Last month, about 75 Talbot County citizens concerned about the current direction of the country held a meeting at St. Paul’s Church in Oxford. The non-partisan group consisted of Independents, progressive and moderate Democrats, and former and current Republicans who are in the process of responding with civility and respect to certain of the Administration’s actions and policies.
The meeting grew out of a belief that the best way to respond is through local organizing and networking and by supporting each other in taking thoughtful and strategic actions.
In previous meetings, the group agreed to focus on the following eleven action areas:
Provide financial support to organizations negatively impacted by this administration’s policies, as well as those organizations defending against attacks on the rule of law.
Write short, impactful opinion pieces to the local press.
Post thoughtful short pieces on social media that include personal stories.
Contact legislators and other elected officials and cite harmful effects of certain federal policies and budget cuts that negatively impact local constituents.
Attend public local Board meetings, such as Election and School Board meetings to express views and counter negative attacks.
At the local level, get involved in nonprofits and other agencies directly impacted by this Administration’s policies and drastic budget cuts.
Get involved with the 2026 mid-term election, which may include taking part in rallies or protests and other grassroots support. Motivate people to vote and assist them in getting to the polls.
Host small-group discussion meetings that help identify important actions and serve as a catalyst to stimulate people to act.
Participate in issue-specific groups that focus on topics such as communication strategies, legal immigration actions, rule of law, and more.
Initiate one-on-one conversations with those who may have different views but are willing to listen and be in respectful dialogue. Search for common ground.
People can tailor these actions to their individual styles and the issues that most concern them.
If you would like to get involved with this group of committed voters, please contact [email protected] for more information.
Maria Grant
Oxford
Wilson Dean says
This effort is so worthwhile! At this point, only the actions of public citizens can save our country’s democracy and founding values. The Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court in their current form are working against us. The military is in question. It’s up to us.
Rick Hughes says
Excellent! Thank you all for what you’re doing. I am trying hard to accomplish the same through involvement with the Talbot County Democratic Forum and the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Easton. I believe that we all have more in common naturally than what divides us; I say naturally because much of the division we see in the US today is the result of purposely factLESS information, hyper-partisan politics, tribalism and, unfortunately, a misguided and misinformed culture war. Together we could find solutions versus just finger pointing and name calling that gets us nowhere but deeper in to the mess we’re in today. Let me know when you meet again and I’ll share in the next Forum newsletter: https://conta.cc/4lxn720 Thanks again.