Feel-good update (5/26): Handing out masks in the rain
Whatever it takes to keep communities safe.
Hi all -
Hope your Memorial Day weekend was relaxing, warm, and full of face masks & social distancing. Onward we go.
Heads up that later this week, we’ll be announcing our next class of endorsements (and it’ll be our biggest one yet.) I can’t wait for you to meet these all-stars. Keep an eye on our social media & your inbox for more!
Now, onto the good vibes!
Run for Something candidates & alum are continuing to show us what leadership looks like. Some stories that might make you hopeful…
Hoang Murphy, candidate for MN state legislature, stayed out in the rain to hand out free masks in vulnerable communities in St. Paul:
He moved fast, trying to catch as many people as possible. In one burst, he found ready takers in an older Asian woman, a black woman, a man from El Salvador and a pair of landscapers, one Latino and the other white, who pulled up in a pickup truck and rolled down the passenger-side window to pick up two masks for themselves.
Murphy, who runs a nonprofit organization and is campaigning for a state legislative seat, kept going even as rain started falling. “We’re only as safe as our most vulnerable neighbor,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if I’m healthy if you are not.”
It’s worth watching Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s powerful speech on the floor of the PA state house. He got booed by his peers; he didn’t let that stop him.
Malcolm also worked to amend a new law that would have made it illegal for sportsmans clubs to discriminate against folks based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The amendment failed by two votes; he’s going to keep introducing similar amendments until something passes.
In Ohio, Toledo Public Schools Board Member Sheena Barnes launched an “adopt a senior” program for graduating students in her district; thanks to the funds from a t-shirt sale, all 1500 seniors will get a small bag of gifts delivered their front porch over the next few weeks.
Chicago Alderman Matt Martin is exploring ways of opening more streets and expanding open space in Chicago, and soliciting community input as he tries to make it easier for Chicagoans to keep social distancing while going outside.
A quick hits interview with Ellen Kamei, vice mayor of Mountain View, CA. One of her missions: Make life as an elected official more female- and family-friendly.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is continuing to get aggressive, racist, and sexist criticism (and has even been sued) for her handling of the pandemic. She’s put science and public health ahead of politics, and she’s not apologizing for it.
Ilana Stonebraker is a professor, a librarian, and a member of the Tippecanoe County Council in Indiana — you’ll enjoy her thoughtful essay on what it’s like to run for office as a librarian (and why we need more librarians in elected office.)
If you’re feeling anxious and looking to do something meaningful, there are a few volunteer opportunities for Run for Something candidates…
Amanda Cappelletti is running for PA State Senate, District 17 in a June 2 primary, challenging an incumbent who has been ostracized from the Democratic Party and asked to resign by the governor. Help reach out to voters to bring dignity back to the district by texting — RSVP here.
Brittney Rodas is running to become the first Democrat elected to the Pennsylvania State House’s 105th District. She’s looking for phone bank help -- sign up via email and let the campaign know that you are a RFS volunteer!
Brittany Forman is making calls to voters leading up to the June 2 primary! If elected, she would be the first Democrat, first woman, and first person of color to ever represent the 168th District. To get started, send an email to info@voteforman.com and let them know you are a RFS volunteer!
Javier Estevez is running for Florida House; he’s got virtual text banks Monday-Thursday 5-8pm until the election in August. You can sign up for a shift here.
NowThis also has a great overview on how to stay politically active while social distancing.
In related reading: You might like this Vox piece about the aging leadership in American politics, and some of the structural barriers that stand in the way of young people interested in running.
Finally, an upcoming event! Join author David Litt and comedian/actor Keegan Michael Key for a virtual book event on Thursday, June 4th, at 8pm ET. It’s going to be fun!
Thank you as always for making this work possible. We’re so glad you’re on the team.
- Amanda
P.S. If you want to pass these updates along with friends, the more, the merrier. Just forward this along, or share it on your social media platform of choice.