Hi all -
Usually when you open this email, you can count on good news to help you start your week hopeful about the future of democracy & the amazing work the RFS community is doing across the country.
Unfortunately today, I have to start with something that feels quite bad: Last week, Run for Something laid off 14 incredible members of our team in order to shore up the long-term sustainability of the organization after a much-worse-than-expected fundraising year in 2023.
It was a rough week all around. But we’re back at it today, nearly 50 folks strong and ready to dig in. We’ve got new endorsements rolling out that will inspire you and remind you that while the present feels bleak, the future is bright. We remain committed to our mission to build long-term sustainable power and confident in our ability to get the job done when it matters most.
Every dollar you give right now helps sustain this organization through and beyond 2024. Make it count.
In other RFS community updates:
RFS alum Jevin Hodge was appointed a seat in the AZ state house! As we always say: Election Day is not the end of someone’s civic engagement, just another step in the journey.
Relatedly: RFS alum Macomb County Commissioner Mai Xiong won her primary for a MI state house seat in a landslide victory!
NY Sen. Jessica Ramos is introducing legislation to combat pervasive wage theft — something more than 127,000 New Yorkers were victims of during a recent five year period.
OH Rep. Munira Abdullahi, the first Muslim American woman elected to state office in Ohio, won at just 26 years old — one of the many reasons she got in the race was to make the case against abortion bans. She was able to tap into the fury that Gen Z in particular has around reproductive health care.
MN Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura is introducing legislation to allow cameras to capture folks speeding through red lights in high-crash intersections — speeding is currently the leading cause of crashes resulting in a serious injury or death.
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari is introducing an ordinance to require bathrooms in city-owned or -operated buildings to provide free pads and tampons. It’s the little things that add up to be a big deal.
A bunch of RFS alum in Virginia - Del. Brianna Sewell, Del. Phil Hernandez, and Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker among them - are leading on efforts to make childcare more affordable. Del. Nadarius Clark, meanwhile, passed legislation to reduce the burden of medical debt.
Chicago Alderperson Maria Hadden is helping lead on an ordinance that would make Chicago the first major midwestern city with an indoor-emissions standard that would phase out gas appliances and heating systems.
IA Sen. Zach Wahls is introducing legislation to protect Iowans’ right to contraception — something we hate to need but love to see.
In related news, some reminders of what we’re up against:
ALEC has announced a strategic partnership with Run GenZ, the Republican org that supports young conservatives running for state and local office. This is a critical reminder: The GOP is all-in on investing hundreds of millions of dollars for as long as it takes. That’s one of many reasons why RFS can’t go away after election day.
This is a good zoom-out on the state of Moms for Liberty — still in existence, still organizing, still wildly unpopular. When we run against them, we can win — we just have to get on the ballot in the first place.
Thanks to everyone who’s been with us through the hard parts. We’re so grateful for you.
- Amanda
I am a monthly donor and appreciate everything you do. I am annoyed that you have to lay off staff while some Senate incumbent texts me 14 times a day about the next mid-month deadline. Please keep up the good work. Although 2023 was a very important year for us for 99% of people it was an off year and completely off their radar.