21 Comments
Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

YOU are amazing. And apparently tireless. I am so thankful for your inspirations, drive, unfailing energy to move us to act. Bravo.

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Thank you!

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Deserve every word...

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Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

Today I received my first edition of Chop Wood, Carry Water. I called my Senators, my Rep, and used your tool to scold Wells Fargo. You make it SO easy to take actions that matter. 🙏 Thank you, Jessica!

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I'm so glad! Thanks for joining our little army! Welcome!

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Postcarder here. I’ve written with Center for Common Ground, Postcards to Voters (Tony the Democrat), and another one whose name escapes me this morning (to infrequent Black voters in my state NC). I’m also signed up to write with Postcards to Swing States (also NC).

Is there some clarity on effectiveness of “get out the vote” messages vs “vote for particular candidates”? I want to write where my stamp gets the most bang for the 44(Obama!!) cents. Thoughts?

Also, I’ve phonebanked with County2County. I personally don’t answer calls from numbers I don’t recognize. Don’t many people do that? What is the impact on phone banking?

Not being Negative Nellie. Real questions to help me choose where I can be most effective.

Many thanks. 😘

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Reclaim Our Vote is the name of the group I mentioned in earlier post.

Thanks so much, Jess.

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Yeah Reclaim Our Vote and Center For Common Ground are actually one and the same--the former is sort of an arm of the latter. And they're amazing. Their director is who I quoted in yesterday's newsletter.

As for phonebanking, I like to work with Activate America or another org that uses an automatic dialer. That way the number the recipient sees is at least in state, and you also get to leave voicemails if they're not hime. And while the pickup rate in other phonebanks can be low, the impact you have can be very real when you do speak to someone, so I like doing it.

As to what messages on postcards are most effective, I think the general "vote" ones are less effective than those that are either a) social pressure messages (ie: "Who you vote for is secret, but whether or not you vote is public record. Please be a voter this November"--these are VERY effective) or b) contain useful and specific info, such as the info the CFCG postcards contain. Hope this helps.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I have really felt a connection to the mission of CFCG. I appreciate your experienced perspective. Helps me feel more confident that I can do something that really helps. You are an inspiration and an amazing guide. Enjoy your time in Nova Scotia!! Relax, too. Thank you.

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Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

Hi, concerned about the bi partisan bill for reproductive rights. Sen. Elizabeth Warren says she will vote NO because it doesn’t codify Roe. Comments? https://apple.news/AZrXaG6NlSUaqWXP4KxebTA

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Yeah I was worried about that. I think on balance it's better to have something than nothing--lives being at stake-- but if you're unsure don't make the call. I'll do more research.

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Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

Appreciate research... not much time right now.

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Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

Thanks! I normally trust Warren but am unsure right now.

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Honestly I am, too. I am confident, though, that as long as we are calling about abortion bills we are doing good work. The important thing is that we keep this issue hot--espeically after the Kansas vote.

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Agreed

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Aug 3, 2022Liked by Jessica Craven

Love that you make taking action so very easy!!!

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I'm so glad! Welcome to the team!

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Thank you Jessica. I appreciate your work helping us take action!!!

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You are so welcome!

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What about a campaign to shower the NFL Commissioner with righteous anger over the proposed Deshawn Watson's hand slap? The issue isn't politics, but it is political. I think that Chop Wood's backing would be instrumental in head slapping the NFL to enact real-life consequences for perps as well as the significance of the pending precedent.

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Sorry I don't know much about this. I'll look into it!

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