About RCI
We Are the Majority
The members of RCI are informed, patriotic Vermonters who love our country and its democratic traditions. We believe in the importance of electoral politics and the transformative power of non-violent action.
We hail from all walks of life but hold in common a passionate commitment to protect the Constitution and the principle of equal justice under the law. These issues are non-partisan. As Senator Cory Booker says: “It’s not a question of left or right. It’s a question of right or wrong.”
We are energized by the knowledge that the ideals we uphold are popular with the majority of the American public.
If the policies of the Trump regime were popular,
- they would not have to lie about their intentions (e.g. to reduce Social Security and gut Medicare),
- they would not have to engage in egregious gerrymandering and voter suppression,
- their supporters in Congresspeople would not have to dodge holding town halls with their constituents,
- they would not have to rule via illegitimate “Executive Orders” instead of through democratic legislation,
- and they would not have to resort to authoritarian—and blatantly un-American—tactics.
We derive hope from the historical truth that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
Electoral map of the U.S. when uninhabited land is not colored red
(from The Other 98%)
What Does RCI Do?
Rutland County Indivisible is an inclusive and collaborative organization that is committed to employing peaceful tactics to protect “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We hold monthly meetings to inform and inspire each other, and we deploy our six working groups (the Communications Team, Community Building Team, Direct Action Team, Education Team, Outreach Team, and the Political Action Committee) to plan action at the local, state, and national level. We hold rallies, stage vigils, organize marches, coordinate get-out-the-vote drives, and engage in other actions to preserve our republic and hold politicians accountable. We also have a lot of fun (because joy, too, is a form of resistance).
Rutland County Indivisible is affiliated with the national Indivisible organization, a grassroots movement of more than 2,500 local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.
To learn more about the national Indivisible organization, click on the logo:
Our Six Teams
Rutland County Indivisible transforms ideas into action via six working groups. New members who have the time and inclination are welcome to join any of these groups.
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
The goals of the Communications Team are to (1) foster communication within RCI, and (2) publicize RCI’s activities to the public at large. To accomplish these goals, we utilize social media, digital media, broadcast media, and the traditional press. Anyone is welcome to join us, especially writers, artists, designers, thinkers, and skiers with free guest passes
For more information, contact David Balfour at drfell55@gmail.com
COMMUNITY BUILDING TEAM
The Community Building Team organizes social gatherings such as potlucks, group poster/postcard writing parties, and other creative political actions that all members of Indivisible as well as those outside RCI can enjoy. If you value connection and enjoy helping others to feel included, this is the team for you!
For more information, contact Kathleen Guinness at kathleenguinness63@gmail.com
DIRECT ACTION TEAM
The Direct Action Team is the boots-on-the-ground part of our organization. When RCI decides to stage an event, our team ensures success by planning every facet—from start to finish—including speeches, music, safety, peacekeeping, cooperation with law enforcement, special communications systems, etc. We also work with other groups outside of our region to coordinate larger state-wide events.
For more information, contact Dave Coppock at dscoppock@gmail.com or Rod Munroe at rodneymunroe7@gmail.com
EDUCATION TEAM
Organizes and leads educational portions of RCI meetings and other learning opportunities for members and the public.
For more information, contact Marsha Cassel at casselmarsha@gmail.com
OUTREACH TEAM
The Outreach Team works to invite and orient new members to RCI and build our membership by connecting with individuals and organizations throughout Rutland County. If you like networking, and want to help expand the reach of RCI in the community and grow the impact of the national movement to protect our democracy, please join us!
For more information, contact Charlotte Gerstein at charlotte.gerstein@gmail.com or Eva Zivitz at eziv@vermontel.net
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PAC)
The PAC focuses on tracking national, state, and local legislation. The members make phone calls to our congressional, state, and local representatives on issues of concern. We also write Letters to the Editor in response to current political events. During elections, our priority is searching for candidates to represent Rutland County and supporting those candidates through Get out the Vote (GOTV) actions and postcard campaigns. PAC meets via Zoom the 2nd Monday of every month. New members are welcome!
For more information, contact Pat Schroeder at topsun@comcast.net or Jean Ray at jeanray75@gmail.com
Meet Our Members
[This section still under construction]
Rufus T. Firefly is the president of Fredonia. When told that Donald Trump was running for president, he remarked “That’s the most ridiculous thing I ever hoid.”
Melania Trump is a resident of Florida. She joined RCI in November 2024 as soon as she realized—to her horror—that her husband had actually been reelected POTUS.
In his first act as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV joined RCI, stating that it is the duty of all Christians to work against the machinations of the Antichrist.
Indivisible
Inspiring song from musician Steve Elci.
We are indivisible, unbroken, unbowed
A tide of resistance, a gathering crowd.
We rise like mountains, a force to be seen
A movement of millions, a chorus of dreams.