Defend Democracy Vigil is a local Hoosier event aligned with Americans across the nation in urging our electors to safeguard the presidency.
Indianapolis is one of many cities that will hold a peaceful vigil for the Electoral College before the electors meet to cast their votes. These vigils are coordinated with national multi-partisan groups such Hamilton Electors and Unite for America. Their goal is to educate electors and citizens alike on the original purpose of the Electoral College. This includes its obligation to stop unqualified extremists and those under the influence of foreign powers from taking our nation’s highest office.
The Defend Democracy Vigil will take place Sunday, December 18th from 2-4 pm at the Indiana Statehouse south lawn, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Organized by the local human rights advocacy group, Respectful Resistance, this event will be a peaceful, respectful and bi-partisan gathering of those who oppose Trump’s words and deeds, as well as those who wish to reconcile our nation’s divisions.
Throughout the event there will be speeches and performances from local community leaders and musicians. Participants are encouraged to wear purple in support of this cause. An extended session will follow the main event after 4 pm.
All interested parties, families and individuals are welcomed to this event.
About the Organizers
Respectful Resistance is an Indianapolis based multi-partisan group addressing issues of human rights and social justice in our country. The group emphasizes respect for all people, including those with whom we disagree. Core beliefs include resistance to injustice, hatred, violence, abuse, racism, sexism, bigotry, malicious deceit and bullying.
For more information please visit: www.respectfulresistance.org
Speaker Bios
Jon Cracraft: Is the Founder of Respectful Resistance, an Indianapolis based multi-partisan group addressing issues of human rights and social justice in our country. The group emphasizes respect for all people, including those with whom we disagree. Core beliefs include resistance to injustice, hatred, violence, abuse, racism, sexism, bigotry, malicious deceit and bullying.
Reverend Darren Chittick: Is the Pastor at the Church Within, located at 1125 Spruce Street, Indianapolis. The paths that have most touched his heart and impacted his life include Buddhism from both Western and Tibetan teachers. He admires the work of Pema Chodron and Ethan Nichtern and has walked with the words of the Sufi teacher Rumi in his heart throughout his entire adult life. The teachings of Jesus as a first century Jewish mystic have become foundational in his walk. The work of Neil Douglas-Klotz opened his eyes to love and oneness from a new perspective.
Cecilia Alvarez-Heard: Is the President of the Association of Mexicans in Indiana Generating Opportunity (AMIGOS).AMIGOS works closely with the Mexican Consulate office in Indianapolis raising awareness of the Mexican population and culture. Cecilia is responsible for AMIGOS’ programs, promotion and marketing, as well as supervising and leading the work of committees and the Board of Directors.
Dana Black: Growing up in Indiana has instilled strong Hoosier values, which include hard work, looking out for your neighbor and creating a future where families can thrive. Those values also include providing opportunities for all Hoosiers and giving them a choice in leadership. In 2016, Dana ran for a seat in the House of Representatives, in part, because her opponent ran unopposed and Dana believes that all Hoosiers should have a choice when voting for elected officials. Dana believes it’s time for Hoosiers to consider new ideas on how to move Indiana forward. It is now time for a fresh voice, a voice that represents all of Indiana and those values.
Teal Cracraft: Is an attorney licensed to practice law in Indiana and the co-founder of SpeakYourStory.org, a website dedicated to sharing the unfiltered stories of women. Teal works toward a future where all women feel empowered by the personal stories that society has taught us to bury deep in shame and fear. A future where women enjoy true equality at home, at work and as citizens of the world.
Rae Karim: Is a 2014 graduate of Christian Theological Seminary. She is a pastor at Northwood Christian Church, located at 4550 Central Avenue, Indianapolis. Rae is also a poet and regular columnist for the spiritual outlook segment of the Indianapolis Recorder.
Monique Rust: “self-proclaimed ‘chick-with-a-guitar,’ Monique rust is an indy-based singer/songwriter who pulls from her experiences being a woman, human being, and citizen-of-the-planet as inspiration for her uniquely americana, folksy/bluesy sound.”
