Historian Timothy Snyder’s number one rule for resisting fascism is: Do Not Obey in Advance. As a community, we are going to organize and strengthen our skills in disobedience. Below are a bevy of opportunities to build the muscle of non-compliance.
Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom
Senior Minister
Defend Trans Lives: A Webinar for People of Faith
Tuesday April 8, 8:30-10:00 p.m. Eastern / 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pacific
Calling pro-LGBTQ people of faith! We are living in a terrifying time for trans people and our families, as a virulent anti-trans political movement led by Christian Nationalists is sweeping the United States and threatening trans lives.
Presented in partnership with Enfleshed, Soulforce, and Queer Theology, this trans-led webinar, offered twice, will equip people of faith—leaders and lay—to understand what’s going on, become more familiar with the experiences and realities of trans people, and learn how you can advocate for trans rights and ensure that your church is a welcoming and safe space for trans people and our families in this moment.
Prior to the webinar, registrants will receive essential background info from trans faith leaders and national trans advocates from the Transgender Law Center, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and more.
Protest Training at Zao-MKE
Sunday, April 13, 1-2:30 p.m.
Let’s be as prepared as we can to protest, not comply, and be disobedient. If you’ve been protesting for years or have never been to a protest, join us at this muscle-strengthening training with our social justice partner church, Zao MKE, on Sunday April 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served and childcare is available! Contact Rev. Jennifer with any questions.
Info and Organizing Session for Trans Liberation
Sunday, April 27, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First Church
Do you want to start organizing for trans liberation but don’t quite know where to start? This workshop will ground us in the realities for 2 spirit, trans and gender expansive individuals and families during this increase of fascism in our country and start the process of organizing to support them as they flee legislatively unsafe states and relocate to Wisconsin. You’ll learn more about the Pink Haven Coalition and how local groups plug into this national effort.
May Day Protest
Day without Immigrants and Workers
May 1, 2025
Join FUSM’s Immigration Solidarity & Action Team at Voces de la Frontera’s “Day Without Immigrants and Workers” protest on May 1, 2025. First Church will gather at the SE corner of 7th Street and Mitchell at 9:30am. Wear your Voces, Side With Love, or FUSM gear if you have it, and bring signs, snacks, and water. The march will go from Voces’ office at 733 W Mitchell to the Federal Courthouse, a 2.6 mile walk with big crowds. Sign up to attend at the Social Justice Table during coffee hour, or email Desiree Pointer Mace with any questions.
Fair Wisconsin Advocacy Day
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Madison Bethel Lutheran Church & the Wisconsin State Capitol
Save the date for a full day of connecting and grassroots advocacy with fellow activists from around the state!
- Meet with state legislators and staff
- Tell your story
- Connect with other equality-minded LGBTQ+ and allied Wisconsinites, including Rev. Jennifer and Rev. Kimberlee, and members of our First Church Trans and Queer UU Team (TQUU!)
- Learn more about current policy issues important to the LGBTQ+ community and what you can do about it!
While this event is totally free to attend, registration is required: RSVP HERE
A bus from Milwaukee will be available. Email Rev. Jennifer or Amy Wilbourne for more details.