Sunburnt & Stubborn: Arizona's Weekly Activism Roundup

Greetings and welcome! This week’s Sunburnt & Stubborn highlights simple, meaningful ways for pro-democracy folks to plug in across Arizona. Short on time? Head straight to the Action Alerts section which has quick, high-impact ways to help. If you’ve got more time in your week, the Coming Up section has community events, mutual aid, and opportunities to show up in person. However you engage, it all counts and, as always, thanks for being here!

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.

Democracy, Elections & Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Beyond Voting – 2026 Legislative Happy Hour | Sun, Jan 18 · 4:00 PM · Virtual
Hosted by Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, this weekly virtual happy hour kicks off during the Arizona legislative session with updates and analysis on current legislation, state and local politics, and how Arizonans can meaningfully engage. It’s designed to help people stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Mesa-East Valley MLK Day Parade | Mon, Jan 19 · 10:00 AM · Mesa
LD13 Democrats invite community members to join them in the Mesa-East Valley MLK Day Parade celebrating the theme “Mission Possible: Building Bridges…Building Community.” Participants will gather earlier for lineup before the parade begins at 11:00 AM.

Free America Walk Out – Nationwide Day of Action | Tue, Jan 20 · 2:00 PM · Nationwide
50501 and Women’s March are coordinating a nationwide walkout calling for visible, collective refusal of authoritarian overreach. Participants are encouraged to walk out from workplaces, schools, or homes and gather for rallies, marches, or creative local actions.

Tempe City Council Candidate Panel Discussion | Tue, Jan 20 · 5:00–7:00 PM · Tempe
Hosted by Az LD12 Democrats in partnership with LD8 Democrats, this moderated forum gives Tempe residents a chance to hear directly from Democratic city council candidates on key community issues. Space is limited and advance signup is encouraged.

Mohave County Indivisible January Gathering | Thu, Jan 22 · 5:30 PM · Mohave County
Mohave County Indivisible kicks off 2026 with a community gathering featuring County Recorder Lydia Henry, focused on understanding voting in the county and strengthening local civic engagement. Mohave County includes Kingman, Bullhead City, & Lake Havasu City. If you are in these areas, please connect!!

Community, Volunteering & Food Security

Prepare Garden Beds at El Rancho Del Sol Community Garden | Thu, Jan 22 · 8:00 AM · Mesa
Local First AZ is seeking volunteers to help prepare 28 garden beds for the upcoming growing season through plant maintenance, composting, and harvesting — laying the groundwork for months of fresh, local food.

Choice Food Pantry Volunteer Shifts – Mesa Community Kitchen | Thu, Jan 22 · Morning & Afternoon · Mesa
Local First AZ is hosting volunteer shifts at the Mesa Community Kitchen food pantry. Morning volunteers will sort and organize donations, while afternoon volunteers will help operate the pantry and engage with community members.

• RSVP (Morning): https://localfirstaz.com/events/choice-food-pantry-jan-22-am
• RSVP (Afternoon): https://localfirstaz.com/events/choice-food-pantry-jan-22-pm

Organizing, Training & Community Connection

Forget Trump Day! Desert Democracy Happy Hour | Wed, Jan 21 · 5:00 PM · Phoenix
Desert Democracy is hosting a relaxed happy hour focused on connection, rest, and community building. The gathering is designed as an intentional pause to enjoy each other’s company while staying rooted in nonviolent, pro-democracy values.

K9’s Companion Voter Registration | Wed & Fri · Jan 21–23 · Phoenix & Gilbert
Swing Left Maricopa County and the Maricopa County Democratic Party are bringing voter registration directly to local dog parks. Volunteers will help register new voters in an accessible, friendly setting, with training provided on site if needed.

Wine & Whine & Win! Online | Fri, Jan 23 · 5:00 PM · Virtual
LD3 Democrats are hosting a casual online gathering to talk through current events, shared frustrations, and strategies for winning in 2026. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage and join the conversation.

Progressing the Plot: January Book Club – Deciding to Win | Sun, Jan 25 · 3:00–5:00 PM · Phoenix
LD11 South Mountain Democrats are hosting a January book club discussion focused on Deciding to Win, a data-driven look at why Democrats lose winnable races and what needs to change. The conversation will center on strategy, economic messaging, and listening to voters.

These actions are timely, high-impact, and quick. Challenge yourself to do them all if you are a baddie! :)

• Call the Senate: ICE Out for Good
  Congress is negotiating DHS funding right now. Senators must reject any bill that increases ICE or Border Patrol funding and impose real restrictions on raids, detention, and surveillance. Use this tool to get patched through and make your voice heard.
• Tell Your Senators to Act Now to Lower Healthcare Costs
  Health insurance premiums are doubling and millions are losing coverage after ACA tax credits expired. The House has acted — now the Senate must pass the bill without poison pills or delays. Email your Senators today.
• Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela
  Trump is escalating military action and attempting regime change without Congressional authorization. Congress must reclaim its constitutional war powers and prevent another reckless, unnecessary conflict. One click sends your message.
• Resource: How to Rein in ICE — Now
  If you want the full context, demands, and additional ways to act locally while Congress is in recess, this comprehensive Indivisible resource breaks it all down.
• Resource: Desert Democracy Phoenix Action Calendar
  Looking for even more ways to plug in locally? Desert Democracy keeps an up-to-date calendar of actions and events across the Phoenix area.

If you made it this far, you’ve earned a brief intermission. This week’s edition is accompanied by a photo of one of the AZ Advocacy Hub pets, Chairwoman Meow. She is a vocal opponent of authoritarianism and firmly believes civic engagement should be followed by a nap! If you’ve got a pet who also believes in naps and democracy, feel free to share a photo in the comments. Thanks for being here and see ya next week!

Please invite friends and family to these events so we can build a more resilient Arizona!