Dear Pledge Listeners,
Like you, I am stunned. COVID 19 brings a new level of shock, and in many ways demonstrates more clearly than ever, the fatal consequences of our broken political system. I know that for many, the economic, health, and family responsibilities are causing great stress and making enormous demands on time and attention. I am grateful for the herculean efforts of many to fight this pandemic, to help those who are vulnerable and suffering, and to manage raising children given the new challenges.
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For me, it helps to focus my attention away from the scary news and toward the extraordinary evidence that we have what it takes to mend the system and move into a better future. I see it in the healthcare workers tirelessly putting their lives on the line despite the meager resources available, in the young people volunteering to buy groceries for the elderly, and in the political action that has seamlessly moved online.
But while we are struggling to stay healthy and protect our communities and small businesses, our democracy remains under attack. Those who have tried to suppress the vote in the past are finding new ways to disenfranchise voters by attempting to thwart the successful drives to increase registration, and even by trying to block voting by mail in the midst of the pandemic.
Those of us with less pressing personal responsibilities, or who even find ourselves with more time on our hands, owe it to those who can’t to double down and get engaged to protect our democracy. So here are a few ideas and some news about The Pledge.
Some Ways to Stay Involved
If you have time, there are plenty of groups providing virtual opportunities and guidance for taking action. Our voices are as important as ever, if not more! Here are a few links to organizations we’ve learned about on previous episodes of The Pledge that could put you to work right away!
Sister District Virtual Organizing Hub: (Season 2, The Blessing of All This Madness.) In the last episode of Season 2, We met a Sister District group in Vermont helping candidates in Virginia. Their impact helped to transform the Virginia State Legislature in 2018, and the dividends for the environment and, of course, passage of the ERA, are significant. Find a Sister District group near you, or not near you, and help them help candidates in key states.
Virtual Organizing with Swing Left: (Bonus Season, What Change Really Means). In this episode I shared my story of getting involved with Swing Left. Swing Left has done a fabulous of job of connecting volunteers to meaningful and impactful work. Take a look at the link above which is specifically focused on action and COVID 19.
Movement Voter Project’s Pandemic Community Fund--This is group that I have not featured yet, but they have been connecting me to some amazing stories for Season 3. Movement Voter Project supports grassroots organizers throughout the country doing crucial work to protect everyone’s vote and motivate people to use that vote. Their Pandemic Community Fund helps those groups transform their work online. Please consider making a donation, or organize an online fundraising effort.
News About The Pledge Podcast—Season 3 Coming Soon!
I’m pleased to announce that I have started Season 3 and am hoping to launch on Independence Day with fireworks. So far, my interviews are by phone, but my interviewees are as inspiring as ever. I’m also excited to have brought on the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Hedrick Smith as an advisor and contributor. Hedrick recently released a powerful documentary, Democracy Rebellion, which paves the way for many of my stories. I will be focusing on protecting the vote in the states of Florida, Michigan and North Dakota. Stay tuned, and now more than ever, stick with your pledge!