Cooperstown Oneonta Indivisible is a local chapter of the national Indivisible group. We are a volunteer grassroots group focused on standing up for and improving our democracy. We are especially focused on efforts to dismantle democracy and attack the public services that our taxes pay for and upon which our citizens depend. We work towards supporting healthy local communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our 5-part mission statement is as follows:
- Our priorities are to work for a democratic society that treats all humans as equal and equally valuable and invested with the rights laid out in our Declaration and Constitution.
- We are focused on protecting the rule of law that upholds the divided power of our three branches of government (no kings for us!), and on ensuring all three branches of government are held accountable to our Constitution.
- We act as a positive force in our community, working to invite people into civil conversations about how to ensure communities thrive in a way that provides sustainability and opportunities for all.
- We work to protect the right to vote freely and fairly in democratic elections.
- We work to elect qualified legislators/representatives of integrity to office and then to hold them accountable to the values stated in #1-4.
We welcome anyone to our group. Our expectations are that our group members work together in the spirit of building a welcoming and caring community. Our group member guidelines are as follows:
- Everyone should contribute to group efforts. Everyone should contribute at the level they are able to contribute. Some people have more time and bandwidth. Everyone does what they can do, and we will all resist judging other people’s efforts.
- Everyone treats everyone else in the group with respect, kindness, and generosity.
- Issues or complaints should be addressed to the group leader/steering committee, and every possible effort should be made to prevent conflict and dissension.
Our actions include:
- Calling and visiting our political legislators and representatives to advocate for healthy democracy/healthy community related policies.
- Organizing community events that educate and advocate for healthy democracy /healthy community related policies.
- Supporting other local groups’ activities that fit within our mission.