TODAY’S NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:

1. NO KINGS 3 SONOMA VALLEY OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!
2. WE ARE HIRING!!
3. BLOGS, BLOGS, BLOGS!!
4. RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS
5. COME TO THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
5. REMINDERS

WAKE UP SONOMA  - In Community with Indivisible and Sonoma Valley Democrats

ANNOUNCES NO KINGS DAY #3 FOR SONOMA VALLEY
MARCH 28TH

WE UNITE IN PEACEFUL RESISTANCE, STRENGTH, AND Demand Democracy, Liberty and Justice for All.
In Solidarity with Minneapolis and Immigrants EVERYWHERE  

We want this to be our best turnout yet
SAVE THE DATE!
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
MORE DETAILS TO COME

BIG, VISIBLE, JOYFUL, LOUD
We must rise up to say NO! to autocracy with non-violent and peaceful resistance.

TIME:  11:00 am - 1:00 pm
PLACE: To MAXIMIZE IMPACT, groups will march to the plaza from two directions as Group A and Group B.
We will unite at the Sonoma Plaza.

GROUP A - Will begin north of the intersection of Broadway and Napa Road and walk up both sides of Broadway. 

GROUP B -Will begin on Hwy 12 east of Staples and march on both sides of West Napa Street/Hwy 12. 

COME TOGETHER - WALK WITH US - OR JOIN US AT ANY POINT ALONG THE WAY.

If you play an instrument, bring it!! Bring your drums, guitar, your horns, your tambourines, or just your voice and raise our voices together in song as we walk. 

Sign up to be a protest monitor to keep our space safe and keep us visible. Training and support provided.
https://www.wakeupsonoma.org/monitors

PLEASE NOTE:  Sonoma International Film Festival will be happening at the same time.  We have worked out a sharing arrangement for the Plaza Space - we will join together in Solidarity and support one another's events.  

WAKE UP SONOMA IS HIRING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MANAGER!

As a result of a generous grant from a community donor, Wake UP Sonoma is positioned to grow and fully lean into our mission with some paid help. Expanding our volunteer management capacity will enhance the success of all Wake UP Sonoma programs and services, since we are volunteer-driven. Our volunteer team is amazing, as is our Board, AND we are at a point where we need consistent help with volunteers and events. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

Wake UP Sonoma is seeking an experienced Volunteer Program Manager to take a lead in organizing, support, and deployment of 300+ volunteers across 10–12 in-person events annually, including community meetings, film screenings with panel discussions, and speaker forums. This role is ideal for a seasoned nonprofit or community engagement professional who enjoys taking ownership of volunteer coordination and event operations. 
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For full Job description and application details, visit the home page on our website here: Wake UP Sonoma

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OUR WEBSITE NOW HAS BLOGS!!! Powered by our Inform and Educate Team, we have a talented team of writers and activists who are taking a deeper dive into topics to better Inform and Educate our community. Visit our BLOG site here and peruse the topics.
BLOG — Wake UP Sonoma. We will also periodically feature certain blog articles. If you are interested in becoming a guest blogger, or even part of our TEAM BLOG for Wake UP Sonoma, let us know. wakeupsonoma@gmail.com

FEATURED BLOG ARTICLE
The Social Dynamics of Denial
How Facts Aren’t Enough to Defuse the Culture Wars
By - Wake UP Sonoma Inform and Educate Team

It’s crucial to acknowledge that denialism is part of our culture now—and to find ways to reverse the trend, especially for public health and the future of our planet. We’ve all heard people make statements like these—and we may even have made such statements ourselves. Here are just a few examples of how we avoid or ignore learning about certain facts and realities.

• “I try not to read too much of the news because it’s so distressing! If anything affects me or my family, I will start paying attention.”

• The Federal Government is just deporting criminals, so people shouldn’t be worried.

• “Did you see the latest news about Tylenol causing autism? I didn’t read the details, but it sure sounds likely.”

• “The news I read makes me afraid to get my kids vaccinated. The doctors seem to be in cahoots with the drug companies.” 

• “I heard on a social media channel that climate change science is not reliable. I think there is a lot of bad science from so-called experts and I am very skeptical.”

The human mind is remarkably skilled at avoiding the truth when we feel threatened. This phenomenon, known as denialism, occurs when we swap rational assessment for irrational thought processes to reject empirically verifiable reality. From vaccine hesitancy to climate change skepticism to Holocaust denial, our beliefs are often driven by personal and tribal motivations rather than evidence-based conclusions. Identifying the causes of denialism and changing its trajectory is no longer just an academic exercise. It is an urgent necessity for the survival of democratic principles and the planet itself.

FOR THE FULL STORY, GO HERE:
The Social Dynamics of Denial

Above, Paul Corbitt, Activist from W. Virginia - will be on the panel at the screening. (we love it that his sign says Wake UP!)

RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS
THIS IS A FUNDRAISER FOR WAKE UP SONOMA. FILMS LIKE THIS HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK. CONSIDER GETTING YOUR TICKET TODAY.

Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Doors 4:15)
Sebastiani Theatre
Short set - Opening band “Wild and Blue” to set the mood

We need to stay AWAKE!!
This award winning documentary carries a critical message for our times. A message about staying engaged in how big money could influence our Sonoma County resources and ultimately our way of life. It’s about knowing who you are voting for and what they stand for in your community, and how critical it is to be engaged. This deeply engaging panel will make you think and act locally. Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Janelle Kellman is on the panel to inform about local environmental concerns and what we can do.

TICKET LINK: Documentary Screening - "Running for the Mountains" | Press Democrat News Group

DO NOT FORGET TO COME TO THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON FEBRUARY 12 - 6:00 PM

BE THERE!
On February 12, join SVHS students and supporters who will speak at the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board meeting. Public presence matters. Strong turnout can help ensure the Pride flag remains a visible symbol of safety, belonging, and inclusion on campus.

Public presence matters. Strong turnout can help ensure the Pride flag remains a visible symbol of safety, belonging, and inclusion on campus. We want to make sure the students have the chance to speak their mind. Just your presence will be important. Although public comment is scheduled to be near the end of the meeting, the proposal to eliminate the position for student services Director of Equity and Inclusion is the agenda item we can speak to at the beginning. Attachment.aspx.pdf
WHO will continue to provide oversight of inclusive practice to implement required Title 9 laws. WHY would they even consider this action? Removing the flag is an example of why we need this oversight.

Sonoma City Chambers
177 First Street West, Sonoma
Open session begins around 6:00 PM
Virtual access available:
https://sonomaschools-org.zoom.us/j/97674745649
Phone: +1 669 900 9128
Show up for SVHS students. Show up for inclusive schools. Show up for community.

WANTED - WE NEED AN EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEER GRANT WRITER TO JOIN OUR TEAM.
PLEASE - IF YOU HAVE THIS SKILL, CONSIDER LENDING US YOUR TALENT! Wake UP Sonoma is growing. Be part of the growth! We have much work to do.

Reach out to: wakeupsonoma@gmail.com

REMINDERS

Signs of Fascism Flash Mob
Upcoming, all from 12:00 - 1:00
Feb. 12 at the Sonoma Plaza
February 25 - Boyes Hot Springs
March 11 - Sonoma Plaza
Sign up to be part of this team. wakeupsonoma@gmail.com, or just show up to support.
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BEYOND THE RAINBOW - DOCUMENTARY ON SF PRIDE’S GROUND-BREAKING LEADERS
TICKETS ON SALE NOW at these locations.
SVP website:
Beyond the Rainbow (Documentary) screening with a meet-and-greet and wine reception featuring Suzanne Ford and the film’s director, benefiting Sonoma Valley Pride. - Sonoma Valley Pride
Wake UP Sonoma website - event page:
Beyond the Rainbow | Press Democrat News Group
Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma Valley Plaza
Saturday, March 15
Doors open at 2:30 PM
Screening begins at 3:00 PM
includes Wine and food reception
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Our Vision: To foster a vibrant, just, respectful and welcoming Sonoma Valley community.

OUR MISSION IS TO:
EDUCATE - by providing resources to Sonoma Valley residents to be informed and engaged.
ADVOCATE - for local diversity, equity, inclusion, civic and corporate transparency.
ACTIVATE - by promoting democracy and providing opportunities for local engagement.

We Educate. Advocate. Activate.
on issues related, but not limited to:
- LGBTQIA+ safety and visibility
- Protection of our immigrant population
- Defense against Christian Nationalism
- Transparency in large corporate investment and responsible development
- Active local civic engagement