Chop Wood, Carry Water 5/9
Hi, all, and happy Monday!
A belated happy Mother’s Day, too, to all of you who are moms.
I fear I was so enjoying my own Mother’s Day yesterday that I forgot to send out the “Extra! Extra!” newsletter—I sent it this morning instead. (In case you didn’t know, “Extra! Extra!” is my digest of good news and inspiring content from the preceding week that goes out every Sunday to paid subscribers.)
Speaking of the weekend, I had a delightful experience on Saturday canvassing for a couple of local candidates, Mia Livas Porter and Rocio Rivas. My partner and I saw a beautiful neighborhood, checked out a ton of gorgeous gardens, and talked to many, many friendly voters. In just two hours we got our candidates dozens of votes!
Remember, most folks are paying very little attention to elections. If a nice person comes to their door and tells them about a good candidate they are VERY likely to vote for them. They’re often waiting for direction from someone. Let it be you!
In the end I loved spending my weekend doing something, rather than doom scrolling on twitter. The former actually changes things and makes me feel great; the latter merely fuels my anxiety and makes me feel sick.
So let’s take some actions together—and feel better for it— right now.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I want the Senator to vote “NO” on Sen. Romney’s TRUST Act, S.1295, which would allow slashing Social Security and Medicare benefits. Instead, I ask that they protect these trust funds and those who depend on them by voting “YES” on S.3071 “Social Security 2100 Act – A Sacred Trust.” [H/T and lots more info]
Also, I want them to vote yes on S 1975 the Women’s Health Protection Act and co-sponsor S 1141 the Judiciary Act. The Supreme Court is utterly broken and needs to be rebalanced. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I want the Congressmember to vote “NO” on Sen. Romney’s TRUST Act, H.R.2572, which would allow slashing Social Security and Medicare benefits. Instead, I ask that s/he protect these trust funds and those who depend on them by voting “YES” on HR 5723 the “Social Security 2100 Act – A Sacred Trust.” [H/T and lots more info]
Extra Credit ✅
Contact President Biden via the White House contact form. Send the below message, personalized slightly if possible.
Hello, I’m contacting you in support of halting construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline. This pipeline has already been fined millions of dollars for environmental damages, and will further jeopardize surrounding communities, ecosystems, and endangered species if previously revoked federal permits are approved. I urge President Biden to take immediate action to protect our land and waters by denying key permits for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Thank you.
[h/t]
Get Social! 📣
Please post this on social (and read the article. It’s amazing).
If we want to save #abortionrights we need to elect more Democrats. 🗳
If we want to elect more Dems we need to register more young people. 👧🏽
If we want to register more young people we need to ASK them to register. 🗣
@TheCivicsCenter is on it. Help!
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2022/05/09/high-school-graduates-voting-voters-democracy-brill-18-election-day/stories/202205090002
Get Smart! 📚
I have a truly excellent event to invite you to tomorrow.
On Tuesday, 5/10 at 12pm ET Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will be speaking for Big Tent.
Benson’s re-election race is literally one of the most important we have coming up in November, and you’ll leave this talk educated, inspired, and galvanized to help!
[Oh, and if Michigan is a state you particularly want to help, consider signing up for my Adopt Michigan newsletter here! You’ll get occasional invites to MI-specific events AND a resource doc packed with ways to help there.]
Win Races! 🗳
Here’s my phonebanking schedule for today and tomorrow—it’s all Pennsylvania! Think the Keystone State could be key to our Demcoracy’s survival? Join me!
💙 Today: Join Activate America and Commit to Democracy as we encourage voters to return their mail ballots in Pennsylvania. If you have been reluctant to join a phone bank, this is an excellent opportunity for first-timers. Training is available at the beginning of each session. Technical support and camaraderie are available throughout. And we get to leave voicemails! Sign up here.
💙 Tomorrow, Tuesday 3-5 PDT I’m phonebanking for incredible progressive Congressional candidate Summer Lee in PA. She is a Climate Hawk— Lord knows we need them. Plus we’ll be getting out the vote for the PA primaries, which is so important! Sign up here.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.)
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quick send:
I am writing to ask you today to support a package of outdoor bills and programs that would help to close the nature equity gap in America by ensuring more kids and families have access to nearby nature, transportation to trails, support to visit national parks and public lands, and meaningful career pathways in conservation and recreation.
Please cosponsor the Outdoors for All Act (H.R.5413 / S.2887):
This Act would guarantee a source of funding for projects that expand outdoor recreational opportunities in cities and towns across the country, particularly in communities that have historically been denied access to nature. The Outdoors for All Act accomplishes this without spending any taxpayer dollars, since the program is part of the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Also please co-cponsor the Transit to Trails Act (H.R. 2924 / S.1461):
This Act will provide new funding for public transportation options to public lands, help support outdoor equity, and reduce climate pollution. It will also increase access to the health benefits of nature, because people need nature near where they live.
I’d also like you to support critical funding for these programs in the FY23 budget:
$130 million for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, $25 million for Every Kid Outdoors, and $69 million for Civilian Climate Corps.
All of this is so critical to the health and wellbeing of Americans AND our planet. Please support. Thanks!
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess