Feel-good update: What our alum are doing
We hope you’re staying safe, socially distant, and as sane as possible right now.
First: I hope you’re staying safe, socially distant, and as sane as possible right now.
As odd as it feels to keep sending “feel-good updates” during this crisis, I’m going to keep it up as long as possible and continue highlighting the ways our folks are leading when it matters most. Ever the optimist, I want to keep finding hope even in the darkest moments. (If your mental health or life circumstances are such that you’d rather not get these anymore, as always, just let me know. No hard feelings.)
Two things I hope you’ll take a look at and share:
We launched resourcesforcampaigns.com last week — a hub for all campaigns (big & small) looking for resources on how to re-tool their strategies in this new era. It includes information from more than 20 organizations and counting. We’ll continue updating as trainings and materials are available.
Ross sent a lovely note to our candidates on Friday. An excerpt: “This isn’t the time for you to shrink away and be small. It’s a time for you to step up and be the resource, connector, and leader that your community needs right now. That means your campaign is going to look different, and that’s okay. Campaigns are built on relationships and trust. Those should be your north star in these tough times.”
Our alum & candidates are modeling good social distancing behavior, pushing for interventions and support at whatever level of gov’t they’re at, and supporting their communities in meaningful ways. Some examples:
Since her legislature has closed for at least two weeks, CO Rep. Yadira Caraveo is back at work at her “day job” as a pediatrician, taking care of sick kids.
Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert was directly redistributing funds to local workers in OKC on behalf of a generous donor.
NC Rep. Ashton Clemmons — a teacher by training — ran a YouTube lesson for kids on how the legislature works and how a bill becomes a law.
MI Senator Mallory McMorrow is fighting to ensure “virtual learning days” in Michigan count as school days, important for counting this time towards educational requirements.
SC Rep. JA Moore is pushing for Medicaid expansion to help people who need health care most.
in California, Carlsbad City Councilmember Dr. Priya Bhat-Patel, a health professional herself, ran a Q&A on Instagram with an infectious disease epidemiologist in San Diego County.
TX Rep. Erin Zwiener ran a similar town hall on Facebook with an infectious disease specialist from her community. Erin’s campaign team also texted 35,000 people to encourage social distancing and provide critical info.
FL Rep. Anna Eskamani is doing incredible work educating her constituents and fighting for her community. One example: she’s been working with students who were stranded after Disney ended their internship program abruptly.
NY Sen. Jessica Ramos has created full guides in English and Spanish on community resources, including food pick-up locations, housing resources, and more.
In MA, Somersworth City Councilor Crystal Paradis filmed and shared a virtual dog walk to spread calm vibes.
As the federal government continues to be a mess, I am so glad we’ve elected & will continue to help electing amazing public servants to state & local office. It has never mattered more.
Finally, a programming note: As we aim to make up the massive fundraising gap & hole in our community left by cancelling all events & travel, we’re testing out some new ideas. First up, a Netflix Watch Party on Tuesday, 3/24 (tomorrow!) at 7pm ET. We’ll be using the “Netflix Party” Chrome extension to watch Knock Down the House, (aka the AOC documentary). This is free; just RSVP so we can send you the link.
We’ll get through this apart, together. If you want/need to chat, please just reply. We’re here.
See you on the internet.