“The Power of Participation: Turn Up. Turn Out Celebration.” Brings Community Together in Palm Springs

Free September 13 nonpartisan event celebrates civic engagement, community connection, and
the power of showing up
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — What happens when ordinary people decide to show up?
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Voices Reclaimed, a Soul Circle of The United Methodist
Church of Palm Springs, will present The Power of Participation: Turn Up. Turn Out., a free,
nonpartisan community event celebrating civic engagement and the many ways individuals can
make a difference.
The event will be held from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs, with voter
registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Built around the idea that “Silence should never determine the future,” The Power of
Participation, hosted by the Voices Reclaimed Soul Circle of the United Methodist Church of
Palm Springs, will feature an engaging group of community voices, including Lauren Mayer,
musical satirist; Lisa Middleton, former Mayor of Palm Springs; Chris Jackson, faith leader and
civic engagement advocate; and Becki Robinson, voter registration coordinator. Joe Smith, a
popular figure in the Coachella Valley, is known to local viewers for his role as co-anchor of
“NBC Palm Springs Today,” his current role as weekend morning anchor for KESQ, and for
presenting the monthly Box Office Report on the Joey English Show. He will serve as Master of
Ceremonies.
The afternoon will feature uplifting music, meaningful conversation and connections with
community organizations, offering attendees practical ways to become more involved strengthen
communities and inspire hope.
“This isn’t about telling anyone who to vote for,” Kay Brown, co-facilitator Voices Reclaimed,
said. “It’s about celebrating that we have the right to vote, and the freedoms that allow us to
think, speak, disagree respectfully and work together for the common good.”
The event welcomes people across the political spectrum, as well as those who may not consider
themselves political. Its message is simple: participation goes beyond Election Day. Voting,
volunteering, mentoring, listening, serving, and simply showing up for one another all help build
stronger communities.
Voices Reclaimed is a Soul Circle of the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs committed to
creating space for thoughtful conversation, truth-telling, and courageous action. Through
education, dialogue, and community engagement, Voices Reclaimed seeks to amplify voices,
encourage participation, and help build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate community.
Admission is free, and advance registration is encouraged.
EVENT DETAILS
The Power of Participation: Turn Up. Turn Out.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Voter Registration: 1:30 p.m.
Program: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Mizell Center | Palm Springs, California
Presented by Voices Reclaimed
A Soul Circle of The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs
Register at www.UMCPS.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Kyle Coffman
Communications & Public Relations Coordinator
The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs
(760) 327-5931
[email protected]