Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/24

Hope isn’t a promise we give. It’s a promise we live.  

—Amanda Gorman

Hi, all, and happy Monday!

Sheesh, I’m tired. I think all of last week’s disappointment hit me this weekend, not to mention we’re fostering a rescue dog with issues, and I had an all-day meeting on Saturday. And a phonebank and an Activism 101 on Sunday. Oh, and my wrist isn’t healing nearly as quickly as I’d like it to. Yay!

I tell you all of this just to say that even I get worn out sometimes. This work is difficult and can be exhausting. And life presents its own, non-politics-related challenges. Taken altogether it can feel overwhelming.

But what inspired me this weekend—and keeps me going now—is:

1) Seeing so many people show up to a workshop in January about ways to win an election in November. So encouraging!

2) Helping an elderly man in Texas sign up for his vote by mail ballot during a phonebank. Best feeling ever!

3) Taking a walk with my family (and kooky dog) and putting politics out of my mind for a sun-soaked hour.

Hope is a promise we live, indeed.

Folks, when you feel alone, know you are not. When you feel like you’re the only one committed to doing whatever it takes to save this country, know you are not.

When you feel like you’re running on fumes, know that you deserve a break. There’ll be plenty here to inspire you when you come back.

For the rest of us—or for those of us who’ve found a way to turn fumes into fuel—let’s make some calls. 💙

Call Your Senators (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

First I’m calling to ask the Senator to support President Biden’s nominees to the Federal Reserve. Sarah Bloom Raskin, Lisa Cook, and Philip Jefferson are highly qualified and will bring the experience, diversity, and balance needed at the Federal Reserve. [H/T]

I also support the nomination of Gigi Sohn to the Federal Communications Committee Board.  [If Dem add: Her confirmation would secure a Democratic majority at the commission for the first time since Biden took office, allowing it to pursue policies such as restoring Obama-era net neutrality rules. We need this!] Thanks.

Call Your House Rep (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

I’m calling to ask the Congressmember to support an increase in funding for USDA food purchases to support food banks' capacity to feed our neighbors in need, specifically through an additional $900 million for food purchases through The Emergency Food Assistance Program. This is a win-win, helping both U.S. farmers and our neighbors in need across the country. [H/T]

Extra Credit

Let’s call Nancy Pelosi at (415) 556-4862 or (202) 225-4965 and say:

My name is _____; I’m calling from _____. I’m calling the Congresswoman in her capacity as House Speaker to say that I’m very disappointed to hear that she is blocking consideration of bipartisan bills that would limit Congressmembers’ ability to profit off of stock trades while in office. Congressmembers have a responsibility to put the public trust above their own financial interests; if they would rather not do so, they can join the private sector. Please ask Speaker Pelosi to bring these bills to the floor now. Thanks.

Win Races! 🗳

Please post this on social media, and do it yourself!

Texas has primaries on March 1st, and the @GOP has made it *way* harder to vote with #SB1. But we can out-organize their voter suppression if everyone lends a hand. Here’s a doc with loads of volunteer & donation opportunities. Please find a way to help!

https://tinyurl.com/adopttexas

Get Smart!

Indivisible's Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Ezra Levin, is speaking at a zoom meeting today, January 24th at 5 PM (PT) / 8 PM (ET) about strategies and next steps in our fight to save democracy and win races. It’ll be well worth your time. Sign up here.

Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)

[to your Senators] [H/T] [Quick send text SIGN PICBHE to 50409]

President Biden has nominated Sarah Bloom Raskin, Lisa Cook, and Philip Jefferson to fill critical vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board and I ask you to support their confirmation.

The country needs leaders at the Federal Reserve who will hold big banks accountable, prioritize families and communities, advance racial and economic equity and address the systemic risk presented by climate change.

These highly qualified nominees will bring experience, diversity, and expertise to the Fed, a welcome step forward towards a better-regulated Wall Street, protecting America’s financial stability, and building a more just economy.

Please confirm President Biden’s nominees to the Federal Reserve Board now. Thanks!

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OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk tomorrow.

Jess