Friend -- The fight for fair maps is personal to me.
At 16-years-old, I graduated high school early and sold nearly everything I owned to fully fund my college tuition. But two years later, financial hardships left me with no choice but to drop out.
My second chance was a community college in San Diego. That college opened numerous doors for me, including a full-ride scholarship to the University of California, San Diego where I earned my Bachelor's degree -- and one year after graduating, a position at All On The Line as a digital strategist.
Growing up, a sweet gig like this seemed unattainable as a first-generation college student who is black, gay, and from a small, conservative town with a median household income below the poverty line.
And that's because more often than not it is -- and that's not by accident.I believe no matter where someone lives in America and no matter where their family came from in the world -- they deserve a fair path to opportunity. That's what I'm fighting for every day. I know every member of this grassroots army has reasons to fight too. Every dollar you donate matters -- and will make sure the digital team has enough resources to restore fair paths to opportunity for folks by ending the manipulation of our maps in 2021. Can I count on your support?
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While I'm extremely thankful for my second chance, thousands of hard-working folks don't get a second chance. Most times they don't even get a first chance because the policy failures of extreme, partisan politicians pave over the path to opportunity for many marginalized communities -- and that unfairness is what drives me every day to level the playing field.
So, here's my promise to you: I will fight to stop district distorters from manipulating maps next year and will do everything I can to help elect leaders who listen to marginalized communities and who will champion fair maps. But, I need to know you're standing with me every step of the way. Are you with me, friend?
This year, voters need to elect leaders who will greenlight fair maps and vote down unfair maps during the redistricting process -- it's the main path to securing fair representation for the next decade.
I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work -- but I'm extremely grateful to know you're fighting for fair maps with me.
Talk with you soon!
-- Jake
All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund. Support our work to end gerrymandering.
