Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for Jan. 23, 2026

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

Call for a General Strike in Minneapolis and beyond—Despite the worst Arctic blast of this bitter Winter, Minneapolis and all Minnesota expect the largest resistance protests yet including a General Strike today, January 23 called broad coalition of Minneapolis labor unions and community organizations.  Organizers said it will be  

...a day when every single Minnesotan who loves this state—who loves the idea of truth and freedom—will refuse to work, shop, and go to school...We are asking every single person, every family member, every teacher, every bus driver, every childcare worker, to come together, to be in community, to stand with one another. 

Several unions—including Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005, SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, and St. Paul Federation of Educators Local 28—have lent their support to the strike which has also been endorsed by local groups and national resistance movements.  Some of those organizations are asking for supporters nation-wide to join the strike and a boycott on shopping and spending.  You can participate individually even without a local action, and publicize your participation widely on social media. 

Meanwhile, there is a National Call to Faith Leaders for January 22-23 to respond to the ICE invasion, threats against local political and social leaders, and a possible invocation of the Insurrection Act to enforce dictatorial martial law.  Scores, maybe hundreds of Untitarian Universalists are heading the call that echos Martin Luther King’s call to Selma. 

McHenry County NOW 2nd Annual Black History Celebration Event—Thursday, February 19, at 6:00 pm at the Cary Area Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road.  “The evening will feature a compelling documentary followed by an engaging group discussion exploring Black history. This is a chance to learn together, share perspectives, and strengthen our community through conversation.”  Register here: https://mchenryconow-celebrates-black-history.eventbrite.com  

Compassion for Campers is at Community Resource Days at Willow Crystal Lake, 100 South Main Street on the first and third Friday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. C4C is one of over 25 agencies at Willow.  C4C’s next distribution will be Friday, February 5, and then Friday, February 20.  Please come and see what we are doing.   

Compassion for Campers will be hard pressed to resupply many and accommodate new commers who continue to be displaced from their homes and apartments.  Cold overnight temperatures and wet conditions signal new clients and shifting needs like rain ponchos, tarps and sleeping pads, hand warmers, and Mylar blankets.  We can always use donations of supplies like clean and serviceable tents and sleeping bags in original bags for easy transport, clean blankets, tabletop grills, wrapped toilet paper and paper towels, and non-perishable food.  Money donations are always welcome.     

Thanks to Tree of Life UU Congregation members and friends who supported a special offering for C4C on Sunday, January 11. 

We need people to share leadership tasks including shopping, transportation, acknowledging donations, coordinating with other agencies and religious groups. These tasks can take a few hours a week.  People with flexible schedules with some day-time availability are ideal candidates.  A good way to start is to volunteer for our distribution a time or two to see if we are a good fit and stir your passion for justice and service.  Interested?  Email compassionforcampers@treeoflifeuu.org