🏖️ GENESEE VALLEY GUARDIAN Vol 2, Issue 23 — June 9, 2026
Genesee Valley Guardian
Vol 2, Issue 23 — June 9, 2026
Weekly Inspiration
This week we approach Flag Day as America approaches a critical moment. The flag represents our collective voice, our right to participate in democracy, and the ongoing struggle to make the nation’s ideals real. Ben Rhodes, former White House official and historian, reminds us that defending America means defending the democratic conversation itself.
“Oration is a unique form of persuasion in American democracy.”
— Rhodes, Ben (2026, May). All We Say: The Battle for American Identity. A new book examining how speeches have shaped the fight for democracy throughout American history.
Stand Up, Fight Back Saturday Report
About 35 GVI members and allies showed up on Saturday to stand for democracy. The reactions were mixed — many positive, a few hostile, and some folks just thinking it through. That’s exactly the point. Our presence on the streets matters. See you next week.
Genesee Valley Voices
From Karen and Scott Hulburt, York, NY:
We went to the York Rally on May 23rd because we live in York and we wanted to be a part of making it known that there are people living here who are fed up with the lies, the hypocrisy, the corruption, the disregard for The Constitution and the Rule of Law. People who are going to speak out, and demonstrate and work from now until November to make sure these disgusting, sycophants of the most corrupt President this country has ever had, are defeated at the polls and removed from our government.
Stand Up, Fight Back Saturdays
Saturday, June 13 · Noon to 1:00pm
Rally for Our Flag
Geneseo Gateway Park
US 20A and Volunteer Rd
Geneseo, NY 14454
Sunday, June 14 · 11:00am to Noon
Reclaiming Our Flag Rally
Sunday, June 14 · 7:30 PM
Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment
On Flag Day, join the national day of song celebrating the First Amendment and our right to peaceful assembly. Music, solidarity, and community — all in defense of democracy.
GVI is not offering a group Watch Party. Please organize your own “Home Watch Party”! The link below offers ideas for creating your event. You do not need to use all of the suggestions — some are for larger groups. Email info@GeneseeValleyIndivisible.org to be on the GVI list.
GVI Summer Events
Glory Day in Mt. Morris
Find our table at Glory Day in Mt. Morris on June 13 for voter registration, conversations about what’s happening in Washington, and community solidarity. Come spin the wheel for a prize!
Interested in helping out at the tabling events? Signup Here!
Indivisible Meet & Greet Picnic
Join with GVI and members of other local activist groups for our Meet and Greet Picnic. We are hoping to have members from 5 groups attend so we can share trials, triumphs and ideas for everything from rally planning to social media posting.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16, 6–8 pm
WHERE: Letchworth State Park, North Shelter at Highbanks Area; it’s the one closest to the pool. Admission to the park is free after 5 pm.
WHAT: Bring a potluck dish. Drinks and tableware will be provided. Even if you can’t bring food, come anyway. There will be plenty for all.
WHO: Everyone! If you have never attended a GVI meeting, consider coming to the picnic. It will be a fun introduction to the group and a good way to find out what the other local groups are up to.
Member Survey
Your voice matters. GVI is developing our strategy for the general election, and we need to hear directly from members about priorities, capacity, and vision. This quick survey will help us build a campaign that reflects what our community cares about.
Outreach — Call or Email Your Representatives
Federal contacts for Livingston County → · NYS contacts →
Protect Privacy — Stop Funding Warrantless Surveillance
Congress is about to reauthorize FISA — and the Republican proposal includes warrantless surveillance powers that threaten your privacy and your neighbors’ rights. The Democratic standard is stronger: the Government Surveillance Reform Act, which requires warrants before surveilling Americans. Demand that your representatives vote no on any FISA reauthorization that doesn’t match that standard.
Who to contact: Rep. Claudia Tenney · Sen. Chuck Schumer · Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
“Vote no on a clean FISA reauthorization. Demand privacy protections that match the Government Surveillance Reform Act.”
Stop Funding ICE — Support the Right to Protest
Last week, federal agents pepper-sprayed peaceful protesters — including U.S. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey — outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. ICE is now requesting more funding. Congress controls whether they get it.
Who to contact: Rep. Claudia Tenney · Sen. Chuck Schumer · Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
“Don’t fund ICE brutality. No more money for an agency that pepper-sprays peaceful protesters and U.S. senators.”
Support the Lebanon War Powers Resolution
Congress never authorized the war in Lebanon. For the second time this year, your representatives have a chance to check Executive Branch power. Support H. Con. Res 84, Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s resolution directing the President to remove U.S. forces from Lebanon.
Who to contact: Rep. Claudia Tenney
“Co-sponsor and vote yes on H. Con. Res 84. Congress never authorized this war — assert your constitutional authority.”
Weekly To-Dos from Indivisible National
Reach In — Learn, Train, Volunteer
This Week: NY-24 Democratic Primary Debate
The Democratic primary is June 23 — 14 days away. The candidates will debate tonight at Genesee Community College in Batavia.
Tuesday, June 9 · 7:00 PM — NY-24 Democratic Primary Debate
Genesee Community College, One College Rd., Batavia, NY
Free and open to the public · Moderated by the League of Women Voters of Rochester
This is our backyard. Bring a friend.
Wednesday, June 10 · Time TBA
NY-24 Democratic Candidate Interviews
The Glenn Advantage Podcast, Hosted by Marcia Glenn (Rochester Activist).
Watch on YouTube or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Vimeo.
Recordings of Previous Debates
Become an Election Inspector — Primary Is June 23
Election inspectors are the backbone of fair elections. Training is available now. Sign up for your county:
Marshal Training
We always need Marshals at all area events, big or small. Especially in Livingston and Wyoming Counties.
America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy
As we approach Flag Day and America’s 250th anniversary, the National Urban League has released a free civic engagement guide for voters and community leaders. It walks you through how to evaluate public officials on voting rights, civil rights, economic opportunity, and rule of law — exactly the framework GVI uses to hold elected officials accountable.
Defeat Tenney: NY-24 Election Watch
Primary: June 23, 2026 · General: November 3, 2026
14 days to the Democratic primary.
This Week in NY-24
The primary is 14 days away. This is the moment for NY-24 Democrats to choose which candidate will represent our values and our district’s interests in Congress. Both Alissa Ellman and Diana Kastenbaum are running to defeat Tenney and offer a different vision for our future.
The contrast is clear. Tenney voted yes on H.R. 1041 (the “Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act”), which strips VA oversight protections while her party simultaneously lays off VA staff through DOGE. She voted yes on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” with its Medicaid cuts, SNAP cuts, and rollbacks of clean energy credits. Meanwhile, Ellman and Kastenbaum are focused on healthcare, economic security, and real support for working families.
The Challengers
Alissa Ellman · Lockport, Niagara County
Army National Guard veteran with multiple Afghanistan deployments. Diagnosed with cancer from burn-pit exposure in 2018 and has recovered. Most recently worked for the VA’s education department in Buffalo — a job she lost in the first wave of DOGE layoffs. Now a special education teacher. Running on healthcare, veterans’ services, and economic security for working families. Holds the Working Families Party line.
Diana Kastenbaum · Batavia, Genesee County
Former manufacturing CEO and SUNY Genesee Community College trustee. Community organizer across the district since 2025. Running on healthcare, rural hospitals, Medicaid, veterans’ services, and workforce development. Endorsed by Steven Holden, the 2022 Democratic nominee, who has withdrawn from the race.
The Democratic primary is June 23. GVI encourages members to research all candidates and make their own informed choice.
What’s at Stake
Tenney has voted to cut Medicaid and SNAP, roll back clean energy credits that help our farms, fund mass deportations, and expand ICE coordination. Both challengers are running on healthcare, rural economic development, and protecting working families.
The choice is yours. Vote June 23.
Upcoming Events & Debates
- Tuesday, June 9 · 7:00 PM — NY-24 Democratic Primary Debate, Genesee Community College, Batavia. Free and open to the public.
Mark Your Calendar
- June 9 — NY-24 debate, Genesee Community College, Batavia
- June 13 — Stand Up, Fight Back Saturday, Geneseo Gateway Park — “Rally for Our Flag”
- June 23 — NY Democratic Primary — check your registration now
- July 15 — FEC Q2 filing deadline
- October 4 — Voter registration deadline for the general election
- October 24 — Early voting begins
- November 3 — General Election Day
Local Actions
Batavia Pride 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026 · Noon to 9:00 PM
Centennial Park, 151 State St., Batavia, NY 14020
A Batavia tradition since 2019. The parade begins at Noon. Activities and vendors all afternoon. Music and Dancing in the evening. Contact GlowOut.org to join the parade, become a vendor, a sponsor, or volunteer.
Defeat Tenney Yard Signs
Genesee Valley Indivisible, with other Indivisibles and allied groups in NY-24, are organizing to put “Defeat Tenney” yard signs throughout the congressional district. We are offering them at our cost.
Email Phil at paj12147@gmail.com to reserve one or more signs for pickup or delivery. Suggested Donation $7. Signs are two-sided corrugated plastic with a metal stand. Printed by Syracuse Cultural Workers.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your polling site in NY to confirm your current status or register to vote in New York State. The primary is June 23!
Marshal Training
We always need Marshals! See a WROC Channel 8 news video to learn more. This is a critically important volunteer role at all area events, big or small. We especially need marshals in Livingston and Wyoming Counties.
See this form to find upcoming training dates and register.
Support Alianza Agrícola
Learn how local immigrant farmworkers organized a mutual support group that serves their needs and recruits allies from the larger community as supporters and friends.
- Become an Ally
- Donate to Alianza Agrícola
- Register for monthly Ally meetings – In Geneseo, NY, on the 3rd Friday of the month. Register →
WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
GVI Weekly Community Meeting
Thursdays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Geneseo, NY
Enter through the red door in the back of the church.
- Welcome. No RSVP required.
- New Format: Agenda arrives in member email inboxes on Thursday mornings.
- Weather cancellations emailed to all GVI members by 3:00 PM Thursday.
- Address & map
- Join our member email list
Weekly Geneseo Wednesday and Friday Protests
Wednesdays and Fridays — 4:00–5:00 PM
Gateway Corner Park in Geneseo, NY (across from Wegmans)
Join the ‘Geneseo Visibles’ — all are welcome, even if you can only stay for 10 minutes!
Weekly Hemlock Protest
Wednesdays — 4:30–5:30 PM (Summer Schedule)
Southeast Corner of Rt 15A and Rt 20A (aka “Dollar General Corner”)
Organized by Hemlock Rising Indivisible
Livingston Bridge Brigade
Once a week, we raise our signs over Route 390, alternating between the 7 a.m. morning commute and the 3:45 p.m. return. It’s safe, it’s fun, and it gets our message in front of the people who need to see it.
We are part of the GVI Artists Group. To join us, send an email to info@GeneseeValleyIndivisible.org with your name, phone number, and email address.
Listen to What’s the Plan? — Weekly Zoom & Podcast
Weekly, national, interactive Zoom with Indivisible co-CEOs Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin.
LOCAL POSTCARD CAMPAIGN
You can pick up postcards to write at home OR write them at GVI’s Thursday meetings. The Artist’s Team is setting up a table to serve as the “postcard station” and can provide pens. Order in advance by Wednesday each week.
SUPPORT GENESEE VALLEY INDIVISIBLE
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