Boothbay-area voters who wish to have more influence on local, state, and national politics may be interested in a local group of activists that has sprung up in the wake of the January 21 Women’s March.

Indivisible-Boothbay, as the group is known, began when 14 local women were invited to gather to share their experiences as participants in the Women’s March. Instead of 14, 30 women and men showed up. Now, four months later, the group has grown to more than 400 local members who are sharing their hopes and dreams for the future with their elected officials.

While taking inspiration from the Indivisible Guide, a handbook for successful advocacy penned by three former Capitol Hill staff members, Indivisible-Boothbay differs from some of the other “Resist” groups in important ways.

“First of all, we are committed to nonpartisan advocacy for progressive public policies. By practicing the principles of civil discourse, we work to engage all voices in the issues of our day,” says one of the original leaders, Rev. Maria Hoecker, rector of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Boothbay Harbor. The group welcomes Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, provided they share the founding principles of the group.

“Instead of being ‘against,’” adds Dr. Sarah Foulger, pastor of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, “we came up with a list of ideas we are ‘for.’” The list includes: protecting our fragile warming planet; improving the health and well-being of all; upholding equality before the law and respect for all Americans without regard to skin color, sexual identity, economic status, religious beliefs, or ethnic background; supporting and improving public education; welcoming peace-seeking immigrants; and encouraging active citizenship and engagement in the political process.

Members can choose from several issue-oriented sub-groups with which to connect: environmental policy; healthcare; women’s issues; government ethics and transparency; state and local government; economic fairness; and treatment of immigrants and refugees. These groups initiate actions such as phone calls or letter-writing campaigns when they determine that elected officials need to hear from them. According to responses to a recent survey, 97 percent of the members have called elected officials, 88 percent have sent postcards, and 85 percent have sent emails.

Indivisible-Boothbay has a website, http://indivisibleboothbay.wordpress.com. In addition, the group sends out frequent emails listing recommended actions, as well as other information of interest including upcoming meetings. Anyone wishing to join can sign up on the website or send an email to indivisible.boothbay@gmail.com. There is also a very active, but private (invitation only), Facebook group. Members can share information on the issues there without fear of reprisal from neighbors, relatives, and employers who disagree with them.

During the coming summer months, Indivisible-Boothbay will hold regular monthly meetings, as well as more frequent informal gatherings. Watch the newspaper calendar for notices of upcoming events, or sign up on the website for the regular email updates.