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On Sunday, June 22, something powerful happened in a quiet corner of West Virginia. Neighbors from across Morgan County, and even a few from Romney and Shepherdstown, gathered not just to attend a meeting, but to step into a movement. Morgan County Indivisible (MCI) relaunched with renewed purpose, and the energy in the room made one thing clear: the people are ready.
Fueled by love of country and a deep concern about its direction, we came together with open hearts and a shared question—What can we do to protect what matters most?
We began with laughter, snacks, and introductions, simple human moments that reminded us why we were there. This isn’t just about politics. It’s about building a community that’s strong enough to hold each other through uncertainty and bold enough to stand up to injustice.
Judith Shumate, a member of the Steering Committee, opened the meeting with warmth and gratitude, introducing the team that’s been working behind the scenes to make this moment possible. She honored Janet Gauthier, who founded MCI in 2017 with a vision rooted in justice and courage. And she recognized the committed leadership of the current steering committee: Mary Marsland, Pam Washington, Lisa Swanson, and Carol Caflisch.
Judith also gave a shoutout to our Tech Team—Kurt Griffith, Molly Perry, and Kate Pinder-Baugher—who are bringing our message to the digital frontlines through our website and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit and potentially TikTok.
Here’s what we’ve done since Jan. 20th:
Mailed over 200 postcards at a single party
Held 16 rallies in Martinsburg since February
Delivered hundreds of letters (by hand via weekly visits) and calls to Sen. Capito and Rep. Moore
Protested RFK Jr.’s meeting with Governor Morrisey on SNAP benefits and food dyes
Protested Morrisey when he visited Cacapon to protect gun manufacturers
Hosted 4 local rallies right here in Berkeley Springs. June 14 over 200 people joined us!
Published dozens of letters to the editor and received consistent local press
Reached out to lawmakers at every level via visits, email, websites, letters, postcards, and calls—over and over and over again
These actions matter. They grab the attention of our elected officials. They let our neighbors know they’re not alone. They start conversations. They build momentum. And they help us reach that tipping point, just 3.5% of a population, that history tells us is enough to ignite real change.
Carol Caflisch introduced our keynote speaker, Stewart Acuff, a lifelong labor organizer who’s helped build movements across the country. Stewart reminded us that democracy isn’t saved from the top down; it’s built from the bottom up. By people like us. Right here. Right now. His message was clear: Our resilience, our nonviolence, our ability to work across differences, that’s what gives us power.
As the meeting continued, we shifted into action. Carol shared ways to get involved. Pam talked about where we need help. Lisa Swanson closed with a heartfelt invitation: We need you. We need all of us.
At every table, postcards were ready. Pens waited. Addresses had been laid out. Before anyone left, action was already happening….
Here’s how you can help: We’re looking for volunteers to fill key roles:
Bookkeeping and finance tracking
Legislative tracking (federal and state)
Letters to the editor coordination
Media and press outreach
Appointment and call tracking for Members of Congress
Training and onboarding
Website posting and blogging
Steering & committee members
Booth staffers for festivals and events
Midterm prep volunteers
Candidates for local and regional offices
We’re also seeking donations to help us:
Rent space for future meetings
Print banners and signage
Cover communication tools like MailChimp
Pay entrance fees for events like Shepherdstown’s Street Fest, block parties, and local or regional festivals
Every dollar, every hour, every act of courage makes a difference.
Morgan County Indivisible is back, not just in name, but in spirit, action, and love for this community. In a time of rising authoritarianism, we are choosing a different path: one rooted in radical empathy, persistent action, and unwavering belief in one another.
This is not a moment to sit quietly. This is a moment to move.
Join us. Show up. Speak out. Stay human.
Because together, we are indivisible, and we are just getting started!