Happy Tuesday, Activists!
In case you were wondering what’s happening with the For the People Act (S.1), it’s still very much alive and we are still very much rallying to get it passed. Not only our group, but other groups in our area. So jump on board and show your support for this essential legislation to save our democracy!
Why are we pushing this now – and in such a rush? Because the U.S. Census Bureau is expected to release their final Census data by August 16, allowing states to begin drawing new maps for state and federal districts. We need the Senate to pass the For the People Act before their August recess and we need the President to use every lever of power and influence at his disposal to get it done – NOW.
S.1 is a sweeping package to get big money out of politics, ensure our freedom to vote, and guarantee that congressional districts are drawn to give fair representation for all. Otherwise, Republican legislatures are going to gerrymander the heck out of the newly drawn districts at both state and federal levels.
How do we do this? We know you’ve been pushing this already, with our Constituent Comment Cards (yay you!), our TWO rallies (yay all of us!), and your prodigious number of phone calls to our senators (again, yay you!).
And now, groups all over the country are lining up rallies for this week – including today in D.C. – and also next week. Next Tuesday, August 10, we are holding a rally, below. Following the Deadline for Democracy Rallies and Good Trouble Vigils this summer, the Democracy Can’t Wait: Day of Action will continue to build public pressure, mobilize more people, and make our message undeniable: inaction if NOT an option. Plus other groups are holding rallies locally this week. Sign up for what works for you!
1. Next Tuesday, August 10, Noon–1 pm – 2nd and Chestnut Streets (Sen. Toomey’s office)
Join us as we partner with Tuesdays With(out) Toomey and the Declaration For American Democracy Coalition to rally at Senator Toomey’s office. We’ll have great speakers and lots of signs for you, plus T-shirts and other swag! So come out for an hour and show our senators that we demand they pass the For the People Act and stand up for democracy.
2. TOMORROW, August 4, 5–6 pm – 69th Street Pedestrian Bridge at 69th and Market Streets in Upper Darby
Democracy Can’t Wait: The For the People Act Rally
Join our friends at H-CAN Indivisible and Upper Darby Indivisible, who are partnering with RepresentUS, as they line the bridge and make their voices heard. They’ll have lots of beautiful signs and will make some noise!
3. This Friday, August 6, 6 pm – Media Courthouse
Join Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for a candlelight vigil in support of the For the People Act. We will send you more information as soon as we have it.
MORE YOU CAN DO TO SAVE DEMOCRACY
Whew! We already have a lot to do but it's a big project to secure our democracy for future generations. Democracy is a team sport and we're grateful to be in it with you all!
POSTCARDS!
We are writing postcards to persuade infrequent voters to get out and vote next year to secure Democratic victories for the open U.S. Senate seat and the open PA Governor’s seat. Sound like a good idea?
SO FAR, you all have written over 14,500 postcards to Philadelphia voters! So let’s keep it up! We want to write to every single voter in Philadelphia who does not usually vote in midterm elections.
Plus, this week – Cards & Cocktails!
When: Thursday, August 5, 6-8 pm
Where: On Zoom. See you there!
Here’s how the postcards work –
We will distribute the postcards to you again or you can pick them up at a Center City location, which we will tell you when you sign up. The handwritten 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. We understand that in these times some of you may not be able to incur this cost in addition to buying the postcard stamps, BUT 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.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Let’s get more people registered to vote or to update their voter status so they make sure to vote this November and next year! We know newly registered voters turn out in high numbers so let’s get those voters registered! We’ll be rolling out a lot more voter registration drives very soon but here is the first.
When: Sunday, August 15, 10 am to 2 pm (sign up for a shift, 10-noon, or noon-2)
Where: Headhouse Square Farmers Market, 2nd and Lombard Streets
35 DOORS PROJECT
Join this project to 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 in coordination with the Neighborhood Leader’s input, plus door hangers, election information – everything you’ll need!
If you want more info or to sign up email us at this link!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST!
Here’s another tool: Write Letters to the Editor! We have help for that.
Do you like to write? You’re in luck! Letters to the editor can reach our legislators in ways that can influence their vote, and it’s an additional tool we should use.
This time, we’ll promote passage of the For the People Act. It is essential to protect the rights of voters and to ensure that our Democracy endures.
We’ll help you get started! Email megberlin271@gmail.com to get all the info you’ll need.
Last Week's Meeting
We hope you enjoyed our meeting last week with State Rep. Jordan Harris, the Democratic Whip in the State House. It was a fascinating look into what’s happening, and what’s likely to happen, in Harrisburg. You can watch the video at this link and learn all about your state legislature!
Redistricting Hearings Update – From Fair Districts PA
Legislative Reapportionment Commission
Capitol Building, North Office Building Hearing Room 1
401 North St, Harrisburg, (Livestream Here)
TODAY, August 3, 2 pm-6 pm: At 2 to 4 pm: Fair Districts will be speaking about values they would like to see included in district maps. Other organizational leaders are scheduled to speak. If you’re in the area, come lend support. If not, watch on live stream. Public comment will take place between 6 and 8 pm during this time. Registration to speak is now closed.
Wednesday, August 4, at 5pm Public comment will take place during this time. Register to speak here.
Enjoy your week, everyone. Be safe out there and let's save our democracy!