We’re back for a special episode! With Election Day approaching, we’re talking about No Kings|Vote Early, protecting our votes, and turning people power into voter power.
After a couple of months away from the microphones, we’re back for a special episode of A Couple Thinks. We’ve been busy doing exactly what we said we’d be doing when we took our hiatus: getting involved, organizing with neighbors, and working to make a difference in the upcoming election.
And with Election Day just weeks away, there’s plenty to talk about.
No Kings: From Protest to Participation
On Saturday, October 17, the No Kings movement is taking a different approach. Instead of massive marches and rallies, No Kings Vote Early will bring people together at smaller, neighborhood-based “Democracy Corners” across the country.
The goal? Turn the energy of previous protests into action at the ballot box.
We’ll be hosting a Democracy Corner with our neighborhood pod at Vine and Shattuck in Berkeley, starting at 11:30 a.m., right next to the Cheese Board. Stop by to talk about voting, learn how to get involved, and yes, we’ll even have some pizza to share!
Voting Is Essential. Being Prepared Matters, Too.
In this episode, we also discuss the Red Line Pledge, an effort to organize a coordinated, nonviolent response if serious interference with the election or its aftermath occurs.
We talk about what those red lines might look like, how organizers are preparing, and why connecting with local groups now can make a difference later.
The point isn’t to live in fear of what might happen. It’s to be informed, connected, and ready to act if necessary.
What Can You Do Right Now?
There’s still time to make a difference, whether you have a few hours, a few dollars, or just enough time to complete your own ballot.
We talk about voting early, researching candidates and ballot measures, volunteering for get-out-the-vote efforts, and supporting campaigns where your contributions can have a meaningful impact.
We also spend some time on California’s ballot propositions, including a few that could cancel each other out (because apparently voting in California wasn’t complicated enough already!).
And we return to a favorite reminder from Jewish teachings:
“It’s not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.”
None of us can do everything. But all of us can do something.
And Yes, There’s Still Joy!
It’s been a while since our last Joyful Moments, so we had some catching up to do. Family visits, our daughter’s travels, a new mural on our front porch, reconnecting with neighbors, and even getting back into strength training all made the list.
Because even in challenging times, there’s still so much to celebrate.
Listen to this episode of A Couple Thinks for a conversation about taking action, staying prepared, and finding joy along the way.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
* No Kings — Information about the movement and upcoming events.
* Indivisible — Find local groups and opportunities to get involved.
* Mobilize — Search for voter outreach events and volunteer opportunities.
* Bay Resistance — Bay Area organizing and information about coordinated action.
* Blue Voter Guide — Research candidates, endorsements, and ballot measures.
* Oath — Explore opportunities to make political contributions.
* Swing Left — Volunteer to help in competitive elections.
For our California listeners: Here is Lisa’s ballot research spreadsheet with additional endorsements and resources.
Thanks for listening, and whether we see you at a Democracy Corner or connect with you in another way, we hope you’ll find something you can do to help make a difference.
