Happy Tuesday, Activists!
We have some wrap-up info for you from the Deadline for Democracy actions in support of the For the People Act that so many of you participated in.
First, we hand delivered more than 100 Constituent Comment Cards to each of our senators. Thank you for writing these important messages, which went directly to them.
Watch the video of our quick meeting with Senator Casey's staffer, Christopher, who graciously met us in the lobby of the office while most of the staff is still working from home.
We also delivered the cards to Senator Toomey's staffer, but we were not permitted to photograph it in the federal building.
Next, we had a super successful rally and march on July 13 during President Biden's speech at the Constitution Center. And there was a ton of media attention! You can hear audio from All Things Considered on NPR and our own Vicki Miller's interview at this link. You also can read an interview with similar comments from Vicki in The Hill at this link.
Finally, here are some photos from the actions across Pennsylvania, including ours.
And now, back to our regular work!
This week's call to action will not surprise you. We need to keep up the pressure on our senators. So make the calls -- Every. Single. Day! It really makes a difference.
Sen. Toomey – Phila office 215-241-1090; D.C. 202-224-4254; email link
Sen. Casey – Phila office 215-405-9660; D.C. 202-224-6324; email link
For outside PA: Find your Senators’ phone numbers and emails at this link.
Here’s your script (use different parts of it each day – doesn’t need to be a long call):
The Senate must pass the For The People Act – this summer. There’s no time to lose. Whatever it takes, Senate Democrats must come out now publicly and firmly that they insist that this democracy reform pass because it is essential to our country’s success. Manchin is not the king and Democrats need to put the right pressure on to make him realize this. We worked hard to get the Democratic Trifecta and now our senators need to do their hard work and get this done. Statements on Twitter are not enough – go on TV, to the press, wherever you’ll be heard, and tell the public (and Manchin) that you want and expect the bill to pass. Also, please tell President Biden to use his bully pulpit to put pressure on the holdout senators.
DON'T FORGET OUR NEW PROJECTS – 2022 IN OUR SIGHTS!
The 2022 elections are looming more importantly than ever, so our new projects are more important than ever. We're making great progress with them and will have updates on that for you soon. As we have discussed before, and described in some detail at one of our recent meetings, we need to boost Philadelphia voter turnout next year to win the open U.S. Senate seat and our governor’s seat. We can do it but we need to start now.
We have a three-pronged plan – (1) the Neighborhood Canvassing Project; (2) the 35 Doors Project; and (3) our new Postcard Project. Plus, of course, we are still doing all our “regular” events like voter registration, with more dates for that coming soon.
1. Neighborhood Canvassing -We will start up our successful canvassing program again soon when the weather cools off a bit.
2. Postcards
Here’s how it works –
We will distribute the postcards to you or you can pick them up at a Center City location, which we will tell you when you sign up. The hand-written script is only two sentences and you’ll also write the address.
We recommend you order enough cards to write over the next two months.
The packet you receive will include the postcards and the list of addresses. We’ll email you all the instructions and the script. Please order your postcards in multiples of 50.
We ask that you donate $7.00 per set of 50 postcards to cover our costs. Even if that is too much in addition to the cost of the stamps, we want you to participate anyway. So please don’t let the donation stop you from ordering the postcard packets. On the other hand, if you can, please consider chipping in a little extra to cover the cost for those who cannot.
Here’s how to sign up –
1. Email us at this link to tell us how many postcards you want.
2. Purchase your 36-cent postcard stamps online at this link or at your local post office.
3. Donate $7.00 per set of 50 postcards at this link.
Here’s how to receive your postcards –
If you are in the Philadelphia area, we will deliver the postcard packets to you or you can pick them up. If you haven’t written postcards with us before, please give us your address.
If you are outside the Philadelphia area, we can ship the packet to you. Please add $5.00 to your donation for shipping costs.
Here's a tip from one of our postcard writers: You can write them with a friend in the park! Sounds good to us.
3. 35 Doors Project. In this project you’ll be a Neighborhood Leader interacting with voters at 35 addresses in your neighborhood. It involves going to doors a few times per year and using the information we’ll provide about upcoming elections. You’ll be ready to be the local election expert after our training session and the information and handouts we’ll provide. We’ll also provide the addresses.
If you want more info or to sign up email us at this link!
NEW -- Redistricting Hearing Training
This year, one of the greatest threats to democracy—gerrymandering—is once again taking center stage in the fight for fair representation. Join Indivisible on July 28th at 3pm ET for this one-hour webinar to become better informed and know the resources to find out how redistricting works in any state. Learn about the most effective ways to participate in the redistricting process including best practices for attending public hearings, participating in official online comment periods, and developing a community of interest. The webinar will be recorded. Register HERE.
In fact, from Fair Districts, there is a hearing coming up in Philadelphia soon. More details soon.
Senate State Government Committee
Wednesday, August 4, 10 am. Southeast Regional Hearing:
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
This hearing will provide a chance for anyone in SE PA to give testimony on congressional districts.
November Election Facts
Election Day is November 2, 2021
Sign up for a Mail-in Ballot at this link.
Thank you for all your work. Have a great rest of your week!