Chop Wood, Carry Water 9/18

The potluck model.

Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!

I’ve given you lots to do in the newsletter below, so I won’t write much here.

I’ll simply say this—because it’s something I mentioned when I spoke at HODG on Friday night and it seems to have resonated:

I have a way I like to think about democracy. Maybe it’ll work for you, too:

Democracy isn’t a dinner party to which someone invites us—the kind where we show up with a bottle of wine, throw our coats on the bed, eat, and then leave.

No, democracy is a potluck. It only works if everyone brings a dish. In fact, the bringing something is the whole point. And, while we can theoretically bring something store-bought, what people really like at potlucks are the homemade items.

Just so, in democracies, we can just give money, but it’s when we bring our personal touch to the party that things really start to taste good.

But at potlucks we do more than just bring a dish. We help set up. We clear plates. We refill empty serving platters. We co-host the party—we basically sign up to do so by the very act of attending.

And it’s no accident that potlucks always end up being the most fun, the most delicious, and the most memorable. That’s what happens when everyone buys in. It’s just…better!

I treated our democracy like someone else’s dinner party for too long—one where I brought a token gift (my vote), took what I wanted (everything a functioning democracy provides me with) and let someone else (nameless politicians) worry about hosting.

It didn’t work out well. I paid the price. I think we all did.

So I’m a “potluck convert.” And it’s awesome! I’m having more fun, feeling part of a community, and learning new things every day. I feel a sense of ownership. I feel a sense of power. I’m a proud—and hopeful—“co-host!”

I’ve realized that this democracy thing only works when everyone takes part. So I do. And you do, too. And I thank you for that most sincerely.

Because what you bring to this party is irreplaceable, much needed, and completely delicious.

It’s because of you that we’ll win.

P.S. —This edition is a little short on Congressional action items and a little long on election items—sorry. Just that kind of day. We’re waiting for Mike Johnson to introduce the SAVE Act today to determine next steps.

Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲

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

I strongly oppose both HR 5339, the Protecting Americans’ Investments from Woke Policies Act, and HR 4790, the Prioritizing Economic Growth over Woke Policies Act. These bills are an attempt by Republicans who are funded by Big Oil to slow the energy transition, attack corporate progress, and roll back corporate commitments. It’s unacceptable. Please vote no. [H/T and petition]

Extra Credit ✅

July marked the 14th straight month of record-breaking heat. Each year, 40 workers die completely unnecessarily from exposure to heat with farm workers and construction workers disproportionately impacted. Yet businesses are balking at protecting their workers from extreme heat.

Fortunately, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have introduced a new heat standard rule titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.

If implemented, this new rule would protect workers from extreme heat by ensuring breaks, shade, and water on the job. But the Chamber of Commerce as well as the construction industry and other special interests are opposing the new rule.

The DOL and OSHA need to hear from us. Please use More Perfect Union’s tool to send your official comment urging them to implement the new heat standard rule to protect workers from extreme heat.

It’s important to personalize your letter slightly, so please do!

Get Smart #1! 📚

Join Downtown Nasty Women, Markers For Democracy and The Wednesday Group for a virtual conversation with Ari Berman about his new book, Minority Rule.

Wednesday, September 18th, at 8pm ET, on Zoom

Ari Berman is Mother Jones' national voting rights correspondent, and the author of a new book, Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It, and the 2016 book, Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America, which was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

He’ll talk about Republicans’ attacks on voting rights and how we can fight back.

RSVP HERE

Messaging Tip! 📣

The Stop Trump Vocab List → As sourced by the creator behind Tono Latino, this list of descriptors from marketing expert Seth Godin shares what empowers Trump and his supporters versus language that undermines his appeal. Traditionally negative words can create positive reactions unintentionally – choose your words thoughtfully with this list. (I always check it before I post content about Trump. It’s great.)

Spread the Word!

Here are two GREAT new ways to spread the word about Project 2025!

1. I happened upon an amazing flyer, “What Trump’s Project 2025 Means For You,” that we can print out and use when we canvass, phonebank, or just talk to friends! Fantastic!

2. Second, this new Schoolhouse Rock-style video about Project 2025 is going viral, and for good reason. It’s INCREDIBLE!. Please watch and share!

Give 💰!

Thanks for all of your suggestions yesterday re: Springfield. It seems like the Haitian Community Help & Support Center Springfield is a really good place to send a donation. You can also just send them a nice note here.

This organization offers services for refugees and immigrants living in Clark County, Ohio, and provides safe spaces for young people which are of critical importance at this time. 

Win Races—24 Hour Postcarding! 🗳

Come to the Markers for Democracy 24-Hr Postcard Marathon with Multiple Special Guests on Monday, September 23.

RSVP Eventbrite 

Back by popular demand: another epic 24-hours of postcard writing around the clock, inspirational speakers and joyful ways to take action. See Bio Page for speakers list. Guests are added daily! You can go in and out of Zoom all 24-hours whenever you like. It’s going to be a blast!

Win Races—Help With Voter ID!

VoteRiders is a nonprofit organization that provides free information and help with voter ID in all states. They have a letter writing program for states with strict voter ID laws. These letters give state specific voter ID rules as well as how to contact VoteRiders with questions or to obtain assistance in getting a voter ID.

Their webpage is here.

You can learn more by joining their letter writing party into OH, WI, and PA on September 26 OR by using these instructions to get started on your own.

If you have any questions, you can get help at volunteer@voteriders.org

Win Races—Make Calls with Affinity Groups!

1. Sign up with Broadway for Harris: one of the most popular phone banks for the Harris-Walz ticket, these sessions are led by your favorite Broadway stars. Gather every Monday at 7:30pm EST on Zoom - training is provided. Sign up for a session here: BE A STAR: CALL VOTERS

2. Join the Women for Harris-Walz to phone bank with women across the nation, featuring speakers who motivate you to make those calls! Sessions are open every Wednesday at 6:00pm EST and Sunday at 3:00pm EST on Zoom. Don't worry if you've never done this before; a full training will be provided for anyone interested. Sign up for a session here: CALL WITH WOMEN FOR HARRIS

3. A reader tells me that Deadheads for Kamala continues to do great work! Check them out here.

Win Races—Write Postcards into Michigan!

Blue Wave Postcards has just launched a Michigan absentee ballot registration campaign. The Great Lakes State, Michigan, is essential this election year, with the Presidency, U.S. Senate, and House majorities all hanging in the balance. In addition, there are critical state House elections and two Michigan Supreme Court races, where Democrats hope to hold their majority.

In this campaign, we’re asking low-propensity, hard-to-reach, yet ideologically aligned Michiganders to request absentee ballots to ensure their voices are heard. These postcards are super easy—they come with address labels and you just need to write one sentence, using color! You have to buy their cards.

Sign up here.

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

Talk soon.

Jess