GRIT "Alternate" Meeting Night: Feb 24, 2025

Yet another week of shock and awe! 

So grateful to have you all to commiserate with and learn from and take action with!

Extra meeting Monday, February 24th from 6-7:30 at Junction361 with two simultaneous activity groups: GRIT CAFE and GRIT FUSE. Scroll down for details. 

NOTE: You are never required to come to our regular meetings or our alt. night meetings, or take any action (calls, protests, etc.). We are here when you can join us at any participation level you feel comfortable with. However, we would love a heads up if you’re joining us tomorrow or Monday so we can plan. It’s not mandatory and you can still just arrive without an RSVP. 

Questions, ideas, concerns? Reach out.

Thank you so much!

Jennifer & Elizabeth

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GRIT Cafe > For those who just want to pick a few issues and discuss. No action, just venting, sharing, commiserating. A few meetings ago as we went around the room introducing ourselves and sharing hot topics, it occurred to me that we need another night to just simply talk. Depending on how many people join, we’ll break into groups of 5, each group will chat about one or two specific issues. We may or may not switch up every 30 minutes, and leave a little room to summarize after. YOU do not need to be an expert in any subject or issue, this is akin to venting and sorting out what we’re hearing, reading — and feeling. So whether you’re new to following politics or deeply steeped, this could be a good night to just listen or to partake. 

Or/And

GRIT FUSE > Sharon created a special interest group within GRIT dedicated to breaking free from polarizing fear-based groupthink. 

GRIT FUSE stands for Fearless Understanding & Strategic Engagement.

Our goal is to provide off-ramps—alternative perspectives that reduce reactionary, radical, or threatening thoughts. True depolarization requires honest self-reflection on how our own groupthink deepens division. Instead of reinforcing polarization by engaging extremists with equally extreme views, we focus on constructive dialogue and alternative narratives that foster understanding and critical thinking.
Can this work be done in the face of what appears to be or is a constitutional takeover? Yes, it is not too late, but it requires a thoughtful, strategic, and principled approach to ensure that efforts are effective and unifying rather than divisive.
At our meeting this Monday, GRIT FUSE will review an action plan - “GRIT FUSE_ Action Plan to Support Mindset Change and Reduce Polarization.pdf,” enclosed in this email, and determine which we want to focus on first. 

Want more background before the meeting? See GRIT FUSE docs under Resources.
We hope to see you Monday!