, the emptiness, and the heartbreak. It’s about looking at each other and saying, Yes, I feel this pain too. I feel just as lost, just as devastated.
Even in this dark moment, our values will be our guide, our compass, our first baby step forward. It’s not about fixing everything at once—it’s about anchoring ourselves in small actions that remind us of who we are and what we stand for. And when that time comes, we’ll carry this grief with us as fuel for the future, a reminder of what’s at stake. As we gather our strength, we must remember who we’re fighting for: our daughters, who deserve to see women, especially women of color, in positions of leadership, respected and valued for their brilliance and strength. For every woman being told her choices and her body are not her own. For every immigrant who dreams of a better life and makes this country richer with their contributions. For every LGBTQI individual who just wants to live openly, with dignity and acceptance. For everyone who longs to see a world where their humanity is recognized and their potential celebrated.
We also had some significant wins to celebrate, particularly at the local level, where Congressman Mike Levin is the projected winner, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer holds a strong lead, along with Dr. Lashae Sharp-Collins for Assembly District 79 and Dr. Akilah Weber for State Senate District 39. Nationally, Democrats Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester are set to make history as the fourth and fifth Black women to be sworn into the U.S. Senate.
In closing, let’s just hold each other through the waves. We have faced setbacks before, and we know that we will stand up again. We are bruised, but we are not broken. And while the path ahead is uncertain, we know this: we are still here, we are still committed to justice. And for now, that is enough.
With continued love and gratitude,
Tama
As a dedicated postcard volunteer, you’ve been an essential part of our mission to drive change and make every voice heard. Now, it’s time to come together and celebrate the impact of our efforts!
Join us tomorrow night, Tuesday, November 5 at 6:00 PM for a night of unity, celebration, and anticipation as we watch the election results and cheer on Harris’s victory!
We’ll provide the pizza, salad, and non-alcoholic drinks. Come for great company and live election coverage as we celebrate the future we’ve all worked so hard to build. Whether Harris secures the win (she will!!) or the path continues, we want to acknowledge and thank everyone who helped make this possible.
Let’s raise a glass to the power of collective action and the bright future ahead!
For more details and to RSVP go to: https://bit.ly/CBWM_HARRIS_VICTORY
Together for a brighter future,
Tama and Team Change Begins With ME
Please RSVP at bit.ly/UC_PEACE_POLE.
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, International Day of Peace, Change Begins With ME will be rededicating the Peace Pole at Standley Park from 2:00-4:00 pm. On this day, we will reveal the restored Peace Pole to University City and the wider San Diego community. We aim to make the day as festive as the 2005 inauguration. We will also have kid’s crafts, a children’s voting booth, GOTV postcard writing, entertainment, and food trucks.
The Peace Pole features the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in 12 different languages:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English (now in rainbow letters)
- French
- Hebrew
- Hindu
- Italian
- Japanese
- Kumeyaay
- Spanish
- Ukrainian (replaced Russian)
- Xhosa
UC Peace Pole History: In 2005, Girl Scout Troop 3045 installed a six-sided Peace Pole at Standley Park in University City and hosted a community-wide Dedication Ceremony to commemorate the occasion. The day was filled with entertainment from our local UC schools and beyond. There were also multicultural kid’s crafts representing each of the twelve languages. The original Peace Pole was also partially funded by Supervisor Ron Roberts back in 2005 (see picture below).
After nineteen years, time took its toll on the Peace Pole.
The language plaques cracked and blackened. The dedication plaque at the base gradually became hidden as it sunk into the earth. Change Begins With ME raised funds to restore the Peace Pole. All twelve plaques were replaced and the pole reinforced. The base has been excavated and the old dedication plaque has been removed. New cement and a new dedication plaque are currently being installed.
We hope you will join us and help make this a special day to remember.
Please RSVP at bit.ly/UC_PEACE_POLE.
Beginning Sunday, August 4, Change Begins With ME will meet on Sundays to write postcards for democracy.
The camaraderie of gathering to write postcards for democracy is a blend of shared purpose and joyous collaboration. Participants, drawn from various backgrounds, ages, and experiences, come together with a common goal: to make a positive impact. The atmosphere is lively and warm, filled with animated conversations and laughter. Volunteers exchange ideas, share personal stories, and encourage one another, creating an environment of mutual support and friendship.
The simple act of writing postcards transforms into a collective experience, where each person’s contribution feels valued and significant. Over pizza and drinks, new connections are forged, and a strong sense of community is fostered, all centered around the empowering mission of civic engagement and democratic participation.
Please join us as often as you can. Click HERE to register.
(Picture credit: Clifton Henri Studios)
The Importance of White Women’s Responsibility to
Support Kamala Harris
As Kamala Harris steps onto the national stage as a presidential candidate, many Black women are bracing themselves for the inevitable wave of vitriol and hatred that will be directed toward her. This fear is deeply rooted in historical and contemporary experiences of racism and sexism that Black women have endured for generations. The impact of this anticipated backlash is profound, affecting not only Harris but also the broader community of Black women who see their own struggles reflected in her journey. This historic candidacy underscores the need for white women to step up and actively support Harris, and by extension, all Black women.
Personal and Collective Fears
Many Black women fear that Kamala Harris will be subjected to relentless scrutiny and baseless attacks on her character, intelligence, and qualifications. This fear is not unwarranted; Black women in public life often face disproportionate criticism and are held to unfairly high standards. The knowledge that Harris will likely endure such treatment is painful and triggering for many Black women, who see their own experiences mirrored in the national discourse.
The Need for Solidarity and Support
In the face of these fears, solidarity and support are crucial. Black women need to know that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is a community ready to stand with them. Allies, particularly white women, have a vital role to play in this. By vocally supporting Kamala Harris and challenging the vitriol directed at her, allies can help create a more supportive environment for all Black women.
Leveraging Privilege for Advocacy
White women possess a unique position of privilege that can be leveraged to combat the injustices faced by Black women. This involves more than passive support; it requires active advocacy. When white women stand up for Kamala Harris, they are also standing up for every Black woman who has been silenced, marginalized, or overlooked. This solidarity can manifest in various ways:
- Vocal Support: Publicly endorsing Harris, countering misinformation, and challenging racist and sexist narratives.
- Advocacy: Using platforms to highlight Harris’s policies and the significance of her leadership, as well as broader issues affecting Black women.
- Allyship in Action: Participating in campaigns, volunteering, and engaging in community organizing to support Harris and other Black women leaders.
Challenging Spaces of Power
Many spaces—whether corporate, social, or political—are still predominantly occupied by white individuals. White women can use their presence in these spaces to challenge the status quo, advocate for inclusivity, and ensure that the voices of Black women are heard and respected. This means calling out discriminatory behavior, pushing for equitable policies, and fostering environments where diversity is genuinely valued.
Educating and Learning
A vital part of this responsibility is continuous education. White women must educate themselves on the historical and current struggles of Black women and understand the nuances of intersectional feminism. This knowledge is a powerful tool in dismantling ignorance and prejudice, both within themselves and in wider society.
Resources:
- @winwithblackwomen | Linktree
- Advancing racial justice in our policies, institutions and culture. | Race Forward
- Movement Minded | Racial Equity Institute | Developing Tools
- The Loveland Foundation
- Read Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
- Volunteer locally with Women of Color Roar – Email Tama at wocroartreasurer@gmail.com
From Anxiety to Hope: Embracing Kamala Harris’s 2024 Presidential Run
In recent months, the American political landscape has been marked by significant uncertainty and anxiety. With escalating political tensions and social challenges, many citizens have felt a palpable sense of unease about the future. However, the announcement of Kamala Harris’s candidacy for the 2024 presidential election has sparked a wave of hope and optimism, transforming the collective mood from one of apprehension to one of excitement and possibility.
Addressing the Initial Anxiety
Before Biden stepped down as the 2024 Presidential nominee, many supporters were concerned about changing mid-game and so close to November. There is also immense appreciation for what Biden accomplished during his first term. His administration navigated unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic recovery efforts, and made significant strides in areas such as infrastructure, climate policy, and social justice. Biden’s legacy includes key legislative achievements and a commitment to restoring dignity and respect to the office of the presidency. His decision to step aside reflects a selfless dedication to the party’s future and the nation’s well-being, opening the door for new leadership while building on the foundation he established.
Change Begins With ME is deeply grateful to the Biden Administration. Join us in thanking him for his service HERE.
As we excitedly wrap our minds around a Kamala Presidency, we are also starting to see beyond the challenges and recognize the opportunities her presidency could bring.
A Vision for the Future
Kamala Harris embodies a vision of progress and renewal, positioning her as a leader ready to move beyond the past and towards a brighter future. For those weary of political strife, Kamala Harris offers a fresh start.
As a Black woman a generation younger than Trump, she signifies a welcome departure from the traditional white patriarchy. She embodies the transformative change that America is seeking, coupled with the depth of experience required for effective leadership. Her background as a Senator and Vice President assures voters of her competence and readiness to lead, presenting her as a reliable and seasoned leader.
The Shift to Hope
The Harris campaign gained momentum immediately, evidenced by record fundraising – please keep it up!
For many, Kamala Harris represents the future. Her candidacy has reignited energy within the Democratic Party. The initial anxieties are giving way to a collective hope, a belief that with Harris at the helm, we can more effectively engage young voters and address their concerns. Her dynamic presence and commitment to progressive values offer a fresh perspective that resonates with a diverse electorate. As we move forward, Harris’s leadership promises to bridge generational gaps, inspire new levels of activism, and steer the country towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
A Movement of Hope
Change Begins With ME is proud to officially endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. You can endorse her too! Click HERE to take the Indivisible Pledge to commit to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with grassroots activists across the nation who are clear-eyed in the path forward: doing the work to re-take our majorities in the House and Senate, and elect Kamala Harris. Click HERE for National Indivisible’s Press Release.
As we look ahead, the excitement and optimism surrounding Kamala Harris is paving the way for a new chapter in American history. The journey from anxiety to hope is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American spirit, and it is a journey that Kamala Harris will lead with grace, strength, and determination.
Sunday, July 14
4:00 – 5:30
Zoom
Click HERE for a recording of our meeting with Leah Greenberg
Please join Change Begins With ME virtually in July as Leah Greenberg, Co-founder of Indivisible gives us a pulse on what’s happening in battleground states, with an emphasis on reproductive rights and how we can get involved.
Our members and allies are the BEST! Your enthusiasm, support, and appropriately directed outrage (at Trump et al) was on full display at our rally this past Sunday, June 23. With just over 100 people in attendance, we felt the love and solidarity and hope you did too. From writing postcards, to holding up the banner on I-5, to staying after to help clean and pack up our event, we are deeply grateful.
Special thanks to our Change Begins With ME steering committee for all the support and help as well as our co-sponsors: Indivisible Resistance San Diego, Hillcrest Indivisible, and Take Action San Diego. Shout out to other Indy groups that attended and helped spread the word: Indivisible WATU, Indivisible 49, Indivisible 92116, Indivisible San Diego Persist, and CBFD Indivisible.
We also greatly appreciate representatives from Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ office, Michaela Castagnola and Kyla Marie Corpuz, as well as Jayden Greenwood from Supervisor Lawson-Remer’s office.
The event was highlighted by three remarkable and influential community leaders who shared their insights, experiences, and the significant ways they are making a difference in our community and beyond. Their speeches were both inspiring and educational, offering valuable perspectives that are well worth your time to watch or listen to. You can find individual video clips below. Please feel free to share. Thanks also to member Dr. Lindegren for finding Dr. Schecter for us!
- Some of you asked for a transcript of Dr. Arielle Schecter’s speech and her contact information. Click HERE for the transcript.
- For videos of our speaker speeches:
- Click HERE for video clip of Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber’s speech.
- Click HERE for video clip of Angelle Maua’s speech Founder of The Gender Phluid Collective
- Click HERE for video clip of Dr. Arielle Schecter’s speech. (Dr. Schecter moved out of sight of the camera and we neglected to put the spotlight back on her until near the end, BUT you can hear every word of her amazing speech).
- Some folks also asked for a transcript of Dr. Arielle Schecter’s speech and her contact information. Click HERE for the transcript.
- Some folks also asked for a transcript of Dr. Arielle Schecter’s speech and her contact information. Click HERE for the transcript.
- Pictures from the day can be found here – https://photos.app.goo.gl/wmmwdjYBoJfGC28v5
- ABC Ch. 10 coverage – https://youtu.be/lLP1lFIlO5A?feature=shared
- OB Rag – https://obrag.org/2024/06/solidarity-and-protest-rally-of-2nd-anniversary-of-fall-of-roe-v-wade-sunday-june-23-at-mission-bay/
Building an Immigration System That Works for Everyone
Sunday, June 2, 2024
4:00 – 5:30
Take Action San Diego and Change Begins With Me joint virtual meeting: “Building an Immigration System That Works for Everyone.” Guest speaker, Dr. Jack Chin, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor Law, UC Davis.
Change Begins With ME May Meeting
Margin of Effort
Sunday, May 5, 2024
4:00 – 5:30
Zoom Only Virtual Meeting
Our May 5 meeting is exactly 6 months out from the November election. A perfect time to check in with our partners at California Grassroots Alliance (CGA) to learn more about the important work and data analysis they are putting together for a successful outcome on November 5. Titled Margin of Effort, our very own R. Fay and her colleagues will be discussing how we can make a difference in the six critical Congressional Districts in California and other races worthy our activism and energy.
To illustrate just how important margins are, check out the 2022 election results for the same six critical Congressional Districts in California.
As you can see, just a smidge more effort would have made all the difference in these elections and we wouldn’t be suffering through this Republican circus in Congress. Knowing what we now know, we must forge ahead with persistence and determination to ensure a Democratic victory.
Our guest speakers will help us channel our efforts effectively:
- Wendy Gelernter, Swing Left/Take Action San Diego – will talk about the different types of voter outreach and effectiveness of the different types of voter outreach
- Nancy Latham, Indivisible East Bay, will talk about early money and phone banking
- Larry Martin, Indivisible Sonoma County, will be highlighting the national races including the six right here in California
We will also look at local races. Netanya Cranford will share her canvassing experience.
We’ll end with resources and action items.
You are invited to join us for our next Intentional Community Series on “Healing Divides: The Art of Respectful Conversations in a Polarized World”.
In a world where divisions seem to be growing deeper, fostering respectful conversations and bridging the gap between opposing viewpoints is more important than ever. This event will provide a safe space for individuals from all backgrounds to come together and learn fundamental skills to engage in meaningful discussions on how we can promote understanding and empathy in our communities.
We will have a guest speaker, interactive activities, and opportunities for networking and sharing ideas. Join us as we explore the art of respectful conversations and work towards healing divides in a polarized world.
Vegan refreshments served.
Please RSVP for this impactful event. We look forward to seeing you there! In person at bit.ly/CBWM_HEALING_DIVIDES or via Zoom at bit.ly/ZOOM_HEALING_DIVIDES
Are Your Electric Bills Too High?
If you answered yes – there is something we can do about it: Fire SDG&E!
Our 1st Intentional Community Series took place this past Sunday. Also, our first inside meeting since Covid – the rain teased us all day! Thanks to Dorrie Bruggemann and Bill Powers from Power San Diego for a highly informative presentation on the benefits of a public utility in the City of San Diego and how we get there. If you were not able to attend our meeting, please click HERE to view the PowerPoint Presentation. Shout out to Take Action San Diego for co-sponsoring our event.
Nine attendees were moved to action and signed up to gather signatures – NINE, that’s incredible! If you would like to gather signatures from your neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc., please respond to this email and we will coordinate getting a packet to you. If you’re extra motivated, click HERE to sign up to gather signatures at events across San Diego. Power San Diego put together a Signature Gathering Training Resource and we have Hub Captains in place throughout the City to help with additional training. Lastly, if you just want to sign the petition yourself (we NEED all the signatures we can get), please reach out for a location near you or for a date & time to stop by Tama’s house. And, please send your friends our way too.
We were especially grateful for the new faces in attendance!
Click HERE for more Info/Top Questions
A not-for-profit utility would initially save about 20 to 25%, primarily by eliminating profits and taxes that would otherwise be collected by SDG&E.
The switch to a not-for-profit electric utility would also eliminate SDG&E expenditures on excessive senior executive salaries ($17 million per year to the CEO in 2022), advertising, contributions to candidates, elected officials, and lobbying organizations.
In order to do this, we must collect thousands of valid voter signatures to get an initiative on the ballot to make the change. The deadline is coming up and every signature helps!
How You Can Help
1. Sign the petition if you are a registered voter in the City of San Diego
2. Get other San Diego voters to sign
3. Donate to support organizers
Are you a spanish-speaking go-getter? PSD is looking to hire an organizer in South Bay: reply to this email with your interest.
Already Have Rooftop Solar?
SDG&E is pursuing significant fee increases for rooftop solar, and they have not supported fair compensation for rooftop solar owners.
In collaboration with Take Action San Diego, our February meeting will be run by Wendy Gelernter and Larry Stowell. Stay tuned for Zoom link and more details.
Each year we develop a new theme to keep things interesting and to meet the moment. In 2024, we will be inviting University City residents and nearby communities to join us in person to discuss the following topics:
- Power San Diego – bringing public power to the City of San Diego
- Immigration
- Civility in a Divided Society
- Peace Pole Friendship Picnic (Rededication Ceremony)
The plan is to extend invitations in our local community newsletters/newspapers to reach folks beyond our typical likeminded bubbles. The first three meetings will be led by an expert in the relevant field and will be offered in person and on Zoom, except for Civility in a Divided Society which will be in person only. These will be opportunities for all of us to learn and to respectfully engage in the pursuit of common ground.
We also have the good fortune to collaborate with Take Action San Diego to further expand our networks. Other exciting meetings include:
- Getting the Word out on Social Media
- California Grassroots Alliance
- Ezra and Leah from National Indivisible speaking on abortion rights
- and PLENTY of GOTV
Dates and registration coming soon. We encourage you to bring a friend or a new acquaintance. We’ll give you a sticker for each new person you bring to Change Begins With ME. We are also reading the book The Persuaders by Anand Giridharadas. The book profiles progressive activists and organizers who are embracing bold tactics to persuade other Americans to change their views.
And, to give you a little extra inspiration, I’d like to give a shout out to Scott Roleson and Helen Giss. Scott brought several copies of the following flyer, made true to Scott’s attention to detail with magnets attached and the bottom pull-off tabs precut, to our Peace Potato Party for our members to take and post in their neighborhood businesses, etc. Helen rose to the task and was out and about at her local Starbucks attaching Scott’s flyer to their bulletin board. At the same time, another woman named Judy was in line and talking to a friend about ways to encourage young people to vote. Judy noticed Helen and her flyer and they started talking. Helen referred Judy to Change Begins With ME and I had lunch with her this past week. Turns out Judy and her husband created an app that brings print media to digital life. She showed me how it works and it was like looking at Harry Potter pictures where the subjects move around – amazing! Judy has offered Change Begins With ME the opportunity to use their app for GOTV purposes. How cool is that? Seeds people, it’s all about planting seeds.
EVENT IS FULL
Change Begins With ME Field Trip to the
Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles
Sunday, October 15
Depart University City (92122) at 8:00 AM • Return around 5:30 PM
Passenger Vans will be used for carpooling
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to tour the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. Change Begins With ME is renting two 12-15 seat passenger vans so you don’t have to worry about driving! The actual cost for transportation to Los Angeles and entry into the museum is $50 per person. The main exhibit, which has the progressive Social Lab along with the Holocaust exhibit, takes about 3 hours and there’s an Anne Frank exhibit, which is another 1 hour. All this comes with the entrance ticket price.
Change Begins With ME will provide attendees with a complimentary breakfast on the go. Each person will be separately responsible for covering the cost of a late lunch after we depart the museum at 2:30. We expect to arrive back in San Diego around 5:30 PM.
Firm commitments needed by October 10.
Questions? Please contact us at changebeginswithmesd@gmail.com.
Recipient of the Global Peace and Tolerance Award from the Friends of the United Nations, the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is a human rights laboratory and educational center dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today. The genesis of the MOT-the first of its kind in the world-came from the leadership of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally recognized and acclaimed Jewish human rights organization named in honor of famed Nazi hunter, the late Simon Wiesenthal.
The museum is not an ordinary museum of artifacts and documents. As Simon Wiesenthal expressed, it must not only remind us of the past, but remind us to act. This Museum should serve to prevent hatred and genocide from occuring to any group now and in the future. The daunting task was to create an experience that would challenge people of all backgrounds to confront their most closely-held assumptions and assume responsibility for change.
As promised at the beginning of 2023, we are setting out to labor with joy. As a reminder, each quarter we will strive to have one educational in-person University City meeting (or Zoom if necessary), one meeting at the location of an ally’s headquarters or other event site, and one meeting dedicated to having fun in our greater community.
April 2
Field trip to tour the Western Service Workers Association – Presentation by volunteer organizers and low income association members to explain how the organization works towards achieving its goal: to end poverty. Click HERE to RSVP. Carpooling available.
May 7
Field trip for fun (and learning) to the Coastal Roots Farm, a nonprofit community farm followed by lunch. Carpool leaves UC at 9:30 a.m. Click HERE to RSVP. Carpooling available.
Join us on March 5, 2023 to reconnect and meet Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath. Not sure if you were redistricted into District 77? Click HERE for the District Map. Not in District 77? Don’t let that stop you from Zoomin’ with us. Her votes affect all of us! Plus, WE WANT TO SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACES. ♥
What’s on the horizon? On April 2, 2023, we’re taking our first “Meet the Community Where they’re At” field trip. That’s right, we’ve lined up a tour of the Western Service Worker’s Association (WSWA) on Imperial Avenue. Find out more about this free and voluntary membership organization built by and for low-income service, domestic, in-home care, part-time and temporary workers. WSWA is entirely volunteer-run. Stay tuned for more details.
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Every December we come together to celebrate our activism throughout the year. We are honored to devote this year to uplifting our Jewish members, friends, and community.
Click HERE to RSVP
Blog Archive
No Voter untouched!
Click HERE to phonebank for Mike Levin with CBWM and CBFD
Click HERE to join our Text for Change Textbank for Joseph Rocha – Flip this seat blue!
Sunday, October 94:00 PM – 5:30 PMLeucadia Pizzeria – University City7748 Regents Rd, La Jolla, CA 92122
RSVP today so we can get excited to see you!
What an honor it will be to close out our GOTV postcarding parties with our special guest speaker Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins. Many of us have had the good fortune to be represented by Senator Atkins for many years. Sadly, many of us have also been redistricted out of Senator Atkins’ District come November 7 (Vote Joseph Rocha!) Let’s come together to thank her for her years of service to our District and the State of California. What better topic for her to deliver to our members and friends than the importance of fighting for reproductive rights! Each attendee will be sent home with a Pro-Choice postcard packet.
After eight months of traversing our great City, we have officially come full circle to our Change Begins With ME stomping grounds. We will set up on their outdoor patio for your safety. Come hungry for the delicious food, stay for the conversation and activism. Leucadia Pizzeria is not charging us to use their space, so please come with the expectation of ordering food and drinks while writing postcards.
This election year we took our activism on the road to learn about San Diego neighborhoods outside our immediate radius AND to support local restaurants. It has been a wonderful experience made even better by your attendence and support!
We are mindful of COVID safety protocols which is why we’ve selected restaurants with outdoor patios. Vaccinated volunteers only please.
RSVP today so we can get excited to see you!
It was an honor to host a Meet & Greet for Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. Due to redistricting, parts of University City fall into the new Congressional District 51. As an added bonus, State Senate candidate Joseph Rocha also attended to say a few words and mingle with our guests.
Click HERE to RSVP
Click HERE to RSVP
So far we have visited:
- Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan in March with its lively music and friendly crowd,
- Super Cocina in City Heights in April, a family restaurant with a 35 year history in San Diego,
- Giardino’s in Lemon Grove in May with delightful outdoor patios and scrumpdidliumptious Italian food,
- Bolt Brewery in La Mesa
- Common Theory in Kearny Mesa – Recommend farro salad
- Bay Hill Tavern in Clairemont – Working Class Cauliflower was delish!
- We are lovin’ this culinary tour!
Next up Hob Coffee in Hillcrest. We will set up on their outdoor patio for your safety. Come hungry for the delicious food, stay for the conversation and activism.
We are taking our activism on the road to learn about San Diego neighborhoods outside our immediate radius AND to support local restaurants. These restaurants are not charging us to use their space, so please come with the expectation of ordering food and drinks while writing postcards.
NEW TWIST – This month, Michelle Krug, Regional Director for the California Democratic Party, will walk us through the Propositions on our Nov. ballot. Each attendee will be given a postcard packet to take home, along with stamps upon request. We have a range of GOTV postcards, including critical US Senate races.
We are mindful of COVID safety protocols which is why we’ve selected restaurants with outdoor patios. Vaccinated volunteers only please.
RSVP today so we can get excited to see you!
For those wishing to write postcards from the comfort of your home do not RSVP, rather click HERE to order postcards.
Questions? Please contact Tama at changebeginswithmesd@gmail.com.
Blog Archive
Click HERE to RSVP
So far we have visited:
- Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan in March with its lively music and friendly crowd,
- Super Cocina in City Heights in April, a family restaurant with a 35-year history in San Diego,
- Giardino’s in Lemon Grove in May with delightful outdoor patios and scrumpdidliumptious Italian food,
- Bolt Brewery in La Mesa
- Common Theory in Kearny Mesa – Recommend farro salad
- We are lovin’ this culinary tour!
Next up Bay Hill Tavern in Clairemont. We will set up on their outdoor patio for your safety. Come hungry for the delicious food, stay for the conversation and activism.
We are taking our activism on the road to learn about San Diego neighborhoods outside our immediate radius AND to support local restaurants. These restaurants are not charging us to use their space, so please come with the expectation of ordering food and drinks while writing postcards.
At our postcard parties, Indivisible provides the postcards, scripts, voter addresses, and stamps. We have a range of GOTV postcards, including critical US Senate races.
We are mindful of COVID safety protocols which is why we’ve selected restaurants with outdoor patios. Vaccinated volunteers only please – masks recommended.
Click HERE to RSVP
As a complement to our Change Begins With ME July Book Club book Children Under Fire, we are continuing the conversation as we attempt to address the ongoing gun crisis in our country.
Our guest speaker will be Therese Humphrey Hymer from San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.
Topics will include:
- Upward trends in firearm purchasing
- The significance of the Supreme Court’s gun decision
- California’s new “Bounty Law”
- Action Items and resources shared
We will also be joined by Joseph Rocha, California Senate Candidate for the newly redistricted SD 40.
In advance of our meeting, please watch this short video on a sympathy card display for mass shootings. As Uvalde has demonstrated, we cannot be shocked into action, but we must be persistent in our outrage for change.
RSVP at bit.ly/CBWM_JULY2022
There was a time when our members and guests would gather at Tama’s house for our monthly meetings which included guest speakers and even candidate forums – we were a cozy group!
Please know that we still take COVID seriously and mask up indoors. However, we are ready to transition to an outdoor, backyard setting with chairs spaced safely apart and vegan snacks ready and waiting – FOR YOU!
As is customary, our July meeting will have a patriotic focus. Our guest speaker is none other than THE AWESOME Michele Fournier, UC High School’s favorite AP Government teacher. In 2017, Michele guided Change Begins With ME members through a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This year, Michele will discuss Constitutional interpretation over the years as well as whether the US is still a Democratic Republic given the erosion of our foundation in recent times (as in just yesterday!)
All attendees must be fully vaccinated and boosted. Shade will be provided as much as possible, but you might also want to bring a hat.
Speaking of vegan snacks, July means homemade apple pie. RSVP today so Tama knows how many pies to make! ♥
Click HERE to RSVP
So far we have visited:
- Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan in March with its lively music and friendly crowd,
- Super Cocina in City Heights in April, a family restaurant with a 35 year history in San Diego,
- Giardino’s in Lemon Grove in May with delightful outdoor patios and scrumpdidliumptious Italian food, and
- Bolt Brewery in La Mesa –
- We are lovin’ this culinary tour!
Next up Common Theory Brewery in Kearny Mesa on Convoy. We will set up on their outdoor patio for your safety. Come hungry for the delicious food, stay for the conversation and activism.
We are taking our activism on the road to learn about San Diego neighborhoods outside our immediate radius AND to support local restaurants. These restaurants are not charging us to use their space, so please come with the expectation of ordering food and drinks while writing postcards.
At our postcard parties, Indivisible provides the postcards, scripts, voter addresses, and stamps. We have a range of GOTV postcards, including pro-choice scripts to voters Arizona and Pennsylvania.
We are mindful of COVID safety protocols which is why we’ve selected restaurants with outdoor patios. Vaccinated volunteers only please – masks recommended.
RSVP today so we can get excited to see you!
For those wishing to write postcards from the comfort of your home do not RSVP, rather click HERE to order postcards.
Questions? Please contact Tama at changebeginswithmesd@gmail.com.
Click here to RSVP bit.ly/SANDIEGO_GOTVJUNE
Bring a friend!
If you would prefer to write postcards from home, request postcards and voter addresses here: bit.ly/2022GOTV.
Click HERE to RSVP bit.ly/SANDIEGO_GOTVMAY. Bring a friend!
Please RSVP here – bit.ly/SANDIEGO_GOTVAPRIL. Bring a friend!
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Mike Levin’s district (CD49) did turn a little bluer after redistricting, BUT he has two well-known Republicans challenging him. For this reason, it is critical that we put time and resources into holding on to this seat which Indivisible National’s Give No Ground Campaign listed as one of the most important races in the nation in terms of preventing Kevin McCarthy from taking over the House. We offer both English and Spanish scripts.
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Katie Porter’s District (CD47) Can you imagine a Congress WITHOUT KATIE PORTER?? Me either, so let’s do what we can to keep her there! We offer both English and Spanish scripts.
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Registered Black Voters in Alabama – we are reaching out to the deep south here folks. Even though the script is nonpartisan, the county lists have been strategically chosen to reach Black voters to encourage voting and highlight what’s at stake: voting rights and representation, healthcare and Medicaid expansion, and threats to rural hospitals + public education. Let’s do what we can to reach out to these voters!
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Native Americans in NE Arizona in support of Democrats. These Congressional districts have changed making it more difficult to win. The voters need to know that together they can elect a Democrat who will protect our water, schools, voting rights, and families.
Congressional District 50 Candidate ForumSunday, March 294:00 PM
For a limited time and limited quantity (they only ordered 100), this limited edition mini-growler dedicated to Women’s History Month can be yours. Be sure to check out Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan – come for the beer, stay for the community!
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It’s an election year!! That means Indivisible will be hosting several candidate forums in the coming months and City Council District 6 is our very first one! What district will you live in once the new redistricting maps take effect? Not sure? Click HERE – listed in numerical order. Blue is District 1 and purple is District 6.
Click HERE to register for our City Council District 6 Candidate Forum
Click HERE to submit candidate questions
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Change Begins with Me
Defending our Future
Flip CA 50th
Hillcrest Indivisible
Indivisible 49
Indivisible in 52/53
Indivisible 92116
Indivisible Ramona
Indivisible Resistance San Diego
Indivisible San Diego Persist
Julian Indivisible
Barona Band of Mission Indians
La Mesa Foothills Dem Club (LMFDC)
Rise Up San Diego
Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County
Climate Mobilization
Ride for Breonna
Border Angels
San Diego Immigrants Rights Consortium
Swing Left
Healthright360
Duwara Consciousness Foundation
San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention
Public Power San Diego
Resolution Specialist
The Protect Our Communities Foundation
LMFDC/East County Dem Club
League of Women Voters of San Diego
SEIU
Stand Up Scripps Ranch
Salaam USA
Click HERE to add your ideas too!
- Guides on experiencing a simple, stress-free holiday
- San Diego Black-Owned Businesses 2021 Holiday Gift Guide by Rise Up San Diego
- Businesses supported at our Indivisi-Gather Party Raffle Drawing:
- The All Black Candle Company – @allblkcandle on Instagram
- Healthy on You
- Eden Plant Shop
- Maya’s Cookies
- Chula Vista Brewery
- Dirt Don’t Hurt
- Businesses supported at our Indivisi-Gather Party Raffle Drawing:
- Low waste BIPOC Gift Guide
- 2nd hand gifts from local thrift stores, Poshmark, ThredUp, etc.
- Other local vendors:
- Colibri Holistic Horticulture – Hand Made Gifts , Jams, Plant Medicine, and more
- Experiences/Classes/Time, etc:
- Plan a local hike together or guided walk
- State / National Park Pass
- Cooking class or a warm cooked meal
- Brewery/wine tasting
- Painting/art/ceramic class
- Babysitter
- Massage
- Museum pass
- The gift of donating/volunteering at local Charities/CBWM Community Partner Organizations:
- Voices of Our City Choir – Helping San Diego’s unsheltered neighbors reconnect with hope and possibility through the healing power of music
- Rincon Indian Education Center – providing Educational and Cultural experiences and uplifting our community’s Indigenous Knowledge since 1974.
- San Diegans for Justice – San Diegans for Justice is an organization committed to strengthening criminal, electoral, and economic justice throughout San Diego and beyond.
- Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) – we work to make our society better by eliminating barriers to full inclusion of every member of our society due to racism. We recognize that there is racial injustice in all systems in our country: our healthcare, education, legal, political, foster care, and economic systems.
- The Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego – provides a unified front for advocacy and action against all forms of discrimination and unequal treatment, particularly in our underrepresented and underserved communities.
- Border Angels – promotes a culture of love through advocacy, education, by creating a social consciousness, and engaging in direct action to defend the rights of migrants and refugees.
- American Friends Service Committee (San Diego) – Advances human rights and self-determination of migrant communities through base-building, alliance-building, documentation, and policy-impact.
- Pillars of the Community – strive to counter the criminalization of our community through community organizing, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.
- Women of Color Roar – Provide guidance and support for women of the African diaspora and to encourage young women to run for elected office, choose a career in public service and rise to leadership positions in their community.
- San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention – End gun violence
- Alliance Health Clinic – serve refugees, immigrants, and the most vulnerable among us to become self-sufficient, productive members of the community.
- The Blue Heart Foundation – focuses on under-served youth ages 13-19 in the greater San Diego County community.
- Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) – organizing and building power to win housing for all, equitable investment in our neighborhoods, and ensuring civic engagement year round in this binational region.
- Center on Policy Initiatives (CPI) – Research and action institute dedicated to creating economic prosperity, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment for all.
- Friends of Rose Canyon – Dedicated to the protection, preservation and restoration of Rose Canyon and the Rose Creek watershed.
- Climate Action Campaign – stop the climate crisis through effective policy action.
- San Diego 350 – building a movement to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice through education and outreach, public policy advocacy, and mobilizing people to take action
- Peace Resource Center of San Diego – Guided by the principles of nonviolence, tolerance, compassion, and respect for diversity. Working for peace is a way of life that recognizes the value of all life and actively seeks ways for us to live in balance and harmony with each other and the planet.
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Salaam USA – Cutting-edge community-building activities to promote interfaith dialog and inter-cultural friendship.
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The Gender Phluid Collective – working together to dismantle the narratives of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and all other prejudices towards gender identity and sexual orientation.
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Duwara Consciousness Foundation – serve the too-often neglected members of our community of humanity— to be the voice for the voiceless, to honor the meek and shelter the poor.
Change Begins With ME 