Dear Friends,     I write this Friday afternoon deeply frustrated because the Trump Administration cut AmeriCorps funding a for a critical nonprofit in Arlington that serves students in need: Aspire. Stupid and inhumane policy that undermines the American Dream here in Arlington. This is personal to me because I am an AmeriCorps alum who worked on Aspire's mission at the start of my career as a teacher.  Please help me respond for Aspire. My link to do so: Rising Together You can also respond to the attacks on Arlington values by voting tomorrow in the School Board Caucus from 10 am to 6 pm at Charles Drew Elementary School, via my choice Moe Bryant.  SBEV 2025 | Arlington Democrats | Arlington Virginia More information on both ways to fight back below. This video captures why Aspire is so important. Will you help with $5 or $50 to help me raise $500 to fight the impact of Trump's cuts in Arlington.  Aspire had 17 AmeriCorps who helped serve students at Arlington Mill and other locations in South Arlington. The Trump Administration ended the contracts of all 17, which cuts service to approximately 50 students.  I want to answer this cut with action. Will you help by contributing a little? Go here, or click on the blue button: https://givebutter.com/support-aspire-rising-together/matthewdeferranti Fight Trump's Cuts by Helping Aspire Respond to the Loss of AmeriCorps The other way to invest in our democracy in Arlington is to vote tomorrow at Charles Drew Elementary  Vote for Monique "Moe" Bryant in the school board caucus. To hear why I support Moe, listen to the video below that helped persuade me. Don't want to watch a video? Then keep scrolling to read my reasons in 3 sentences on why she has my vote.  Watch this 2-minute video to hear directly from Moe Bryant on why she is running  I believe Moe Bryant is the best choice to serve our students and community over the next four years. I have seen her work firsthand and I know that she will bring sustained commitment to listening deeply to everyone in our community, persistence in working to deliver solutions that serve all our students well, and valuing our educators and staff. Moe's collaborative spirit and sustained curiosity are traits I value in the partnership between our Schools and the County. Join me in voting for Moe tomorrow: SBEV 2025 | Arlington Democrats | Arlington Virginia To watch the School Board debate, click on the red arrow above & go to the 15-Minute mark To read the candidates websites, go to Monique "Moe" Bryant for School Board — Arlington County Virginia or June Prakash for School Board I spoke extensively with both Moe and her competitor, June Prakash. Both candidates are good people and good candidates. Moe is my choice and has my full support. I believe Moe has shown via her career, including as Executive Director of Challenging Racism and as a trained facilitator, as well as via her experience and advocacy as a parent and volunteer, that she will serve our students and community well.    Some of you who receive this email may no longer have children in Arlington schools. I ask that you still take a few minutes, learn about the candidates, and vote. Arlington's economic and civic future, as well as the future or our residents under 18, depends on our having excellent schools for all our students.  Thank you for reading, helping Aspire as able, and for voting,  Matt Authorized by Matt for Arlington Our mailing address is: [email protected] Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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