Sunburnt & Stubborn: Arizona's Weekly Activism Roundup
Your weekly guide to Arizona’s pro-democracy events and actions | Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2026
Welcome to your weekly guide to what’s happening around Arizona for people who care about democracy and community! If you only have a few minutes, scroll down to the Action Alerts for quick, high-impact ways to engage. If you have more time, What’s Happening This Week highlights mutual aid, protests, and community events going on this week. A lot is happening right now, which makes showing up more important than ever.
Here’s what’s coming up across Arizona in the days ahead organized by issue area and date so you can quickly find what fits your schedule.
Note: You can click on any event title to see more details and RSVP.
Climate, Environment & Public Health
Sunday Speaker – Earth: A Planet of Resilience Facing Change | Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix | Sunday, January 25 | 10:00 AM | In-person with Virtual Option
This Sunday morning talk looks at how climate change is already reshaping daily life; from sea-level rise and food insecurity to waste systems and economic strain globally and here in Arizona. Speaker Brigitte Bavousett connects large-scale challenges with local examples and highlights practical solutions like circular economies and biomimicry that Valley cities are already exploring.
A Land-Use Audit for Walkability | Hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Tuesday, January 27 | 12:00 PM | Virtual
This webinar explores how land-use policies shape walkability, health, and access … not just street design! Experts Cary Westerbeck and Mike McGinn break down what local and state governments can do to create healthier, more walkable communities. Come and learn about what to advocate for in your community!
Civic Engagement, Elections & Organizing
This weekly happy hour offers plain-language updates on what’s happening at the Arizona Legislature, plus analysis of key bills and political dynamics. Each session includes guest speakers and concrete ways to influence legislation directly.
This monthly meeting brings together volunteers across Maricopa County to hear from candidates, learn about upcoming actions, and coordinate efforts to protect rights and flip critical races. It’s a good on-ramp for people looking to plug into electoral organizing at any level.
This one-hour training walks participants through relational organizing using the Empower app which helps you turn everyday conversations with friends and family into meaningful civic engagement. New participants are welcome, and each session includes fresh calls to action. I’ve used this with my extended family, and it was a big hit!
Education & Public Services
Arizona lawmakers are considering HB2690, a bill that would make it harder to access unemployment insurance during a period of rising costs and economic uncertainty. Community members are encouraged to attend, speak, or show visible support during the committee hearing.
Community Care & Mutual Aid
This hands-on volunteer shift supports food security by helping inspect incoming donations at Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. Volunteers ensure food is safe and usable while reducing waste and supporting local rescue efforts.
Immigration, Civil Rights & Accountability
This community gathering focuses on preparing signs for an upcoming rally, with food, convo, and collaboration. Supplies are welcome but not required. Location shared after RSVP but this is in Navajo County.
This protest calls attention to escalating ICE raids, foreign military actions, and demands transparency around the Epstein Files, including concerns about conflicts of interest involving Rep. Andy Biggs. Organizers frame the action as a response to governance by distraction and unchecked abuses of power.
This weekly phone bank centers Native and tribal communities across Arizona, focusing on timely calls to action, legislative updates, and movement-building. Volunteers receive scripts and support, and out-of-state participants are welcome.
These peaceful sidewalk protests are now happening every Saturday to maintain sustained pressure against ICE overreach and mass enforcement actions. Organizers emphasize consistency, nonviolence, and accountability, with coordination alongside local authorities.
Goodyear Stands Up: Gosar Has Got to GO!
Hosted by the GATHER Coalition | Saturday, January 31 | 9:00 AM | Goodyear
This peaceful sidewalk rally calls for accountability and a clear rejection of extremism and anti-democratic behavior. Organizers frame the event as values-driven and community-focused, rather than partisan.
Community members will gather on the Carefree Highway overpass to continue sustained opposition to ICE practices that harm families and communities. The event emphasizes nonviolent action, de-escalation, and lawful participation.
These actions are timely, high-impact, and quick. Challenge yourself to do them all if you are a baddie! :)
- Tell Governor Hobbs to keep vetoing federal voucher schemes and protect Arizona’s public schools. Arizona already loses over $1 billion a year to ESA vouchers, and federal vouchers would deepen inequity and remove accountability. Take action here: https://sosarizona.org/no-fed-vouchers/
- Call our U.S. Senators to give them kudos for demanding limits on ICE funding ahead of the January 30 DHS appropriations deadline. Congress can freeze ICE’s budget and stop expanded enforcement if lawmakers hear from constituents now. Action link: https://indivisible.org/actions/ice-out-senate/
- Stop the takeover of the SRP Board by national extremist groups. SRP controls water and power for 2 million people. Keep decisions local, transparent, and accountable. Check your eligibility and request a ballot here: https://www.srpnet.com/about/governance-leadership/elections/early-voting-ballot-request-form
- Get trained by Equality Arizona before the legislative session heats up. Equality Arizona’s Equality Advocates program offers guidance on meeting legislators, testifying at hearings, and navigating committee meetings, especially for first-time advocates! Sign up for updates here: https://tinyurl.com/AZequalityadvocates
Did you know Arizona has a built-in way for the public to weigh in on legislation while it’s still in committee? It’s called Request to Speak (RTS), and it allows anyone to log in, take a position on a bill, and leave comments that lawmakers see as they decide what moves forward.
Groups like Civic Engagement Beyond Voting help make RTS usable by publishing a weekly breakdown of the bills, what they do, and recommendations on whether advocates suggest voting YES or NO. It’s a practical way to stay informed and apply steady pressure! Check out this week’s bill guide from Civic Engagement Beyond Voting: https://weekly.cebv.us/
And then sign up for their Happy Hours to learn more and take action: https://www.mobilize.us/cebv/event/856897/
Thanks for being here and see you all next week!
