PEOPLE’S MARCH SONOMA – A NATIONAL EFFORT PROMOTED BY THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S MARCH ORGANIZATION.
SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH, 2024 – SONOMA PLAZA 10-12
RALLY AT THE HORSESHOE THEN MARCH DOWN BROADWAY
BRING YOUR SIGNS – NONVIOLENT MARCH
A PEACEFUL SHOW OF COLLECTIVE STRENGTH IS POWERFUL
Tuesday, December 31·2:00 – 11:59pm
Rainbow Cattle Company, 16220 Main St, Guerneville, CA 95446, USA
www.queersteer.com Giveback Tuesdays.
Every week a local charity will be choosen. 10% of the sales for that Tuesday will be donated to the charity directly by us. The more the community supports the Rainbow on a given Tuesday, the more the charity will get. If you want to nominate a local charity for consideration for a Giveback Tuesday, email us. This has turned out to be such a wonderful event, and a number of very deserving charities have received money. Since it’s start in late November of 2005, over $115,000 has been given to the local charities from the Rainbow directly. This does not include all of the money raised by the actual charities during events on each and every Tuesday. It’s impossible for us to say exactly how much money was raised in total, but it’s safe to say it’s in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. We are very pleased with how the community has pulled together to make this an amazing weekly event, and so much good has come from all of the donations and money raised.
Monday, December 30·6:00 – 7:30pm
Brew Coffee and Beer House, 555 Healdsburg Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, USA
http://www.brewcoffeeandbeer.com/
Come enjoy some pub trivia in a queer friendly environment. Bring your own team or chat with some of the established teams to see if they need more players.
All ages welcome. Free to play, but please consider supporting Brew by purchasing food or beverages.
Dear Community,
Sonoma County Pride will be engaging in dialogue
We have received feedback from some community members around concerns with Law Enforcement involvement in our events, and those same community members have called for a ban of police involvement in future events (including LE participation in the parade and tabling at the Pride festival). Other community members have expressed an interest to involving Law Enforcement in some capacity in Pride Weekend. We take these concerns seriously and are opening an invitation for thoughtful dialogue with a hope of enacting healing and repairing within our community so that we can move forward unified. We know that these are particularly challenging times for LGBTQ++ people, and solidarity and unification is more important than ever. We are stronger united, so our hope is that through respectful dialogue we can work together to form a plan that feels safe and welcoming for all at Sonoma County Pride moving forward. We recognize that this conversation will likely be ongoing for months or even years to discuss, and we are committed to allowing it the time and space necessary so that understanding and growth can happen.
Restorative conversations between Sonoma County Pride and concerned community members will be facilitated by Hanan Huneidi, a BIPOC member of the LGBTQ++ community in Sonoma County. Hanan has a long history of community activism and direct experience working for social justice in various realms throughout our community. Hanan has led community efforts in holding police accountable as well as social justice work within the realm of incarcerated youth and adults. She founded Petaluma Pride and served on the Ad Hoc Committee for Community Restructure for the City of Petaluma which focused on the need for police oversight. We are excited to have Hanan facilitate this important conversation.
More details and location to be announced soon.
Sonoma County Pride Board of Directors
| We are all in shock, grief, and mourning. I know I am. Literally, the earth beneath our feet has been shaken and we are trying to find our place to hold on. Of course, now our own mandate is to respond to the nationally shared call to action. What can Wake UP Sonoma do? How do we stand for safety and inclusion here in Sonoma when our country is so dramatically divided? Wake UP Sonoma is here to continue on our mission of defending democracy, and to continue to expand our work in the pursuit of the dedication to the advocacy of Human Rights, and to guard against the rollout of Project 2025. However, we need the community to come together to do that. We need to come together as one community and force.Luckily there are other non-profit leaders in Sonoma that are thinking along the same lines, and a collective effort is forming. More details about that effort are to come. YOU ARE INVITED to attend a Community Town Hall meeting to answer the ‘Call to Action’ and hear from some of these other nonprofits. They will be there to provide an outline of this effort. There will be follow up meetings to come very soon. AGENDAPLEASE RSVP BY CLICKING THIS LINK. (not required but will help us plan). https://www.wakeupsonoma.com/townhall11-16 NOTE: This is still very much in process, so there may be changes to the speakers and agenda. Reverend Curran Reichert – will provide an opening and a container for our shock and grief and a place to start building our hope towards the future and the power of community.Speakers from the following organizations may be there, and possibly others to come.Sonoma Valley CollaborativeCatalyst FoundationWake UP SonomaSonoma Valley Education FoundationSupport fromG3 SonomaOut in the VineyardWrap-Up and Q&AClosing Pastor Reichert WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! BRING A FRIEND. |
| WE ARE STRONGER WHEN WE COME TOGETHER |
| END OF YEAR GIVING CAMPAIGN – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MOVE FORWARD IN DEFENDING DEMOCRACY |
| WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO IN 2025? THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE IN PROCESS ALREADY!DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION are one of the first targets of this new administration as well as Title IV protections for the Transgender Community. We will foster and promote visibility in the community in these and other ways.a) Podcast program for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth, seniors and adults to bring their stories forward instead of allowing them to be pushed back into the darkness.b) Transgender visibility activities in Sonoma Valley to elevate their voices.c) Host educational meetings, talks, and forums on Title IV rights and provide educational support for youth and families on their rights and advocacy.d) Promote visibility and inclusion in The Sonoma Business Community.e) We will continue to Advocate for the Civil and Human rights of all, in whatever ways we are called to do with our newly formed Diversity Network. IMMIGRATION is a major target as well. With the threat of “the largest mass deportation program in history, using the National Guard and empowering domestic police forces in the effort, there is planning underway to support that community. Wake UP Sonoma will support the other non-profits who are working hard to protect this community. Our work there is just now being defined. INFORM AND EDUCATE is still a major area of our work. We will work to bring speakers and films to Sonoma Valley that will shed light on the National issues and help us stay educated for what’s to come, and how best to respond. |
As we approach the upcoming elections, we know that many of you may be feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty, especially when our rights and identities are under immense scrutiny. We want to take a moment to acknowledge these emotions and remind you that you are not alone.
A medida que se acercan las elecciones, sabemos que muchos de ustedes pueden estar sintiendo una mezcla de ansiedad e incertidumbre, especialmente cuando nuestros derechos e identidades están bajo un inmenso escrutinio. Queremos tomarnos un momento para reconocer estas emociones y recordarles que no están solos.
At PI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing support, care, and safe spaces for our community. Regardless of the results of this year’s election, we will be here for you. Through the turbulence, we will continue to offer our programming, resources, and advocacy efforts designed to protect your ability to live a happy and connected life where you can feel a sense of safety and belonging rooted in authenticity and love. Because – contrary to what some political ads may convey – we are here, we are queer, and we deserve the respect and support of our neighbors and communities.
En PI, mantenemos nuestro compromiso de ofrecer apoyo, atención y espacios seguros a nuestra comunidad. Independientemente de los resultados de las elecciones, estaremos aquí para usted. A pesar de las turbulencias, seguiremos ofreciendo nuestra programación, recursos y esfuerzos de defensa diseñados para proteger tu capacidad de vivir una vida feliz y conectada en la que puedas sentir una sensación de seguridad y pertenencia basada en la autenticidad y el amor. Porque -al contrario de lo que puedan transmitir algunos anuncios políticos- estamos aquí, somos queer y merecemos el respeto y el apoyo de nuestros vecinos y comunidades.
Our doors are always open from Noon to 6PM, Tuesdays through Fridays, and we encourage you to take advantage of our programs and support services. Whether you need a safe place to talk, resources to navigate these challenges, or simply a community to lean on, we are here for you. Remember that your feelings matter, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Nuestras puertas están siempre abiertas de mediodía a 6PM, de martes a viernes, y le invitamos a tomar ventaja de nuestros programas y servicios de apoyo. Si necesita un lugar seguro para hablar, recursos para navegar por estos desafíos, o simplemente una comunidad en le que apoyarse, estamos aquí para usted.Recuerda que tus sentimientos importan y que buscar apoyo es un signo de fortaleza.
Together, we can work towards a future that embraces love, inclusivity, and equity for all.
Juntos podemos trabajar por un futuro de amor, inclusión y equidad para todos.
Join us this Saturday November 9th for a magical skating adventure at Snoopy’s Home Ice!
The first 35 people to join this event will receive FREE admission, including skate rental. The skating session will be held from 1:15-3:30 pm.
Not a big skater? No problem! Feel free to join us and watch from the Warm Puppy Cafe with a hot chocolate or tasty treat
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Únete a nosotres este sábado 9 de noviembre para una aventura mágica de patinaje en el Home Ice de Snoopy
Las 35 primeras personas que se apunten a este evento recibirán la entrada gratuita, incluido el alquiler de patines. La sesión de patinaje es de 1:15 a 3:30.
¿No eres un gran patinador? No hay problema. Siéntete libre de unirte a nosotres y verlo desde el Puppy Cafe con un chocolate caliente o una sabrosa golosina
Join us for a panel discussion about gender identity on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 pm at the Rincon Valley Regional Library. Panelists include transgender youth and adults who will share their perspectives.
| As the holiday season approaches, we at are gearing up for a time of giving and gratitude. November is a month of reflection, and we’re reminded of the importance of community and compassion. With your support, we can ensure that every client has access to nourishing meals during the holidays. Join us as we prepare to share warmth and kindness with our neighbors in need—together, we can make a meaningful difference! Thank you to our team of volunteers for your continued support! Food For Thought could not run the way it does without all of you! |
| It’s not too late to sign up to be a volunteer at Dining Out For Life, our biggest fundraiser of the year! We have over 65 restaurants partnering with us this year and especially need help in Windsor, Healdsburg and Sonoma. Come be part of this fun event and share your love for FFT at the same time! If you are interested in volunteering for Dining Out For Life or would like more information, reach out to Emily at EmilyV@FFTfoodbank.org or (707) 887-1647 ext. 109. |
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| Holiday Food Bank Shifts |
| During the holiday season, we try to provide our clients with a little something special to make the holidays exciting! This year, we will be offering a Holiday Bag, a bag of ingredients to make a side to their holiday meal. With the guidance and support of our food bank team, you will be preparing these bags to get sent out the following weeks. |
| Thanksgiving Holiday Prep Friday, November 1Saturday, November 2Saturday, November 16 Winter Holiday Prep Friday, December 6Saturday, December 7Saturday, December 14 Wednesday, December 18 If you are interested in helping during this holiday season or would like more information, sign up online or reach out to Emily at EmilyV@FFTfoodbank.org or (707) 887-1647 ext. 109. |
 Become a Delivery Driver |
 Do you enjoy driving? Do you want to help our community in need directly? Help deliver healthy food to our home-bound clients! You’ll pick up pre-packed grocery bags of food at our facility in Forestville and drive to 6–10 clients’ homes per delivery route in the same geographic area. We have delivery routes across Sonoma County, so we may have a route near your neighborhood.If you are interested in taking a route or would like more information, sign up online or reach out to Emily at EmilyV@FFTfoodbank.org or (707) 887-1647 ext. 109. |
 Holiday Food Drives |
| What an exciting time for food drives! With the holiday season just around the corner, we are getting ready for our biggest donations of the year. We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our team in collecting vital donations for our neighbors in need. Your support will help us gather more food than ever, ensuring that everyone in our community has a festive meal to enjoy. This is your chance to dive into the holiday spirit, connect with others, and be a part of something meaningful. Sign up now and help us spread joy and sustenance this season! |
| New Food Drive Volunteer Training Days & Locations Shifts are 10:00 am-12:30pm, 12:30-3:00 pm, or 3:00-5:00 pm Saturday, November 9Oliver’s Market, 461 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa Saturday, November 16Oliver’s Market, 9230 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor Saturday, November 23Safeway, 406 N Main St, Sebastopol Monday, November 25 & Tuesday, November 26Oliver’s Market, 546 E Cotati Ave, Cotati Wednesday, November 27Safeway, 461 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa To learn more or sign up for an orientation shift, please contact Amanda Wood, Food Drive & In-Kind Donation Program Manager, at AmandaW@FFTfoodbank.org or (707) 887-1647 ext. 125. |
| Forestville Holiday Faire |
| We are excited to have a booth at the Forestville Holiday Faire this year! Join us as we offer visitors the opportunity to hear about the amazing things we do at FFT. Shifts are two hours long and would be happy to have you there to share your knowledge about FFT. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, reach out to Emily at EmilyV@FFTfoodbank.org or (707) 887-1647 ext. 109. |
 We Appreciate You! |
| As we go into another busy month, we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for all the incredible volunteers who make our work possible. Whether you’ve collected donations at food drive, helped pack groceries in the food bank, nourished our organic garden, assisted at our recent community events, or delivered many meals to our clients that are home bound, your dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed. You are the heart and soul of Food For Thought, and your commitment to serving our community is truly inspiring. Thank you for your time, passion, and support! |
| Thanks to our generous sponsors and in-kind partners: |
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| Food For Thought’s mission is to foster health and healing with food and compassion. |
