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John --
It's hard to believe we're already in September! We hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend ahead and are reminded of the work generations past and present have done to build America. The work will never be done -- we must keep building so that future generations can enjoy a more perfect union .
September also means our first ever Dash for Democracy! [[link removed]] , which will include a week of in-person and virtual events from September 11 - September 17.
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We've gathered ALL of the information on one page, and hope you'll take a minute to check it out this weekend and decide how you can participate. We've created brand new tools that make it easier than ever for your to share about Dash and help advance our cause. All funds raised through our Dash for Democracy team page will go to Country First Foundation 501(c)(3), and are fully tax-deductible.
On our Dash for Democracy [[link removed]] page, you can learn all about the following activities:
>> Virtual 5k run, walk, bike... whatever you want!
>> Creating and Promoting your own personal fundraiser for democracy
>> Band Together for Democracy virtual battle of the bands concert
>> Grassroots created in-person social events
>> Democracy Dialogues Speakers Series
>> And much more!
We also hosted an orientation/activation yesterday, and you can view the recording here to get plugged in quickly and successfully!
Replay the Dash Orientation Here [[link removed]]
We're excited to dash with you this month. Please reach out to Dave Rapids at [email protected] [[email protected]] if you have any questions about how to get involved in this awesome event!
Together,
Country First Team
PS: Check out the Movement Memo below, created for you by Country First volunteers!
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See something of interest? All are welcome! Click on the event to register.
COMING UP @ COUNTRY FIRST
Dash for Democracy (September 11th - 17th)
- Learn More here [[link removed]]
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Each week, Country First highlights a key volunteer who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected] [[email protected]] .
MEET PETER HABER
Where are you from and how long have you been a volunteer for Country First?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I still live here in the San Fernando Valley. I started volunteering as early as possible, I think around December 2021 is when I had my first meeting with a national representative.
What has been your focus at Country First?
I spent most of my time working with California's amazing state organizing committee on developing engaging meetings and direction for our California members. In the last few months, I have been working on the speaker series as well as the election reform group.
What was your motivation for joining and how did you hear about us?
I always think back to that feeling I had watching TV on January 6th. Seeing what was happening, how predictable it all was after years of toxicity and tribalism coming from our leaders. I felt helpless and I didn't want to feel helpless anymore.
What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations?
Culturally, I hope we can get to a place where our personal lives aren't so entangled with our political beliefs; people are far more interesting than who they vote for.
Politically, I know partisan bickering won't ever go away, but it feels like our leaders have gotten a lot more irrational and deranged the last several years. I just hope our leaders get to a place where they can be more rational. A very low bar.
Do you think we can right the ship?
Yes.
Thank you, Peter, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy!
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RANKED CHOICE VOTING
Anchorage Daily News [[link removed]] : State report: Anti-ranked choice voting organization violated state law
Alaska’s political watchdog agency found [[link removed]] that an organization founded by former U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Tshibaka violated state campaign ethics regulations by advocating for an anti-ranked choice voting ballot measure seeking to overturn the state’s new voting laws without registering with the state and publicly reporting its spending.
Public News Service [[link removed]] : Boston Joins National Ranked-Choice Voting Movement
The push for ranked-choice voting is gaining momentum in cities across the country, including Boston - where organizers say it will help increase voter turnout in municipal elections.
GERRYMANDERING
Washington Examiner [[link removed]] : Florida Democrats pick up win in battle over gerrymandered map
The Democrats in Florida appear positioned to get another seat in the House after successfully resolving a mapping dispute involving the state's gerrymandering in favor of Republicans.
Florida and voting rights groups have been involved in a legal spat since last year over several voting district map redraws in the state, some of which they claim were changed unfavorably for black voters. The two parties agreed to focus on a singular district in Tallahassee with a majority black voter population. In doing so, the groups said they would drop their cases in other parts of the state.
STATE OF DEMOCRACY
The Hill [[link removed]] : Voting rights concerns shadow March on Washington anniversary
Sixty years after the March on Washington, which became a catalyst for landmark voting rights action, advocates are sounding alarms about voter suppression and the rollback of voting rights protections, particularly those affecting Black and minority voters.
CBS News [[link removed]] : Billerica teen working to get same day voter registration question on ballot
While most students check out during summer break, Daniel Darris-O'Connor dials in. He has been working overtime to get a ballot question drafted and submitted in time to be considered for the general election in 2024.
The rising Junior at Billerica Memorial High School wants to see same day voter registration become legal in Massachusetts and he thinks putting it in front of voters by way of a ballot question is the way to do it.
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WATCH [[link removed]] our Dash for Democracy orientation (only 15 minutes!)
SHOP [[link removed]] our Country First baseball cap!
BRING a friend to one of our events!
Join one of our Volunteer Working Groups! As a grassroots coalition, Country First is dedicated to providing each member with the opportunity to contribute to the success of the movement. National Volunteer Working Groups are separated by interest and are aligned with one of Country First’s key pillars.
Election Reform [[link removed]]
Political Research [[link removed]]
Communications [[link removed]]
Mending Divisions [[link removed]]
Get Involved [[link removed]]
Support the Mission [[link removed]]
Wear the Cause [[link removed]]
Country First
PO Box 2385
Ottawa, IL 61350
United States
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