Feel-good update: A few bright spots amidst the trash
Some things to give you hope, including an update on our recruitment efforts in Florida.
We admit: It was tough to find even a few bright spots from the last week. But, ever the (cautious) optimists, we’ve got a few things to remind you there is a little bit of hope amidst all the trash.
Watch Run for Something alum Wendy Carrillo speak on the administration policy. She came to the U.S. from El Salvador as a five year old — you need to see her tell her story.
You should also check out Wade Munday, current Run for Something candidate in Tennessee and executive director of Tennessee Justice for Neighbors, which oversees the legal issues of immigrants across the mid-state.
On the elections-are-still-happening front, Friday was the Florida filing deadline. We spent nearly $100k on recruitment in the Sunshine state, including a print ad, tv ad, a college tour stop, and concerted efforts on the ground and with our partner groups, led by political director Sarah Horvitz. When we started this drive, 24 districts represented by GOP incumbents with A/A- ratings by the NRA were unopposed. As of Friday, there are candidates for 19 of those races. That’s HUGE. We are SO proud of this success.
(If you’re in Miami — we’ll be there on Friday, June 29th. Don’t miss it.)
Run for Something in Miami!
RSVP!www.facebook.com
Read this profile of Dana Hutcheson, our candidate for coroner in Colorado. Part of Dana’s platform is ending the practice of misgendering trans people after death. It’s a small but key part of a larger fight for trans equality — and Dana’s on the frontlines of the efforts.
The Gender Struggle: Won in Life, Lost in Death
In February, Celine Walker was shot and killed in a hotel room in Jacksonville, Florida. Though the 36-year-old…www.ozy.com
Finally, every Friday, community manager Leslie Hauser sends an email update to all our volunteers. I loved this week’s shout out and wanted to share it with you, too.
VOLUNTEERING ON CAMPAIGNS — VOLUNTEER SHOUTOUT
Earlier this spring, RFS volunteer Kelly O’Donnell wanted to learn how to get more involved on a campaign. With a bit of coaching from RFS to learn how her communications skills and theater background could be used on a campaign, she reached out to Andrew Gounardes, who is running for NY State Senate District 22 in the Brooklyn neighborhood where Kelly grew up. She reached out to his campaign by FB and on his webpage and within a week, had a get to know you meeting with the campaign manager and Andrew, and was then invited to a kitchen cabinet strategy meeting.
After that meeting, Kelly realized “I need to be a part of this.” She started researching fundraising and policy issues, and helped greet volunteers at a kickoff planning meeting. Now she’s using her public speaking skills to organize canvassing trainings and petitioning workshops for the campaign and the local Democratic Party club. She’s also recruited volunteers on the RFS Slack workspace to help the campaign.
We found out about Kelly’s role from Andrew, who said that since Kelly’s joined his campaign, it has been “night and day,” and they can’t do it without her help. Kelly’s inspired by the fact that if Andrew wins his race (ousting a 16 year year incumbent Republican), the NY State Senate can flip from red to blue.
The world is definitely falling apart. But we’re going to keep doing our small part to fix it, thanks to your help.
This week’s update not quite feel-good enough? Check out last week’s:
Feel-good update: 7 of our 11 candidates won last week!
The news the last week has been particularly bleak. Here are a few bright spots for you…medium.com