Hi, all, and happy Monday!
Last night I had the great pleasure of meeting some of you in person at a Swing Left San Gabriel Valley meeting in Pasadena. It was a truly uplifting event—playfully billed as a “dessert-a-thon,” it was, more accurately, a community gathering of about a hundred local activists—mostly just regular folks like you and me who have committed to the fight for democracy. Excellent baked goods abounded, as did smiles, hugs, and handshakes. I spoke, along with Robert Hubbell (of
), and our wonderful hostess Donna Jaffe. A question and answer period followed. The conversation was lively, thoughtful, and encouraging.Events like this are so important, y’all. If you don’t have access to a group holding gatherings like it I hope you’ll consider starting one! Whether through Swing Left, Indivisible, Sister District or another organization, creating a local chapter—or joining an existing one—and using it to take action and build community is a huge part of how we win. It’s also an excellent antidote to anxiety!
Whenever you feel that you’re alone in your worries, or that you’re the only one taking action to fight fascism, please remember that there are groups like the one I spoke at last night all around the country—each one containing dozens or even hundreds of people working tirelessly to save our democracy and our planet. Together they make up a vast and growing army of dedicated fighters who won’t rest until our country is on stronger footing.
Know, in other words, that you’re not alone—quite the contrary! And that as you take your simple actions today countless others across the country are doing the same. You’re part of something huge. Something historic. Something beautiful.
And something that will, inevitably, prevail.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I just learned that eight children are injured or killed by unsecured guns in this country every day. This is unacceptable! Apparently only 3 of 10 adults in households with children store their guns unloaded and locked up. This means that over 5 million children live in homes with unsecured guns. There’s an excellent bill that would require gun owners to store their guns safely when kids are present, and I want to make sure the Senator is supporting it. It’s S. 173 Ethan’s Law. Is the Senator a co-sponsor? [Spoiler alert: Not a single Republican is, and there are sixteen Dem holdouts.]
[If not co-sponsoring add:] I find this disappointing and baffling. Safe firearm storage practices are supported by nearly three-quarters of Americans. They save children’s lives. The Senator can’t call themselves “pro-life” / “pro child” and not support this bill. Thanks.
[If a co-sponsor already add:] Please thank the Senator for supporting this bill. I’d like him/her to lobby their colleagues to get on board as well. It could save untold lives. We need it to pass, and soon. Thanks.
[Much more good info on where we’re at with gun legislation in general here.]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
[🚨 The folks at Razom For Ukraine are urgently asking us all to make the below call TODAY.]
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I'm calling to say I'm upset that Speaker McCarthy is playing politics with aid for Ukraine. Ukrainians are fighting Russian imperialism so that Americans don't have to. They are dying for the values our country was built on: the right to live freely in your own land. The U.S. must continue to help Ukraine, and as your constituent I urge the Congressmember to ensure Ukraine aid remains bipartisan and passes as swiftly as possible. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Indivisible is gathering signatures on a letter to Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin about corruption at SCOTUS. They’re asking the Senate to subpoena Justices Thomas, Alito, and their billionaire benefactors as well as to launch a full-scale investigation in the Senate Judiciary Committee into the ethical crisis engulfing the Supreme Court.
This is not a petition. They’re going to take this letter, with all of our signatures, and hand-deliver it to Leader Schumer and Chairman Durbin.
Please sign here. And for goodness sakes share!
Get Smart! 📚
Democracy Briefing: Monday, Sept. 11 @ 8pm ET
From Virginia to Mississippi, there are crucial elections taking place across the US this November.
Join the amazing folks at DemCast and guests from Sister District and Network NOVA to run through some of the most critical races and learn how you can immediately start helping pro-democracy candidates surge in the final months.
Spread the Word! 📣
Please share this excellent new ad from Vote Vets. It roasts Tommy Tuberville in vintage fashion.
Give 💰!
Force Multiplier is again partnering with Rural Democracy Initiative to raise funds for grassroots groups working in rural communities—they know that these communities can help swing policy and redistricting outcomes, as well as the U.S. Senate, state and local elections.
On Tuesday, September 12, 7:00-8:00pm ET please join them to hear three amazing speakers and support these groups:
Rural Arizona Action • Courier News (Nevada) • Big Sky 55+ (Montana) • We the People Michigan • PA United • Rural Organizing (Ohio) • New Rural Project (North Carolina) • Black Male Voter Project (Georgia)
Win Races! 🗳
Friendly reminder that I am now running a Tuesday phonebank into Virginia for the Grassroots Dems HQ. Last week we had low attendance, so I’m plugging it here again in the hopes that some of you will sign up to join us! The shift is from 4-6 PT / 7-9 ET. I will train you!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to all 3 reps] [H/T subscriber Casey R.] [Quick send: text SIGN PVEVOW to 50409]
The impending expiration of $24 billion in pandemic relief funding for childcare on September 30th poses a significant threat to millions of families.
This funding has been instrumental in stabilizing childcare providers grappling with enrollment drops and staffing shortages. Without intervention, the cost of childcare is projected to rise, disproportionately affecting working and middle-class families. This could lead to a reliance on unreliable or low-quality care options or force parents to leave their jobs.
A permanent solution to the childcare crisis is needed. This includes an emergency infusion of funds now and a reevaluation of how childcare is valued and funded.
Despite political challenges, it’s crucial to find a bipartisan compromise to prevent a childcare cliff. Please renew and increase COVID-era childcare funding, and work towards a sustainable solution for the childcare system. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Good seeing you and Robert last night. I made it into the news letter (red Hawaiian shirt near the top)
All sorry the DemCast link is broken. Here it is! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OU1u_O9wQ6i5Yr9ODuLsig/?emci=70993703-914e-ee11-a3f1-00224832e1ba&emdi=b9b1f4d3-924e-ee11-a3f1-00224832e1ba&ceid=2724322#/registration